Buckaroos and Howdy Do's Monterey County Fair August 31 - September 4, 2023 With a horse and rabbit in chaps and overalls, the horse is wearing a cowboy hat standing on 2 legs they are both whipping a lasso

2023 FAQ'S

Coming Soon!

2022 FAQ'S

What are the hours for the 2022 Monterey County Fair?

Thursday, September 1st – Sunday, September 4th the hours are 12 PM (Noon) – 11 PM. Monday, September 5th the hours are 12 PM – 10 PM

Thursday, September 1st, 12 PM – 11 PM

Friday, September 2nd, 12 PM – 11 PM

Saturday, September 3rd, 12 PM – 11 PM

Sunday, September 4th, 12 PM – 11 PM

Monday, September 5th, 12 PM – 10 PM

Where can I purchase admission tickets?

All admission tickets are available at www.montereycountyfair.com.

Pre-Sale tickets are on sale through August 31st at a discount. Prices for admission tickets will increase on September 1st.

During the fair, look for our QR codes posted at the entrance gates for a touch less purchasing experience for daily admission tickets and rodeo tickets.

Carnival ride tickets can be purchased from the carnival (click here) Look for the blue ‘Get Tickets’ button.

Do I need to be vaccinated or wear a mask?

The fair is following all county and state guidelines. Vaccinations and masks are not required for entry but are strongly recommended. Upon entry to the Fair, all state health and safety guidelines must be adhered to, or the ticket holder is subject to removal from the Fair.

What are your COVID 19 Protocols?

Staff and volunteers are encouraged to wear gloves when coming in close contact with equipment and fair patrons. Touchless payment options are recommended. Tables and seats will be cleared and sanitized after each use. Sanitizer stations are available in all dining areas. Restroom surfaces and contact points throughout the Fair will be wiped down and disinfected continually throughout the fair day. Please stay at home if you are experiencing any flu symptoms, have a temperature greater than or equal to

100 degrees and/or you’ve had known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have Covid-19.

What public event safety measures are in place?

The Monterey County Fair provides a safe environment for families and all our guests, exhibitors, staff, volunteers and partners. The Fair has a public safety program which includes a Code of Conduct (click here) and Screening Policy (click here). Handheld metal detecting wands will be in use by our security company and Monterey Police Department will be on site daily.

Is there a clear bag policy?

Yes, there is a clear bag policy for the 2022 Monterey County Fair. Please read through the Clear Bag Requirements and FAQs (click here) to ensure smooth access into the event.

What items are prohibited from bringing into the Fair?

a. Guns, knives, mace/pepper spray/stream, or any items that could be considered or used as weapons

b. Alcohol, illegal substances or cannabis products in any form

c. Glass bottles, cans or hard-sided containers

d. Non-factory sealed plastic bottles (permitted if empty)

e. Ice chests or coolers

f. Outside food and beverage (unless for infant/medical reasons)

g. Chairs

h. Pets other than approved service animals

i. Grills, charcoal and flammable liquids

j. Tents, tables and large shade umbrellas

k. Fireworks, firecrackers

l. Unmanned aerial vehicles

m. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, skates/rollerblades and Segway

n. Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by MCF personnel

Can I rent a stroller or a wheelchair?

No, strollers and wheelchairs are not available to rent.

Where can I park and how much does it cost?

Free parking is available on Fairgrounds Road daily.

 

Monterey Pines Golf Course Parking is $20.00 per vehicle available Thursday – Sunday. A golf cart shuttle service at this location is offered by Monterey Bay Veterans. Map link (click here).

 

Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) parking is $15.00 per vehicle available beginning 3 PM Friday – Monday. Shuttle service at MPC is provided by Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) Friday 3 PM – Monday, close of fair. Map link to 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA (click here)

Do you have lockers?

No, unfortunately we do not have lockers.

Can I bring in my own food and beverage?

No, but don’t worry there is plenty of food available from a wide variety of vendors. Food that is medically necessary is allowed.

Can I bring a water bottle?

Yes, empty water bottles will be permitted and can be refilled once inside the fairgrounds.

How old do you have to be to ride the carnival rides?

