Yuba County California Fairgrounds Events

Yuba County’s agricultural traditions are closely tied to the communities of Marysville, Yuba City, Wheatland, and the surrounding Sacramento Valley. Farming, livestock production, youth agricultural education, and community gatherings have long played a role in local life. County fairs and agricultural exhibitions give residents an opportunity to share that heritage while bringing families, exhibitors, vendors, and visitors together.

One important distinction helps visitors plan their trip: the Yuba County Fair is associated with the Yuba-Sutter region, but the principal annual fairgrounds serving the area are the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City, Sutter County. Yuba County and Sutter County are separate counties, and their fair organizations and event schedules should not be confused.

For people searching for Yuba County fairgrounds, upcoming events, livestock competitions, or the annual county fair, identifying the correct venue is the first step toward finding accurate information.

Overview of Yuba County Fairgrounds

Where are the fairgrounds located?

The primary regional fair venue is the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds at 442 Franklin Avenue, Yuba City, California 95991. The grounds are in Sutter County, immediately west of the Feather River communities of Marysville and Yuba City.

Yuba County residents can reach the venue from Marysville and surrounding communities using the regional road network, including routes connecting to State Route 70 and State Route 99. Visitors should check their navigation directions for the entrance designated for the particular event, since traffic arrangements can change during large gatherings.

Who operates the venue?

The Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds serves the two-county region, but its operations and annual fair should not be mistaken for a separate Yuba County-owned fairground. Fair management, event organizers, and the relevant agricultural fair organization are the appropriate sources for venue access, event bookings, and exhibitor requirements.

A separate permanent fairground serving Yuba County exclusively should not be assumed to exist without confirmation from county officials. People looking for an event in Marysville, Linda, Olivehurst, Wheatland, or another Yuba County community should verify the venue address before traveling.

Why agricultural fairs matter locally

The Yuba-Sutter area sits in a productive agricultural region where rice, orchard crops, field crops, and livestock contribute to the local economy. Agricultural fairs connect those industries with residents who may not otherwise see livestock judging, youth project demonstrations, or competitive exhibits firsthand.

For young people involved in 4-H and FFA, a fair can also be a practical learning experience. Exhibitors prepare animals, maintain project records, develop presentation skills, and learn how agricultural products move from farms to consumers.

Upcoming Events at Yuba County Fairgrounds

Annual fair and seasonal activities

The best-known recurring event for residents of Yuba County is the Yuba-Sutter Fair, held at the fairgrounds in Yuba City. The venue also hosts private rentals, community gatherings, agricultural activities, and other scheduled events throughout the year.

The types of activities visitors may encounter include:

• Agricultural competitions: Livestock judging, youth animal projects, poultry and rabbit exhibits, and educational displays.
• Carnival and family entertainment: Traveling carnival rides, midway games, food concessions, and scheduled family activities during fair week.
• Motorsports and grandstand events: Special vehicle competitions and other ticketed entertainment when included in the annual program.
• Commercial events: Vendor markets, indoor exhibitions, trade displays, and community gatherings.
• Private rentals: Events hosted by outside organizations using available buildings and grounds.

Not every activity takes place every year. Rodeos, demolition derbies, swap meets, horse shows, and similar events should be treated as individual scheduled attractions rather than permanent weekly offerings.

How to check upcoming events

The fairgrounds’ published event calendar is the most useful starting point for identifying scheduled rentals and public events. Fair-week schedules are published separately and may include individual attraction times, livestock judging, entertainment, and special admission promotions.

For questions about event dates, facility access, or bookings, the fair office can be reached at 530-674-1280. Office hours and availability should be confirmed before visiting.

The Yuba-Sutter County Fair

When is the annual fair?

The Yuba-Sutter Fair takes place in late June. The 2026 fair ran from June 25 through June 28, while the published dates for the next fair are June 24–27, 2027.

Upcoming Yuba-Sutter Fair dates

2027 annual fair

June 24–27, 2027

Thursday through Sunday, at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City.

Although searches may use the phrase “Yuba County Fair,” the regional event is officially known as the Yuba-Sutter Fair. Its late-June timing makes it a summer gathering for families, agricultural exhibitors, and visitors from both counties.

Livestock, exhibits, and youth competitions

Livestock competitions are a major part of the fair’s agricultural program. Published competition categories include beef cattle, sheep, swine, meat goats, poultry, turkeys, rabbits, pygmy goats, and horse-related activities. The program also includes dog-show competitions.

Still exhibits give participants opportunities to display creative and practical work, including photography, painting, crafts, baking, preserved foods, clothing and textiles, flower arranging, plants, and fruit and vegetable displays.

The exact classes, judging arrangements, entry fees, and deadlines depend on the annual competition guide. Dairy cattle, specific crop categories, or other classes should not be assumed to appear in every year’s program.

