Shasta County California Fair Schedule

Introduction

The Shasta County fair tradition is centered on the Shasta District Fair, held at the Shasta District Fair & Event Center in Anderson, in the southern part of Shasta County. Anderson serves as the fair’s host community, while nearby Redding provides the county’s largest population center and a major source of visitors, exhibitors, businesses, families, and agricultural participants. The fair is therefore positioned between the agricultural communities of southern Shasta County and the larger commercial and residential population of the Redding area.

Shasta County’s agricultural character is strongly influenced by its Northern California interior setting. Cattle, hay, pasture, livestock, timber-related rural activity, orchards, specialty agriculture, and small-scale farming all contribute to the county’s rural identity. The fair reflects that character through livestock shows, junior agricultural projects, horticulture, home arts, youth competitions, agricultural exhibits, equestrian activities, and the Junior Livestock Auction.

The 2026 Shasta District Fair was scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 through Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Shasta District Fair & Event Center in Anderson. The 2026 theme was “Celebrating California – 175 Years,” and the event continued the fair’s established five-day Wednesday-through-Sunday structure.

For 2027, the Shasta District Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16 through Sunday, June 20, 2027. Because the 2027 event is still in the planning cycle as of the time of this article, visitors should not assume that every 2026 admission price, entertainment act, competition deadline, or daily activity will automatically carry over into 2027.

Shasta County Fair Schedule 2026

The 2026 Shasta District Fair took place from June 17 through June 21, 2026, at the Shasta District Fair & Event Center in Anderson. The five-day event followed the fair’s traditional Wednesday-through-Sunday structure.

The 2026 daily operating schedule was noon to 11 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Exhibition-building hours generally ended earlier than the overall fairgrounds, so visitors specifically interested in competitive exhibits needed to plan around the separate building closing times.

Wednesday was $5 Day and Kids Day, with visitors age 13 and older admitted for $5 and children age 12 and younger admitted free. Thursday was Senior Day, with visitors age 62 and older receiving free admission, although parking was not included. Saturday was Veterans Day, providing free admission to veterans with military identification, while Sunday was Sunday Funday, with first responders admitted free with identification and free parking for everyone.

The 2026 schedule also included a separate Friday-night Bulls & Broncs event. Admission to that grandstand attraction was separate from ordinary fair admission, making it important for visitors to distinguish between entering the fairgrounds and attending a separately ticketed headline event.

Shasta County Fair Schedule 2027

The 2027 Shasta District Fair is scheduled for June 16–20, 2027, again covering Wednesday through Sunday.

The 2027 dates place the fair almost exactly one year after the 2026 event, maintaining the long-established June timing of the Shasta District Fair. This makes mid-June the key period for Shasta County families, livestock exhibitors, vendors, agricultural organizations, and visitors from the Redding-Anderson area to watch when planning the 2027 fair season.

The complete 2027 daily schedule, including opening and closing hours, Kids Day, Senior Day, Veterans Day, special entertainment, livestock judging, Junior Livestock Auction arrangements, carnival schedules, and grandstand attractions should be treated as separate 2027 information rather than automatically copied from 2026.

The same caution applies to admission prices. The 2026 fair had specific adult, senior, junior, military, promotional, parking, and carnival-wristband prices, but those amounts should not be presented as confirmed 2027 prices until the 2027 ticket information is released.

Fair Overview and Fast Facts

The Shasta District Fair & Event Center is located at 1890 Briggs Street, Anderson, California 96007. The facility serves as the permanent home of the Shasta District Fair and also operates as a year-round event venue.

The 2026 fair was a five-day agricultural and community event featuring livestock exhibits, agricultural competitions, arts and crafts, a carnival, live entertainment, food concessions, commercial vendors, youth programs, and the Junior Livestock Auction.

The 2026 regular gate admission was $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and military visitors, and $8 for juniors. Presale tickets were available at lower prices, and a book of five admission tickets provided another way for families to reduce the per-person admission cost. Carnival wristbands were sold separately.

