Santa Clara County California Fair Schedule
Introduction
The Santa Clara County Fair brings together agriculture, livestock, youth programs, home arts, cultural celebrations, live entertainment, carnival attractions, and family activities in the heart of San Jose. The event is particularly distinctive because Santa Clara County is internationally associated with Silicon Valley, technology, and a highly urbanized population, yet the fair continues to preserve the area’s agricultural and community heritage.
The 2026 Santa Clara County Fair was held from August 19 through August 23, 2026, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose. The 82nd fair used the theme “Fired Up and Hare to Stay” and featured five days of entertainment, agricultural competitions, livestock, food, carnival rides, cultural programming, and community exhibits.
The fair’s 2027 dates have not yet been officially announced. The fair’s current information indicates that the next dates will be published when finalized, so visitors should not assume that the 2026 August dates will automatically carry over to 2027.
Fair Overview and Fast Facts
The Santa Clara County Fair is held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111. The grounds sit along Tully Road in San Jose and provide a permanent event setting for the annual fair as well as numerous events throughout the year.
In 2026, the fair opened at 4 p.m. and closed at 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, opened at 1 p.m. and closed at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and operated from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Children age five and under received free admission on the public days from Thursday through Sunday.
The 2026 program included special admission promotions. Wacky Wednesday offered $20 admission with unlimited carnival rides, while BOGO Thursday offered buy-one-get-one-free admission and carnival wristband promotions. Community Heroes Day also provided discounted admission for qualifying first responders, union members, and city and county employees.
Parking was separate from admission. In 2026, Lot A parking was $20, while regular parking in Lot C was $30 and handicapped parking in Lot C was $20.
History and Origins
The modern Santa Clara County Fair dates to 1941, when the newly established fairgrounds were developed on Tully Road and the first county fair was held. The county had a much older tradition of agricultural and community fairs, but the establishment of a permanent fairgrounds created a lasting home for the annual event.
The first fair was held in October 1941. World War II interrupted the annual schedule, and the next fair did not take place until 1946. Since then, the fair has continued as an annual community event.
Early fairs reflected the agricultural character of the Santa Clara Valley. Horse and automobile racing, livestock, flowers, agricultural displays, arts and crafts, carnival attractions, commercial exhibits, and competitions were all part of the fair experience.
The county’s landscape has changed dramatically since those early years. Orchards and farms have given way to extensive residential, commercial, and technology development, but the county fair continues to preserve a visible connection with the agricultural history of the Santa Clara Valley.
Readers comparing California’s agricultural and community traditions can look at the Santa Barbara County California Fair Schedule alongside the Santa Clara County California Fair Schedule to see how two regions with very different modern identities preserve their fair traditions. Santa Barbara County’s fair in Santa Maria reflects the agricultural character of the Santa Maria Valley through livestock shows, 4-H and FFA programs, horticulture, agricultural exhibits, youth competitions, carnival attractions, and community entertainment, while the Santa Clara County California Fair Schedule highlights the Santa Clara Valley’s agricultural heritage within the highly urbanized Silicon Valley through livestock programs, youth agriculture, home arts, cultural events, live entertainment, and family attractions. Together, the two schedules demonstrate how county fairs can maintain agricultural roots while adapting to the changing geography, economy, and communities of California.
Agricultural Competitions and Livestock Shows
Agriculture remains one of the defining elements of the Santa Clara County Fair, even though the surrounding county is now one of the world’s major technology centers. The fair gives visitors an opportunity to see livestock, agricultural exhibits, horticulture, and youth projects that connect modern residents with the valley’s farming heritage.
The 2026 livestock program included beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy cattle, dairy goats, pygmy goats, poultry, turkeys, rabbits, cavies, horses, and dogs, along with market and breeding classes. Showmanship competitions allowed youth exhibitors to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to handle their animals.
The Junior Livestock Auction was scheduled for August 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. The auction is an important part of the youth agriculture program because it allows exhibitors to present their projects to community buyers and supporters.
The fair also operates a Buyers Coalition. Contributions from participating businesses and community members help purchase animals through the youth livestock auction, with the purchased meat subsequently donated to local food banks and soup kitchens.
Fair Schedule Structure
The 2026 fair ran for five public days from August 19–23. Livestock preparation began several days before the public opening, allowing exhibitors to set up pens, complete animal inspections, and prepare for competitions.
Wednesday and Thursday had evening-focused public schedules, while Friday and Saturday operated for longer afternoon and evening periods. Sunday provided the final day of public programming and included major livestock activities.
The livestock calendar was organized separately from the general visitor schedule. Animal arrivals, health inspections, weigh-ins, breed classes, showmanship, market competitions, auction activities, Master Showmanship, and awards were distributed throughout the fair period.
The 2027 calendar has not yet been announced. Once released, exhibitors should pay particular attention to separate livestock, competitive-exhibit, and public-event deadlines.
