Get Ready to Ride, Scream, Snap and Snack — ‘Waves of Fun’ Roll Into Seaside Park
Sylvie Belmond 
The Ventura County Fair is back July 30 with big music, wild rides and nonstop summer energy
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Ventura County Fair is back this summer with its 2025 theme, “Waves of Fun,” and fairgoers across the region are counting the days. From July 30 through August 10, Seaside Park will once again come alive with music, lights, livestock, fried food and the kind of community tradition that makes summer on the coast unforgettable.
Open daily from noon to 11 p.m., with an early start at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, the fair promises twelve straight days of heart-pounding rides, toe-tapping concerts, prize-winning jams and show-stealing livestock. General admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and children ages 6 to 12, and free for kids 5 and under.
The Ventura County Fair is built for all ages, whether you’re five or eighty-five, riding solo or pushing a stroller, out on a date or wrangling the grandkids. From livestock barns filled with sheep, swine and steers to the hobby and home arts exhibits showcasing everything from hand-pulled taffy to quiltwork, there’s something here for everyone. Art and photography displays highlight local talent, while the agriculture building celebrates Ventura’s roots with citrus displays, produce contests and youth garden entries.
Midway adventures await riders young and old: whether you’re a thrill seeker chasing spinning coasters or looking for family-friendly fun, the carnival rides offer something for singles, couples, kids and seniors alike. Carnival wristbands are sold onsite for $45, valid until 8 p.m.
The Grandstand Concert Series kicks off Wednesday, July 30 with a beach block party featuring Tone Loc, Ying Yang Twins, Fat Joe and Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa. Thursday, July 31 brings global DJ powerhouse Diplo. On Friday, August 1, Dirty Heads take the stage. Country star Lee Brice headlines Saturday, August 2. Sunday, August 3 turns up the energy with La Maquinaria Norteña and La Séptima Banda featuring Mi Banda El Mexicano. Flo Rida and Bubba Sparxxx perform Monday, August 4. Tuesday, August 5 brings Dylan Scott and Cheat Codes. The series closes Wednesday, August 6 with Scotty McCreery and Kruse Brothers. Concerts are first come, first served with fair admission, with VIP upgrades available for fans seeking an arena experience.
The Flying U Rodeo Company rides back into town August 8 through 10, offering five high-energy performances in three days. Friday’s show begins at 7 p.m., followed by double shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children, sold separately from fair admission. Seating is limited, and tickets go on sale July 8 at vc.fair.
Several themed days offer reduced or free admission for specific groups. On opening day, July 30, admission is just $5 before 5 p.m. Youth Day on August 1 allows children 12 and under to enter free with a paid adult. Seniors and persons with disabilities, along with one caregiver, receive free admission on August 5. Ventura County Credit Union members get $4 off admission before 5 p.m. on August 6. Military, fire, police and EMS professionals are welcomed on August 7 with free admission all day. Food Share Day on August 8 invites guests to bring five nonperishable items for a same-day buy-one-get-one ticket deal.
According to The Fillmore Gazette, the fair began in 1874 as part of a harvest festival and has grown into one of the county’s most cherished traditions. That legacy continues at Seaside Park, where summer meets the ocean breeze and generations gather to celebrate the best of Ventura County.
Shuttle service runs from several off-site parking lots and begins an hour before the fair opens. The Ventura Amtrak station is just steps away, making the fair as accessible as it is unforgettable. For tickets, shuttle schedules, entry details and full event listings, visit vc.fair.
