News Releases
Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2026
Don’t Miss Out!
There’s Still Time to Enter the Fair
Watsonville, CA – Your blue ribbon awaits you at the 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair! Now is the time for all our county bakers, makers, growers and artists to jump in with both feet and ENTER THE FAIR!
For most departments, the online entry deadline is August 27th… but some are as late as September 10th.
Also, most departments accept Walk-In Entries on Receiving Days. Entrants should consult the Entry Guide for details on each department.
There are so many exciting departments—something for everyone! Livestock, Agriculture-Horticulture, Amateur Wine, Fine Arts, LEGOs, Photography, Poultry, Baked Goods, Floriculture, Collections, Hobbies and Home Arts… just to name a few!
The Entry Guide is available online at santacruzcountyfair.com/2026-entry-guides
The printed Entry Guides are available throughout Santa Cruz County at local libraries and feed stores. For a full list of locations: santacruzcountyfair.com/2026-entry-guides#pickup
You can also grab an Entry Guide at the Fair Office, located on East Lake Avenue, in Watsonville.
Anyone with questions about entering the Fair should call the Fair Office at 831-724-5671.
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Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2026
Local Stars Take the Stage at 2026 Fair
Watsonville, CA – Get ready to sing along and dance at the 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair! This year’s live concert lineup is not only awesome, it’s local!
On Friday September 18th, direct from Las Vegas, we have Santana lead singer, Andy Vargas— who was born and raised in Watsonville!
Returning to Santa Cruz County is more than a performance for Andy, it’s a homecoming. Joining Andy and his band on select featured songs will be his father, Javier Vargas. Together, the Vargas legacy represents the spirit of community and pride, bringing world-class artistry back to the place where it all began.
Our hometown lineup also includes “American Idol” alum and Santa Cruz native, James Durbin! James Durbin and The Lost Boys will take the stage Saturday night, September 19th.
“I am very proud of being a born & raised Santa Cruz local. I’m also very proud to be a 3rd generation resident of Watsonville, as my "Oma & Opa” Shirley Settle & Dr. Jim Settle, DDS raised my mom and her 3 sisters in Watsonville. I now, along with my wife Heidi, live and raise our 3 children in this great community, says Durbin.
Also this year, monster trucks are back! We have an all-new racetrack promoter—bringing us the bigger and better Monster X Tour, Wednesday (9/16) and Thursday (9/17)!
These incredible 10,000-pound, car crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests and amazing freestyle action! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party! (additional ticket required for Monster X Tour).
The 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair is a one-stop-shop for local stars, live rock ‘n roll and “Apple Pies and Starry Skies!”
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The Santa Cruz County Fair celebrates the rich agricultural history of our community and people and invests heavily in bringing this heritage to our youth. The 2026 Fair will be held September 16-20, at the Fairgrounds located on Highway 152 just east of Watsonville. Information on the Fair, and the Fairgrounds - a year-round entertainment and event venue, can be found at santacruzcountyfair.com
Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026
Watsonville Teen Wins Poster Art Contest
Watsonville, CA – We put out the call to community and youth artists to create our 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair Poster Art… and boy did ya’ll answer!
We had more than 20 submissions!
After much thoughtful consideration from our esteemed panel of community judges (see below), the Santa Cruz County Fair is delighted to announce the winner is 17-year-old Watsonville High School student, Alondra Jaramillo-Arreola!
Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2026
Santa Cruz County Fair Announces 2026 Poster Art Contest
Theme: “Apple Pies and Starry Skies”
Watsonville, CA – The Santa Cruz County Fair is calling all local artists to enter the 2026 Fair Poster Art Contest!
Artists are encouraged to create original artwork inspired by this year’s theme, “Apple Pies and Starry Skies” and the spirit of the Fair and Santa Cruz County.
Designs may reflect fair elements like agriculture, farm animals, carnival rides, summer scenes, the coastline, apple pies and starry skies. Because 2026 marks the nation’s 250th anniversary, touches of red, white and blue are welcome but not required.
The winning artwork will become the official poster for the 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair and be featured in Fair marketing and promotional materials.
The contest is open to Santa Cruz County residents only.
A sketch, concept or partial design is due March 6, 2026-- by 4pm.
To enter, email a photo or scan of your concept to:
More details and requirements are included in the attached document.
The additional information is also available online at santacruzcountyfair.com.
We can’t wait to see all the creative entries from our artistic fans of the Fair!