Solano County California Fairgrounds Events

The Solano County Fairgrounds & Event Center is located in Vallejo, California, near the junction of Interstate 80 and State Route 37. It hosts the annual Solano County Fair, agricultural education programs, livestock competitions, concerts, community events, trade shows, and private celebrations.

For Solano County residents, the fair is both an agricultural showcase and a major summer gathering. Its program combines youth livestock projects and competitive exhibits with carnival rides, food vendors, shopping, and live entertainment. Outside fair week, the grounds operate as a year-round event venue serving Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Dixon, Benicia, Suisun City, and surrounding Bay Area communities.

Overview of Solano County Fairgrounds

Address and location

Solano County Fairgrounds & Event Center 900 Fairgrounds Drive Vallejo, CA 94589 Phone: (707) 551-2000

The fairgrounds are in Vallejo, near the northern end of San Pablo Bay. Interstate 80 connects Vallejo with Berkeley, Oakland, and Sacramento, while Highway 37 provides access toward Marin County and the North Bay. Their location makes the venue accessible to visitors traveling from both the Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley.

Who operates the fairgrounds?

The property is managed by the Solano County Fair Association (SCFA), a nonprofit organization established in 1946 to produce the annual fair and oversee year-round operations. The Solano County Fair Association Board of Directors provides governance, with board members appointed through the county’s supervisorial districts.

The association coordinates the annual fair, manages facility rentals, and supports educational, agricultural, artistic, cultural, commercial, and recreational programs. Its work also includes maintaining a venue that can assist public agencies during emergencies.

What makes the grounds important to Solano County?

Solano County includes a mix of farming communities, Bay Area cities, military-related employment, industrial areas, and growing suburbs. The fairgrounds bring these different communities together through agricultural exhibits, local entertainment, youth competitions, and public events.

The livestock program connects urban and rural residents with the work involved in raising market animals. The fair’s vendor market gives local makers and businesses a public selling space, while indoor halls accommodate events that would otherwise require a separate convention or banquet venue.

Upcoming Events at Solano County Fairgrounds

The 2027 Solano County Fair

The next Solano County Fair is scheduled for June 10–13, 2027. The published event is the 78th Annual Solano County Fair, with the theme “Honoring Our Past. Inspiring Our Future.”

The announced program includes carnival attractions, live music, local performances, food vendors, shopping, animal exhibits, and the Junior Livestock Auction. The fair also promotes Family Ag Day, which introduces visitors to farming, food production, and farm animals through demonstrations and interactive activities.

Other public and community events

Solano County Fairgrounds is not limited to the June fair. Its event calendar includes agricultural programs, community gatherings, indoor exhibitions, concerts, trade shows, fundraisers, and celebrations organized by outside groups.

A few specific examples illustrate the range of activities:

• Solano County Science and Engineering Fair: The 2027 event is scheduled for March 11 in McCormack Hall, with eligible K–12 students from Solano County invited to present projects.
• Family Ag Day: An agriculture-focused program associated with the county fair, featuring farm animals, demonstrations, and educational activities.
• Solano Race Place: The on-site venue provides satellite horse-racing coverage and food and beverage service.
• Community fundraisers and exhibitions: The grounds have hosted public-service activities, including an e-waste collection fundraiser supporting youth programming.

Dates and arrangements can change between years. Check the current event calendar before making plans around a returning event.

Private rentals and seasonal patterns

The fairgrounds rent indoor and outdoor facilities for weddings, quinceañeras, receptions, business gatherings, cultural celebrations, trade shows, and other approved events. Indoor halls suit banquets and exhibitions, while the arena and paved outdoor areas accommodate larger gatherings and vehicle-related events.

Spring brings educational programs and exhibitions, June is the main county-fair period, and other months have a changing mix of public events and private bookings. A rental booking does not necessarily mean an event is open to the public.

The Solano County Fair

Fair dates and daily schedule

The 2027 fair runs Thursday, June 10, through Sunday, June 13, 2027. The detailed schedule and gate hours should be checked closer to the event, particularly if you are planning around a concert, auction, or arena performance.

The 2026 fair ran June 11–14. Its published hours were 4–10 p.m. Thursday and noon–10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Those are historical hours, not a guarantee of the 2027 schedule.

Livestock and competitive exhibits

Livestock is a major part of the fair’s educational program. The Junior Livestock Auction gives eligible 4-H, FFA, Grange, and independent youth exhibitors a chance to sell animals they have raised and cared for during their projects.

The competitive exhibits program also welcomes entries such as photography, jams, arts, crafts, inventions, and other work listed in the annual guidebook. Livestock entries follow their own eligibility, health, and animal-handling rules. Categories and deadlines vary, so exhibitors should use the current entry guide rather than rely on a previous year’s requirements.

Carnival rides, food, and entertainment

The 2027 fair announces a partnership with Midway of Fun Carnival, bringing rides, carnival games, and midway concessions to Vallejo. The precise ride lineup, operating hours, height restrictions, and wristband arrangements should be confirmed before the visit.

