The Nevada County Fair is expanding to eight days and two weekends in 2027! The Fair, which traditionally takes place in August, will shift to late July in 2027. The 2027 dates will be July 23-25 and July 28-August 1. The Fair will be closed July 26 and 27.
The California State Fair will shift to mid-September beginning in 2027, triggering a ripple effect in carnival routing. “The Nevada County Fair has proudly partnered with Butler Amusements for more than 40 years, and to preserve that long-standing relationship, after careful consideration, we chose to adjust our dates,” says Andrew Trygg, the CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
“This change expands the Fair from five days to eight. Attendance has been growing each year, which often leads to long lines on Friday and Saturday nights. By adding another weekend, we’re optimistic this will create a better experience for fairgoers,” added Trygg. “We’ll still offer everything the community loves: music, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, great food, and more, while also introducing new experiences in the arena and throughout the grounds.”
Although there are still several logistical details to finalize, such as livestock show schedules, exhibit entries, and entertainment, we’re enthusiastic about the new opportunities this change will bring for fairgoers, said Katie Bielen, Deputy Manager.
Nearly 100,000 visitors are expected to visit the Nevada County Fair this year, which takes place August 12-16, 2026.
Tickets for the 2026 Fair are on sale now at nevadacountyfair.com.
ABOUT THE NEVADA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Located in Grass Valley, California, the Nevada County Fairgrounds has been declared as “California’s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds,” and is covered with hundreds of towering pine trees on almost 90 acres. It is home to the annual Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic, the Country Christmas Faire, world-class music festivals, and year-round community events. There is also a year-round RV Park, Lions Lake, rental facilities, weekly events, weddings, some of our community’s largest outdoor events, and lots of areas to walk.
The Nevada County Fairgrounds – also known as the 17th District Agricultural Association – was established in 1884, stemming from legislative action in 1859, which authorized the formation of agricultural districts. The first Nevada County Fair was held in 1938 at Veterans Memorial Building, and has been around since that date, with the exception of no Fairs from 1942 – 1946, due to World War II. The first Nevada County Fair at its current location on McCourtney Road was held in 1947. The first buildings on the grounds were built in 1951.
The Nevada County Fairgrounds is an economic, social, and cultural treasure for Nevada County.