Butte County California Fairgrounds Events

The Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley, California, is home to the annual Butte County Fair, a traditional agricultural fair featuring livestock exhibitions, youth projects, carnival attractions, food concessions, and entertainment. Located in the Sacramento Valley south of Chico, the fairgrounds serve residents from Gridley, Biggs, Oroville, Chico, and the surrounding farming communities.

The fair is closely tied to the county’s agricultural economy, where rice, walnuts, almonds, cattle, and other farm products shape local life. During fair week, livestock exhibitors, 4-H and FFA members, families, vendors, and visitors come together for competitions and community activities.

The fairgrounds are at 199 E. Hazel Street, Gridley, CA 95948. The annual fair usually takes place in late summer, but dates, ticket prices, concerts, carnival hours, and livestock schedules change from year to year. Since the 2026 fair season has passed, visitors planning for 2027 should confirm the latest schedule with the fair office before making arrangements.

Overview of Butte County Fairgrounds

Location and physical layout

The Butte County Fairgrounds are located in Gridley, in the southern part of Butte County. Gridley is connected to the wider region by State Route 99, making the fair accessible from Chico to the north and Yuba City and the Sacramento Valley to the south. Local streets lead from the highway corridor into the fairgrounds area.

The property includes exhibition and livestock areas, open grounds for carnival and outdoor activities, commercial vendor spaces, and facilities used for community events. The fairgrounds are designed around the needs of an agricultural fair, where animal housing, judging areas, exhibit displays, concessions, and entertainment can operate during the same event.

Who operates the fair?

The Butte County Fair is managed by the 14th District Agricultural Association, a state-designated agricultural district responsible for operating the fair and managing its facilities. The association coordinates the annual fair, exhibit entries, livestock competitions, vendors, and other approved uses of the grounds.

For the latest event information, visitors should consult the fair’s official announcements or contact the fair office directly. This is particularly important for rental enquiries, commercial booth applications, and youth livestock entries, which may have separate requirements and deadlines.

Why the fair matters to Butte County

Agriculture remains central to the identity of the southern Sacramento Valley. Butte County’s farms produce rice, tree nuts, fruit, and other crops, while livestock and agricultural education continue to connect younger generations with rural work.

The Butte County Fair gives local producers and families a place to present projects, compare agricultural skills, display crafts, and support youth exhibitors. For Gridley, the fair also brings visitors and business activity to the community during one of its major annual gatherings.

Upcoming Events at Butte County Fairgrounds

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The 2027 Butte County Fair

The next annual fair is scheduled for August 12–15, 2027, in Gridley. The fair board announced a move to the second weekend of August to better accommodate changing school calendars across the region. This is a change from the late-August dates used in 2026.

The published 2027 fair hours are:

• Thursday: 4 p.m.–11 p.m.
• Friday: 4 p.m.–midnight.
• Saturday: 2 p.m.–midnight.
• Sunday: 2 p.m.–11 p.m.

These are the announced operating hours for 2027. Specific concert times, livestock judging, carnival hours, and special activities may follow separate schedules.

Events held throughout the year

The fairgrounds also rent facilities for public events and private gatherings. Depending on confirmed bookings, visitors and local groups may find community events, craft fairs, seasonal shopping events, meetings, celebrations, and ticketed entertainment.

The fairgrounds’ Holiday Jubilee and Craft Fair is one example of an event beyond the summer fair. It has featured local craft vendors, holiday gifts, food, Santa photos, children’s activities, local talent, and a mini still-exhibits competition. The event’s venue and dates should be checked in its current announcement; past listings have used the Veterans Memorial Building, which is not the same as the fairgrounds address.

Facility rentals

The fairgrounds accepts rental enquiries for weddings, birthday celebrations, meetings, conferences, public events, and other gatherings. The site lists multiple spaces, including Expo Hall, Butte Hall, Goldie’s, the concession building, livestock barns, carnival grounds, and a grandstand arena.

Rental rules vary by venue and event type. Applicants should ask about availability, deposits, insurance, security, alcohol restrictions, setup and cleanup, and whether the space includes electricity, a kitchen, tables, or chairs.

The Butte County Fair

Livestock and competitive exhibits

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The Butte County Fair has a strong youth-agriculture program. Junior exhibitors can take part in livestock competitions under the fair’s current rules, and the livestock department publishes resources for exhibitors, including an independent exhibitor packet and declaration form.

Livestock classes and entry requirements should be confirmed in the annual fair guide. Families should check which species are accepted, animal ownership and identification rules, health requirements, weigh-in times, showmanship classes, and deadlines before bringing an animal to Gridley.

