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-Editorial
Presale admission tickets for the 2026 California Mid-Winter Fair are available today at IVFairgrounds.com, giving visitors early access to one of the region’s most anticipated annual events. Carnival tickets are already on sale, and presale admission tickets can now be conveniently purchased online.
The fair will run for 13 days, from Feb. 27 through March 15, across three weekends. It will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. This year’s theme, “Celebration!,” commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 175th anniversary of the State of California. Energy Source Minerals returns as the presenting sponsor.
“This year’s theme, ‘Celebration!,’ is about more than festivities; it honors the enduring legacy of our nation and state,” said Alan Phillips, chief executive officer of the fair. “As we mark these milestones, we’re creating an experience that celebrates our history while bringing the community together to create new memories.”
Opening day will honor senior citizens, active-duty service members, and military veterans with free admission. New this year are Family Value Nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays, featuring buy-one-get-one-free carnival wristbands, free parking, and $5 food items at participating vendors.
The 2026 entertainment lineup offers a diverse mix of musical acts and performances. Red Hot Cholo Peppers will kick off the fair with a tribute to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Other performances on the Mechanics Bank Stage include Left of Centre on March 1; Journey Revisited and Def Leppard Revisited on March 4; the Like Combs Tribute Band on March 6; Carlos Yorvick on March 8; Neon Circus on March 11; and Polyester Express on March 14. The Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels will host a meet-and-greet on March 12.
The grandstands will feature high-energy dirt track events, including a demolition derby, go-karts, USAC sprints, lightning sprints, and the annual Heritage car races.
New food vendors, including Spud Budz with loaded baked potatoes, will also debut this year.
The California Mid-Winter Fair continues to draw visitors from across the region, blending live entertainment, food, rides, and motorsports into a tradition enjoyed by families of all ages.
For more information and the full schedule, please consult the 2026 Livestock Exhibitor Handbook and other fair details, visit ivfairgrounnds.com