Food options include familiar fair favorites such as corn dogs, barbecue, snacks, refreshing drinks, and specialty treats. The fair market also features local artisans and other vendors. Live music, dance, community-stage performances, and arena entertainment round out the program.

The published 2027 highlights include a Saturday demolition derby and concert programming. Visitors should check the final daily schedule for artist names, performance times, and whether arena tickets are sold separately from general fair admission.

Admission, parking, and discounts

The fair uses different ticket arrangements by day and event. For the 2026 fair, children under six were admitted free with a required zero-dollar ticket, and Thursday featured a special $3 admission day. General admission, parking, carnival wristbands, and arena events were priced separately.

Those were 2026 terms. Do not use 2026 prices as 2027 prices. Check the current ticket information for senior and child rates, any early-purchase discounts, parking fees, and whether a concert or demolition derby requires a separate ticket. Accessible parking was listed as first-come, first-served in the 2026 ticket information.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings and event spaces

The fairgrounds advertise five major buildings with a combined total of approximately 61,400 square feet of event space, alongside paved outdoor areas and open lawns. Facilities include:

• McCormack Hall: A 16,000-square-foot event center with a full commercial kitchen, PA system, restrooms, storage or green rooms, and seating configurations for banquets, theatre events, and trade shows.
• Expo Hall: An indoor venue used for exhibitions, events, and commercial activities.
• Winners’ Circle: Formerly known as Solano Race Place, this venue provides satellite horse-racing coverage and food and beverage service.
• Livestock barns and show rings: Spaces for animal exhibits, sales, and junior livestock activities.
• Performance arena: A large outdoor area for concerts, demonstrations, and major event programming.

Rental layouts, capacities, and available equipment depend on the building. The venue team can explain setup options, catering arrangements, sound equipment, security, and parking.

Visitors interested in Solano County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore local activities through Siskiyou County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties offer opportunities to discover community traditions, enjoy seasonal celebrations, and plan enjoyable outings across California.

Arena, RV park, and outdoor areas

The outdoor arena offers lawn seating for approximately 4,000 people, plus around 1,000 permanent bleacher seats. The grounds also have five paved acres for vehicle shows, motorsports, and other large outdoor events.

A 34-site RV park is located on the property, with additional sites available for certain special events. Availability, hookup details, booking requirements, and fees should be confirmed with the venue. Livestock exhibitors may have separate RV reservation procedures during fair week.

Accessibility and visitor amenities

The fairgrounds state that admission booths, exhibit buildings, restrooms, entertainment venues, and vendor booths are accessible to patrons who use wheelchairs. Reserved parking for visitors with disabilities is available near admission entrances, with event-specific parking rates and arrangements.

Service dogs are permitted under the venue’s policy. Other animals generally are not allowed on the grounds unless the event involves animals, such as a livestock show. Therapy, comfort, and emotional-support animals are not automatically treated as service animals under the venue’s published rules.

Parking, concessions, security, and other services can vary by event. Review the event instructions before arriving, especially for large concerts and fair days.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

How to apply for a vendor booth

Businesses, food vendors, artisans, and community organizations can inquire about commercial spaces for the Solano County Fair. The fair’s vendor contact is Jessica Carpenter, reachable through the fair office at (707) 551-2000 or the vendor team’s published email, [email protected].

Applicants should be ready to describe their products, booth dimensions, electrical requirements, food service setup if applicable, and any equipment or vehicle that will occupy the space. Approval, fees, insurance requirements, and application deadlines depend on the current vendor contract.

Competitive exhibits and entry deadlines

The 2027 competitive-exhibits guidebook is being prepared. Prospective exhibitors can contact the exhibits team at [email protected] or call (707) 551-2002 for information.

Read the current guidebook carefully for entry classes, age divisions, submission methods, delivery and pickup dates, and judging criteria. Livestock exhibitors should also check animal-health requirements, paperwork, arrival times, and auction eligibility. Missing a deadline can mean an entry is not accepted.

Getting to Solano County Fairgrounds

Driving directions

The fairgrounds are at 900 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo, near the junction of Interstate 80 and Highway 37.

• From Fairfield or Vacaville: Travel west toward Vallejo on I-80, then follow the current signs and navigation directions for Fairgrounds Drive.
• From Berkeley or Oakland: Travel north on I-80 toward Vallejo and use the appropriate local exit for the fairgrounds.
• From Napa: Follow the current route toward Vallejo using the regional highway network, checking traffic before leaving.
• From Marin County: Highway 37 provides a key eastbound route toward Vallejo and the fairgrounds.

Fair-week traffic and event-specific access controls can affect the last part of the trip. Follow posted parking signs rather than entering through an unfamiliar gate.

Public transit and rideshare

Check local transit schedules before traveling; do not assume that a dedicated fair shuttle operates every year. Rideshare pickup and drop-off arrangements may be modified during large events, so use designated areas when provided and plan for possible delays after evening concerts.

