Monterey, CA — August 29, 2025 — The 2025 Monterey County Fair, presented by Montage Health, opened on Thursday, August 28 with a 21% increase in admission numbers compared to
Opening Day in 2024, kicking off the 5-day event with remarkable momentum.
The evening featured a free-with-admission performance by Grammy Award-winning reggae group Steel Pulse on the Payton Stage. The increase underscores the Fair’s growing popularity and its importance as a community tradition for Monterey County families.
“We were ecstatic to see the turnout of Opening Day, the support from the community, and the enthusiasm surrounding Thursday’s concert and Senior Faire,” said Kelly Violini-Rodoni, CEO of the Monterey County Fair. The Fair continues through Monday, September 1 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Each evening at 7:30 PM, the Payton Stage features free-with-admission concerts, including Kenny & Luke’s Country Beach Party on Friday, Journey Revisited on Saturday, The Selena Super Show on Sunday, and The Cheeseballs on Monday. The Flying U Rodeo takes place Friday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, with two shows on Sunday at 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Daily attractions include the Wilder Show, Master Hypnotist Tina Marie, All Creatures Racing, and more.
The Fair is open Friday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM and on Monday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Admission is free for active military on Friday, presented by Helm & Sons Amusements, and free for children ages 12 and under on Monday’s Kids Day, presented by Ohana Health. Children five and under are free every day.
For ticketing and event information, visit www.montereycountyfair.com.
ETAYLER BALDWIN
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
MEDIA@MONTEREYCOUNTYFAIR.COM – (831) 601-0869
ABOUT THE MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR & EVENT CENTER
The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility.