National Monterey County Fair Day

National Monterey County Fair Day is an annual celebration held at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey, California. This twenty-two-acre venue hosts a variety of entertainment, exhibits, and attractions that appeal to all ages, making it a perfect day out for families and friends.

Quick Facts

When is it?: September 1st annually
Tagged as: County fair celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #MontereyCountyFair
When was it founded?: 2019
Who founded it?: Monterey County Fair

History of National Monterey County Fair Day

The Monterey County Fair & Event Center was built in 1936 and has been hosting the annual Monterey County Fair since 1935. Over the decades, this venue has become home to many spectacular festivals and events, including the legendary Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967, which featured iconic performers like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

The National Monterey County Fair Day itself was established in 2019 by the Monterey County Fair organization to celebrate the fair’s cultural significance and long-standing tradition in the community. Since then, it has been held every year, bringing together residents from across Monterey County to enjoy rides, concerts, rodeos, fair food, and carnival fun.

Timeline

1935: First Monterey County Fair held
1936: Monterey County Fair & Event Center built
1967: Monterey International Pop Festival held
2019: National Monterey County Fair Day established

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	September 1	Monday
2026	September 1	Tuesday
2027	September 1	Wednesday
2028	September 1	Friday
2029	September 1	Saturday
2030	September 1	Sunday

Observed at Monterey County Fair

The fair typically runs for five days, with the 2025 fair scheduled from August 28 to September 1. The fairgrounds are located at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including carnival rides, live music performances, rodeo events, agricultural exhibits, and delicious fair food. The event showcases local culture, agriculture, and industry while providing entertainment for people of all ages.

Fun Facts About Monterey County Fair

The Monterey County Fair & Event Center spans 22 acres in the heart of Monterey and features two outdoor performance stages, sprawling lawns, concession kitchens, barns, seven rentable halls, a full-service RV park, and an on-site off-track betting facility called Monterey Bay Race Place.

When the State of California eliminated funding for its fairgrounds in 2011, the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation was created to support the Fair & Event Center and ensure its future as a vibrant community venue.

Quiz

In what year was the first Monterey County Fair held?
What famous music festival took place at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in 1967?
How many acres does the Monterey County Fair & Event Center cover?

(Answers: 1935, Monterey International Pop Festival, 22 acres)

FAQs

Are pets allowed at the Monterey Fairgrounds?

Yes, children and pets are welcome at the fairgrounds!

How much are the tickets for the Monterey Fair?

Adult tickets cost $10, while tickets for children aged six to 11 are priced at five dollars each. Children under five get in free.

Which cities make up Monterey County?

The coastal cities include Marina, Sand City, Seaside, and del Rey Oaks from north to south from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Inland communities include Salinas, Gonzales, Soledad, and Greenfield.

Importance of National Monterey County Fair Day

National Monterey County Fair Day serves as an important reminder of the value of preserving Monterey County’s cultural heritage. The fair not only provides entertainment but also showcases the region’s agricultural roots and local talents. It brings the community together, connecting generations through shared experiences and traditions that have been part of the county’s identity for over 80 years.