How California Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows Work
California has one of the most organized fair systems in the country. Per the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the network includes 80 fair organizations in four categories: District Agricultural Associations (DAAs), which are state government entities, with 54 listed and 52 active after two were deactivated in fiscal year 1997/98; county fairs, run by county governments or as not-for-profits (23); citrus fruit fairs (2); and the California Exposition and State Fair (Cal Expo). CDFA's Fairs and Expositions branch provides fiscal and policy oversight of the network. For a 4-H or FFA exhibitor the label matters little: the fair is where the market animal is shown, judged and, if it qualifies, sold. Every fair publishes its own exhibitor or livestock book, so treat this guide as a map and your fair's book as the rulebook.
When the Fairs Run
California fairs run nearly all year, not just in summer. CDFA's fair dates page listed 75 fairs and expositions for 2026, including:
- Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival: February 12 to March 1
- Salinas Valley Fair, Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Glenn County Fair and Contra Costa County Fairgrounds: May 14 to 17
- Los Angeles County Fair: May 7 to 31
- Mother Lode Fair, Sonora: July 2 to 5
- California Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles: July 15 to 26
- California Exposition and State Fair: July 17 to August 2
- Kern County Fair and Event Center: September 23 to October 4
- Big Fresno Fair: October 7 to 18
- San Joaquin County Fair: December 3 to 20
Dates move each year and listings can contain typos, so confirm with your fair office.
Who Can Show
Fairs build on 4-H, FFA and Grange rules, and each adds local ones. Using the 2025 Monterey County Fair's junior livestock rules as one example: 4-H Junior, Intermediate and Senior members had to be at least 9 by January 1 and were eligible through December 31 of the year they turn 19; FFA members were eligible until December 31 of the year after high school graduation; Grange members needed to be at least 9 for large animals; and independent exhibitors needed two recommendation letters, with those 13 and younger entering through 4-H and those 14 and older through FFA. That fair also required every junior livestock exhibitor to enter at least one still project, and it limited market animals to one each of hog, lamb, goat or steer, with only steer plus lamb, hog or goat combinations allowed. Other fairs differ, so check yours.
Fairs also limit where exhibitors may live. Monterey, for example, required breeding, market and rabbit exhibitors to come from Monterey, Santa Cruz or San Benito counties.
Ownership, Care Time and Tagging
The University of California 4-H Policy Handbook sets minimums for animals shown at endorsed fairs, per Chapter 7: market sheep, swine, veal and goats owned and supervised at least 60 consecutive days; market beef at least 120 consecutive days; poultry, rabbits, feeder and breeding animals at least 30 consecutive days. Monterey converted those into calendar deadlines in 2025: market beef owned by April 28, market swine, sheep and goats by June 27, and breeding animals, poultry and rabbits by July 25. It also required a bill of sale showing 120-day ownership for beef at weigh-in, a fair-provided beef tag on arrival, a permanent ear tag or tattoo number on the online entry for cattle, and no substitutions within 120 days for beef or 60 days for sheep, goats and swine. Local fairs may be stricter than the state rules, so read your fair's book and put the ownership date on a calendar.
YQCA and Paperwork
Since January 1, 2019, per the San Luis Obispo 4-H fair page, all California fairs have required junior livestock exhibitors to complete approved quality assurance and ethics training every year, and the YQCA online program is the approved option. Monterey required the YQCA certificate number to be entered in its entry system by August 1. The Mother Lode Fair also requires a record book each year. Exhibitors choose at the start of the year whether 4-H, FFA, Grange or independent carries each project animal, and transfers use the Livestock Project Transfer Form.
Weigh-In, Showmanship and the Auction
Monterey's weigh-in closed at 6:00 PM with no pre-weighs, and market lambs could carry no more than a seven-day fleece. Showmanship was mandatory for market animal exhibitors. The auction was a terminal sale: animals judged market ready sold through the auction, with a 9.0 percent selling charge on all livestock, a $2.00 deduction from market beef sales for the California Beef Council, and checks held at least 16 days. Thank-you letters to buyers were required before checks were released. Breeding stock was not sold through the ring. Other fairs set different percentages and rules, so read the sale section of your book.
Two statewide points deserve a glance. CDFA's 2026 proposed language for state fair rules says positive tests for an unapproved foreign substance could mean disqualification and a ban of at least one year from the junior livestock show and auction, and that treated livestock cannot be sold without notifying the buyer while within a withdrawal period. For market hogs, the same document says whole pork sold in California must come from a breeding pig, or its immediate offspring, raised by a certified pork producer, as of January 1, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many California fairs are there?