Parking during the 2026 fair was $7 on days when regular parking charges applied. Sunday offered free parking under the published Sunday Funday arrangement.

The fairgrounds are particularly accessible to residents of Anderson and Redding because the property sits within the Interstate 5 corridor of southern Shasta County. Visitors coming from communities farther north or east can also reach Anderson through the county’s major highway network.

History and Origins

The Shasta District Fair belongs to the agricultural fair tradition that developed throughout Northern California as rural communities created public exhibitions for livestock, crops, home production, mechanical skills, youth projects, and local businesses.

The fair’s Anderson location is significant because Anderson developed in a portion of Shasta County where agriculture, ranching, transportation, and river-valley settlement have played important roles. The fairgrounds consequently provide a natural gathering point for the rural communities surrounding Anderson and the much larger population concentrated around Redding.

The event has developed beyond a purely agricultural exhibition. Modern fair programming combines livestock and horticulture with youth education, arts and crafts, carnival attractions, music, specialty entertainment, food concessions, vendors, and grandstand events.

That evolution reflects Shasta County itself. While agriculture remains important, the county’s economy also includes forestry, construction, services, retail, tourism, public-sector employment, and businesses serving the Redding metropolitan area. The fair provides a place where these different parts of the county can meet around a distinctly agricultural community event.

Planning a California fair-season itinerary can be easier when visitors compare the Santa Cruz County California Fair Schedule with the Shasta County California Fair Schedule. Santa Cruz County’s fair brings the agricultural traditions of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley into focus, while Shasta County’s fair reflects the ranching, livestock, youth agriculture, and rural traditions of the Redding-Anderson area. Reviewing both schedules gives families, exhibitors, and fair enthusiasts an opportunity to plan visits around different dates, agricultural competitions, livestock programs, carnival attractions, entertainment, and community events across Northern and Central California.

Agricultural Competitions and Livestock Shows

Livestock is one of the most visible components of the Shasta District Fair. The fair’s competitive program includes junior and senior livestock departments and provides opportunities for young agricultural exhibitors to present animals they have raised, cared for, trained, and prepared for competition.

The agricultural environment around Shasta County makes cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, rabbits, horses, and other small-animal projects relevant to the fair’s livestock program. The exact classes and divisions can change from year to year, so exhibitors should always work from the applicable annual exhibitor guide.

Agricultural and horticultural competitions extend beyond animals. The fair provides opportunities for residents to display produce, flowers, plants, garden products, and other agricultural work. This is particularly appropriate for Shasta County’s mixture of ranches, rural properties, home gardens, small farms, and agricultural businesses.

Judging provides exhibitors with an opportunity to have their work evaluated against established departmental standards. For livestock exhibitors, preparation can involve animal condition, grooming, handling, presentation, and showmanship. For horticultural and agricultural entries, quality, appearance, condition, uniformity, and compliance with the particular class requirements can affect judging.

Fair Schedule Structure

The Shasta District Fair’s Wednesday-through-Sunday format creates a clear progression through the event.

Wednesday generally serves as the opening and family-oriented start to fair week. The 2026 fair used Wednesday as $5 Day and Kids Day, making it one of the most accessible days for families with children.

Thursday emphasized senior participation while continuing the carnival, exhibits, livestock, food, entertainment, and community programming.

Friday transitioned into the main weekend period and featured major evening entertainment. The 2026 Bulls & Broncs program provided a separately ticketed grandstand attraction on Friday night.

Saturday was particularly important for agricultural families because the Junior Livestock Auction and Sale of Champions were scheduled that day. The carnival and entertainment program also continued late into the night.

Sunday brought the fair toward its conclusion with a shorter operating period, family activities, entertainment, exhibits, and the Sunday Funday admission and parking arrangements.

Entertainment, Rides, and Midway

The Shasta District Fair combines agricultural programming with a substantial carnival midway. Families attending from Anderson, Redding, Cottonwood, Red Bluff, Shingletown, Palo Cedro, and other Shasta County communities can find rides and attractions operating alongside the livestock barns and exhibit areas.

