Nevada County Fair 2026 Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go!

by Sierra Player

🎡❤️ Nevada County Fair 2026 Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go! ❤️🎡

The countdown is on for one of Nevada County's most beloved traditions! The 2026 Nevada County Fair returns August 12–16, 2026, bringing five unforgettable days of carnival rides, live entertainment, livestock, local exhibits, delicious fair food, shopping, and family fun to Grass Valley.

Whether you're a longtime local or visiting Nevada County for the first time, the Nevada County Fair is the perfect way to experience everything that makes our community so special.

🎠 Nevada County Fair 2026 Dates & Hours

📅 August 12–16, 2026

Fair Hours

Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Exhibit Buildings

Open daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Carnival

Open daily: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

There is something happening all day long from livestock shows and local exhibits to concerts, carnival rides, games, shopping, and some of the best fair food you'll find anywhere.

🚗 Parking Information

Parking is available at the Fairgrounds for $10 per vehicle.

Gate 1

Permit Parking
Accessible (Disabled) Parking

Gate 4

General Parking
Accessible (Disabled) Parking

Please Note: There are no in-and-out parking privileges. Any parking lots located outside the Fairgrounds are privately owned and operated.

🗺️ Helpful Fair Services

To make your visit as enjoyable as possible, the Nevada County Fair offers several convenient guest services.

📖 Fair Guides

Pick up a complimentary Fair Guide with maps, schedules, and event information at any entrance gate.

ℹ️ Guest Services

Need assistance? Guest Services at Gate 1 provides:

Information
Lost & Found
Lost Child Assistance

❤️ First Aid

Professional medical staff from Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital are on-site throughout the Fair.

The First Aid Station is located in the Log Cabin near the arena end of Treat Street.

📱 Phone Charging Stations

Need a quick recharge?

Charging stations are available:

Next to Guest Services at Gate 1
Near the Pine Tree Stage on Treat Street

👶 Rock 'n Relax Lounge

Parents with little ones can enjoy a quiet, air-conditioned space for feeding and changing babies.

Located inside Ponderosa Hall
Open daily:
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

💳 ATMs

ATM locations include:

Gate 1 (Main Street Center)
Sugar Pine Lodge near the Pine Tree Stage
Outside Foundation Station

🍔 Can You Bring Food?

Yes!

Guests are welcome to bring:

Outside food
Water

However, the following are not permitted:

Ice chests
Glass containers
Aluminum cans and bottles

🐾 Pet Policy

To help ensure a safe experience for everyone:

Service dogs are welcome.
Dogs entered in Fair competitions are permitted.
Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under ADA regulations and are not allowed.
All other pets must stay home.

🚫 Prohibited Items

For the safety of all guests, the following items are prohibited:

Firearms
Knives
Sharp metal objects
Alcohol
Glass containers
Pets (except approved service animals)
Roller skates
Skateboards
Scooters
Bicycles
Gang colors or related attire

🎡 Why Locals Love the Nevada County Fair

Every August, families from across Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, Alta Sierra, Auburn, and beyond gather to celebrate one of California's most beautiful county fairs.

From award-winning livestock and handcrafted exhibits to live music, thrilling carnival rides, local vendors, and irresistible fair food, the Nevada County Fair is a tradition that creates lasting memories year after year.

Whether you're enjoying a famous funnel cake, cheering on the livestock competitions, exploring local exhibits, or taking the kids on their favorite carnival rides, there's something for every age to enjoy.