CDFA counts 80 fair organizations, including 52 active District Agricultural Associations, 23 county fairs, two citrus fairs and Cal Expo.
When is the California State Fair?
The 2026 State Fair ran July 17 to August 2 per CDFA's dates page. Check the next year's dates before planning.
Is YQCA required?
Yes, for junior livestock exhibitors at California fairs, every year, per San Luis Obispo 4-H.
Does every fair use the same deadlines?
No. State and 4-H rules set minimums, and each fair sets its own dates, fees and auction rules.
California Listings Covered by This Guide
- San Joaquin County Fair
Winter holiday-season fair at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, scheduled December 3-20, 2026. Family entertainment and local exhibits.
1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, CA Official event details - Glenn County Fair Junior Livestock Auction
In-person sale with a 9 a.m. kickoff and 1 p.m. Sale of Champions, moving from swine, goats and sheep to beef, then rabbits and poultry. Held each year; the next date shown is May 22, 2027.
221 E. Yolo St., Orland, CA 95963 | 530-865-1168 | Organizer: Glenn County Fair Official event details - Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
Held each winter in the Coachella Valley date-growing region; the most recent dates were February 12 to March 1, 2026. Celebrates dates with farm exhibits, livestock and the Arabian Nights theme.
- Cloverdale Citrus Fair
Winter citrus fair at the Cloverdale fairgrounds over Presidents' Day weekend, February 13-16, 2026.
1 Citrus Fair Drive, Cloverdale, CA Official event details - California Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta
Three-weekend winter fair in the Imperial Valley with a junior livestock program whose 2025 auction averaged $3,682 an animal. Held each year; the most recent dates were February 27 to March 15, 2026.
200 East Second Street, Imperial, CA Official event details - Colorado River Fair
Colorado River Fair in Blythe, Riverside County. Held each year; the most recent dates were Mar 12-15, 2026. The fair serves the Palo Verde Valley on the Colorado River.
Blythe, CA Official event details - Santa Barbara Fair and Exposition
Santa Barbara Fair and Exposition in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County. Held each year; the most recent dates were Apr 23 to May 3, 2026. Held over two weekends at Earl Warren Showgrounds.
Santa Barbara, CA Official event details - Antelope Valley Fair Junior Livestock Auction
Spring sale that closes a week of swine, lamb, goat, beef and poultry shows at the Marvin Crist and Ron Emard Arena. Held each year; the most recent date was April 22, 2026.
2551 W. Avenue H, Lancaster, CA | Organizer: Antelope Valley Fair Association Official event details - Merced County Spring Fair
Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos, Merced County. Held each year; the most recent dates were Apr 29 to May 3, 2026. The west-side companion to the Merced fair, held in Los Banos.
Los Banos, CA Official event details - Tehama District Fair
Tehama District Fair, April 30 to May 3, 2026, with a junior livestock auction at 9 a.m. and Sale of Champions at noon on its final day; steers must be owned and tagged by December 31.
650 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff, CA 96080 Official event details - Los Angeles County Fair
May-long Pomona fair with livestock shows where Cal Poly Pomona students exhibit animals. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 7 to 31, 2026.
1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA Official event details - Chowchilla-Madera County Fair
Mother Day weekend fair at Chowchilla on the south side of the Valley. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 7 to 10, 2026.
1000 S. Third Street, Chowchilla, CA Official event details - Dixon May Fair
Dixon May Fair, described as the oldest district fair and fairgrounds in California, runs May 7-10, 2026, with agriculture-themed activities for the surrounding communities.
655 South First St., Dixon, CA 95620 Official event details - Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee
Mark Twain inspired fair with frog jumping, a children parade and a closing destruction derby. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 14 to 17, 2026.
- Contra Costa County Fair
Spring fair at the Antioch fairgrounds on the edge of the Delta farm belt. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 14 to 17, 2026.
1201 West 10th Street, Antioch, CA Official event details - Glenn County Fair
May Orland fair with market beef, swine, goat, sheep, rabbit and poultry classes. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 14 to 17, 2026.
221 E. Yolo St., Orland, CA 95963 | 530-865-1168 Official event details - Salinas Valley Fair
Salinas Valley Fair in King City, Monterey County. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 14-17, 2026. Held in King City in the southern Salinas Valley.
King City, CA Official event details - Calaveras County Fair Rodeo
Saturday rodeo that opens the Mother Lode rodeo season during the Angels Camp fair. Held each year; the most recent date was May 16, 2026.
