Summer fair season is officially here, and if you’ve never experienced the Ventura County Fair, you’re missing out on one of Southern California’s finest summer traditions. Sitting right on the coastline at Seaside Park, it’s one of the few places where you can ride a Ferris wheel with direct views of Pacific Ocean waves.
The carnival setup at the Ventura County Fair hits different because of its location. You get all the classic thrills—giant swings, roller coasters, and neon-lit carnival games—backed by a cool ocean breeze. Grab a ride on the Giant Wheel right at sunset for the absolute best view on the coast.
🎤 A free concert lineup with major names
The biggest draw this year might be the entertainment. The Chumash Casino Resort Concert Series takes over the Toyota Grandstand Stage with a stacked lineup, and here’s the best part: concerts are free with fair admission, no extra ticket required. This year’s schedule includes:
- 🎸 Bush — Wednesday, July 29 (Opening Day)
- 🎧 Marshmello — Thursday, July 30
- 🌴 Iration — Friday, July 31
- 🤠 Jake Owen — Saturday, August 1
- 🎺 Herencia de Patrones ft. Banda Maguey and Banda Toro — Sunday, August 2
- 🎤 Ashanti ft. Bow Wow — Monday, August 3
- 🎸 Switchfoot ft. Hoobastank — Tuesday, August 4
- 🎶 Nate Smith — Wednesday, August 5
For fans who want an elevated experience, VIP upgrades are also available on top of the standard free access.
🐎 Rodeo, fair food, and more
Fair food is non-negotiable, and Ventura delivers. You’ll find standard favorites but also new additions such as jalapeño cheddar sausages, sliced pickles in different flavors, or tiramisu cinnamon rolls. You can take a stroll through the livestock barns to visit goats, and sheep, or catch the pig races. Over in the exhibit halls, you can browse artwork, local photography, giant prize-winning vegetables, and floriculture displays that showcase the region’s rich agricultural roots.
Moreover, the Flying U Rodeo returns for five shows across the fair’s final weekend, running August 7 through 9. The fair also hosts its annual Blessing of the Marriages ceremony on August 4, along with the usual mix of carnival rides, food vendors, and livestock exhibits that make up a classic county fair experience.
🎡 When and where
- 📅 Dates: July 29 – August 9, 2026
- 📍 Location: 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001
- 🎵 Concerts: Free with fair admission
- 🐎 Rodeo: Separate ticket required, August 7–9
- 🎟️ Tickets: Available at Ventura County Fair’s official website!
Parking directly at the fairgrounds fills up fast. Your best bet is taking advantage of the shuttle lots stationed around Ventura. Alternatively, ride the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which drops off right in front of the fairground gates.
