• Seniors Day: Friday, July 19, 2024 - Ages 62+ get half off Daily Admission
• Kids Day: Friday, July 26, 2024 - Kids ages 12 and under get FREE Daily Admission.
• Armed Forces Day: Saturday, July 27, 2024Free Daily Admission with a Valid Military ID.
Ends July 16, 2024
Visit a Farm Supply location to purchase discounted admission tickets! (Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, and Santa Maria)
• Adult (Ages 13-61): $11.50
• Senior (Ages 62+): $10.50
• Youth (Ages 6-12): $8.50
• Children: Ages 5 and under are FREE!
Please check your local Farm Supply for store hours and note that only credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) are accepted.
At The Gate
July 17-28, 2024
• Adult (Ages 13-61): $15.00
• Senior (Ages 62+): $12.00
• Youth (Ages 6-12): $10.00
• Children: Ages 5 and under are FREE
Local Shuttles
The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to offer patrons the opportunity to park off-site for free and then catch a free ride to the Fair! Look for the SLO Safe Ride buses operating each day of the Fair.
Shuttle locations starting Mondays-Thursdays at 4:00 pm and Fridays-Sundays starting at Noon.
• Albertsons Parking Lot @ City Bus Stop
• City Hall @ 10th/Spring
• Lowe’s Hardware @ Main Parking Lot
Carnival Ride Wristbands Pricing:
FREE CARNIVAL RIDES ON OPENING DAY!
Pre-Sale pricing now through July 16, 2024:
The California Mid-State Fair is once again teaming up with Helm & Sons Amusements to offer FREE carnival rides on Opening Day, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The fairgrounds main gate and carnival open at 4:00 pm and will be open until fair closing at midnight. No ride wristband needed.
The promotion does not include Fair admission. It does not include games, as those will be “pay-asyou-play” as usual and cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount.
• Unlimited Ride Wristband: $35
• Unlimited Ride Wristband w/Wow Express: $55
Regular pricing starting July 17-28, 2024:
• Unlimited Ride Wristband: $35
• Unlimited Ride Wristband w/Wow Express: $55
To purchase carnival wristbands online visit midstatefair.com.
12 Days of Fun: Highlights of This Year’s Events
Wednesday, July 17: Opening Day
Thursday, July 18: Cattlemen & Farmers Day
Friday, July 19: Seniors Day
Saturday, July 20 Official Map
Sunday, July 21
Monday, July 22
Tuesday, July 23
Wednesday, July 24
Thursday, July 25
Friday, July 26: Kids Day
Photos by Brittany App
OWelcome Messages
n behalf of the California Mid-State Fair Board of Directors, it is my honor as President of the 16th District Agricultural Association to welcome everyone to the 78th Annual California Mid-State Fair.
We are inviting everyone to join us in “Wide Open Spaces” and enjoy 12 fun-filled days of the Fair. As always, there is something for everyone. This includes the Opening Day Pageant to see who will be crowned the next California Mid-State Fair Queen, all the exhibits, cruise the midway to find the fair food you have been craving all year, enjoy world-class entertainment on the Grandstand, free Frontier Stage, and our fabulous carnival. We are excited to announce this year our final day will be the return of the Monster Trucks!
We are especially excited to celebrate the 4-H and FFA Exhibitors. Visit the north end of the fairgrounds for the livestock and horse shows,
Colleen Bojorquez, CEO
Robert Boneso, President
and Industrial Art projects. Our local kids have put in so much hard work!
We could not put on “The Biggest Little Fair Anywhere” without the overwhelming support of the community, volunteers, and sponsors. The Mid-State Fair Board of Directors and Staff would like to thank each and everyone involved who make the Mid-State Fair the place to be with our friends and community.
With summer here, this of course means only one thing … the 2024 California Mid-State Fair will soon swing open the gates for our annual 12-day event. We welcome you as we celebrate this year’s theme “Wide Open Spaces.”
