The Ultimate 2016 Mid State Fair Guide

California Mid State Fair 2016 Logo

The 2016 California Mid State Fair is almost here! From July 20th – 31st 12 pm to 10 pm people from all over this great nation will make their annual pilgrimage to Paso Robles for concerts, auctions, deep fried goodness and mutton busting. If this is your first visit to the fair, or you remember when it first opened in 1946, we hope this guide will help you have a great time and find what your looking for. This is a BIG list, so to help you navigate everything here is a quick list so you can jump to the section you want:

 

Visit A.M. Sun Solar’s Booth at the Fair!

Before we get started, you know we have to tell you about our booth at the fair. Stop by our booth located in Frontier Park where you can enter for a chance to win up to $250 towards your most expensive electric bill from the past 12 months, as well as a bunch of other free giveaways. Until then, why not get a free solar proposal and see how we can eliminate your electric bill and save you some cash for Kettle Corn and fried Twinkies at the fair? Now, let’s get to the good stuff!

California Mid State Fair Map

To help you find all of the activities, competitions and concerts, take a look at the mid state fair map so you can see where everything will be happening. Click here to download the California Mid State Fair 2016 map.

California Mid State Fair Concerts

There are big names this year! Below is a list of headliners you can see on the Chumash Grandstand Arena

 


To see a full list of concerts on all stages click here. Want a seating chart? Click here.

California Mid State Fair Activities

California Mid State Fair 2016 Activities

Photo Credit: Anita Ritenour

We’e collected every event happening each day. Expand the day below to see the time, event and location:

 

California Mid State Fair Parking, and Shuttles

Parking

You can park in the lot across the from the fair grounds for $10 before 3:00pm and $15 after 3:00pm. Parking is limited. Pro tip: bring a sunshade so you don’t return to a blazingly hot car. Alternatively, you could park near shuttle locations. Shuttles run every 10 to 15 minutes. Here is where you can find the shuttles:

Westside pick-up / return stops:

Pick Ups:

  • “State Farm” @ 20th/Spring
  • “Citibank” @ 16th/Spring
  • “Bank of America” @ 15th/Spring
  • “Courtyard by Marriott Parking Lot” @ 120 South Vine
  • “City Hall” @ 10th/Spring
  • “Radio Shack” @ 21st/Spring

Return Drops:

  • “Smart & Final” @ 22nd/Spring
  • “State Farm” @ 20th/Spring
  • “Citibank” @ 16th/Spring
  • “Bank of America” @ 15th/Spring
  • “Courtyard by Marriott parking lot” @ 120 South Vine
  • “City Hall” @ 10th/Spring
  • “Radio Shack” @ 21st/Spring

Eastside Stops

  • “Lowe’s Hardware” @ Main Parking Lot
  • “Paso Robles High School” @ City Bus Stop
  • “Albertsons Parking Lot” @ City Bus Stop

10 Tips For Attending The California Mid State Fair

There are so many fun and free things to do when you visit the fair. Here are 10 tips from our own experiences and other SLO County locals to help you enjoy your day at the fair

#1 Water bottles are cool, but leave the food at home

You’re not allowed to bring in outside food, but you can bring two (2) unopened plastic water bottle(s).

#2 Kids under 6 get in free!

Bring all the kiddos, but remember: although there is no age restriction on rides there might be height restrictions. Bonus tip: strollers are available for rent at the fair.

#3 Bring plenty of cash

Most vendors only accept cash. Some will take credit or debit cards, but you’re best off bringing cash. There are ATM machines on the grounds if you need to grab some more cash.

#4 Can I get back in once I leave?

Yup! Once you have entered the fair you can get a hand stamp at the Main Exit Gate when you leave if you plan to re-enter.

#5 Dress for a hot afternoon and chilly evening

It’s going to be pretty hot in the afternoon, but make sure you bring a sweater or jacket for after the sun goes down.

We hope this guide to the 2016 California Mid State Fair has been helpful! If you thought this was informative, you’ll love talking with our solar consultants! Why not get a free solar proposal and start saving so you can spend more on your family and fun. Click here to get started!

Have a tip of your own? Leave a comment below!