Everything you need to know about the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo 2026, including dates, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, parking, and family activities.
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is one of the most popular annual events on California’s Central Coast. Held at the historic Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo brings together carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly attractions. Taking place across two weekends in spring 2026, the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo celebrates local agriculture, youth programs, and community creativity while welcoming thousands of visitors from across the region.
Photo by Emily Enders on Unsplash
2026 Santa Barbara Fair & Expo Dates
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo 2026 will take place over two exciting weekends at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara.
- Event: Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
- Location: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- City: Santa Barbara, California
- Weekend 1: April 23 – April 26, 2026
- Weekend 2: May 1 – May 3, 2026
Each day of the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo features carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, games, and a wide selection of classic fair food.
2026 Santa Barbara Fair & Expo Hours and Carnival Schedule
Weekend 1
- Thursday April 23rd, 4pm - 9pm (Carnival until 10pm)
- Friday April 24th, 4pm - 10pm (Carnival until 12am)
- Saturday April 25th, 11am - 10pm (Carnival until 12am)
- Sunday April 26th, 11am - 9pm (Carnival until 10pm)
Weekend 2
- Friday May 1st, 4pm - 10pm (Carnival until 12am)
- Saturday May 2nd, 11am - 10pm (Carnival until 12am)
- Sunday May 3rd, 11am - 9pm (Carnival until 10pm)
Top Attractions at the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages, from carnival rides and games to livestock exhibits and community showcases.
Livestock & Agricultural Exhibits
Visit the livestock section to meet a variety of farm animals including goats, sheep, pigs, steers, and more. Don’t miss interactive educational displays, sheep shearing demonstrations, and milking exhibits that showcase the region’s agricultural heritage.
Carnival Midway by Butler Amusements
The Carnival Midway is one of the most popular attractions at the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo. Featuring more than 30 rides and games, the midway offers thrilling rides, classic carnival games, and fun experiences for visitors of all ages.
Exhibits & Youth Activities
Explore the Exhibit Building filled with art, photography, pottery, crafts, and community displays. Visitors can also discover horticultural exhibits, fine arts, and entries from youth participants in categories including baking, crafts, and creative arts.
Fair Food & Local Vendors
No visit to the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is complete without enjoying classic fair food favorites. Guests can find funnel cakes, corn dogs, BBQ, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks throughout the fairgrounds. Local vendors offer a variety of food options and snacks that capture the flavors of a traditional carnival experience.
Free Off-Site Parking & Trolley Service
Avoid the parking hassle with free off-site parking and trolley service to the showgrounds. Trolleys typically run every 30 minutes beginning about 30 minutes before the fair opens and continuing until shortly after closing.
- Pick-up Locations:
- La Cumbre Junior High (2255 Modoc Rd.)
- Bishop Diego High School (4000 La Colina Rd.)
- On-site parking: Limited availability for $20/day.
Earl Warren Showgrounds
The Earl Warren Showgrounds is a historic event venue in Santa Barbara located just minutes from downtown and the Pacific Ocean. Spanning more than 34 acres, the showgrounds host a wide variety of community events throughout the year, including horse shows, festivals, trade expos, and cultural gatherings. The venue provides the perfect setting for the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo with spacious indoor and outdoor areas for rides, exhibits, entertainment, and vendors.
Earl Warren Showgrounds Address
3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Whether you're visiting for the rides, the food, the animals, or the community atmosphere, the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo offers a fun and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo in 2026?
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo takes place over two weekends: April 23–26, 2026 and May 1–3, 2026.
Where is the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo held?
The fair is held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds located at 3400 Calle Real in Santa Barbara, California.
What attractions are at the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo?
Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, livestock exhibits, agricultural demonstrations, community art displays, youth competitions, games, and a variety of food vendors and family-friendly activities.
Is there parking at the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo?
Yes. Limited on-site parking is available at the Earl Warren Showgrounds for about $20 per day. Free off-site parking with trolley shuttle service is also available.
Is the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo family-friendly?
Yes. The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is a family-friendly event featuring rides, animal exhibits, games, food vendors, and activities for visitors of all ages.
How much are tickets for the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo?
Ticket prices for the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo vary depending on the day and ride packages. Visitors can typically purchase admission tickets and carnival ride wristbands online or at the fairgrounds during the event.
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