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 Voltage
- July 17 – Micky Dolenz
- July 18 – Sacha Carlson
- July 19 – Noel Torres
- July 20 – John Hollier & The Reverie
- July 21 – Stephen Styles
- July 22 – Shenandoah
- July 23 – Something Out West
- July 24 – LOCASH
- July 25 – Queensrÿche
- July 26 – Coronel “El Jerry” Gerardo
On the Mission Square Stage, bands perform from 7-10 p.m.:
- July 15 – The JD Project
- July 16 – Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band
- July 17 – Katie Chappell
- July 18 – Casey Anglin
- July 19 – IMVA
- July 20 – Riff Tide
- July 21 – Unfinished Business
- July 22 – Dustflower
- July 23 – The Electric Lavender Train
- July 24 – False Puppet
- July 25 – The Vibe Setters
- July 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.