There is no age restriction, however rides do have height limitations to ensure safety. Monterey County Fair Carnival Rides (click here)

Are there unlimited carnival ride wristbands for sale?

Yes, wristbands are on sale for $30 through August 31st online only. Price increases to $40 on September 1st. Wristbands are valid for any single day during the fair. Some rides have height restrictions to ensure rider safety. Be sure to refer to the ride list and restrictions before making your purchase. Monterey County Fair Carnival Rides (click here).

Carnival ride tickets can be purchased from the carnival (click here) Look for the blue ‘Get Tickets’ button.

Do I have to pay admission for my infant?

No, children 5 years old and under get in free.

Is there a free kids day this year?

Yes! Kids Day is back at the 2022 Monterey County Fair. Friday, September 2nd, all children aged 6-12 are admitted free. Youth should be accompanied by an Adult. Purchase general admission tickets here.

Children can also earn a second free fair admission for Monday, September 5th (Labor Day) by reading books! Learn more about the Read and Ride Program here.

Is there a Costco Admission Package this year?

Yes, coming soon to Salinas and Sand City Costco Warehouse Stores, Monterey County Fair discount admission packages!

Package includes two (2) Unlimited Ride Wristbands, two (2) General Admission Tickets and food coupons valued at $10. Wristbands and admission tickets are valid for one day only.

Are there discounts for Seniors, Veterans or Military?

Yes, Thursday, September 1st we are offering free admission for Seniors (persons age 62 or greater), Veterans and Military personnel.

Military/Veterans may receive a $5.00 rodeo admission on Friday, September 2nd.

Are there special promotional days at the 2022 Monterey County Fair?

Yes! Check-out our 2022 line-up of special days.

 

Thursday, Aspire Health Day, Free Admission for Seniors (aged 62 or better), Veterans and Military.

Friday, Kids’ Day, Free Admission for children aged 12 and younger.

Friday, $5 Discount Rodeo Admission (only) for Military and Veterans

Saturday, Natividad Day

Sunday, Dole Fresh Vegetable Day

Monday, 4 before 4. Bring 4 non-perishable items to donate to Monterey County Food Bank before 4 PM and be admitted to the fair for free!

Can I bring in a pet?

Valid service animals are permitted, but pets are not.

Is re-entry available?

Exit and re-entry is available with a hand stamp at the main gate 3 or 5.

Is smoking allowed on premises?

The Monterey County Fair is a smoke free and vapor free event. Smoking of any kind, including the use of pipes, e-cigarettes, vapors or similar devices of any kind is prohibited. Thank you for your consideration of others!

Do vendors accept cash?

Yes, most vendors do accept cash however debit/credit cards are preferred.

Are there ATM machines?

Yes, ATM machines are located throughout the Fairgrounds.

Is there a rodeo this year?

Yes, Flying U Rodeo will have one performance at 6 PM on Friday and Saturday and two performances on Sunday at 2 PM and 6 PM. Rodeo admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child (ages 6-12) and children under 5 years of age are free. Buy tickets online (click here)

Purchase fair admission and rodeo admission together for a $2 savings! Look for the ‘Rodeo Package’ on our tickets and parking page.

Will there be music at this year’s fair?

Yes, the Monterey County Fair has music on the Payton Stage every day. Plus, local talent and roving entertainment throughout the fairgrounds. We’re delivering lots of smiles for the whole family. Check out this year’s schedule here.

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Thank You To Our 2022 Sponsors

Urbn Leaf
Monterey Peninsula College
PG & E
American AgCredit
Aspire Health Plan
Central Coast
A Tool Shed
Holaday Seed Shed
Heritage Foundation
Nutrien AG Solutions
Ocean Mist
Commercial Service Company
Boot Barn
Braga Fresh
Culligan Water
Dole
tanimura
Blazer Wilkinson
sambrailo
Chuckchansi
Coastal Tractor
Bengard Ranch
Sturdy Oil Company
L.A. Hearne
SSB
T-Mobile
Monterey Weekly
Pacific Valley Bank
Natividad
California American Water
Estrella
KSBW
ABC Central Coast
KDON
KTOM