Visitors interested in Yuba County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore community celebrations through Yolo County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties offer opportunities to discover local traditions, enjoy seasonal activities, and find community gatherings that bring families and visitors together throughout California.

Carnival rides, food, and entertainment

The fair’s carnival has featured traveling operator Paul Maurer Shows, with family rides, larger attractions, midway games, and carnival food. Typical concessions include corn dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, and other fairground snacks.

The wider food offering may include meals from commercial vendors and community food stands. The specific nonprofit groups, menus, and local specialties can vary annually.

Grandstand entertainment has historically included bands, pageants, truck pulls, destruction derbies, and other special attractions. The current program determines which events take place, on which nights, and whether a separate ticket is required.

Admission and ride costs

Admission prices and promotional offers vary by year and day. During the 2026 fair, standard gate prices were listed as $12 for adults ages 12–64, $10 for seniors 65 and older, and $7 for children ages 5–11. Children four and under were admitted free. Special daily promotions offered additional discounts or free admission for eligible groups.

The 2026 published ride offers included single-day unlimited-ride wristbands, with separate pricing from general fair admission. These are historical prices, not guaranteed rates for 2027. Check the applicable year’s ticket information before budgeting for a family visit.

Facilities and Grounds

Buildings, exhibition areas, and outdoor space

The Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds and Event Center occupies approximately 52 acres, with more than 50,000 square feet of building space. The site accommodates indoor exhibitions, livestock activities, commercial displays, and events requiring outdoor space.

The exact number of usable buildings, their layouts, and which facilities are open to the public depend on the event and rental arrangement. Visitors attending a livestock show should check where animals are housed and where judging takes place before arriving.

Camping and RV access

The grounds provide overnight RV camping facilities and accommodate RV visitors throughout the year. Availability during the fair, camping fees, hookup arrangements, reservation requirements, and check-in procedures need to be confirmed with fair management. Do not assume that every camping space offers full hookups or that walk-up spaces will be available during busy events.

Parking, accessibility, and amenities

Parking arrangements may differ between ordinary rentals and fair week. During large events, allow additional time for entry, follow temporary traffic signs, and use designated parking areas rather than assuming that all open ground is available for public parking.

Visitors who need accessible parking, step-free routes, or accessible restrooms should ask the venue about the facilities available for their particular event. The availability of concessions, first-aid assistance, ATMs, and other services may also depend on the event organizer.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial vendors and booth applications

Businesses interested in selling merchandise, serving food, displaying products, or promoting services during the Yuba-Sutter Fair should contact the fair office for the relevant commercial vendor application and handbook.

Vendor placement, booth dimensions, electricity, insurance, setup times, fees, and operating rules vary by event. Fair-week commercial spaces may have different requirements from spaces rented for private shows or markets.

Competitive exhibits and livestock entries

Prospective exhibitors should review the annual entry guide before preparing a project. The published livestock program provides species-specific rules, entry instructions, judging categories, and required forms. Some market-animal entries may require photographs and additional documentation before the deadline.

For youth participants from Yuba County, early planning is especially important because club enrollment, project participation, community service, and animal preparation may be required before fair week. A missed deadline can affect eligibility even when the animal or exhibit is otherwise ready.

Getting to the Fairgrounds

Driving from Marysville and nearby communities

The fairgrounds are located at 442 Franklin Avenue in Yuba City. From Marysville, visitors cross the Feather River area using the regional road network and follow local directions toward Franklin Avenue. Drivers coming from farther away can connect through State Route 70 or State Route 99, depending on their starting point.

Because Yuba City and Marysville are close together, the venue is accessible to residents across the Yuba-Sutter area. Travelers from Wheatland, Linda, Olivehurst, and other communities should check their route and allow extra time during major events.

Public transportation and rideshare

Public transportation availability depends on current local service schedules and the day of the event. Do not assume a dedicated fair shuttle operates every year. Confirm any special transit arrangements with the event organizer before relying on them.

Rideshare passengers should use the entrance or drop-off point designated by event staff. Temporary road closures and traffic controls may change the most convenient approach during fair week.

4-H and FFA at the Yuba-Sutter Fair

Youth agricultural education

The Yuba-Sutter Fair provides an important public setting for young agricultural exhibitors. Local 4-H programs help members develop animal-care skills, maintain project records, practice public speaking, and learn responsibility. FFA programs at participating high schools provide agricultural education and opportunities for students to demonstrate practical skills.

Yuba County youth and families should confirm participation requirements with their individual 4-H club, FFA adviser, or the fair office. Club enrollment and project rules are not necessarily identical across programs.

