California Mid-State Fair | Photo: Brittany App
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Mid-State Fairgrounds

4.4
·1k reviews·Paso Robles, United States

Annual July fair in Paso Robles featuring concerts, carnival rides, exhibits, and delicious food. Also home to the magical Sensorio light installation...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays in July

Fewer crowds, easier access

CrowdLow
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California Mid-State Fair | Photo: Brittany App

Mid-State Fairgrounds

Best Time

Weekdays in July

Fewer crowds, easier access

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Annual July fair in Paso Robles featuring concerts, carnival rides, exhibits, and delicious food. Also home to the magical Sensorio light installation.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"We love going to the California Mid-State Fair every year! From the excellent concerts they bring in, to the exhibits, and of course the carnival."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Save money by purchasing fair admission and concert tickets before the event. Look for coupons too!

🧥 Pack Layers

Warm summer evenings can turn cool. Bring a jacket or sweater for comfort after sunset.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

California Mid-State Fair

California Mid-State Fair

Paso Robles

Annual July celebration with concerts, exhibits, carnival rides, and delicious fair food.

Sensorio: Field of Light

Sensorio: Field of Light

Paso Robles

An immersive art installation featuring 100,000 color-changing lights across rolling hills.

Concerts & Live Music

Concerts & Live Music

Various stages

Experience a range of musical acts, from country stars to classic rock, on the fair's stages.

Carnival Rides & Games

Carnival Rides & Games

Carnival area

Classic fairground fun with thrilling rides and challenging games for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The California Mid-State Fair is an annual July event. For the best experience, consider visiting on weekdays to avoid peak crowds, especially if you're aiming for popular concerts. Warm evenings are ideal, but pack a jacket as it can cool down.

Budgeting for Fun

While admission is affordable, be prepared to spend on food, carnival rides, and potential concert tickets. Look for advance ticket deals or coupons to save money. Unlimited ride wristbands offer good value if you plan to hit the rides multiple times.

Best Times

When
Weekdays in July
Why
Fewer crowds, easier access
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Cooler temps, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Concert Nights
Why
Exciting energy, popular acts
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sensorio❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💗 #art #artinstallation #pasorobles #norcal #northerncalifornia #california
@iamteamsparkle
540.7K likes • 2.1M views

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Save money by purchasing fair admission and concert tickets before the event. Look for coupons too! Reddit

🧥 Pack Layers

Warm summer evenings can turn cool. Bring a jacket or sweater for comfort after sunset. Reddit

Girls Trip | California Road Trip Part 6 Sensorio Field of Lights in Paso Robles, California… This is a MUST ✨ #fieldoflights #pasorobles #sensoriofieldoflights #pasoroblescalifornia
@everyday_ginger
226.7K likes • 3.1M views
There are only 5 days left to go to the MId-State Fair!! 🎡🎠🍿🍻🎤🎲 If you haven’t been to the @californiamidstatefair yet, you’ve only got 5 more days to experience all the fun and food this year’s fair has to offer. Learn more by following @californiamidstatefair, and don’t miss your chance to come out for a fun day at the biggest little fair anywhere! 🎡 CA MID-STATE FAIR 🎡 July 19 - 30, 2023 ...
sanluisobispoguide
152 likes • 6.5K views

💰 Budget for Spending

Fair food, games, and rides add up. Plan your budget and consider unlimited ride wristbands. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring an empty reusable water bottle or purchase up to 2 unopened plastic bottles. Wild Bills offers unlimited refills. Reddit

Headed to the Mid-State Fair? Let SLO Safe Ride get you there in style. From rodeos and concerts to monster trucks and barbecue — skip the parking stress, beat the crowds, and enjoy safe, reliable transportation to and from the fairgrounds. Available July 16–27. Reserve your ride today. Call 805-620-7233 or visit slosaferide.com #midstatefair2025 #pasoroblesevents #slosaferide #ConcertTransporta...
slosaferide
7 likes • 352 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Save money by purchasing fair admission and concert tickets before the event. Look for coupons too! Reddit

🧥 Pack Layers

Warm summer evenings can turn cool. Bring a jacket or sweater for comfort after sunset. Reddit

💰 Budget for Spending

Fair food, games, and rides add up. Plan your budget and consider unlimited ride wristbands. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring an empty reusable water bottle or purchase up to 2 unopened plastic bottles. Wild Bills offers unlimited refills. Reddit

🚗 Plan Your Transportation

Consider ride-sharing services like SLO Safe Ride to avoid parking hassles and crowds. Instagram

✨ Experience Sensorio

Don't miss the magical Field of Light installation for a unique, illuminated experience. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The California Mid-State Fair is a beloved annual event offering a classic fair experience with concerts, carnival rides, and diverse exhibits. Visitors praise the lively atmosphere, variety of food, and family-friendly activities. However, some attendees have noted long waits for concerts and potential issues with crowds and alcohol consumption on busy nights.

"We love going to the California Mid-State Fair every year! From the excellent concerts they bring in, to the exhibits, and of course the carnival—which our kids love—it’s always a great time.

