The California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles is one of the most anticipated events every year! Held annually towards the end of July, the Mid-State Fair brings world-famous entertainers and down-home food & games for twelve days of fun for everyone. 

Hailed as “The Biggest Little Fair Anywhere!”, the Mid-State Fair first opened in 1946 as the San Luis Obispo County Fair. Since then, it’s grown in scope and reputation and has drawn everyone from Tom Petty and Aerosmith to Cardi B. and Justin Bieber to the main stage for incredible, rousing performances. It’s a local and visitor favorite alike, so make it a must in your summer plans!

Fair Rides at the CA Mid-State Fair

The California Mid-State Fair might be best known for live music, with multiple performances on several stages every evening. The entertainment lineup is always stellar, so be sure to get tickets well in advance because they sell out quickly! The Michelob ULTRA Stage draws some of the biggest names from all pop music genres including country, hip-hop, and classic rock. For a more laid-back experience, the Frontier Stage has concerts with seating on a first-come, first-serve basis every night of the Fair. The Mission Square is another stage with free live music every night, also available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Or, join the fiesta at the La Cantina with live country, cumbia, and romantic songs played throughout the evening in Spanish and English. And, the new Island Stage is sure to bring those sultry tropical vibes with live Caribbean and reggae music all night long.

Even with so much world class entertainment, the California Mid-State Fair remains very local at its heart with a huge range of delicious food for all preferences. Fair classics are in abundance, as are local pop-up vendors offering creative dishes from local ingredients. Don’t miss the chance to taste your way through the best homemade apple pies and cast your vote for the winner. Arrive early for a hearty pancake breakfast alongside scores of local families bonding over batter and butter. And, if you dare, enter the watermelon eating contest and try to beat the pros!

Mid State Fair

Paso Robles is known for ranch culture just as much as its wine culture and the Mid-State Fair helps bring that to life. Be sure to visit the Livestock Show to experience life as a local cattle, horse, goat, or poultry rancher. And don’t miss one of the star attractions of the Fair: The Rodeo! Cheer on your favorite cowfolk as they participate in a range of rodeo events. 

There’s plenty for kids to do, too! Enter your littlest in the Diaper Dash to see who is crowned the crawling king or queen. Let those under 8 work out some energy in the Pedal Tractor Race every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Cheer on local pigs as they compete in Barnyard Racers. Horse lovers can get their fill at the Draft Horse Demo. The best part? All of these activities are completely free with entry. The Mid-State Fair is also a great place to help kids learn about their communities, with a Gardening Corner, a Fire Safety Education Corner, and more. 

The California Mid-State Fair is always a highlight of summer in Paso Robles and guarantees memories for the entire family for years to come.