Angels Camp, CA | Organizer: CCPRA Official event details - Sacramento County Fair
Sacramento County Fair in Sacramento, Sacramento County. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 21-25, 2026. A Memorial Day weekend fair in the state capital.
Sacramento, CA Official event details - Silver Dollar Fair
Silver Dollar Fair in Chico, Butte County. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 21-25, 2026. A Memorial Day weekend fair in Chico.
Chico, CA Official event details - San Bernardino County Fair
San Bernardino County Fair in Victorville, San Bernardino County. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 23-31, 2026. The fair is split across two Memorial Day period weekends (May 23-25 and May 29-31).
Victorville, CA Official event details - Sacramento County Fair Junior Livestock Auction
Held each year during the county fair; the most recent auction was Sunday, May 24, 2026, with buyer check-in at 8 a.m. Terminal sale with custom or resale disposition and add-on donations.
1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA Official event details - San Mateo County Fair
Ten-day county fair at the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo, scheduled June 5-14, 2026, with agricultural exhibits and 4-H and FFA youth projects.
2495 S. Delaware St., San Mateo, CA Official event details - Merced County Fair
Merced County Fair in Merced, Merced County. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jun 10-14, 2026. The main summer fair in Merced County.
Merced, CA Official event details - San Diego County Fair
San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, San Diego County. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jun 10 to Jul 5, 2026. The Del Mar fair runs for nearly four weeks.
- Colusa County Fair
June fair on the Colusa fairgrounds in the heart of Sacramento Valley rice country. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 11 to 14, 2026.
1303 10th Street (Highway 20), Colusa, CA | Organizer: 44th District Agricultural Association Official event details - Solano County Fair
Solano County's fair at the Vallejo fairgrounds, June 11-14, 2026, with youth livestock, exhibits and entertainment.
900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, CA Official event details - Redwood Acres Fair
Eureka June fair where Humboldt 4-H youth show animals and crops raised over the year. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 17 to 21, 2026.
3750 Harris St., Eureka, CA Official event details - El Dorado County Fair
Early summer Placerville fair in the Sierra foothills apple and wine country. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 18 to 21, 2026.
100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA Official event details - Alameda County Fair
Pleasanton fair with a long summer run and a junior livestock program and auction. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 19 to July 12, 2026.
- Kings Fair
Late June Hanford fair in a county known for dairies and cotton. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 25 to 28, 2026.
801 S. 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230 Official event details - Yuba-Sutter Fair
Four-day Yuba-Sutter Fair at the Yuba City fairgrounds, June 25-28, 2026, one of California's oldest fairs, with livestock shows, a grand stage and carnival.
442 Franklin Ave., Yuba City, CA Official event details - Placer County Fair
Placer County Fair in Roseville, Placer County. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jun 25-28, 2026. The fair is held at The Grounds in Roseville.
Roseville, CA Official event details - Siskiyou Golden Fair Rodeo
CCPRA rodeo held during the Siskiyou Golden Fair in Yreka on June 26, 2026.
Yreka, CA Official event details - Yuba-Sutter Fair Junior Livestock Auction
Junior livestock auction held on day three of the Yuba-Sutter Fair, a Saturday; steers have typically sold for $7,200 to $10,000 with young exhibitors keeping most of the sale price.
442 Franklin Ave., Yuba City, CA Official event details - San Diego County Fair Junior Livestock Auction
Held each year during the fair; the most recent auction was June 27, 2026, noon to 5 p.m. 4-H, FFA, Grange and independent youth sell swine, lambs, goats, beef and meat pens.
Del Mar, CA Official event details - Siskiyou Golden Fair
Siskiyou County's fair at the Golden Fairgrounds in Yreka, scheduled June 24-28, 2026, with livestock exhibitions, a junior livestock auction and a rodeo shootout; the fair turned 100 in 2025.
1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA Official event details - Mother Lode Fair
Mother Lode Fair in Sonora, July 2-5, 2026, featuring a junior livestock auction and heritage-themed activities.
220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA Official event details - Santa Barbara County Fair
Split into two weekends in 2026 (July 3-5 and July 8-12) around the Fourth of July at the Santa Maria Fairpark. 4-H, FFA and Grange members showed cows, pigs, sheep, goats and rabbits, and a Champion Drive picks Supreme Champions.
937 S. Thornburg Street, Santa Maria, CA Official event details - Mother Lode Fair Rodeo
CCPRA-sanctioned rodeo held during the Mother Lode Fair in Sonora on July 3, 2026, in the Gold Country foothills.
Sonora, CA Official event details
Plus 50 more. Find yours on your county's page in the California directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.