Guide to the Ventura County Fair 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Ferris wheel views with the Pacific Ocean in the background. Cinnamon rolls and barbecue drifting through the sea breeze. Live music, livestock barns, carnival lights, and that first bite of something gloriously fried. The Ventura County Fair is back at Seaside Park July 29–August 9, 2026, with even more fun packed into 12 days by the beach.

Before you head through the gates, here’s what to know about tickets, concerts, rides, food, parking and one important new rule: bring the right bag.

What’s New at the Ventura County Fair in 2026?

Each year, the fair seems to get better. And 2026 is no exception. This year, the Ventura County Fair is welcoming an all-new carnival operation, bringing modern rides, new games, new food, and a refreshed midway. Even better, all-day unlimited-ride wristbands are available every fair day, which is a first! 

The fair is also previewing a free VIP Row pop-up near the Grandstand, a reimagined West Main Street with equestrian shows and new experiences, free concert pre-parties, Surf Rodeo’s not-so-secret speakeasy, and a local Beer & Wine Fest. Check the official schedule closer to your visit for final times and locations.

The Easiest Ways to Get to the Fair

Skip the traffic and utilize the super convenient and easy expanded shuttle system. Shuttles begin one hour before opening and run until 11:30 p.m. You can park for free and hop on the shuttles running from the Pacific View Mall, Ventura High School, De Anza Middle School, the Ventura Government Center, Ventura Community Park, and the Oxnard PAL Teen Center. San Buenaventura State Beach also has a shuttle service, with a $10 parking fee.

Or skip the car entirely and ride the rails! The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner station is right in front of the fairgrounds, making it an easy way to have some family-friendly fun without the hassle of a car. The Pacific Surfliner is offering fairgoers 20% off train travel with code V510. Easy-breezy fair travel? Check.

Free Concerts and the Flying U Rodeo

Fair admission includes general admission to the Grandstand concerts; optional VIP upgrades are separate. The lineup includes Bush on July 29, Marshmello on July 30, Iration on July 31, Jake Owen on August 1, Herencia de Patrones with Banda Maguey and Banda Toro on August 2, Ashanti featuring Bow Wow on August 3, Switchfoot featuring Hoobastank on August 4, and Nate Smith on August 5.

The widely popular Flying U Rodeo closes out the fair August 7–9 with five performances. Rodeo tickets are separate from fair admission, and popular shows can sell out, so make sure you book ahead.

Flying U Rodeo

The Ventura County Fair welcomes back the Flying U Rodeo August 7, 8, & 9 with 5 shows.

Friday, Aug. 7 – 7pm

Saturday, Aug. 8 – 2pm, 7pm

Sunday, Aug. 9 – 2pm, 7pm

Adults (13+): $11.45

Children (3-12): $9.29

Lap children do not require a ticket.

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

Come Hungry—and Leave Time for the Exhibits

Come hungry and try all of the new 2026 bites: beef birria ramen, pastrami fries, buffalo chicken grilled cheese, sushi pops, boba, matcha lattes, tanghulu, and yes, maple-bourbon pickles. 

But don’t forget about all of the awesome exhibits to spend your time wandering through, too. Say hello to the cows, pigs, horses, and goats at Uncle Leo’s Barn, take a peek into the photography exhibit, the student art showcase, the agriculture and floriculture building, and so much more — a reminder that Ventura County is as creative and agricultural as it is coastal.

With ocean views, free concerts, local traditions, and fresh 2026 surprises, the hardest part is deciding where to begin. Find your fun — and maybe start with the birria ramen.

Things to Do

Family Fun

Ventura Shopping

Arts, Culture & History

Pet Friendly

Parking

Outdoors

Beaches & Surfing

Biking & Hiking Trails

Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W. Harbor Bl., Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 648-3376

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Train Station at Seaside Park 39 East Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001

Ventura Pier Beachfront Promenade, Ventura, CA 93001

805-652-4550

Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau 101 S. California St., Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 648-2075

Ventura Botanical Gardens 567 South Poli Street, ventura, CA 93001

(805) 232-3113

Ventura Harbor 1583 Spinnaker Drive , Ventura, CA 93003

Ventura Partners With