4-H, FFA, and the Junior Livestock Auction

The fair’s youth livestock program connects Solano County’s agricultural education groups with families, schools, and local buyers. Participating youth learn animal care, nutrition, recordkeeping, showmanship, financial responsibility, and humane handling.

The Junior Livestock Auction is open to eligible exhibitors from 4-H, FFA, Grange, and independent youth programs. Buyers register according to the fair’s auction rules and bid on eligible market animals. The proceeds help young exhibitors recover project costs, fund future livestock projects, and contribute toward educational savings or other financial goals. Buyers should check the current rules for payment, processing, and animal pickup.

The 2027 fair information lists the live auction for Saturday, June 12, 2027, at 1:30 p.m. Confirm the time and sale order against the final livestock schedule before attending.

Solano County’s 4-H and FFA participants should coordinate with their club leaders or school chapters as well as the fair’s livestock department. The current entry guide determines fair-specific eligibility, deadlines, and required documentation.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Family Ag Day and educational programs

Family Ag Day gives children and adults an opportunity to learn about farming, food production, and farm animals. It is part of the fair’s agricultural education focus, with demonstrations and interactive activities intended to make local agriculture more accessible to families who may live in Vallejo or other urban parts of the county.

The Solano County Science and Engineering Fair is another example of the grounds’ educational role. Its 2027 event is scheduled for March 11 in McCormack Hall, welcoming eligible students in grades K–12 from Solano County to present science and engineering projects.

Trade shows, concerts, and private celebrations

The grounds can host concerts, cultural events, vehicle displays, exhibitions, business gatherings, and private celebrations. The Winners’ Circle adds a horse-racing broadcast venue to the property’s mix of activities.

Not every event category is part of the recurring calendar. For example, a gun show, flea market, rodeo, motocross event, or swap meet should be treated as unconfirmed until it appears in the current schedule. Event organizers can ask the rental team about suitable indoor and outdoor spaces, availability, insurance, and operational requirements.

History of Solano County Fairgrounds

The Solano County Fair Association was established in 1946 to produce the county fair and manage the grounds year-round. The association has since expanded its role beyond the annual agricultural fair to include facility rentals, educational programming, commercial events, and community activities.

The 2027 fair is advertised as the 78th Annual Solano County Fair. Its continuing livestock program reflects the county’s agricultural roots, while the carnival, vendor market, concerts, and cultural performances reflect the changing interests of Solano County’s diverse population.

The property also serves a practical community role. The fairgrounds can be used by public agencies as an emergency refuge or staging location for service providers. That function extends its importance beyond entertainment and exhibitions.

The association’s long-running calendar—including the county fair, Family Ag Day, and year-round public events—shows how the grounds have developed into a multipurpose venue for Vallejo and the wider county.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Solano County Fair in 2027?

The Solano County Fair is scheduled for June 10–13, 2027, at 900 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo. Check the final schedule for daily gate hours, concerts, and arena events.

What time does Solano County Fairgrounds open?

Opening times vary by event and fair day. The 2026 fair opened at 4 p.m. Thursday and noon Friday through Sunday. Confirm the 2027 hours before visiting.

Is there camping at Solano County Fairgrounds?

Yes. The property has a 34-site RV park, and additional RV sites may be available for special events. Ask the fair office about reservations, hookups, fees, and fair-week restrictions.

How do I enter livestock in the Solano County Fair?

Review the current livestock entry guide, complete the required forms, and meet animal-health, eligibility, and deadline requirements. Contact the livestock department if you need clarification about an animal class or auction eligibility.

Are dogs allowed at Solano County Fairgrounds?

The venue permits service dogs under its published policy. Other animals generally are not allowed unless the event is animal-related. Check the current policy before bringing a pet.

Where do I park at Solano County Fairgrounds?

Use the designated parking areas at or near 900 Fairgrounds Drive and follow event signage. Parking fees vary by event; accessible parking is available near admission entrances, subject to availability.

Who do I contact to rent Solano County Fairgrounds?

Call (707) 551-2008 to discuss venue rentals with the events team. The general fairgrounds number is (707) 551-2000.

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

Ticket prices vary by year and day. The 2026 fair offered $3 admission on Thursday and free admission for children under six with a required ticket. Check the current 2027 ticket details for admission, parking, ride wristbands, and arena events.

When is the Junior Livestock Auction?

The published 2027 schedule lists the auction for Saturday, June 12, at 1:30 p.m. Confirm the sale time and order in the final livestock schedule.

Can I sell products at the Solano County Fair?

Yes. Vendors can apply for commercial or food-concession space through the fair’s vendor program. Booth availability, fees, insurance requirements, and deadlines are set by the current application and contract.

What other events take place at the fairgrounds?

Beyond the county fair, the venue hosts Family Ag Day, the Solano County Science and Engineering Fair, concerts, exhibitions, private celebrations, trade shows, and other scheduled community events.