Shasta County California Fairgrounds Events
Shasta County Fairgrounds is a year-round event venue in Anderson, California, south of Redding in the northern Sacramento Valley. The grounds are best known for the Shasta District Fair, an annual gathering featuring livestock exhibitions, youth agricultural projects, carnival rides, fair food, entertainment, and community activities.
The fairgrounds also host events outside fair week, making them useful to residents looking for local exhibitions, horse-related activities, specialty markets, and community gatherings. Their location near Interstate 5 puts the venue within convenient driving distance of Redding, Cottonwood, Red Bluff, and other communities in the northern Sacramento Valley.
Agriculture remains an important part of the fair’s identity. Shasta County combines ranching, livestock production, small farms, and rural communities with the commercial and residential centers around Redding and Anderson. The fair gives local families and young exhibitors a place to present their work, compete, and maintain connections with the region’s agricultural traditions.
Overview of Shasta County Fairgrounds
Address and location
The fairgrounds are located at:
Shasta District Fairgrounds 1890 Briggs Street Anderson, CA 96007
Anderson is in southern Shasta County, approximately 10 miles south of central Redding. Interstate 5 is the main regional highway, with Anderson exits connecting motorists to local roads and Briggs Street. Visitors arriving from Redding generally travel south on I-5, while those coming from Red Bluff approach from the south.
The venue is commonly called the Shasta District Fairgrounds because the annual event is officially known as the Shasta District Fair. Although the fair serves the surrounding Shasta County area, the property is within Anderson’s city limits rather than in downtown Redding.
Facilities, management, and agricultural role
The grounds include exhibition buildings, livestock facilities, outdoor event areas, vendor spaces, and parking. Exact building availability, capacities, and access arrangements depend on the event being held.
The Shasta District Fair Association oversees the fairgrounds and annual fair. Its responsibilities include fair operations, exhibitor programs, event planning, and coordinating the facilities used by outside organizations.
The property’s agricultural function is particularly important for youth livestock projects and local exhibitors. Livestock shows and competitive displays give young people a practical way to develop animal-care, presentation, and recordkeeping skills. The grounds also provide space for entertainment and gatherings that would be difficult to accommodate in smaller community venues.
Why the fairgrounds matter to Shasta County
Shasta County’s rural communities extend beyond Redding into ranching and agricultural areas around Anderson, Cottonwood, and the northern Sacramento Valley. The Shasta District Fair brings those communities together with visitors from the wider region.
For families, the fair combines livestock judging and youth exhibits with carnival attractions, food stands, and live entertainment. For exhibitors, it offers a public setting to present animals, produce, crafts, and other work. Outside fair week, the property remains an event venue for local organizations and private promoters.
Upcoming Events at Shasta County Fairgrounds
Annual fair and year-round activities
The Shasta District Fair is the fairgrounds’ principal annual event, but the venue can also host livestock exhibitions, equestrian activities, public markets, commercial shows, concerts, and community events.
As of October 20, 2026, anyone planning a visit should check the current event calendar for confirmed upcoming dates. Event schedules change, and not every activity held at the fairgrounds is open to the general public.
Typical categories associated with the venue include:
- Livestock exhibitions and youth agricultural competitions.
- Horse and equestrian events.
- Commercial exhibitions and vendor gatherings.
- Community celebrations, fundraisers, and public programs.
- Family entertainment and seasonal events.
- Private events booked into available facilities.
These categories describe the venue’s uses; they are not a promise that every type of event is scheduled during a particular month.
Seasonal patterns
Summer: The Shasta District Fair is the main seasonal attraction, bringing carnival rides, livestock competitions, fair food, exhibitors, and entertainment to Anderson.
Spring and early summer: Agricultural preparations, livestock projects, and other event bookings can lead into fair season. Exhibitors should pay attention to registration announcements well before the fair opens.
Fall: The grounds may host specialty shows, community gatherings, and private events after the annual fair ends.
Winter: Indoor facilities can accommodate exhibitions and meetings, depending on bookings and availability.
The fairgrounds may rent facilities to outside organizations. Rental arrangements depend on the building or outdoor area required, event size, insurance, availability, and setup needs.
Where to check event listings
The official Shasta District Fair website is the authoritative source for the annual fair schedule, ticket information, competitive exhibit rules, and event announcements. The fair’s official social media channels can also provide updates and notices about schedule changes.
Before traveling, confirm the date, opening hours, admission requirements, and parking arrangements for the specific event. A listing on the calendar does not necessarily mean all buildings or outdoor areas will be open to visitors.
The Shasta District Fair
Fair dates and annual schedule
The Shasta District Fair is held annually in June, generally during the third week of the month. The 2026 fair ran June 17–21, 2026, with five days of livestock exhibits, arts and crafts, carnival attractions, live entertainment, food vendors, and family activities.
The fair’s 2026 theme was “Celebrating California — 175 Years.” The 2027 dates and theme should be confirmed through the fair’s next official announcement rather than assumed from the previous year’s schedule.
Livestock and competitive exhibits
The fair’s livestock program includes junior market animals, breeding animals, and showmanship competitions. Published 2026 divisions included beef cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and small-animal classes, with eligibility and judging rules varying by category.