The fairgrounds are very clean, well-lit, and we’ve always felt safe.

It can get pretty busy, especially on popular concert nights, but the energy just adds to the fun.

Warm summer evenings make for a perfect fair vibe, but don’t be fooled—it can cool down quickly, so bring a jacket!

Bring your wallet you will spend some money."

Chris McKiernan

"I highly encourage you to participate in the awesome California Mid-State Fair.

It is held annually in Paso Robles in July. The admission fee is affordable. Additionally, you can buy cheaper tickets in advance or use coupons in your mailbox to save more money.

The atmosphere at the Fair is very lively and fascinating with many shops and great food stands. Moreover, there are some livestock and other animals you can see as well.

The amusement rides and music stages create a cheerful ambiance. It is a fun place and suitable for the whole family, particularly for kids.

We came to the Fair after lunch. Our two-ticket coupon included two lemonades with two hot dogs on a stick or two cheese sticks. They were all great. However, we still had room for something else before we left.

We're glad that we tried the Jalapeño cheese Pretzel. It was the best pretzel I’ve ever had.

Generally, a pretzel is a little bit chewy and has a hard texture. But this freshly-baked pretzel was very soft with fresh ingredients that were incredibly delicious. We highly recommend it. Don't miss out because you can’t find it outside of the Fair.

The unlimited ride tickets are a great deal if you want to try everything out. There are two options:

Unlimited Ride Wristband with Front of the Line Access $75

Unlimited Ride Wristband $55

Or you can buy 10 Digital Game/Ride Credits for $15.

Also, we discovered an Unlimited Daily Refills Soda stand called Wild Bills that is excellent for drinking and saving money. Unfortunately, we found this place as we were leaving the Fair.

This brings to mind, pets and outside food or beverages are not allowed. Exception: Service animals. Each person may bring up to 2 unopened plastic water bottles or an empty reusable plastic water bottle.

Sometimes one day is not enough to see and eat everything. I wish they could sell a two-day pass without having to buy a ticket again."

Ann C

"Came to the Mid State Fair for the Jon Pardi concert. 30 minute wait to get into the park ....line was to the entrance gate to get into the venue....over an hour wait to even get into the venue. Once inside the seats were great.....drunk girl shows up and demands the family moves from her seat right in front of mine. The family moved, drunk girl sat down for 10 minutes then got up and never came back. Too many drunk people to really enjoy the evening....we ended up leaving early for that reason and won't be back."

RJ374

What People Like

Excellent concerts and entertainment
Variety of exhibits and carnival
Lively and safe atmosphere

What People Dislike

Long waits for concerts
Crowded on popular nights
Can be expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mid-State Fairgrounds are located in Paso Robles, California. Driving is the most common way to get there. For concerts and busy events, consider using ride-sharing services like SLO Safe Ride to avoid parking stress and long waits. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally available at the fairgrounds. However, during major events like the annual fair or popular concerts, parking lots can fill up quickly and may involve a fee. Arriving early or using alternative transportation is recommended. Instagram

For concerts, especially those at the Vina Robles Amphitheater (often associated with the fairgrounds), ride-sharing services are highly recommended to bypass parking issues. Some attendees have reported long waits to enter the venue on concert nights. InstagramReddit

Public transportation options to the Mid-State Fairgrounds can be limited depending on your starting location. It's best to check local transit schedules for Paso Robles or consider regional bus services if available. Ride-sharing is often more convenient. Instagram

During the annual California Mid-State Fair, shuttle services might be available from designated parking areas or nearby towns. It's advisable to check the official fair website closer to the event dates for any announced shuttle information. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the California Mid-State Fair is generally affordable. You can often find cheaper tickets in advance or through coupons. Keep an eye out for deals to save money on entry. Reddit

Yes, tickets for concerts at the Mid-State Fair are available for purchase. Popular acts can sell out quickly, so it's recommended to buy them in advance. Some concerts may be included with fair admission, while others require separate tickets. Reddit

Yes, discounts are often available for the Mid-State Fair. Look for advance ticket sales, coupons found in mailboxes, or special promotions. The fair also sometimes offers deals on specific days or for certain groups. Reddit

Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed at the fairgrounds, with the exception of service animals. You can bring up to two unopened plastic water bottles or an empty reusable plastic water bottle. Reddit

Yes, you typically need separate tickets or a wristband for carnival rides. You can buy individual ride credits or opt for an unlimited ride wristband, which can be a good deal if you plan on riding multiple attractions. Reddit

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

The Mid-State Fair features a variety of exhibits, including livestock shows, agricultural displays, arts and crafts, and commercial vendors. It's a great way to see local talent and products. Reddit

The fair offers a wide array of classic fair food, from hot dogs and corn dogs to unique treats like Jalapeño cheese pretzels and Old West Cinnamon Rolls. Be prepared to indulge! InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The Mid-State Fair is very family-friendly, with a dedicated carnival area featuring rides and games suitable for kids of all ages. There are also animal exhibits and entertainment that children will enjoy. Reddit

