Tehama County California Fairgrounds Events
The Tehama District Fairgrounds in Red Bluff, California, is a gathering place for agricultural exhibitions, livestock competitions, carnival attractions, live entertainment, and community events in Northern California. Best known for the annual Tehama District Fair, the grounds connect Tehama County’s ranching and farming traditions with family entertainment and youth agricultural programs.
Red Bluff sits along Interstate 5 near the Sacramento River, surrounded by ranchland, orchards, and agricultural communities. The fairgrounds provide a place where local families can see livestock, explore exhibits, support young exhibitors, and attend events that bring residents together.
Whether you’re searching for upcoming Tehama County Fair events, planning to enter an animal, applying for a vendor booth, or looking for facilities to rent, understanding the location, annual fair schedule, and available amenities will help you plan.
Overview of Tehama County Fairgrounds
Location and address
The Tehama District Fairgrounds is located at 650 Antelope Boulevard, Red Bluff, CA 96080. Red Bluff is the county seat of Tehama County, in the northern Sacramento Valley.
The grounds are close to Interstate 5 and Antelope Boulevard, making them accessible to visitors from Corning, Los Molinos, Cottonwood, and communities farther north toward Redding. State Route 36 and State Route 99 also serve travelers moving through the wider region.
The property includes exhibition buildings, livestock facilities, outdoor event areas, arenas, and parking. The arrangement supports agricultural shows, commercial displays, entertainment, and community gatherings.
Who operates the fairgrounds?
The Tehama District Fair Board oversees the annual fair and associated fairground activities. The district’s responsibilities include fair operations, facility use, and agricultural and educational programming.
The venue serves more than one purpose. It gives local agricultural producers and youth exhibitors a public place to present their work while providing Red Bluff and surrounding communities with a location for entertainment, exhibitions, and public events.
Agricultural and community significance
Tehama County has a strong ranching tradition, alongside cattle production, orchards, and other agricultural enterprises. Livestock shows and youth projects at the fair help make those industries accessible to visitors who may not work in agriculture themselves.
The annual fair also gives 4-H members, FFA students, artists, craftspeople, and local businesses an opportunity to present their work. For families in Red Bluff and nearby rural communities, fair week is a recurring summer gathering built around local participation.
Upcoming Events at Tehama County Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds hosts the Tehama District Fair as well as other scheduled events during the year. Its indoor and outdoor spaces can accommodate agricultural activities, exhibitions, community gatherings, and entertainment.
Tehama District Fair 2026
The 2026 Tehama District Fair was scheduled for August 6–9, 2026. Those dates have passed. Visitors planning for 2027 should confirm the next published schedule rather than assume the same dates will apply.
The annual fair typically combines livestock competitions, youth exhibits, food concessions, carnival rides, and entertainment. Daily schedules may vary, particularly when animal judging and special performances take place at different times.
Other events throughout the year
Depending on the calendar, the fairgrounds may host:
- Livestock shows and agricultural exhibitions.
- 4-H and FFA activities.
- Horse shows and other animal-related events.
- Community markets, craft fairs, and commercial exhibitions.
- Concerts, local entertainment, and special gatherings.
- Fundraisers, private celebrations, and meetings.
Rodeos, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, gun shows, and motorsports events should not be assumed to occur every year. Confirm individual events before traveling.
Event schedules and facility rentals
The fair board’s published calendar and announcements are the best sources for current event dates, ticket details, and operating hours. Individual event organizers may also provide information about entry rules, parking, and vendor participation.
Outside organizations can inquire about renting available facilities for meetings, public events, exhibitions, and private functions. Rental availability, insurance requirements, fees, and permitted activities depend on the space and date.
The Tehama District Fair
Fair dates and seasonal timing
The Tehama District Fair is traditionally held in summer. The 2026 fair was scheduled for August 6–9, a four-day event. The 2027 dates should be confirmed when the fair board publishes the next schedule.
Visitors should check the daily program for livestock judging, special entertainment, carnival hours, and any activities requiring separate admission.
Livestock and competitive exhibits
Agricultural competitions are a central part of the fair. Eligible participants can enter livestock and other projects according to the current exhibitor rules.
Livestock classes may include beef cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, rabbits, and other approved animal categories. Additional competitive exhibits may cover agricultural mechanics, photography, art, baking, crafts, floriculture, horticulture, and home arts.
The current premium book identifies the classes offered, entry deadlines, judging procedures, and eligibility rules. Exhibitors should use the correct year’s guide because categories and requirements may change.
Carnival rides, food, and entertainment
The midway typically provides rides, games, and attractions for children and adults. The ride lineup, wristband packages, restrictions, and operating schedule depend on the carnival operator and the arrangements made for that year.
Food concessions generally include fair favorites such as corn dogs, burgers, barbecue, fried treats, desserts, and cold drinks. The vendors and nonprofit food stands available at a particular fair may change annually.
Entertainment can include live music, local performances, family activities, and agricultural demonstrations. Visitors should consult the daily program for confirmed performers and showtimes.
