The 80th annual Mid-State Fair has begun. See what’s new, ticket prices and more
The time has come for ten days of fair food, carnival rides, rodeo and big-named concerts as the Mid-State Fair returns for its 80th anniversary.
From Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 25, the Paso Robles Event Center at 2198 Riverside Ave. will be hustling and bustling as hundreds of thousands of people visit the iconic annual fair.
Operating from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, and noon to midnight Friday through Sunday, there’s plenty of time to check out the scene.
Here’s a guide to make sure that you, your family and friends get to hit all the events that the Mid-State Fair has to offer on your list this year.
How do I buy entry tickets? How much are they?
Mid-State Fair day passes can be purchased on its website, costing $14.45 for adults, $12.40 for seniors and $10.35 for youth. At the door, adults’ tickets cost $15, seniors’ $12 and youth $10. Admission for children under the age of 5 is free.
Those looking to spend multiple days at the Fair can still purchase season passes online as well, which cost $80 for adults and $40 for children ages 6-12.
For $55, attendees can also add on carnival wristbands to their day passes, which grant unlimited access to the numerous amusement park rides throughout the grounds.
What’s the concert line up?
Performing at the Chumash Grandstand Arena this year are 11 top country, metal and classic acts including a pre-Fair performance by Chris Stapleton on July 14, followed by Old Dominion on July 15 and Ice Cube on July 16.
The lineup also includes:
- Lainey Wilson — July 17
- Eric Church — July 18
- Phil Wickham — July 19
- MEGADEATH — July 20
- Howard Jones — July 21
- Willie Nelson & Family — July 22
- Treaty Oak Revival — July 23
- An Evening of Music and Wine with Three Dog Night — July 24
Other events at the Chumash Grandstand Arena include the 805 Country Rodeo Finals on July 25 and Tractor pull on July 26.
Most tickets range from $50-$200 and are still available on the Mid-State Fair’s website through Ticketmaster.
Chumash Grandstand Arena isn’t the only spot to enjoy some tunes though, as the fair grounds also include five other stages to host free concerts throughout the Fair’s ten days.
Any other notable events?
In honor of the Mid-State Fair’s 80th anniversary, Mid-State Fair Marketing Manager Shonna Howenstine told The Tribune there will be 1980s-themed events around the grounds like displays, food themes, 80s dress up days and even a mullet competition on July 21 at the Headliner Stage.
Howenstine said other new attractions include a roller rink, arcade games in two new locations, a newly designated quiet space called “kindness corner” and highland cows and ponies at the Kids Day on the Farm area.
New food and beverages include an all new “Happy Hour at the Fair” promotion with $5 food and beverage deals daily, Old West Cinnamon Rolls’ new “Tiramisu” cinnamon roll, Philly Express’s new loaded Philly bowl, as well as new menus from The Sleek Greek, OMG Ice Cream and A Taste of Paradise Hawaiian Shaved Ice.
For more information about Mid-State Fair attractions visit midstatefair.com/fair/attractions.php.
What will the weather be like?
For the beginning of the Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles will be facing an extreme heat warning, with temperatures up in the high 90s to low 100s through Sunday, with temperatures between 101 and 106 degrees the following week.
According to the Fair’s website, carnival rides are subject to close in extreme heat to prevent injury.
In cases of extreme temperature, the National Weather Service advised to drink plenty of fluids and take extra precautions when outside by wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
If symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke appear, move to a cool and shaded location and seek medical attention if necessary.