Competitive exhibits also include arts, crafts, horticulture, floriculture, and other creative or practical work. The exact classes, entry fees, and submission dates are listed in the annual exhibitor handbook.
Carnival, food, and entertainment
The fair’s carnival midway is a major attraction, with rides and games for children and adults. In 2026, advance carnival wristbands were offered, with a separate price for purchases made at the fair. The 2026 schedule also included live performers, family activities, and the Bulls & Broncs event featuring rodeo-style entertainment.
Food vendors serve familiar fair favorites, while commercial exhibitors and concessionaires provide additional shopping and dining options. Vendor menus change each year, so visitors should check the current fair program for specific food stands and special offerings.
Admission and parking
The published 2026 admission arrangements included the following:
| Ticket type | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Adult admission | $12 |
| Senior and military admission | $9 |
| Junior admission | $8 |
| Carnival wristband at the fair | $40 |
| General parking | $7 |
The 2026 schedule also advertised $5 admission on Wednesday for visitors aged 13 and older, free admission for children 12 and under that day, free admission for seniors on Thursday, and free parking on Sunday. Certain special events required a separate ticket in addition to fair admission.
These are historical 2026 prices and promotions. The 2027 admission policy has not been confirmed.
Visitors exploring Shasta County California Fairgrounds Events can also discover regional activities through Santa Cruz County California Fairgrounds Events. Exploring both counties helps visitors learn about local traditions, discover seasonal gatherings, and enjoy community celebrations throughout California.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition buildings, livestock barns, and arena
The Shasta District Fair & Event Center occupies approximately 65 acres, with more than 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and four major parking lots with a published capacity of approximately 2,500 cars.
The grounds include exhibition halls, livestock facilities, outdoor areas, and the Shasta Speedway. The speedway is a paved three-eighths-mile oval that has hosted automobile racing from spring into fall. Race dates depend on the current schedule.
Livestock barns support junior fair entries and other animal exhibitions. Stall assignments, arrival times, animal health requirements, and cleanup arrangements are set by the individual show or the fair’s exhibitor rules.
Camping, accessibility, and amenities
Camping and RV availability should be verified with the fair office for the specific event. Do not assume that overnight parking, hookups, or public camping are included with fair admission.
Visitors needing accessible parking or facilities should contact the office before arriving to confirm current arrangements. Parking lots, accessible routes, restrooms, concessions, and other amenities may be managed differently during the annual fair, a speedway event, or a private rental.
For large events, allow extra time to park and walk to the appropriate entrance. Follow event signage rather than assuming every building is accessible from the same gate.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Commercial booths and concessions
Businesses interested in selling products at the Shasta District Fair should contact the fair’s commercial exhibits or concessions team. Applications typically require information about the business, products, space requirements, equipment, and any relevant health or safety documentation.
Food vendors should confirm applicable permits, electrical needs, insurance, and operating requirements. Applications and deadlines differ by fair year, and submitting one does not guarantee a space.
For general questions, call 530-378-6789 or email [email protected]. The fair office is at 1890 Briggs Street, Anderson, and published regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Entering competitive exhibits
The official exhibitor handbook explains how to register livestock, arts and crafts, horticulture, floriculture, and other entries. The 2026 general entry deadline was May 22, while horticulture and floriculture entries had a June 12 deadline. Those dates have passed and must not be used as 2027 deadlines.
Livestock entries are submitted online. The fair’s 2026 instructions required market-animal exhibitors to upload a clear animal photograph showing its identification tag. Junior livestock exhibitors were also required to complete Youth for the Quality and Care of Animals (YQCA) certification.
Getting to Shasta County Fairgrounds
Driving directions
The fairgrounds sit at the corner of Briggs Street and Highway 273 in Anderson, south of Redding.
Shasta District Fair
- From Redding: Take Interstate 5 south toward Anderson, then follow local directions to Highway 273 and Briggs Street.
- From Cottonwood: Travel north toward Anderson using I-5 or the appropriate local route, then follow signs to the fairgrounds.
- From Red Bluff: Take I-5 north toward Anderson and use the local exit and road connections to Briggs Street.
- From eastern Shasta County: Use the most suitable route toward Redding or Anderson, then connect with I-5 or Highway 273.
These are general approaches. Check current traffic and the event’s designated entrance before departure.
Public transportation and rideshare
Public transportation options around Anderson are more limited than in larger urban centers. Check current regional transit schedules before relying on a bus connection, particularly for events that finish late in the evening.
Rideshare availability can vary by time of day. During the annual fair or speedway events, use the designated pickup and drop-off area if one is announced, and arrange a meeting point with your driver away from congested entrances when necessary.
4-H, FFA, and Junior Livestock Programs
Youth agricultural education in Shasta County
The Shasta District Fair has a strong connection to local 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, and Grange youth programs. These organizations help young people develop animal-care, agricultural production, recordkeeping, and public presentation skills.
University of California Cooperative Extension’s Shasta County 4-H program provides information about local clubs and livestock requirements. The fair’s entry rules and the relevant youth organization’s requirements both matter: participation in a 4-H or FFA program does not automatically complete fair registration.
