KING CITY — The 82nd annual Salinas Valley Fair returns May 14-17, transforming the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City into four days of livestock exhibits, carnival rides, food, wine, concerts and youth competitions under the theme “Red, White & Bloom.”
Salinas Valley Fair will open Thursday with organizers highlighting tradition, community and expanded entertainment across the fairgrounds.
“We are thrilled to kick off the 82nd Salinas Valley Fair,” said Lauren Hamilton, Fair CEO. “Join us May 14-17 in King City for four unforgettable days of excitement, community and classic fair fun. This year’s theme, ‘Red, White & Bloom,’ brings a festive spirit to every corner of the fairgrounds. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by the sights, sounds and flavors that make the fair a cherished tradition.”
The 2026 Fair will feature 4-H and FFA livestock exhibits, baked goods, photography and other youth projects, along with a midway offering carnival rides, games and nightly entertainment. Food options will include fair staples, such as corn dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy, along with new vendors serving items like chicken and waffles.
Special admission days include Kids Holaday on Thursday; Senior Day and Special Kids Day on Friday; Armed Forces Day on Saturday; and Día del Hispano on Sunday.
The Stampede Arena will host a full slate of entertainment throughout the weekend, including flat track motorcycle racing Thursday night, 4×4 truck pulls Friday evening, a Niko Moon concert Saturday night and a Hispanic concert series Sunday afternoon.
Opening night will also feature the Grand Tasting, a wine and food event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Orradre Building, expected to draw more than 400 attendees.
Sponsored by Mechanics Bank, the event showcases award-winning wines from the Monterey International Wine Competition, along with heavy appetizers and local food pairings. Featured selections include “Wine of the Year” winners ZD Wines and Whitehaven, and “Best of Monterey County” recipient Bernardus.
Attendees will also be able to view 4-H and FFA exhibits and commercial displays, with some projects available for purchase.
The Junior Livestock Auction, one of the fair’s signature events, will take place Saturday, May 16, featuring more than 900 4-H and FFA members exhibiting market animals, including hogs, sheep, beef, goats, poultry and rabbits.
Salinas Valley Fair Junior Livestock Auction represents months of preparation for student exhibitors whose animals are judged and sold in a fast-paced auction ring.
“Months of effort for young, aspiring ranchers and farmers culminates at the Salinas Valley Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday,” organizers said.
Fair officials said the auction relies heavily on volunteers, buyers and sponsors who help support youth agricultural education programs.
“Our volunteers, donors and buyers really make a difference,” said Livestock Committee Chair John Orradre. “Every year something special and surprising takes place to remind me, and all of us, we have a good thing going in King City.”
Salinas Valley Fair runs through Sunday, concluding with the Hispanic concert series in the Stampede Arena. Gates open at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 10 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Tickets and additional information are available at salinasvalleyfair.com.
