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