How the junior livestock auction works
The Junior Livestock Auction (JLA) gives eligible exhibitors a chance to sell market animals to participating buyers. The program depends on animal eligibility, required identification, completed entries, and compliance with the fair’s rules.
The 2026 exhibitor materials specified that the market-animal auction was a terminal sale, meaning animals sold through the market program cannot simply be retained as breeding or show animals afterward. Buyers should read the sale rules carefully before bidding.
Businesses, individuals, and community supporters interested in buying should contact the fair or Junior Livestock Association for buyer registration, sale schedules, payment terms, and animal disposition arrangements. Sale proceeds and deductions depend on the applicable auction rules.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Shasta Speedway and motorsports
Shasta Speedway is one of the venue’s distinctive facilities. Its paved three-eighths-mile oval has hosted automobile racing, with the regular season historically running from March through October. Specific race dates and divisions vary, so check the current schedule before traveling.
Markets, rentals, and community gatherings
The fairgrounds also hosts market weekends and other events beyond fair week. Its current website lists market events for November 14–15 and December 5–6, 2026. Visitors should confirm opening times, vendor participation, and any admission or parking charges before attending.
The property is available for events such as weddings, receptions, fundraisers, holiday gatherings, seminars, conferences, and larger public functions. The management office can explain which halls or outdoor areas suit a proposed event, along with rental costs, insurance, security, and setup requirements.
Other activities, such as gun shows, demolition derbies, motocross, tractor pulls, or touring concerts, should be treated as unconfirmed unless they appear on the current calendar.
History of Shasta County Fairgrounds
Establishment of the fairgrounds
The present site began taking shape in the mid-1940s, when the 27th District Agricultural Association started purchasing property near Highway 273 in Anderson. Buildings and livestock barns followed, creating a permanent home for the Shasta District Fair.
The fair originally operated under the district agricultural association. In 2016, the organization adopted the name Shasta District Fair & Event Center to reflect the property’s wider role as a venue for community events, private rentals, and commercial activities outside the annual fair.
How the fair has changed
The fair’s schedule has shifted over the decades. Historical records describe fairs held in August, September, and July before the event settled into its current June pattern. In 1952, the fair included a rodeo, vaudeville acts, a dance, hardtop races, and agricultural exhibits.
Moving the fair to June changed the emphasis of some agricultural displays because many crops are not ready for harvest that early. Livestock exhibitions and the junior auction consequently became important parts of the modern fair’s identity.
A continuing rural tradition
The Shasta District Fair remains one of Anderson’s major annual events, bringing together livestock exhibitors, youth organizations, vendors, racing fans, and families from across northern California.
The fair’s history also reflects the changing role of regional fairgrounds: what began as a district agricultural exhibition now combines youth agricultural education, motorsports, commercial events, and private rentals. The fair’s official history records changes in management and scheduling, but specific claims about historic attendance records or cancellations should be supported by archival evidence before publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Shasta District Fair in 2027?
The 2027 dates have not yet been confirmed. The 2026 Shasta District Fair ran June 17–21. Check the fair’s next official announcement for the 2027 schedule.
What time does Shasta County Fairgrounds open?
There is no single year-round opening time. During the 2026 fair, gates opened at noon Wednesday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Other events set their own hours.
Is there camping at Shasta County Fairgrounds?
Camping and RV arrangements depend on the event. Contact the fair office at 530-378-6789 to confirm whether overnight stays, hookups, or designated camping spaces are available.
How do I enter livestock in the Shasta District Fair?
Review the current exhibitor handbook, register online, and meet the applicable entry deadlines. Junior livestock exhibitors must also follow animal identification, health, and YQCA requirements where applicable.
Are dogs allowed at Shasta County Fairgrounds?
Check the rules for the specific event before bringing a dog. Pet and service-animal policies may differ, and animals may be restricted in exhibition buildings or livestock areas.
Where do I park at Shasta District Fairgrounds?
The venue has four major parking lots with a published capacity of approximately 2,500 cars. Follow event signage and staff directions because parking access and charges may change between the annual fair, speedway races, and market events.
Who do I contact to rent Shasta County Fairgrounds?
Call 530-378-6789 or email [email protected]. The office can discuss available facilities, dates, rental rates, insurance, and event requirements.
How much does it cost to attend the Shasta District Fair?
For the 2026 fair, regular adult admission was $12, senior and military admission was $9, junior admission was $8, and general parking was $7. These are past prices; 2027 rates have not been announced.
Where is Shasta County Fairgrounds located?
The Shasta District Fair & Event Center is at 1890 Briggs Street, Anderson, CA 96007, near Highway 273 and south of Redding.
Can I sell products at the Shasta District Fair?
Yes. Vendors can inquire about commercial exhibit space and concessions through the fair office. Application procedures, fees, and deadlines are set for each fair year.
What events happen at the fairgrounds outside fair week?
The venue hosts activities including Shasta Speedway racing, market events, private celebrations, fundraisers, conferences, and other community gatherings. Check the current calendar for confirmed dates.
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