The carnival includes rides intended for younger children as well as larger attractions for older children and adults. Carnival wristbands provide an alternative to paying individually for rides and can be useful for families planning to spend substantial time on the midway.

Live entertainment is distributed across the fairgrounds rather than being limited to a single grandstand. The 2026 program included music stages, specialty performers, comedy and interactive attractions, and evening entertainment.

Food is another major component of the experience. Fair visitors can expect a mixture of traditional carnival food, drinks, desserts, barbecue-style offerings, and commercial concessions. The agricultural setting also creates opportunities for food and agricultural exhibitors to connect local production with the public.

Open Class and Amateur Competitions

The Shasta District Fair provides participation opportunities for residents who are not involved in livestock. Home arts, vocational arts, feature booths, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, photography, crafts, and other still exhibits form an important part of the competitive program.

The 2026 entry guide divided competitions into specific departments and classes. Junior and senior participants had separate opportunities in many areas, allowing children and adults to compete at appropriate levels.

Still exhibits must be submitted according to the department’s receiving schedule. The 2026 rules included different deadlines for different categories, with most junior and senior home-arts, vocational-arts, feature-booth, and still-exhibit entries closing in May, while agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture entries had later June deadlines.

The fair’s ribbon system gives participants formal recognition for their work. For local residents, however, entering an exhibit also creates an opportunity to have a personal skill, garden project, artistic creation, photograph, craft, or agricultural product displayed publicly during one of Shasta County’s largest annual community gatherings.

Demolition Derby, Tractor Pulls, and Motorsport Events

Motorsport-style entertainment has a recognizable place in the Shasta District Fair’s grandstand programming, but visitors should not assume that a demolition derby or tractor pull appears every year.

The 2026 fair featured Bulls & Broncs, combining livestock-themed rodeo entertainment with bull and bronc events, along with breakaway and barrel-racing components. The Friday-night event required a separate ticket in addition to regular fair admission.

The fair’s agricultural setting also makes tractor and machinery activities culturally appropriate, although the precise mechanical events change according to the annual program. Visitors specifically looking for a demolition derby, tractor pull, monster trucks, rodeo, or another motorsport attraction should check the applicable year’s grandstand schedule rather than relying on a previous year’s lineup.

4-H and FFA Youth Programs

4-H is closely connected with the Shasta County agricultural community, and the University of California Cooperative Extension supports local youth agriculture and fair participation. Young exhibitors can use the fair as the public culmination of projects involving livestock, agriculture, home arts, vocational skills, and other areas.

The youth livestock program requires considerably more preparation than simply bringing an animal to the fair. Exhibitors have to meet entry requirements, care for their animals, prepare for showmanship and judging, and complete the paperwork and contracts required for the applicable program.

The 2026 livestock entry rules established specific deadlines for junior and senior livestock departments. Independent agreements for steers and heifers and small animals also had earlier deadlines, illustrating why livestock exhibitors must begin preparation months before opening day.

The Junior Livestock Auction is one of the most important youth events during fair week. In 2026, the auction was scheduled for Saturday morning, followed by the Sale of Champions. Local businesses, families, agricultural supporters, and community members can participate as buyers, providing financial recognition for the work performed by young exhibitors.

Fairgrounds Facilities and Layout

The Shasta District Fair & Event Center provides the physical infrastructure required for a large agricultural fair. The grounds accommodate livestock facilities, show rings, exhibition spaces, carnival areas, food concessions, entertainment stages, grandstand activities, parking, and other event operations.

The Main Show Ring is particularly important during livestock week because it serves as the setting for major youth agricultural activities and the Junior Livestock Auction.

The 2026 Saturday schedule also included a silent auction outside the Main Show Ring, demonstrating how different fundraising and agricultural activities can operate around the livestock facilities.