Youth programs and livestock auction
The fair gives young agricultural exhibitors a chance to demonstrate skills developed through 4-H, FFA, and other supervised programs. Livestock projects involve animal care, feeding, recordkeeping, presentation, and preparation for judging.
The junior livestock auction connects eligible exhibitors with buyers and community supporters. The auction date, sale order, bidder registration, and payment requirements are established in the annual fair program.
Admission, parking, and hours
Admission charges, parking rates, ride wristbands, and promotional offers vary by year. Visitors should confirm current ticket prices and any discounts for children or seniors rather than relying on previous seasons’ rates.
Opening times may differ between fair days and individual events. Allow additional time for parking near Antelope Boulevard during busy periods.
Important date correction: The official fair calendar lists the 2026 Tehama District Fair as April 30–May 3, 2026, and the next fair as April 29–May 2, 2027. The April dates, not August, are the correct dates for this fair.
Facilities and Grounds
The Tehama District Fairgrounds covers approximately 110 acres in Red Bluff. The facility is substantially larger than a fair-only venue: it has indoor and outdoor arenas, a half-mile track, livestock stalls, RV hookups, and banquet halls for events throughout the year.
Exhibition buildings and livestock facilities
The grounds include five banquet halls ranging from approximately 2,000 to 14,000 square feet, along with other exhibition and event buildings. Livestock facilities include 206 permanent stalls, with space for approximately 250 additional portable stalls when needed.
Stall assignments and animal housing depend on the event. Exhibitors should confirm arrival times, bedding rules, feeding arrangements, health documentation, and cleanup responsibilities with the livestock office before transporting animals.
Arenas and grandstand
The outdoor rodeo arena has a half-mile track and seating for approximately 9,000 people. The indoor arena seats approximately 1,800, with an attached covered warm-up arena. These facilities accommodate rodeos, horse events, livestock activities, and other scheduled competitions.
The grounds have hosted prominent regional events, including the Red Bluff Round-Up, the Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale, high school rodeo finals, and motorsports entertainment. These are established uses of the property, although dates and bookings should be confirmed individually.
RV camping, accessibility, and amenities
The fairgrounds has approximately 210 RV spaces with water and electrical hookups. Availability, camping fees, reservation rules, and access restrictions vary by event. Fair-week camping may require advance reservations, and the annual fair can have different rules from ordinary rental events.
Restrooms and showers are available on the grounds. Visitors who need accessible parking, routes, seating, or restrooms should confirm arrangements with the fair office before arriving. Parking, food concessions, first aid, and other services may operate differently depending on the event.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Applying for commercial vendor space
The fair offers commercial booths, outside selling spaces, and food concession opportunities. Vendors should complete the current application and wait for approval before treating a space as reserved.
The 2026 vendor materials listed outside nonprofit exhibit spaces at $250 for a 10-by-10-foot space, commercial selling spaces from $350, and food concessions at $400 minimum or 22% of gross sales, whichever was greater. These are 2026 rates, not guaranteed 2027 prices. Food vendors must meet applicable health-permit requirements, and the fair’s vendor terms require proof of liability insurance.
Entering livestock and competitive exhibits
The fair publishes an exhibitor handbook covering livestock, still exhibits, floriculture, horticulture, and horse shows. For 2026, the listed deadlines included April 3 for livestock entries, April 10 for still exhibits, and April 24 for floriculture entries. These deadlines have passed and must not be reused for 2027 without confirmation.
Livestock exhibitors should pay particular attention to tagging deadlines, proof of ownership, animal health requirements, and Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification where required. Market hog entries may also need a Proposition 12 compliance certificate.
Fair office contact information
- Address: 650 Antelope Boulevard, Red Bluff, CA 96080
- Telephone: (530) 527-5920
- Email: [email protected]
- Operating organization: 30th District Agricultural Association
The fair office handles vendor inquiries, facility rentals, and directions to the appropriate department. Contact the office for current applications and deadlines.
Visitors interested in Tehama County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore community gatherings through Sutter County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties provide opportunities to discover local traditions, enjoy seasonal activities, and experience community celebrations across California.
Getting to Tehama County Fairgrounds
Driving directions from Red Bluff and nearby cities
The fairgrounds is located on Antelope Boulevard near Interstate 5, making it straightforward to reach from the northern Sacramento Valley.
- From downtown Red Bluff: Follow local roads toward Antelope Boulevard and the fairgrounds entrance.
- From Redding: Take Interstate 5 south toward Red Bluff and follow the Antelope Boulevard exit signs.
- From Corning: Travel north on Interstate 5 toward Red Bluff, then take the signed exit for Antelope Boulevard.
- From Cottonwood: Use Interstate 5 toward Red Bluff and follow local directions to the grounds.
- From Los Molinos: Travel toward Red Bluff on State Route 99 or connecting local roads, then continue to Antelope Boulevard.
Traffic increases during the Red Bluff Round-Up and fair week. Allow extra time for parking and follow event staff instructions where temporary traffic arrangements are in place.
