Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2026
Santa Cruz County Fair Kicks Off Wednesday
Watsonville, CA – It’s Fair time! The 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair kicks off this Wednesday, September 16th... and we have five fun-filled days celebrating “Apple Pies and Starry Skies!”
Opening Ceremony is Wednesday at the Main Gate, right before gates open at noon. (Media is invited). In honor of our country’s 250th birthday, admission is $2.50 only on Opening Day, cash only at the gate.
This year’s Fair features two nights of monster trucks (Wednesday and Thursday) with the Monster X Tour! (additional ticket required).
Live concerts Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights star hometown superstars! We’ve got Santana lead singer and Watsonville native, Andy Vargas. James Durbin, American Idol Alum and Santa Cruz native, and Los Mismos!
Our Drone Show (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) is all new, with 300 drones! Plus, daily shows by all our Fair favorites… Twinkle Time, Michael Mezmer- The Phenomenist, POWERHOUSE!!! Percussive Dance and The Magic of Frank Thurston. And all the sweet and savory treats you only get once a year at the Fair!
Our Exhibit Halls will be packed with all the best Santa Cruz County has to offer… baked goods, floriculture, photography, quilts, youth displays, LEGOs, handspun-handwoven, agriculture-horticulture, poetry, fine art and MORE!
On Saturday morning (9/19), local youth will present their hogs, steer, goats, lamb, poultry and rabbits in the Junior Livestock Auction—it’s an exciting and important event.
Check out santacruzcountyfair.com for detailed daily schedules. Contact Katie Marzullo at 949-257-9089 or to get a Media Pass.
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