The Ventura County Fair draws a large crowd every summer. Many guests enjoy the rides, the food, the sea breeze and the ocean view from the Ferris wheel. With a lively atmosphere including stands, music, animals and a rodeo, the fair offers a variety of experiences. While there can be challenges in purchasing tickets for rides and admission, including costs and the timing of ticket sales, the overall experience is a highlight of the summer season.
The Ventura County Fair starts July 29, 2026 and ends on the final day, Aug. 9, 2026. A special promotion for opening day on Wednesday, July 29, offers discounted admission tickets for only $5, available only before 5pm, compared to the usual cost of $16.45 for adults and $11.45 for children and seniors, on sale May 26 to June 30. As usual, there will be wristband days where there’s no need to purchase tickets for fair rides, except for fair admission. The carnival wristband sale is expected to be on June 1, 2026, for those anticipating the wristband days free of charge.
VIP tickets for the concerts are sold separately from admission tickets. This year has a prepared line-up of artists, guaranteeing a musical-filled carnival. A well-known artist across the internet who is planned to perform is Christopher Comstock, also known as “Marshmello”, a DJ most popular during 2016 to 2019. Marshmello will be performing on July 30, 2026. VIP tickets for the concert are being sold as soon as early June, as well as many other VIP tickets for various other artists including Bush, Iration, Jake Owen and more.
As always, the Flying U Rodeo will be at the Ventura County Fair. They’ll have 5 shows running from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, but tickets for the rodeo are sold separately from fair admission tickets. Along with the rodeo, are the many animals and livestock showcased and auctioned at the fair. The Junior Livestock Auction will be held on Aug. 7, 2026.
New this year is the clear bag policy that’s being implemented, arising controversy. The new policy is to ensure safety for guests and staff at the fair. In the clear bag policy, there are very specific measurements and bag types allowed on the premises during the carnival with very specific exceptions to the policy, making many bags prohibited entirely for guests to have.
“On one hand, I think it’s good that they have the rule because it can help people feel safe, but they are also kind of ugly,” Olivia Pamplona ‘28 said.
Although the clear bag policy is for safety, some guests find it frustrating and unnecessary, whether it’s stylistic preferences or practicality.
As spring comes to an end and school concludes, everyone can look forward to the many summer activities ahead, especially the Ventura County Fair and all the experiences it gives to its guests. Admission, So don’t wait! VIP concert and rodeo tickets are being sold right now.
