In addition to the headlining concerts, carnival rides, food, and exhibits, the California Mid-State Fair offers nightly live entertainment on two stages, which is free with paid fair admission.
On opening night of the fair, head to the Frontier Stage at 6 p.m. for the Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant, where the 2026 queen will be crowned.
For the remainder of the fair, the Frontier Stage will host a variety of live music, from classic rock to pop to tribute acts and more, with performances beginning each night at 8 p.m.:
July 16 – High VoltageJuly 17 – Micky DolenzJuly 18 – Sacha CarlsonJuly 19 – Noel TorresJuly 20 – John Hollier & The ReverieJuly 21 – Stephen StylesJuly 22 – ShenandoahJuly 23 – Something Out WestJuly 24 – LOCASHJuly 25 – QueensrÿcheJuly 26 – Coronel “El Jerry” Gerardo
On the Mission Square Stage, bands perform from 7-10 p.m.:
July 15 – The JD ProjectJuly 16 – Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band July 17 – Katie ChappellJuly 18 – Casey AnglinJuly 19 – IMVAJuly 20 – Riff TideJuly 21 – Unfinished BusinessJuly 22 – DustflowerJuly 23 – The Electric Lavender TrainJuly 24 – False PuppetJuly 25 – The Vibe SettersJuly 26 – The Prairie Outlaws
New this year, the Improv Crooner will take the stage following the concerts at Mission Square. Scott Palmason is a comedian who takes suggestions and stories from the audience and turns them into fully improvised songs. The Improv Crooner will perform on the Mission Square Stage from July 16-19 and July 23-25.
The California Mid-State Fair takes place from July 15-26 at the Paso Robles Event Center.