Ventura County California Fairgrounds Events

The Ventura County Fairgrounds sits beside the Pacific Ocean in the city of Ventura, California. It hosts the annual Ventura County Fair along with concerts, cultural festivals, swap meets, exhibitions, trade shows, and family events throughout the year. Its coastal location, near the Ventura Pier and the historic downtown area, makes it different from inland fairgrounds built around large agricultural fields.

The grounds remain connected to Ventura County’s farming and ranching history, even though the modern calendar includes many events that appeal to visitors from across Southern California. Livestock exhibits and youth competitions are part of the annual fair, while the rest of the year brings everything from Scottish Highland Games to gem shows and model train exhibitions.

The address is 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001. The property is managed by the 31st District Agricultural Association, a California state fair district responsible for the fair and the operation of the grounds.

Overview of Ventura County Fairgrounds

Location and grounds

The fairgrounds occupy a roughly 62-acre beachfront site near the mouth of the Ventura River. Harbor Boulevard provides direct access, and the property is close to U.S. Highway 101, which connects Ventura with Oxnard, Camarillo, Santa Barbara, and other coastal communities.

The grounds include exhibit buildings, outdoor event areas, a grandstand and arena, vendor spaces, and facilities used for livestock and fair exhibits. The coastal location also means that weather conditions can differ from inland Ventura County: ocean breezes, cool evenings, and occasional fog can affect outdoor events even during summer.

Who operates the fairgrounds?

The 31st District Agricultural Association manages the Ventura County Fair and the wider event venue. The fair office handles general visitor questions, event information, rental inquiries, and details for vendors and exhibitors.

The main office telephone number is (805) 648-3376. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead if you need to speak with a particular department or submit paperwork in person.

Why the fair matters to Ventura County

The Ventura County Fair grew from the region’s agricultural traditions, when livestock, farm products, and home arts were central parts of county gatherings. Today, the fair still gives agricultural exhibitors and young people a public place to present their work, while concerts, rides, food stands, and community displays broaden its appeal.

For residents, the fairgrounds are also a year-round meeting place. The Wednesday Swap Meet, cultural festivals, school events, and special exhibitions bring people to the waterfront outside the annual fair season.

Upcoming Events at Ventura County Fairgrounds

Events scheduled for late 2026

The calendar includes several events after the summer fair. Upcoming dates listed for the remainder of 2026 include:

• Brick Convention – LEGO Fan Event, October 24–25: A fan event featuring LEGO displays and activities. The published 2026 information listed admission at $15 and parking at $10.
• Latino Business Expo, October 29: A business-to-business and public expo scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with admission listed at $10.
• Skeleton Shores Halloween Bash, October 30–31: A 21-and-over Halloween event with evening hours and ticket packages.
• Gold Coast Gem Show, November 21–22: A show for gems, minerals, fossils, beads, and jewelry; the published calendar lists free admission.
• Great Train Show, December 19–20: A model-railroad event featuring operating layouts, scale models, collectibles, and train-related merchandise.

These are scheduled events, but event details may be updated by their organizers. Check the current start times, age limits, ticket terms, and parking instructions before attending.

Seasonal and recurring events

The grounds host the Wednesday Swap Meet, where shoppers look for secondhand goods, collectibles, household items, and other merchandise. The Seaside Highland Games bring Scottish athletic competitions, cultural displays, music, and sheep-herding demonstrations to the waterfront site. Oktoberfest, holiday events, trade shows, and hobby exhibitions add variety to the calendar.

Not every fairground activity is agricultural. Ventura’s calendar reflects its coastal location and its ability to attract regional festivals, touring performers, exhibitors, and specialist events.

Facility rentals and private gatherings

The venue offers more than 135,000 square feet of indoor event space, as well as outdoor areas. The halls can accommodate conferences, banquets, public exhibitions, meetings, and trade shows. Some spaces are designed for large audiences, while smaller rooms suit meetings and compact gatherings.

The fairgrounds’ rental team can explain available dates, room capacities, catering options, setup requirements, insurance, and deposits. Weddings, company events, fundraisers, and other private functions should be arranged directly with the facilities department.

The Ventura County Fair Itself

Fair dates for 2026 and 2027

The 2026 Ventura County Fair ran July 29–August 9, 2026. The fair is traditionally held in late July and early August, when its waterfront location draws residents and visitors for carnival rides, livestock shows, food stands, and live entertainment.

The next fair is expected in the same summer period, but visitors should wait for the official 2027 calendar to confirm the exact dates. Do not assume that previous years’ daily opening times, concert lineups, or ticket offers will repeat.

Livestock and competitive exhibits

The Ventura County Fair’s exhibit program includes large livestock, small livestock, agriculture, amateur and professional art, photography, floriculture, home arts, gems and minerals, hobbies and collections, and a youth expo. Entries are handled online, and each department has its own rules, categories, and deadlines.

Large livestock exhibitors include young people from 4-H, FFA, Grange, and independent programs. Their work involves months of animal care and preparation, followed by fair check-in, judging, and—where eligible—the junior livestock auction.