The fair also offers competitive still exhibits. Depending on the current entry guide, categories may include art, photography, crafts, plants, floriculture, home projects, and other adult and junior divisions.

Visitors interested in Butte County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore community celebrations through Amador County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties provide opportunities to discover local traditions, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore seasonal gatherings across California.

Carnival rides and midway

Carnival attractions are a familiar part of fair week, with the dedicated carnival grounds providing space for rides and games. The number of rides, ride operator, wristband deals, ticket prices, and operating hours may change from one year to the next.

For the 2027 fair, check the official ticket and carnival announcements before budgeting. Do not assume that a wristband covers every ride or that a previous year’s deal will be offered again. Families should also check height requirements and any ride-specific restrictions.

Food, entertainment, and special programs

The fair brings together food concessions, community vendors, agricultural displays, and entertainment. Specific performers, concert bookings, grandstand events, and daily programs should be treated as confirmed only when published for the relevant year.

The Miss Butte County Scholarship Competition is another established part of the fair’s youth programming. The program has developed over decades and emphasizes interviews, public speaking, personal skills, leadership, and community service. Its current divisions and application dates are announced separately from general fair admission.

Admission and parking

The 2027 fair dates and hours have been announced, but admission prices and carnival packages should be confirmed closer to the event. Children’s admission policies, senior discounts, special-day offers, and grandstand tickets can vary.

For parking, follow event-day instructions and signs near East Hazel Street. The fairgrounds’ rental information notes that street parking around the East Hazel Street loop is used for general event guests, with a grass parking area on East Hazel Street available for larger events by prior arrangement. Fair-week arrangements may differ, so follow current instructions rather than relying solely on general rental guidance.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition halls and livestock barns

The grounds have several distinct rental spaces. The Expo Hall measures approximately 10,200 square feet and is listed with dining capacity for around 700 people. Butte Hall offers approximately 4,320 square feet, while Goldie’s is another gathering space used seasonally, depending on weather and availability.

The livestock areas include a sheep barn measuring approximately 54 by 400 feet and a beef barn measuring approximately 40 by 360 feet. These facilities support livestock-related activities and may be available for approved rentals. Confirm animal housing, stall arrangements, cleaning responsibilities, and access times with the fair office.

Grandstand arena and outdoor spaces

The grandstand arena is listed with seating capacity for approximately 2,725 people across its seating areas. It can be rented for approved events, with different arrangements for paid-admission and non-paid-admission bookings.

Other spaces include the carnival grounds, a courtyard stage with grass seating, and areas for concessions and vendors. Amenities differ between facilities; for example, the carnival grounds rental listing states that electricity is not provided. Ask about power, lighting, restrooms, equipment, and weather contingencies before signing a rental agreement.

RV camping and accessibility

The fairgrounds has an RV park with full hookups, a laundromat, and a dump station. Published rates list daily, weekly, and monthly options, but fees may change. The RV park closes during August for the annual fair, so it should not be assumed available for overnight stays during fair week.

Visitors with mobility or accessibility requirements should contact the fair office before arriving to confirm accessible parking, routes, restrooms, and access to the specific event space. Parking arrangements and available amenities can differ between a large fair and a private booking.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Applying for a commercial booth

The Butte County Fair accepts vendor enquiries for its annual fair and other events. Commercial vendors should request the current application and vendor requirements from the fair office. The packet should clarify booth location, space dimensions, fees, operating hours, setup times, insurance, and any restrictions on products sold.

Food concessionaires may need applicable health permits and food-safety documentation. Do not assume that acceptance for one event automatically grants permission to sell at another.

Entering competitive exhibits

Exhibitors should use the current competition guide and entry forms. Livestock entries have different requirements from still exhibits such as art, photography, plants, and crafts. Junior exhibitors should confirm age categories, ownership rules, animal identification, health documentation, weigh-in times, and required training.

Entry deadlines change each year. Check the current guide rather than using a prior year’s dates, especially if you are coordinating a school project or an animal’s preparation schedule.

Fair office contact

The Butte County Fair office can be reached at (530) 846-3626. The listed street address is 199 East Hazel Street, Gridley, CA 95948, and the mailing address is P.O. Box 308, Gridley, CA 95948. Published office hours are Monday through Friday, with seasonal hours that are shorter in November and December.

Getting to Butte County Fairgrounds

Driving directions

The fairgrounds are in Gridley, at 199 East Hazel Street. State Route 99 is the main north–south highway for reaching Gridley. From Chico, travel south toward Gridley; from Yuba City, travel north on the same highway corridor. From Oroville, use the regional road connections toward Gridley and confirm the best route for your starting point.

