From carnival rides to cotton candy, cornhole, an off-road car show, crafts and concerts galore, the Ramona Country Fair that opens Friday and goes through Sunday is a celebration of old-fashioned fun and community.
“One of the things we’re focused on this year is bringing the community together and we’ve brought together a lot of different interests,” said Vincent Ciampoli, Ramona Chamber of Commerce president and fair chair.
Organized by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the admission-free country fair is held at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane.
Activities on Friday, July 31 will go from 4 to 11 p.m. with rides available from 5 p.m. until closing. There will be expanded shade and cool zones for those looking for respite from the summer’s heat.
Music features prominently, with a variety of genres from both area and local musicians.
“Friday’s ‘Rhythm and Roots Night’ is a mix of everything from outlaws country to swing to country rock and blues, with a highlight on local artists,” said Jon Hasz, music coordinator.
Friday night’s performances will go from 5 to 10 p.m., and include Thea The Band, Dirty Confetti, Miranda Ramos, The Beard and The Bird and friends, and Elizabeth Bowersox.
Carnival rides and games, fair food and a variety of other attractions await visitors to the 2026 Ramona Country Fair. (Regina Elling)
Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2 the hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with rides available from 1 p.m. to closing.
“Saturday’s’ Rock and Reggae Night’ includes everything from psychedelic rock to reggae, funk and blues,” Hasz said.
Ocean Natives, Hatbox and WahSabi will perform, as well as Ripple Effect, which Hasz described as “one of the best Grateful Dead tribute bands in the county.”
Sunday’s “Blues Brunch,” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes the Ramona Blues Band, Ramona Blues Youth Band, Tim Atkins, Chickenbone Slim and the Biscuits, and the Jerry “Hot Rod” Demink Band.
“The latter two bands are a couple of the biggest names in San Diego County for blues, peppered in with some of our favorite locals from all ages,” Hasz said.
Nitro Express will take the stage on Sunday night from 5 to 9 p.m. The group features former members of the Righteous Brothers and Dwight Yoakam bands, and is known for its country rock.
“We have a couple new bands we haven’t had before,” Hasz said. “There’s no shortage of entertainment, and something for everyone no matter which night you choose to attend.”
The fifth annual Off-road Car Show, featuring buggies, Broncos, Jeeps, trucks, motorcycles and VWs, takes place on Saturday, with gates opening at 9 a.m., followed by the national anthem at 10 a.m. The car show ends at 2 p.m. with an awards presentation.
“We have a large variety of San Diego-based vendors, a big variety of cars and lots of raffle prizes,” said Christopher “CJ” Allen, car show chair.
“Many are home-built, and we have multiple families that show up with different cars for each generation,” Allen said. “It’s a really good, family-friendly event and we get the younger kids involved because we all grew up around cars since we were young.”
Carnival rides are always a highlight of the Ramona Country Fair. (Regina Elling)
Kids can enjoy free rides on Power Wheels, small electric rideable cars, from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The engine rev will happen twice, at 11:15 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. The Ice Cream Challenge is at noon. Voting closes at 1:25 p.m. with the People’s Choice Awards and raffle prizes presented at 2 p.m. For details, email ramonaoffroadshow@gmail.com.
The sixth annual cornhole tournament will be Saturday, with check-in at 10 a.m. and games beginning at 11 a.m. Participants can pre-register on the scoreholio.com website or app, or in person. Entry fees for each two-person team are $60, with half the proceeds going to cash prizes and the other half going towards local fundraisers. Children over the age of 10 are welcome.
Food vendors and a bar will be available, with special priced canned beer offered to contestants. Participants can bring their own bags or bags will be provided. The event is being run by State 31 Cornhole Company of Ramona. For details, visit tinyurl.com/RamonaCornhole or call Rita Brown at 480-215-3782 or Carl Brown at 619-843-6517.
A gymkhana and barrel jackpot takes place Saturday, with gates opening at 5 a.m. and the opening ceremony at 7 a.m. The event does not count towards end-of-year points, but there will be end-of-day awards. For a complete listing of events and fees, call the Ramona Chamber at 760-789-1311.
Carnival rides and games are always a highlight of the fair, and all the classics are back this year.
More than 25 craft and commercial vendors will be on-site, while numerous food vendors will offer new and familiar fair favorites. Beer and seltzers are also available at $5 each, with IPAs at $7 all weekend.
“The Country Fair is our largest event of the year, and the last of its kind in San Diego County and showcases what Ramona is all about, from our phenomenal music scene to equestrian events, the off-road car show and overall experience,” Ciampoli said. “We’re affordable and easy to get to and invite you to come on out and have a good time.”
The country fair overlaps with the Ramona Junior Fair, held that opened on July 24 and continues through Sunday, Aug. 2 at the same location. The Junior Fair allows participating 4-H, FFA and Grange club members to showcase their skills in agriculture and livestock handling through exhibits and a livestock auction. For details, visit ramonajuniorfair.com.
Ride tickets are $20 for 24; pre-sale ride tickets are $20 for 32. To purchase, visit ramonachamber.com. The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is the only authorized seller of ride tickets. Family 4-packs are valid for one day only, either Saturday or Sunday. Packages include four fair wristbands and a 1-day parking pass.
One-day parking passes are $20, while passes for unlimited parking are $25.
For more information, visit ramonachamber.com or call 760-789-1311.
Want to go?
Ramona Country Fair
When: 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 31 (rides open at 5 p.m.) and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2 (rides open at 1 p.m. both days).
Where: Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane.
Cost: Admission is free, but parking passes are $20 for one day or $25 for all three days. Ride tickets are $20 for 24; pre-sale ride tickets are $20 for 32. Buy at ramonachamber.com. Family 4-packs are also available.
Details: ramonachamber.com or call 760-789-1311.