Take a sneak peek at the festivities at the 2026 Merced County Fair
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- The 2026 Merced County Fair opens today and runs for five days.
- Livestock shows by 4‑H and FFA culminate in a Saturday auction.
- Gate admission is $15 with discounted tickets and free entry for children under 12.
The Merced County Fair begins today, but the fairground has been busy all week as staff, vendors and livestock exhibitors prepare for five days of celebration, entertainment and community.
One of the fair’s longstanding traditions can be found in barns throughout the fairground where young exhibitors prepare to show sheep, goats and cattle that they have raised in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. The livestock remain a central part of the fair experience, culminating in an auction on Saturday.
Luis Lara, a member of the fair board, said this year’s theme, “Roots Run Deep,” is about “generation after generation sharing the goodness of Merced County.”
“It’s families, generation after generation coming to the fair,” Lara added. “... I remember coming as a little boy to the fair when I was younger with my parents and everything, and now … I’m bringing my kids here.”
Because the fair is meant for families, Lara emphasized the importance of keeping the festivities affordable. While admission at the gate is $15, visitors can save money by purchasing discounted tickets and ride passes at Save Mart and FoodMaxx. The fair is free for children under 12, though individual rides and games cost carnival coupons which can be purchased throughout the fairground.
Check out this full guide to the fair’s activities for more information on pricing and planning your day at the fair.
This year is the first time that the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will be performing at the fair, with shows at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Also a major draw for any fair, Butler Amusement has once again set up an assortment of carnival rides and games. Rides are divided between two areas of the fairground, with a separate area for little-kid rides near the G Street entrance.
In the main midway, adrenaline-seekers can test their nerves on pendulum rides and flying cars, while families can enjoy traditional fair rides including a Ferris wheel and carousel.
In the children’s carnival, you will find lots of fun activities for little ones including face painting, hose games and smaller carnival rides. There is even a child-sized roller coaster for fairgoers who aren’t tall enough for the big rides yet.
No fair experience would be complete without a selection of deep-fried foods, and the Merced County Fair offers all the classics and more. Food trucks and concession stands will sell barbecue, “Asian fusion” fare, and pizza along with staples including funnel cake, corndogs and churros.
While most visitors will only see the finished product, the fair is the result of months of planning, set up, and hours of work leading up to Opening Day.