Carnival rides, food, and entertainment

The fair’s carnival is a major attraction, with rides, games, and wristband offers in selected years. The ride lineup, height restrictions, wristband dates, and prices are announced for each fair season.

Food vendors sell fair-style meals, snacks, sweets, and drinks, while local organizations may participate in fundraising activities. The grounds also host concert performances and arena events. The 2026 program included the Flying U Rodeo, a destruction derby, and the Monster Energy Fair TAKEOVER. These are examples of recent programming, not guarantees for the next fair.

Admission and parking

Admission prices, special discount days, concert tickets, and parking charges can vary by year. In 2026, the fair offered special promotions, including a Food Share Day deal for visitors donating nonperishable food and a Community Heroes Day with free entry for specified service groups. Those offers should not be assumed to return in 2027.

Check whether a concert or arena event requires a separate ticket, whether parking is prepaid, and whether the fair is offering discounted admission at a particular time of day. Arriving early can help during popular concert nights and weekend afternoons.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition halls and arena

The fairgrounds has several large halls for exhibitions, banquets, meetings, and commercial events. Published facility specifications include:

• Anacapa Hall: About 20,988 square feet, with assembly capacity listed at approximately 1,900.
• San Miguel Hall: About 20,988 square feet, also listed for assemblies of approximately 1,900.
• Santa Cruz Hall: About 21,120 square feet, with assembly capacity listed at approximately 2,000.
• San Nicolas Hall: About 21,120 square feet, with banquet and assembly configurations.
• Santa Rosa Hall: About 6,372 square feet, suitable for smaller exhibitions and gatherings.
• McBride Hall and Callahan Center: Smaller spaces for meetings, displays, and other functions.

The grandstand and arena are used for selected fair entertainment and other scheduled events. Capacity and access can depend on the stage layout, seating arrangement, and event configuration.

Livestock and exhibitor areas

Livestock facilities support the fair’s large- and small-animal programs, youth exhibits, and junior auction. Exhibitors should confirm when barns open, where animals are unloaded, what bedding and feeding arrangements are available, and whether trailers can remain on site.

The grounds also include exhibition and vendor areas used for art, photography, home arts, floriculture, and commercial displays. Visitors should follow signs and staff directions because parts of the property may be restricted during event setup or livestock activities.

Visitors interested in Ventura County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore seasonal activities through Tuolumne County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties provide opportunities to discover local traditions, enjoy community gatherings, and find enjoyable celebrations across California.

Camping, parking, and accessibility

Do not assume that overnight camping is available at the fairgrounds simply because it hosts large events. RV travelers should ask the office whether overnight parking is permitted for their particular event and whether any hookups or reservations are available.

Parking arrangements change by event, with traffic controls in place for major fair days and concerts. Visitors needing accessible parking, accessible restrooms, step-free access, or assistance with seating should contact the organizer in advance. The availability of first aid, ATMs, food service, and other amenities may vary by event.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial vendors and food concessions

The fairgrounds accepts applications for commercial vendors and food concessions at selected events. Vendors should identify whether they want to participate in the annual fair, Oktoberfest, a swap meet, or another event, because each may have separate selection procedures and deadlines.

Applications do not guarantee a booth. Management may approve the products a vendor can sell and determine placement to maintain a balanced mix of merchandise and services. Food vendors should confirm health permits, food-safety requirements, insurance, utility access, and any event-specific operating rules.

For vendor questions, contact the concessions department at (805) 648-3376 and ask for the current application process. Verify booth fees, dimensions, power requirements, setup hours, and payment deadlines before committing.

Entering competitive exhibits

Fair entries are handled online. The program covers agriculture, large and small livestock, art, photography, floriculture, home arts, gems and minerals, hobbies and collections, and the youth expo.

Each category has its own entry guide. Read it carefully for deadlines, eligibility, item delivery, judging, animal identification, and pickup times. Livestock exhibitors should also check health requirements, ownership deadlines, weigh-in procedures, and the rules for market animals entering the auction.

Getting to Ventura County Fairgrounds

Driving directions

The address is 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001. From U.S. Highway 101, follow the Ventura exits and local signs toward Harbor Boulevard and the waterfront. Visitors arriving from Oxnard generally travel north on Highway 101, while those coming from Santa Barbara typically travel south on the same highway.

Traffic can become heavy near the waterfront during the annual fair, concerts, and popular festivals. Check the event’s parking instructions before leaving, and allow additional time for queues and pedestrian traffic around the entrance.

Public transportation and rideshare

Ventura is served by regional and local transit, but routes and operating hours vary. Confirm the current schedule before relying on public transportation, especially for events ending late at night.

Rideshare pickup and drop-off locations can be affected by traffic management. Use the event’s designated passenger area when one is provided, and arrange a pickup plan in advance for late concerts or large festivals.

4-H, FFA, and the Junior Livestock Auction

Youth agricultural programs

The fair’s livestock program includes 4-H, FFA, Grange, and independent exhibitors from across Ventura County. Young participants raise animals, maintain records, learn husbandry, and prepare for judging. Their work is visible to fairgoers throughout the livestock program.