Entertainment areas are spread throughout the property. The 2026 program used multiple stages and named areas such as the Rhythm & Brews Stage, Gazebo, and Laughs & Wonder Stage, while family attractions occupied other portions of the fairgrounds.

Visitors with accessibility requirements should plan ahead and contact the fair office when a particular accommodation is needed. Because the fairgrounds are a large outdoor event property, comfortable footwear and preparation for warm Northern California June weather are also practical considerations.

Getting There: Directions and Logistics

The Shasta District Fair & Event Center is located at 1890 Briggs Street in Anderson, south of central Redding. Anderson’s position along Interstate 5 makes the fairgrounds convenient for visitors arriving from Redding and other communities in the Sacramento Valley and northern Shasta County.

Visitors driving from Redding can travel south toward Anderson and use the local road network to reach Briggs Street. Those coming from the south can approach Anderson through Interstate 5 before following local directions to the fairgrounds.

Parking is an important part of the planning process because fair attendance can increase substantially during Friday and Saturday evening programs. The 2026 parking charge was $7 on applicable days, while Sunday provided free parking.

The fairgrounds are also close enough to the Redding-Anderson urban area that visitors staying in Redding can use the city as a base for attending the fair. Families coming from more rural areas of Shasta County should allow additional travel time during evening grandstand events.

Volunteer and Vendor Opportunities

The Shasta District Fair depends on exhibitors, volunteers, vendors, concessionaires, agricultural organizations, youth leaders, and community participants to operate successfully.

Food and commercial vendors must apply through the fair’s concession or vendor process. The 2026 concession application required applicants to provide business information and a proposed list of food and beverage products, including sizes and prices. This demonstrates that concession participation involves advance approval rather than simply purchasing a space at the last minute.

Vendor applicants should prepare well ahead of fair week because food operations may require additional regulatory compliance, insurance, equipment, electrical requirements, and documentation.

Volunteer opportunities can arise across livestock programs, exhibit departments, youth activities, visitor services, special events, and community programming. People with agricultural or organizational experience can be particularly valuable in departments where exhibitors require knowledgeable assistance.

Economic and Community Impact

The Shasta District Fair is one of the largest recurring community events in Shasta County. Its economic significance comes from the combination of visitors, vendors, agricultural exhibitors, youth participants, food businesses, entertainment providers, and local organizations that converge on Anderson during fair week.

The fair’s location creates a direct connection between rural Shasta County and the larger Redding-Anderson population. Ranching and agricultural families can present their work to urban and suburban residents, while businesses can reach customers who may not otherwise visit their operations.

Fair visitors also generate spending outside the gates. Restaurants, hotels, fuel stations, retail businesses, transportation providers, and other local services can experience increased activity as visitors travel to Anderson and remain in the region for the event.

The Junior Livestock Auction has a particularly direct economic and educational role. Local buyers can purchase market animals and support young exhibitors, turning the fair into a practical connection between youth agriculture and the local business community.

Comparing Shasta County Fair to Nearby Fairs

The Shasta District Fair occupies an important place among Northern California agricultural fairs because of its location in the Redding-Anderson area and its strong combination of livestock, youth agriculture, carnival entertainment, and grandstand events.

The Inter-Mountain Fair in McArthur provides another important fair experience within Shasta County, particularly for communities in the northeastern portion of the county and the Fall River Valley. Its Labor Day timing makes it distinct from the Shasta District Fair’s June schedule.

The Siskiyou Golden Fair in Yreka follows shortly after the Shasta District Fair’s traditional June period, while the Silver Dollar Fair in Chico takes place earlier in the Northern California fair calendar. These neighboring events allow fairgoers who enjoy agricultural exhibitions to follow a broader regional fair season.

Shasta District Fair is particularly distinguished by its Anderson location, its connection to the Redding population center, its substantial livestock program, its Junior Livestock Auction, its June timing, and its combination of agricultural exhibits with large-scale carnival and grandstand entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and hours of the Shasta County Fair in 2026?