Follow local directions to East Hazel Street as you approach the grounds. During fair week, allow additional time for congestion and use any temporary traffic or parking instructions issued by fair staff.

Public transportation and rideshare

A dedicated fair-week shuttle should not be assumed unless it is announced for the current year. Check regional transit information for routes serving Gridley and verify schedules that match the fair’s evening closing times.

Rideshare availability may be limited compared with larger cities. If you expect to leave after late-night entertainment, arrange pickup in advance and use the designated drop-off area if the fair announces one.

4-H, FFA, and Junior Livestock

Youth agricultural programs

The fair’s livestock program gives young exhibitors an opportunity to present animals, learn showmanship, and demonstrate the work involved in raising livestock. Local 4-H clubs and FFA participants may take part under the eligibility rules set by the fair and their respective programs.

Specific participating clubs, FFA chapters, and the number of eligible youth groups can change. Families should check with the fair’s livestock department or local youth-agriculture leaders for the current list and enrollment requirements.

Junior livestock auction

The livestock department publishes information for buyers and exhibitors. Its instructions state that buyers register in person on Saturday; buyers should confirm the current registration location, time, sale schedule, and payment rules before attending.

At a junior livestock auction, eligible exhibitors present animals under the fair’s rules, and registered buyers bid according to the sale procedure. Buyers should ask about payment, animal pickup, processing or resale arrangements, and any additional charges. Exhibitors should verify eligibility, entry acceptance, and all required paperwork in advance.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Holiday craft events and community gatherings

The fairgrounds organization also supports seasonal events beyond the main summer fair. The Holiday Jubilee and Craft Fair has included handmade gifts, local food, Santa photos, face painting, holiday crafts, local entertainment, and a mini still-exhibits competition. Its vendor applications provide an opportunity for local makers to sell seasonal products.

Weddings, birthday celebrations, meetings, conferences, and public ticketed events are also among the uses promoted through the facility-rental program. Specific gun shows, flea markets, rodeos, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and motorsport events should be treated as unconfirmed unless they appear on the current schedule.

History of Butte County Fairgrounds

A long-running Gridley tradition

The Butte County Fair organization describes the fair as having 79 years of history in 2026, placing its beginnings around 1947. Over time, the fairgrounds have developed into a multi-use property with exhibition halls, livestock barns, an arena, carnival space, and areas for community events.

The fair’s identity remains closely connected to the agricultural communities of Butte County. Livestock competitions, youth exhibits, commercial vendors, and community programs give local families a way to share their work and maintain ties with the region’s farming traditions.

Changes to the fair calendar

One recent change is the shift to the second weekend of August beginning in 2027. The fair board announced the adjustment after reviewing school-calendar changes affecting exhibitors, families, volunteers, vendors, and visitors. The new schedule places the 2027 fair on August 12–15.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Butte County Fair in 2027?

The Butte County Fair is scheduled for August 12–15, 2027, in Gridley, California. Announced hours are Thursday 4–11 p.m., Friday 4 p.m.–midnight, Saturday 2 p.m.–midnight, and Sunday 2–11 p.m.

What time do Butte County Fairgrounds open?

For the 2027 fair, opening time is 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Other events and private rentals have their own schedules.

Is there camping at Butte County Fairgrounds?

Yes. The grounds have an RV park with full hookups and other amenities. The RV park closes during August for the fair, so confirm availability before planning an overnight stay.

How do I enter livestock in the Butte County Fair?

Contact the livestock department and obtain the current exhibitor packet. Check animal eligibility, registration deadlines, health requirements, weigh-in times, and any youth-program certifications.

Are dogs allowed at Butte County Fairgrounds?

The fair’s published rules state that only registered service animals are allowed on the property during the fair. The separate RV park has its own pet rules, including prior approval for dogs.

Where do I park at Butte County Fairgrounds?

Follow the current fair parking directions and signs near East Hazel Street. Street parking around the East Hazel Street loop is used for some events, and additional grass parking may be arranged for larger bookings.

Who do I contact to rent Butte County Fairgrounds?

Call the fair office at (530) 846-3626 to ask about halls, barns, the arena, carnival grounds, and other event spaces. Rental conditions, fees, deposits, and insurance requirements vary by facility.

How much does it cost to get into the Butte County Fair?

Admission prices for the 2027 fair have not been confirmed in the published schedule. Check the current ticket announcement for general admission, children’s prices, discounts, and carnival wristbands.

Can I apply to sell products at the fair?

Yes. Ask the fair office for the current commercial vendor or concessionaire application. Review booth fees, insurance, permits, setup schedules, and product restrictions before applying.