The University of California Cooperative Extension supports 4-H programming in the county. Families should confirm current club contacts and training requirements with the local program and consult the fair’s livestock entry guide for participation rules. The fair office can direct exhibitors to the appropriate superintendent or department.

How the junior livestock auction works

The 2026 Ventura County Fair Junior Livestock Auction was scheduled for August 7, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. Buyers could register on site that day. The published sale order included chickens and lambs first, followed by rabbits and steers, then the supreme champion drive, foundation hog and swine, with turkeys and goats later in the day.

The auction allows buyers to support youth exhibitors by purchasing eligible market animals. Specific animals may be sold by weight or by pen, depending on the species and fair rules. The current year’s guide explains which animals qualify, the sale order, buyer registration, and payment procedures.

The auction is a key educational and fundraising opportunity for young agricultural exhibitors. Buyers should review the terms before bidding and understand what happens to animals after purchase. The following year’s date and sale order should be confirmed when the next fair schedule is published.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Swap meets and seasonal exhibitions

The Wednesday Swap Meet is a recurring attraction at Ventura County Fairgrounds. Shoppers browse used goods, collectibles, household items, and assorted merchandise, while sellers should check the current vendor rules and arrival procedures.

The Gold Coast Gem Show and Great Train Show provide a different kind of visit, with mineral and jewelry displays at one event and model trains, layouts, and hobby merchandise at the other. These exhibitions make the fairgrounds useful to specialist communities as well as general fairgoers.

Cultural festivals, concerts, and community events

The Seaside Highland Games bring Scottish athletics and cultural traditions to Ventura, including heavy athletics and sheep-herding demonstrations. Oktoberfest adds German food, music, contests, and family activities. Concerts, expos, holiday markets, and community fundraisers fill other dates across the calendar.

Rodeos and demolition derbies have appeared in the annual fair program, but visitors should not assume these are scheduled every year. The current calendar is the best guide to confirmed dates, venue arrangements, admission rules, and age restrictions.

History of Ventura County Fairgrounds

The fair’s story began in 1874, shortly after Ventura County separated from Santa Barbara County. Early harvest celebrations included agricultural displays and entertainment. The fair moved to Port Hueneme in 1891, then returned to Ventura in 1913 after Eugene Preston and Orpha Foster donated the current beachfront property to the county.

The site was originally envisioned as a public seaside park. Over time, buildings and event facilities replaced some of its open lawns and landscaped areas. During World War II, the federal government took control of the property and used it as a military command post protecting the coast. The state purchased the property in 1946.

In the 1970s and 1980s, local debate focused on how best to use the limited beachfront site. A master plan later considered circulation and new multipurpose facilities. Today, the grounds continue to serve as a state agricultural fair district and a year-round venue for public events.

The fair was canceled in 2021, a disruption that reflected the wider effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on large public gatherings. Its continued use for fairs, exhibitions, and community events illustrates how the site has evolved beyond its original agricultural purpose while retaining its connection to the county’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Ventura County Fair in 2026 and 2027?

The 2026 Ventura County Fair ran July 29–August 9, 2026. The 2027 fair is expected in the late July to early August period, but confirm the exact dates before planning a visit.

What time do Ventura County Fairgrounds open?

Opening times depend on the event. The annual fair, Wednesday Swap Meet, concerts, and indoor exhibitions have different schedules. Check the event details for gate times and closing hours.

Is there camping at Ventura County Fairgrounds?

Do not assume overnight camping is available. Contact the fair office to confirm whether RV or overnight parking is permitted for your particular event and whether reservations or hookups are offered.

How do I enter livestock in the Ventura County Fair?

Use the current online entry system and livestock guide. Review animal ownership deadlines, identification, health documentation, weigh-in procedures, eligibility rules, and the junior livestock auction requirements.

Are dogs allowed at Ventura County Fairgrounds?

Pet policies vary by event and may differ for livestock areas. Confirm the current policy with the fair office or event organizer before bringing a dog. Ask about service-animal access if needed.

Where do I park at Ventura County Fairgrounds?

Follow event-day signs and staff directions. Parking arrangements can change during the annual fair, concerts, and large festivals, so check the event’s parking instructions before arrival.

Who do I contact to rent Ventura County Fairgrounds?

Call (805) 648-3376 and ask for the facilities and event rentals department. Explain your event type, expected attendance, preferred date, and space requirements.

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

Admission prices vary by year and ticket type. The 2026 fair had special admission promotions on selected days. Confirm current general admission, concert tickets, carnival wristbands, and parking charges before attending.

What events take place at the fairgrounds outside fair week?

Year-round events include the Wednesday Swap Meet, Seaside Highland Games, gem shows, model train exhibitions, trade expos, concerts, seasonal festivals, and community gatherings.

Can vendors apply for a booth at Ventura County Fairgrounds?

Yes. Vendor and concession applications are available for selected events. Acceptance, fees, booth location, permits, insurance, and deadlines depend on the event and its organizer.