Public transportation and rideshare
Check available Tehama County and Red Bluff-area transit services for routes and operating hours that fit your travel date. Direct service and late-night transportation should be confirmed rather than assumed.
Rideshare passengers should use the pickup and drop-off location specified by the event organizer. During major events, follow posted directions because the usual entrance or meeting point may be affected by traffic controls.
4-H and FFA at Tehama County Fairgrounds
Agricultural education and youth participation
Tehama County’s 4-H program coordinates youth development activities that can include animal projects, livestock showmanship, and agricultural learning. Local FFA chapters provide another route for students to develop skills in animal science, agricultural mechanics, and leadership.
The fair works with exhibitors, club leaders, school advisers, and families to organize entries and competitions. The exact number of participating clubs and chapters can change, so a current count should be obtained from the local 4-H program or the fair office.
Junior livestock auction
The 2026 junior livestock auction was scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9 a.m., with the Sale of Champions at noon. It took place in the Don Smith Pavilion. The next auction’s date and venue should be confirmed in the 2027 program.
Eligible exhibitors present their projects under the fair’s rules, and buyers bid on animals or support exhibitors through approved add-on donations. An add-on is a contribution to a youth exhibitor rather than a purchase of the animal itself.
Prospective buyers should confirm bidder registration, payment procedures, animal disposition rules, and any add-on arrangements with the livestock department before the sale.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Rodeos, horse events, and motorsports
The fairgrounds has a long association with the Red Bluff Round-Up, the Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale, and other equestrian and livestock events. Its outdoor arena, track, indoor arena, and stalls make it suitable for events requiring animal housing and spectator seating.
The grounds have also hosted high school rodeo finals, outlaw go-kart racing, and the West Coast Monster Truck Nationals. These examples demonstrate the range of events held there; they do not mean every activity returns annually.
Markets, fundraisers, and private gatherings
The fairgrounds hosts hundreds of events each year, including rental events in banquet halls, arenas, and barns. Community fundraisers, private celebrations, exhibitions, and commercial gatherings can use the facilities when available.
Swap meets, flea markets, gun shows, and holiday events should be treated as individual bookings. Confirm the current calendar before traveling to a particular event.
History of Tehama County Fairgrounds
From agricultural fair to year-round event center
The Tehama District Fair’s first annual fair was held in 1921. The organization operates as the 30th District Agricultural Association, part of California’s state fair system. Over more than a century, the fair has changed its name and dates while maintaining its emphasis on local agriculture and community participation.
The fairgrounds’ connection with the Red Bluff Round-Up and Bull and Gelding Sale has helped establish the property as a regional center for livestock, rodeo, and equestrian events. The addition and continued use of indoor arenas, banquet halls, RV facilities, and exhibition buildings have broadened its role beyond the annual fair.
The grounds now host hundreds of events annually, serving agricultural exhibitors, businesses, community groups, and visitors from across Northern California. Specific attendance records, notable historical visitors, and individual cancellation dates should be established from the fair’s archived records rather than estimated.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Tehama District Fair in 2026–2027?
The 2026 Tehama District Fair ran April 30–May 3, 2026. The next fair is scheduled for April 29–May 2, 2027.
What time does Tehama County Fairgrounds open?
Hours vary by event. During the 2026 fair, vendor hours differed from public gate hours. Check the daily schedule for your intended visit.
Is there camping at Tehama County Fairgrounds?
Yes. The grounds have approximately 210 RV spaces with water and electrical hookups. Reservations, fees, and restrictions vary, so contact the fair office before arriving.
How do I enter livestock in the Tehama District Fair?
Obtain the current exhibitor handbook and follow its entry deadlines, animal tagging rules, health documentation requirements, and show procedures. Contact the fair office at (530) 527-5920 for assistance.
Are dogs allowed at Tehama County Fairgrounds?
Pet policies depend on the event. The 2025 livestock exhibitor guidance prohibited dogs on the grounds during specified fair operations. Check the current event rules before bringing a pet. Service animals are subject to applicable accessibility requirements.
Where do I park at Tehama County Fairgrounds?
Follow the designated parking signs and directions from event staff. Parking arrangements may change during the Tehama District Fair, Red Bluff Round-Up, and other large gatherings.
Who do I contact to rent Tehama County Fairgrounds?
Call the fair office at (530) 527-5920 or email [email protected]. Staff can explain available facilities, rates, insurance requirements, and booking procedures.
How much does admission to the Tehama District Fair cost?
Admission prices depend on the year and ticket type. Check the current ticket schedule for general admission, children’s prices, discounts, parking, and separately ticketed attractions.
Can businesses sell products at the Tehama District Fair?
Yes. Vendors can apply for commercial selling spaces, concession areas, and nonprofit exhibit spaces. Applications, insurance documentation, permits, and fees must meet the fair’s current requirements.
Does Tehama County Fairgrounds host events year-round?
Yes. The grounds hosts more than 300 events annually, including rodeos, livestock sales, motorsports, exhibitions, and private gatherings.
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