Entertainment, Rides, and Midway
The Santa Clara County Fair combines traditional fair attractions with programming that reflects the diverse population of Silicon Valley and the wider South Bay.
The carnival is a major visitor attraction, with rides and games operating alongside food concessions and entertainment. The 2026 fair also featured All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, camel rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a reptile show, Sky River Butterflies, Balloonacy, Puzzlemania, Kiddie Karoo, and the Silver Starlets.
Live entertainment was distributed across several stages. The 2026 main-stage lineup included Outlaw Mariachi, Tainted Love, Freestyle Friday performers, All-4-One, O-Town, LFO, Grupo Bryndis, and other performers.
The fair also incorporated local cultural and creative programming, including the 1Culture Art Battle, where Bay Area artists competed in a live mural-painting event.
Open Class and Amateur Competitions
Competitive exhibits allow residents to contribute their own work to the fair rather than simply attending as spectators. The program includes traditional fair categories as well as activities reflecting the modern interests of Santa Clara County residents.
Home arts, agricultural displays, creative work, educational projects, flowers, food, photography, crafts, and other competitive categories form part of the exhibition program. The fair also includes special exhibits and community displays that provide opportunities for organizations and individuals to showcase their work.
The 2026 program featured a Pitmasters Showdown, bringing amateur and professional barbecue teams together for competition and public tasting. The event illustrated how the fair has expanded traditional competitive programming while retaining its agricultural and food-centered roots.
Competitive exhibit deadlines vary by department. For the 2026 fair, many livestock and competitive entries had a July 16 deadline, while late entries were accepted under specified conditions. Exhibitors planning for 2027 should use the new competition handbook once available.
Demolition Derby, Tractor Pulls, and Motorsport Events
Motorsport has a historical connection to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Early fairs included horse and automobile racing, and the grounds have hosted a variety of vehicle and arena-related activities over the decades.
However, the modern Santa Clara County Fair is not primarily built around a demolition derby or tractor pull. Its current identity emphasizes livestock, agriculture, home arts, cultural programming, entertainment, carnival attractions, and family activities.
Other motorsport and vehicle events can take place at the fairgrounds during the year, but a demolition derby, tractor pull, or similar event should not be considered part of the 2027 county fair unless it appears on the confirmed annual schedule.
4-H and FFA Youth Programs
4-H and FFA are central to the Santa Clara County Fair’s agricultural education mission. Young exhibitors develop projects throughout the year and bring livestock, agricultural work, horses, and other entries to the fair for competition.
The 2026 livestock handbook included showmanship, breed, market, and educational competitions for youth exhibitors. Participating 4-H and FFA members were required to meet the applicable organizational and fair eligibility standards.
The fair also accepts independent youth exhibitors under specific requirements. Livestock participation is not limited strictly to Santa Clara County; particular classes can include qualifying exhibitors from neighboring counties such as Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, Alameda, and San Mateo.
The Junior Livestock Auction and Master Showmanship provide culminating experiences for youth participants. These programs emphasize animal care, responsibility, presentation, competition, leadership, and community involvement.
Fairgrounds Facilities and Layout
The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds is a substantial permanent event property in central San Jose. The county owns the property, while the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation manages the facility and annual fair operations.
The grounds include exhibition halls, livestock facilities, outdoor event areas, parking, food-service areas, and spaces used for community and cultural events. During the county fair, different facilities accommodate livestock, home arts, agricultural displays, entertainment, carnival activities, food vendors, and community exhibits.
The fairgrounds are also active outside fair season. Events such as cultural festivals, livestock shows, horse-related activities, community gatherings, markets, and other public and private programs use the property throughout the year.
The year-round role of the fairgrounds is especially significant in Santa Clara County because the property provides a large community event space within one of the most densely developed and economically important areas of California.
Getting There: Directions and Logistics
The Santa Clara County Fair is held at 344 Tully Road, San Jose, California 95111. The fairgrounds are located along Tully Road, making the site accessible from major roads serving San Jose and the South Bay.
Visitors driving to the fair should allow additional time for traffic and parking, particularly during Friday and Saturday evenings. Parking is located in designated fairgrounds lots, with different prices and accessibility arrangements depending on the lot.
Public transportation can also be considered because the fairgrounds are within the San Jose urban area. Visitors should check current transit and parking information before traveling because traffic patterns and parking arrangements can change during major fair events.
Volunteer and Vendor Opportunities
The Santa Clara County Fair depends on exhibitors, volunteers, agricultural organizations, community groups, vendors, sponsors, livestock leaders, and entertainment providers.
Commercial and food vendors contribute to the fair’s broad visitor experience, while community organizations provide cultural, educational, and local-interest displays. The large and diverse population of Santa Clara County allows the fair to represent many different cultural communities.
