Apple Pies and Starry Skies: The 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair Kicks Off Wednesday

It’s Fair time, Santa Cruz County! The 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair opens this Wednesday, September 16, bringing five fun-filled days to Watsonville under this year’s theme, “Apple Pies and Starry Skies.” From monster trucks and hometown concerts to a brand-new drone show and the treats you wait all year for, here’s what you need to know before you go.

Opening Day: $2.50 Admission

The celebration starts with an Opening Ceremony at the Main Gate on Wednesday, just before gates open at noon. To honor our country’s 250th birthday, admission is just $2.50 on Opening Day only. Bring cash, because the special price is available only at the gate and only in cash.

Monster Trucks

Get ready for some serious horsepower. The Monster X Tour takes over the Fair for two nights, Wednesday and Thursday. Note that monster truck shows require an additional ticket beyond Fair admission.

Hometown Stars on the Main Stage

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights bring live concerts featuring performers with deep local roots:

Andy Vargas, Watsonville native and lead singer, returns home to the Fair stage. James Durbin, the American Idol alum from Santa Cruz, brings his powerhouse vocals. And Los Mismos round out a weekend lineup that celebrates some of the talent our communities have produced.

All-New Drone Show

After the music, look up. This year’s drone show is completely new and features 300 drones lighting up the night sky on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s the “Starry Skies” part of the theme, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Daily Entertainment for All Ages

Between the big events, Fair favorites will be performing throughout each day, including Twinkle Time, Michael Mezmer – The Phenomenist, POWERHOUSE!!! Percussive Dance, and The Magic of Frank Thurston. And of course, you’ll find all the sweet and savory Fair food you can only get once a year. (We’ll let you decide where the apple pie fits in.)

Exhibit Halls

Take a break from the midway and wander through the Exhibit Halls, where Santa Cruz County shows off its best. This year’s exhibits include baked goods, floriculture, photography, quilts, youth displays, LEGO creations, handspun and handwoven work, agriculture and horticulture, poetry, fine art, and much more. It’s a great way to see the creativity and hard work of your neighbors up close.

Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, September 19, local youth will present the animals they’ve raised, including hogs, steer, goats, lamb, poultry, and rabbits, in the Junior Livestock Auction. It’s an exciting event and an important one for the young people who have spent months caring for their animals. Come out and cheer them on.

Plan Your Visit

The Fair runs Wednesday, September 16 through Sunday, September 20 at the Watsonville Fairgrounds. For detailed daily schedules, visit santacruzcountyfair.com.