California Mid-State Fair earns national country music nomination
Mid-State Fair concert crowd. Photo by Meagan Friberg.
Fair competes for Fair/Rodeo of the Year at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards
– The California Mid-State Fair has been nominated for Fair/Rodeo of the Year by the Academy of Country Music as part of the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards.
The nomination places the California Mid-State Fair alongside the Calgary Stampede, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Florida Strawberry Festival, and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
The ACM Fair/Rodeo of the Year award recognizes excellence in presenting country music, including talent booking, production quality, and overall fan experience. Nominees are selected by industry professionals across the country music community.
“This recognition really belongs to our community,” said CEO Colleen Bojorquez. “We’re fortunate to be part of a region that truly loves live music, and that shows up every summer. The California Mid-State Fair has become known for delivering great entertainment year after year, and 2026 is no exception. With artists like Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Old Dominion, and Treaty Oak Revival, along with six additional shows spanning multiple genres, this year’s lineup is one of our strongest yet.”
In addition to the Chumash Grandstand Arena, the fair features six free music stages throughout the grounds, showcasing national and regional acts.
Award winners will be announced live in May during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. Honorees will be recognized at the Academy of Country Music Honors in Nashville in August. The awards ceremony will stream live on Amazon Prime Video.
The California Mid-State Fair runs July 15 through July 26 and celebrates its 80th anniversary with the theme “Back to the ’80s.” Tickets and information are available at midstatefair.com.