Sensorio is a stunning outdoor art installation featuring 100,000 color-changing lights that illuminate the landscape. It's a popular attraction near the fairgrounds, offering a magical and immersive experience. TikTok+2

Comfortable shoes are a must, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Given the warm summer weather, light clothing is recommended. However, it can cool down in the evenings, so bringing a jacket or sweater is a good idea. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The carnival lights at night, the vibrant food stalls, and the animal exhibits offer great photo opportunities. For a truly unique shot, the Sensorio: Field of Light installation is a must-capture. TikTok+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed at concerts, but professional cameras with large lenses may be restricted. Check the specific venue's policy for the concert you're attending. Reddit

Absolutely! Sensorio: Field of Light is incredibly photogenic, especially at dusk and after dark. The thousands of lights create a magical atmosphere perfect for capturing stunning images. TikTok+1

For general fairground photos, daytime offers good light for exhibits and rides. For a more dramatic effect, visit during the 'golden hour' before sunset or after dark when the lights and carnival attractions come alive. TikTok

While personal photography is usually permitted, be mindful of other attendees and avoid obstructing pathways. Some specific exhibits or events might have their own photography guidelines. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The California Mid-State Fair is a fantastic destination for families. The carnival is a huge hit with children, offering a wide array of rides and games. Consider purchasing an unlimited ride wristband if your kids plan to enjoy multiple attractions. Beyond the rides, the livestock exhibits and animal displays are always a hit, providing educational and engaging experiences. Reddit

When planning your visit, remember that the fair can get crowded, especially on weekends and during popular concert times. Arriving earlier in the day can help avoid the biggest crowds. Also, be prepared for the weather; while days are warm, evenings can cool down, so pack layers for the little ones. The fair's atmosphere is generally safe and lively, making it a memorable outing for the whole family. Reddit

🎶 Concert Goers

For music lovers, the Mid-State Fair concerts are a major draw. The fairgrounds host a variety of artists, often featuring popular country and rock performers. It's crucial to buy concert tickets in advance, as popular shows can sell out quickly. Be aware that some attendees have reported significant wait times to enter concert venues, so factor this into your arrival time. Reddit

While the atmosphere is energetic, some reviews mention issues with excessive alcohol consumption impacting the experience on concert nights. If you're attending a show, consider arriving early to secure good spots and be prepared for a lively crowd. For a more relaxed experience, explore the free stage performances which often feature talented local and regional artists. Reddit

✨ Art & Light Enthusiasts

If you're drawn to unique art installations, Sensorio: Field of Light is a must-visit. This immersive experience features thousands of glowing orbs that create a magical, otherworldly landscape. It's a perfect spot for photography and a tranquil escape from the fair's bustle. TikTok+1

Sensorio is a permanent exhibit, offering a different kind of magic than the seasonal fair. It's best experienced at dusk and into the night. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to ensure entry, especially for evening slots. This attraction provides a stunning visual feast and a memorable artistic encounter. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Annual California Mid-State Fair Experience

The California Mid-State Fair is a beloved annual event held in Paso Robles every July. It's a quintessential California fair experience, drawing crowds with its diverse attractions. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere filled with exhibits, from prize-winning livestock and agricultural displays to local crafts and commercial vendors. The carnival is a major draw, offering a variety of rides and games for all ages, with options for unlimited ride wristbands to maximize the fun. Reddit

Beyond the rides and exhibits, the fair is renowned for its concerts and live entertainment. The fairgrounds host a variety of musical acts, often featuring popular country and rock artists. While some concerts are included with general admission, premium seating or headliner acts may require separate tickets. Attendees have noted that popular concert nights can get very busy, with potential for long waits to enter the venue. Reddit

Food is a significant part of the fair experience, with classic fairground fare like corn dogs and funnel cakes alongside unique local specialties. Don't miss out on treats like the Jalapeño cheese pretzels or Old West Cinnamon Rolls. The fairgrounds are generally well-maintained and feel safe, but it's wise to be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times and popular events. Reddit

Sensorio: A Luminous Art Installation

Just a stone's throw from the fairgrounds, Sensorio offers a breathtaking artistic escape. This immersive light installation, often referred to as the Field of Light, transforms the rolling hills of Paso Robles into a mesmerizing spectacle. Created by artist Bruce Munro, it features over 100,000 stemmed spheres that emit a gentle glow, changing colors and creating a dreamlike landscape. TikTok+1

Visitors can wander through the illuminated fields, experiencing the art up close. The experience is particularly magical at dusk and into the night, when the lights truly come alive. While general admission allows access to the main field, VIP options might offer additional amenities. It's a highly recommended activity for those seeking a unique and visually stunning experience in the Paso Robles area. TikTok+1

Sensorio is a permanent exhibit, meaning it's accessible year-round, offering a different kind of magic compared to the seasonal fair. It's a popular spot for photographers and anyone looking for a tranquil yet awe-inspiring evening. Booking tickets in advance is strongly advised, especially during peak seasons or weekends. TikTok

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