Whether you are here to enjoy shopping, stellar entertainment, eat wonderful food, watch livestock or equestrian shows, experience the various exhibits, the thrill of the carnival, or simply wander the beautiful grounds, our staff, Board of Directors, and numerous volunteers have worked diligently to bring you the best of our community. It is with heartfelt thanks for the dedication of all who have enabled us to be the great success that we are in the industry. We hope you have an incredible time at the “Biggest Little Fair … Anywhere!”
Scavenger Hunt
Follow the clues to find the stamp in each location. Get all the boxes stamped by the last location for a chance to win a prize!
We are going out of this world by heading over to the place where local vendors have their hand-crafted and locally sourced products on display and available for purchase at our Mission Market Place.
Hint: Estrella Building
The next step in this rodeo is wandering over to a brand new interactive farm exhibit! Make sure you find your stamp before you mosey on our next adventure.
Hint: Stockyard
At our next stop you can stop and smell all sorts of different flowers, but don’t get too close to the cacti. Here you will find floral entries from both local adults and children.
Hint: Flower Building
Up next, we have the building where the adult entries are held from photography, paintings, and vegetables to name a few. You can sometimes find Home & Visual Arts demonstrations here.
Hint: Ponderosa Pavilion
The next place on your journey is where you can see entries from the youth in our community. Arts, crafts, food, and so much more!
Hint: Frontier Pavilion
Sadly, our journey is coming to an end. This is where you will find all the answers to your questions and many other resources all about our fair.
Hint: Information Booth
Days of Fun 12
Highlights of this year’s events
OPENING DAY
Kick off the Fair this year by joining in on the fun of attending opening day ceremony on Wednesday, July 17 at 3:45 p.m. The Main Gate and carnival open at 4 p.m. Also, at 6 p.m. the Miss California Mid-State Fair Pageant on the Frontier Stage, and at 7:30 p.m., country superstar Miranda Lambert on the Chumash Grandstand Area.
NEW AttRACTIONS
The Fair is excited to welcome new attractions to the grounds this July! The brand new “Magic Fun!” show is a captivating and enchanting event designed to spark the imaginations of children and leave them in awe. Megan the Bubbleologist combines the wonder of science with the artistry of performance to create stunning displays of bubbles in all shapes and sizes. Finally, the new competition, “Farmer’s Olympics,” takes place on Tuesday, July 23 at 4:30 p.m. in the Hearst Equestrian Center, putting your team’s skills to the test! The timed events include stick horse races, tug ‘o war, milk bottle hay hurdle relay, wooden spoon egg race, and more!
DISCOUNT DAYS
On Seniors Day, Friday, July 19, visitors ages 62 and older get half-off daily admission! On Kids Day, Friday, July 26, visitors ages 12 and under are admitted to the Fair for free! On Armed Forces Day, Saturday, July 27, visitors with a valid Military ID (active or retired) are admitted to the Fair for free!
CARNIVAL RIDES
The California Mid-State Fair is offering FREE carnival rides to all patrons on Wednesday, July 17, from 4 p.m. until Midnight. Just pay Fair admission, and that’s it! Helm & Sons Amusements will also be offering their “Fast Pass” on-site for $30. The carnival opens at noon on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and at 4 p.m. on all other days.
WATERMELON EATING CONTESTS
Join us on the Headliner Stage at 6 p.m. to watch the exciting Watermelon Eating Contests, presented by Grocery Outlet. Contestants line up with slices of watermelon in front of them, ready to devour as quickly as possible! The rules are simple: eat as much watermelon as you can within the set time limit, without using your hands. Open to all ages, with adult supervision. Please note, there are no contests on July 20, July 22 or July 25.
NEW FOOD
PHILLY EXPREss AND DEEP-FRIED CHEESE CURDS
• Buffalo Chicken Philly Sandwich –Chicken, bell peppers onion, provolone cheese in a special buffalo sauce
• Garlic Philly Sandwich – Steak or chicken, bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese in a garlic parmesan sauce
• Bacon Chicken Cheddar Philly Sandwich – Chicken, bacon, and onion with a ranch dressing sauce with melted cheddar cheese.