How the junior livestock auction works

Market-animal exhibitors generally prepare their animals throughout the project season and present them for evaluation at the fair. Eligible animals may advance to championship competitions before being offered through the junior livestock auction or other designated sale arrangements.

Buyers may include local businesses, farmers, community organizations, and individual supporters. The exact sale order, bidding rules, buyer registration, payment procedures, and arrangements for the animal after the sale are set out in the annual livestock guide.

Families should not assume that every animal qualifies for the auction or that all sale proceeds are handled identically. Entry eligibility, animal health requirements, required paperwork, and sale conditions should be confirmed before fair week.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

The fairgrounds’ event facilities can accommodate activities beyond the four-day summer fair, making them useful for organizations serving Yuba and Sutter counties.

Potential event categories include:

• Indoor markets and exhibitions: Commercial displays, specialty shows, vendor markets, and public gatherings.
• Agricultural activities: Livestock events, educational demonstrations, and selected animal-related competitions.
• Motorsports and vehicle events: Scheduled truck competitions and similar attractions when arranged by event organizers.
• Community and private functions: Meetings, celebrations, fundraisers, and other approved rentals.
• RV stays and travel-related use: Overnight camping, subject to availability and venue rules.

A gun show, flea market, motocross event, rodeo, or holiday festival should only be included in a visitor’s plans when an actual event listing confirms it. The presence of suitable facilities does not mean a particular event is scheduled.

History of the Fairgrounds

The history of the Yuba-Sutter Fair reaches back to the early days of organized agricultural fairs in Northern California. The historical record maintained by the fair organization identifies the first state fair held in Marysville in August 1858, when Marysville was part of the rotating circuit of early California state fairs.

In the early 1930s, local organizers established a rodeo arena at the Flying I Ranch in the Arboga district. The site developed a half-mile racetrack, animal pens, and a livestock exhibition building. Annual fair and rodeo activities also used the Yuba County Memorial Auditorium through 1940.

In July 1941, organizers purchased a ten-acre tract at the present fairgrounds site for $1,020. Wartime conditions interrupted activities, but the fair returned and has been held annually since 1945, with an exception to normal operations in 1955 when severe flooding curtailed the fair.

The organization is now known as the 13th District Agricultural Association. Its nine-member fair board is appointed by the governor, and the association oversees the fair’s operation with a combination of permanent staff and additional seasonal workers.

The fair has evolved from early agricultural exhibitions into a multi-day event combining livestock competitions, creative exhibits, commercial vendors, food concessions, carnival attractions, and motorsports entertainment. Its continued agricultural focus reflects the importance of farming and youth agricultural education in the surrounding Sacramento Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Yuba County Fair in 2026–2027?

The regional fair is officially called the Yuba-Sutter Fair. The 2026 fair took place June 25–28, and the next published dates are June 24–27, 2027, at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City.

What time do the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds open?

Opening times depend on the event. During the 2026 fair, gates opened at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Check the schedule for the next fair rather than relying on those previous-year hours.

Is there camping at the fairgrounds?

Yes. The Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds offers overnight RV camping facilities. Visitors should contact the fair office to confirm reservations, availability, fees, hookup options, and special rules for fair week.

How do I enter livestock in the county fair?

Start by obtaining the current livestock competition guide and checking its entry deadlines, species requirements, health rules, and required documentation. Youth exhibitors should also confirm eligibility and project requirements with their 4-H club or FFA adviser.

Are dogs allowed at the fairgrounds?

Do not assume that household pets are permitted during public events. Animal-entry rules and service-animal policies may differ. Contact the event organizer before bringing a dog.

Where do I park at the fairgrounds?

Follow event-day signs and instructions from parking staff. Fair-week traffic and parking arrangements may differ from those used during smaller events. Confirm accessible parking arrangements in advance if needed.

Who do I contact to rent the fairgrounds?

Contact the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds office at 530-674-1280 to ask about facility rentals, available buildings, outdoor spaces, event requirements, and pricing.

How much does it cost to attend the county fair?

Admission depends on the year, age group, and special promotions. For the 2026 fair, published regular admission was $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $7 for children ages 5–11, with free admission for children four and under. Those prices should not be treated as the confirmed 2027 rates.

Is the Yuba-Sutter Fair held in Yuba County?

No. The fairgrounds are at 442 Franklin Avenue in Yuba City, which is in Sutter County. The fair serves the wider Yuba-Sutter region, including residents of Yuba County.

Can I sell products at the fair?

Commercial vendors can inquire about booth opportunities through the fair office. Applications, space availability, fees, insurance requirements, and setup procedures depend on the event and the applicable vendor rules.

Are there activities for children besides livestock exhibits?

The annual fair has included carnival rides, midway games, food concessions, family entertainment, and youth-oriented activities. The exact attractions and any age restrictions vary by year.