Guide to the Ventura County Fair 2025: Here’s What You Need to Know

There’s something magical as you gaze out and see the colorful ferris wheel standing proud along our sun-soaked coastline. It’s that feeling of “It’s finally summer.” It’s the smells of sugar and binge-worthy foods you can only get your hands on once a year, the line that goes out the door for the mini donuts that remind you of childhood. It’s the sounds of bells ringing and the subsequent cheers of little kids as they win a teddy bear bigger than them, and the sights of neon lights and shadows on the pavement as the nearby ride swings above you in the air to the delight of riders.

The Ventura County Fair 2025 is back and better than ever. With a few new additions to surprise you along with the traditions that you’ve come to know and love, this is your guide to the Ventura County Fair 2025 and what you need to know!

What’s New at the Ventura County Fair 2025?

Bigger and Better Beer Garden

Expanding on last year’s setup is 20 local beers on tap, ready to sample and taste. And mark your calendars for the new event called BeerFest on August 10 in the gardens area. You can look forward to free samples of beer, plus wine. Live music will be playing all day!

Surf Rodeo’s Golden Pony Speakeasy

Shhh! It’s the fair’s best hidden secret but not for too long! Created by the organizers of Surf Rodeo, The Golden Pony Speakeasy is your new favorite spot to grab a drink, listen to live music, and hang out with friends. Located near the garden area and craft beer selection, before heading to the speakeasy, make sure you find the Surf Rodeo booth near the food court to get the password (it changes every single day) and your wristband. This is THE spot to get a delicious drink and hang out!

How to Get to the Ventura County Fair 2025

First things first: getting there. Ventura is just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles and 30 minutes south of our neighbors in Santa Barbara. Ventura is centrally located, making getting to the Ventura County Fair a (sea) breeze. 

By Car

If you’re driving, take the US-101 and exit at Seaward Avenue or California Street. Take a left towards the ocean and take Harbor Boulevard down to the fairgrounds. Parking at the Ventura County Fairgrounds is extremely limited — they recommend parking offsite and taking one of the shuttles to the fairgrounds. 

By Shuttle

This year, the Ventura County Fair is expanding the shuttle locations. Park for free at these stops and hop on a free shuttle right to the Ventura County Fair. 

• Pacific View Mall — 3301 E Main Street, adjacent to Target and 24 Hour Fitness.
• Ventura High School — 2 N Catalina St, Ventura, CA 93001
• De Anza Middle School — 2060 Cameron St, Ventura, CA 93001
• Government Center — 800 S Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009
• Ventura Community Park — 901 S Kimball Rd, Ventura, CA 93004
• Oxnard PAL Teen Center — 350 S K Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
• **San Buenaventura State Beach — 901 San Pedro Street

**Parking is $10 at San Buenaventura State Beach, then hop on the free shuttle to the Ventura County Fair. Fair tickets are also available for purchase at this location**

By Train

Skip the traffic and take the train to the fair! Use the code V510 when booking your ticket on the Pacific Surfliner through the end of the Fair. The train will drop you off right at the Ventura Fairgrounds, making it easy to hop off and walk to the fun!

What are the Hours and Price of the Ventura County Fair 2025?

The Ventura County Fair 2025 runs from July 30, 2025, until August 10, 2025. It opens daily from 12 pm noon until 11 pm, except on August 5, 2025, when it opens early at 11 am.

Tickets for the Ventura County Fair are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors (65+) and children (ages 6-12). Take advantage of the special promotional days:

• July 30: $5 before 5 pm
• August 1: Youth Day, kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult admission
• August 5: Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Day, seniors are free all day and persons with disabilities (and one caregiver) are free all day
• August 6: VCCU Member Day, Ventura County Credit Union members receive $4 off admission until 5pm. Must provide proof of membership
• August 7: Community Heroes Day, Military, police, fire, and EMS personnel are admitted free all day. ID required
• August 8: Food Share Day, fairgoers who bring 5 non-perishable items to donate receive a same-day BOGO offer on admission

Carnival wristbands are $45, available for purchase on-site only and can be used until 8 pm on the day purchased. The carnival wristband days are:

• July 31
• August 4
• August 5

Buy tickets

2025 Ventura County Fair Music & Entertainment Lineup

Flying U Rodeo

The Ventura County Fair welcomes back the Flying U Rodeo Company August 8th, 9th, and 10th Get tickets here.

Rodeo schedule:

Friday, August 8 – 7pm

Saturday, August 9 – 2pm

Saturday, August 9 – 7pm

Sunday, August 10 – 2pm

Sunday, August 10 – 7pm

Adults $10

Children (all ages) $8

Please note: Rodeo tickets does NOT include Fair admission. Fair admission ticket is required.

Last Minute Tips and Can’t Misses for the Ventura County Fair 2025

It feels like we wait all year for the fair to come to town, and we don’t want you to miss out on all the fun things happening. Here are a few more tips and must-see/do things to do at the Ventura County Fair 2025!

• Visit Uncle Leo’s Barn: a Ventura County Fair staple for over 50 years, Uncle Leo’s Barn gives kids and adults alike the chance to see those cute baby barnyard animals! The piglets this year are adorable and were just born on Saturday, July 26!
• Try all the delicious fair food: we’re talking chocolate covered strawberries, funnel cake, deep fried pickles, and of course, the mini donuts. It’s only here once a year so don’t miss out!
• Bike to the Fair: the Ventura County Fair offers a free bike valet. Skip the traffic and choose a sustainable mode of transportation to the fair.
• Visit during the weekdays: weekends can and will get crowded. The best time to go to the fair is during the weekdays!
• Check out all the cool art exhibits: local youth and artists submit their work every single year to the fair for your enjoyment!

Ventura Partners With