• Fire Philly Sandwich – Steak or chicken, jalapeno, bell peppers, onion, and pepper jack cheese with a mango habanero sauce.
• Philly Fries – Sauteed steak/chicken, bell peppers and onions and provolone cheese on a bed of fries.
• Pickle Pops – Mini dill pickle wrapped in Monterey jack cheese and bacon then dipped in batter covered in panko and
AARON’S CHICKEN SHACK
• Chicken & waffles – Chicken tender with 3 large full-size waffles served with a side of syrup
• Chicken sandwich served with our homemade sauce and pickles
• Chicken strips and fries
• Buffalo chicken wrap
ORIGINAL BRATWURST
• Dragon Ball Cheese – Succulent meatball and mozzarella on a stick, dipped in batter and coated in panko for an extra crunch and served with the spicy house Dragon Sauce.
• Loaded Dragon Bombs – Deep-fried jalapeno poppers topped with cheese, bacon bits, jalapenos and the spicy house Dragon sauce.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Since 1969, the demand for live entertainment has grown at the California Mid-State Fair, and this year truly has something for everyone. So be sure to get your tickets fast at midstatefair.com.
THE MICHELOB ULTRA CONCERT SERIES LINEUP IN THE CHUMASH GRANDSTAND ARENA INCLUDES:
July 17: Miranda Lambert
July 18: Nate Bargartze
July 19: Sublime with Rome
July 20: Brad Paisley
July 21: Zac Brown Band
July 22: Carin León
July 23: Jelly Roll
July 24: Nickelback
July 25: TLC & Shaggy
July 26: Music & Wine with Cheap Trick
July 27: Country Rodeo Finals
July 28: Monster Truck Madness
All shows are free with paid admission to the Fair and start at 8 p.m. The concert series is presented by Five Cities Water Systems.
July 17: Miss CMSF Scholarship Pageant (6 p.m.)
July 18: Legends in Concert Tribute to Elton John
July 19: High Voltage (AC/DC Tribute Band)
July 20: Umphrey’s McGee
July 21: Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles
July 22: Shaylen
July 23: The Mavericks
July 24: Slaughter
July 25: Runaway June
July 26: Landon Parker
July 27: Long Beach Dub Allstars
July 28: Voz de Mando
FREE LOCAL LIVE MUSIC
Head over to the Mission Square Stage, Island Stage, and La Cantina to enjoy live music by local artists each day of the Fair.
CAttLEMEN & FARMERS DAY
One of the most special days of the annual Fair, Cattlemen & Farmers Day, pays tribute to our local cattlemen, cattlewomen, and agriculturalists. Join in on the fun Thursday, July 18, celebrating the accomplishments of the Industrial Arts program. Enjoy a fabulous BBQ steak dinner with a glass of wine or beer, and find out who wins the coveted Cattleman of the Year, Cattlewoman of the Year, and Agriculturalist of the Year!
FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Annual Pancake Breakfast in Paso Robles Downtown City Park is on Thursday, July 25, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Breakfast includes sausage, pancakes, scrambled eggs, orange juice, and coffee. Best part … it’s free!
CMSF DAILY SCHEDULE
The official CMSF Daily Schedule will be mailed to every home in the North County and available in print and online prior to the start of the Fair. Visit midstatefair.com for more details.
Wednesday July 17
Opening Day
Poultry and Turkey Show & Poultry Knowledge Bowl Edna Valley Barn followed by Poultry Costume Contest
4-H & FFA Horse Show/Novice Walk Jog Hearst Equestrian Center
Dairy Goat Showmanship (FFA followed by 4-H)
Paso Robles Pavilion
followed by Dairy Goat Show, followed by Pygmy Goat Showmanship, followed by Pygmy Goat Show, followed by Pygmy Goat Costume Contest Paso Robles Pavilion
Opening Ceremony Main Gate
Carnival OPEN Fairgrounds
8:00 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 3:45 PM 4:00 PM
Exhibits OPEN Fairgrounds
Food, Drink & Shopping OPEN Fairgrounds
Pacific Animal Productions Exhibit OPEN Davies Park
Kids Day on the Farm OPEN Stockyard Career Fair Stockyard
Ras Danny and the All Star Band Island Stage
Shawn Eric - Magic Fun! Davies Park
SLO County Farm Bureau Exhibit Farm Alley
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
The Krush 92.5: Cork Dorks Live!