The 2026 Shasta District Fair ran from Wednesday, June 17 through Sunday, June 21, 2026.

The published 2026 operating hours were noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Exhibition buildings generally closed before the overall fairgrounds.

What are the dates of the Shasta County Fair in 2027?

The 2027 Shasta District Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16 through Sunday, June 20, 2027.

The detailed 2027 daily hours, admission prices, carnival schedule, entertainment lineup, livestock timetable, and special-day promotions should be confirmed when the 2027 fair information is released.

Where is the Shasta County Fair held?

The Shasta District Fair is held at the Shasta District Fair & Event Center, 1890 Briggs Street, Anderson, California 96007.

The fairgrounds are located in Anderson, south of Redding, and are accessible from the Interstate 5 corridor.

How much does it cost to attend the Shasta County Fair?

For 2026, regular gate admission was $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and military visitors, and $8 for juniors. Presale tickets and five-ticket books offered savings, while carnival wristbands were sold separately.

The 2027 admission prices should be considered unconfirmed until the new ticket information is published.

Is there free parking at the Shasta County Fair?

Parking was $7 on applicable days during the 2026 fair. Sunday Funday included free parking for everyone.

Visitors planning for 2027 should check the new parking policy because fees and promotional arrangements can change.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the Shasta County Fair?

The Shasta District Fair has numerous food and beverage concessions, but visitors should not assume that every type of outside food, drink, cooler, or container is permitted. Restrictions can apply for safety and operational reasons.

Visitors with medical, dietary, or infant-feeding needs should check the applicable year’s visitor rules before attending.

How do I enter an item in competition at the Shasta County Fair?

Entries are submitted according to the department and class in which the item belongs. The fair publishes an annual exhibitor guide that explains divisions, classes, deadlines, and receiving procedures.

In 2026, livestock entries were required to be submitted online, while still exhibits could be entered online or submitted through the fair office according to the applicable deadline.

Is the Shasta County Fair appropriate for young children?

Yes. The fair has substantial family and youth programming, including children’s carnival attractions, youth agricultural projects, livestock exhibits, educational activities, food, entertainment, and special admission opportunities.

Wednesday was Kids Day in 2026, with children age 12 and younger admitted free.

Are pets allowed at the Shasta County Fair?

Visitors should not assume that ordinary household pets are allowed throughout the fairgrounds. Animals participating in official livestock, poultry, horse, or other fair programs are subject to their specific department rules.

Service animals are handled under applicable accessibility requirements. Visitors should check the current fair rules before bringing an animal onto the grounds.

Does the Shasta County Fair have a demolition derby?

A demolition derby should not be assumed to be part of every Shasta District Fair. The 2026 schedule featured Bulls & Broncs, breakaway and barrel racing, and other major entertainment rather than a confirmed demolition derby.

The grandstand lineup can change from year to year, so visitors interested specifically in demolition derbies or motorsport events should check the 2027 schedule when it is published.

Who organizes the Shasta County Fair?

The event is operated as the Shasta District Fair through the Shasta District Fair & Event Center and its agricultural fair organization. The fair operates within California’s district-fair system and works with agricultural exhibitors, youth organizations, vendors, community groups, and fair participants.

Is camping available at the Shasta County Fair fairgrounds?

The Shasta District Fair & Event Center is a year-round event facility, but visitors should not assume that public camping is automatically available during every night of the annual fair.

Anyone planning to camp for the 2027 fair should confirm availability and reservation requirements with the fairgrounds before making travel arrangements.

What happens if the Shasta County Fair is cancelled because of weather?

Weather decisions depend on conditions affecting the Anderson fairgrounds and the safety of visitors, exhibitors, animals, staff, vendors, and performers. Individual outdoor attractions can potentially be affected even when the entire fair is not cancelled.

If severe weather creates a cancellation or schedule change, visitors should rely on the fair’s announcement for that particular year. Ticket refunds, postponed events, or replacement arrangements can depend on the specific circumstances and the individual event involved.