Mid-State Fair announces all concerts, discounts, and ’80s theme
Fairgrounds will host 12 days of entertainment beginning July 15
– The California Mid-State Fair will return to Paso Robles from July 15-26 with a “Back to the ’80s” theme, concerts, carnival rides, exhibits, livestock events, food vendors, shopping, and daily entertainment.
Fair officials recently announced the 2026 entertainment lineup and promotions, including the fair’s monthlong “2Fer Tuesday” season pass promotion held on Tuesdays throughout May. During the promotion, guests could purchase two season passes for the price of one.
“We’ve had an incredible response to the 2Fer Tuesday promotion this year,” said Colleen Bojorquez, chief executive officer of the California Mid-State Fair. “People are excited for this year’s Fair, and we don’t want local families and Fair fans to miss out on the opportunity to experience everything the Fair has to offer for half-price admission.”
The Michelob Ultra Concert Series at the Chumash Grandstand Arena will feature concerts and events throughout the fair, including:
July 14 — Chris Stapleton with Molly Tuttle. The pre-fair concert is sold out, though listening party admission will be available at the gate for $10.
July 15 — Old Dominion with Dasha and Annie Bosko.
July 16 — Ice Cube with Warren G.
July 17 — Lainey Wilson with Colton Dawson. The concert is sold out.
July 18 — Eric Church with ERNEST.
July 19 — Performer to be announced.
July 20 — Megadeth.
July 21 — Howard Jones: “Things Can Only Get Better Tour” with Wang Chung, English Beat, Modern English, and DJ Richard Blade.
July 22 — Willie Nelson & Family with Ian Munsick.
July 23 — Treaty Oak Revival with William Clark Green.
July 24 — “An Evening of Music & Wine” featuring Three Dog Night with Ambrosia.
July 25 — Country Rodeo Finals.
July 26 — Tractor Pull.
The 805 Frontier Stage concert series, included with paid fair admission, will also feature nightly entertainment. Scheduled performers include High Voltage, Micky Dolenz, Sacha Carlson, Noel Torres, John Hollier & The Reverie, Stephen Styles, Shenandoah, Something Out West, LOCASH, Queensrÿche, Coronel Gerardo “El Jerry,” and the annual opening night pageant celebration.
According to fair officials, this year’s “Back to the ’80s” theme will include roller skating, arcade games, themed photo opportunities, throwback music, mullet and big hair contests, and other interactive activities throughout the fairgrounds.
Fair admission includes access to six entertainment stages, exhibits, demonstrations, livestock displays, agricultural exhibits, shopping areas, roving entertainment, and community competitions focused on art, agriculture, culinary arts, horticulture, and other categories. Concerts in the Chumash Grandstand Arena, carnival rides, and some special events require separate tickets.
Additional savings opportunities will include presale unlimited ride wristband vouchers sold by nonprofit groups in June, Farm Supply discount admission tickets at participating locations, and ValPak coupons mailed to San Luis Obispo County households in late June.
The fair will also introduce daily happy hour specials on food and beverages from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from noon to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Additional information, schedules, promotions, and tickets are available at www.midstatefair.com.