Mission Square Stage
Egg Judging with Larry Stallings
Ponderosa Pavilion
Fun on Drums Demo with Sam Rabourn
Flower Building
Barnyard Races
South Gate
Pacific Animal Productions Show!
Headliner Stage
Shawn Eric - Magic Fun!
Midway South
Miss CMSF Pageant
Frontier Stage
Barnyard Races
South Gate
Watermelon Eating Contest presented by Grocery Outlet
Headliner Stage
Joel Y Su Halcon Dorado
La Cantina
Draft Horse Demo w/ Harris Stage Lines
Horse Stalls
Meet the Maker
Mission Market Place
The Moonstone Band
Mission Square Stage
Quad
Shawn Eric - Magic Fun!
Miranda Lambert with Ben Haggard
Chumash Grandstand Arena
Fiesta de Baile
La Cantina
98.1 KJUG Barn Dance
Headliner Stage
Miss CMSF Pageant
Thursday July 18
Cattlemen & Farmers Day
Jan F. Davis Memorial Cow Dog Trials
Hearst Equestrian Center
Commercial Cattle Pen Judging FFA Beef Barn
Industrial Arts Auction Preview
Edna Valley Barn
Industrial Arts Awards & Auction
Edna Valley Barn
Ranch Horse Class Hearst Equestrian Center
Carnival OPEN Fairgrounds
Exhibits OPEN Fairgrounds
Food, Drink & Shopping OPEN Fairgrounds
Pacific Animal Productions Exhibit OPEN Davies Park
Kids Day on the Farm OPEN Stockyard
Career Fair Stockyard
The Krush 92.5: Cork Dorks Live! Mission Square Stage
C&F Day Social Hour Paso Robles Pavilion
Ras Danny and the All Star Band Island Stage
SLO County Farm Bureau Exhibit Farm Alley
Shawn Eric - Magic Fun! Davies Park
ABC Crochet Club Demo Ponderosa Pavilion
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM 5:30 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
Master Gardeners Demo
Flower Building
Paso Robles Pioneer Museum Demo
Farm Alley
Barnyard Races
South Gate
Pacific Animal Productions Show!
Headliner Stage
C&F Day BBQ Steak Dinner
Paso Robles Pavilion
Shawn Eric - Magic Fun!
Midway South
C&F Day Awards Presentation
Paso Robles Pavilion
Barnyard Races
South Gate
Watermelon Eating Contest presented by Grocery Outlet
Headliner Stage
Draft Horse Demo w/ Harris Stage Lines
Horse Stalls
Joel Y Su Halcon Dorado
La Cantina
Meet the Maker
Mission Market Place
Monte Mills & the Lucky Horseshoe Band
Mission Square Stage
Shawn Eric - Magic Fun!
Quad
7:30 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM
8:00 PM
Nate Bargatze
Chumash Grandstand Arena
Legends in Concert Tribute to Elton John
Frontier Stage
Fiesta de Baile
La Cantina
98.1 KJUG Barn Dance
Headliner Stage
Legends in Concert Tribute to Elton John
Friday July 19
Seniors Day presented by CCPN
Rabbit Show
Edna Valley Barn
followed by Rabbit Costume Contest Edna Valley Barn
Carnival OPEN Fairgrounds
Exhibits OPEN Fairgrounds
Food, Drink & Shopping OPEN Fairgrounds
Non-Profit Expo OPEN Mulbeary Park
Pacific Animal Productions Exhibit OPEN Davies Park
Kids Day on the Farm OPEN Stockyard Career Fair Stockyard