Agricultural volunteers and youth-program leaders are especially important because livestock competitions require extensive preparation, animal care, judging, show management, and auction support.
Vendor applications, fees, insurance requirements, and space availability can change each year. Businesses and organizations interested in the 2027 fair should wait for the current vendor application information before making arrangements.
Economic and Community Impact
The Santa Clara County Fair operates in an unusual economic environment. The county is globally recognized for Silicon Valley, technology companies, research, and highly developed urban communities, yet the fair preserves a connection to the agricultural economy that shaped the Santa Clara Valley before its transformation into a technology center.
The fair generates economic activity through admission, parking, carnival operations, food vendors, commercial exhibitors, entertainment, and visitor spending. The year-round fairgrounds also support a wide range of events that contribute to the local event economy.
The community impact goes beyond direct spending. The fair provides a public setting for youth agriculture, livestock education, cultural celebrations, home arts, horticulture, creative competitions, and community organizations.
Its youth livestock auction also has a direct community-service component through the Buyers Coalition, which supports local food banks and soup kitchens with meat purchased from youth exhibitors.
Comparing Santa Clara County Fair to Nearby Fairs
The Santa Clara County Fair is one of California’s more distinctive urban county fairs because it combines the agricultural heritage of the Santa Clara Valley with the multicultural and technology-oriented character of modern Silicon Valley.
The San Mateo County California Fair Schedule offers a useful comparison. San Mateo County’s fair similarly operates in a highly urbanized Bay Area environment while maintaining livestock, horticulture, youth programs, creative competitions, cultural events, and modern entertainment.
The Santa Barbara County California Fair Schedule provides a different comparison. The Santa Barbara County Fair in Santa Maria is much more directly surrounded by active agricultural landscapes, with livestock, 4-H and FFA programs, horticulture, agricultural mechanics, and the Santa Maria Valley’s farming economy playing a central role.
Together, these fairs show how California county fairs can preserve agricultural traditions even when the surrounding counties have developed very different economies, populations, and landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and hours of the Santa Clara County Fair?
The 2026 Santa Clara County Fair was held August 19–23, 2026. Wednesday and Thursday operated from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
Where is the Santa Clara County Fair held?
The fair is held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111.
How much does it cost to attend the Santa Clara County Fair?
Admission varies according to the day and promotion. In 2026, Wacky Wednesday admission was $20 and included unlimited carnival rides, while other days used different admission and carnival promotions. Children five and under were free from August 20–23. 2027 prices should be confirmed when announced.
Is there free parking at the Santa Clara County Fair?
Parking was not generally free in 2026. Lot A parking was $20, while regular Lot C parking was $30. Accessible parking in Lot C was $20. Parking arrangements and prices may change for 2027.
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the Santa Clara County Fair?
Visitors should check the current fair’s admission and visitor policies before bringing outside food or beverages. The fair offers numerous food vendors, including barbecue, corn dogs, strawberry shortcake, international food, and specialty drinks.
How do I enter an item in competition at the Santa Clara County Fair?
The fair offers competitive programs covering livestock, agriculture, home arts, creative work, educational exhibits, horticulture, and other categories. Exhibitors should follow the current year’s competition handbook for entry procedures and deadlines.
Is the Santa Clara County Fair appropriate for young children?
Yes. The fair includes carnival rides, children’s attractions, animal exhibits, pony rides, a petting zoo, interactive displays, family entertainment, and educational agricultural programs.
Are pets allowed at the Santa Clara County Fair?
Personal pets should not be assumed to be permitted. Livestock, exhibition animals, and service animals are governed by separate rules. Visitors should check the current fair’s animal policy before bringing a pet.
Does the Santa Clara County Fair have a demolition derby?
A demolition derby is not a guaranteed annual feature of the modern Santa Clara County Fair. The fairgrounds have a history of racing and vehicle events, but visitors should rely on the specific annual schedule for confirmation.
Who organizes the Santa Clara County Fair?
The fairgrounds and annual fair are managed by the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation, a nonprofit public-benefit organization established to operate the fairgrounds and organize the annual county fair and related community functions.
Is camping available at the Santa Clara County Fair fairgrounds?
Limited RV spaces are available for livestock exhibitors and their families during the fair period. In 2026, the fairgrounds indicated that space was limited to 50 RV spots. General public camping should not be assumed to be available as a normal visitor service.
What happens if the fair is cancelled due to weather?
Outdoor fair activities can be affected by weather or other safety conditions. Visitors should monitor official fair announcements for changes to operating hours, attractions, or individual events.
What makes the Santa Clara County Fair special?
The fair’s greatest distinction is its connection to the agricultural history of the Santa Clara Valley within modern Silicon Valley. Livestock, 4-H and FFA programs, agriculture, home arts, cultural celebrations, carnival attractions, live entertainment, and community activities continue a tradition that dates to the first permanent county fair in 1941.