WATSONVILLE — A 300-drone light show, hometown musicians, monster trucks and a full slate of family attractions will highlight the 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair, set for Sept. 16-20.
“I think this is going to be one of our best fairs yet,” fair marketing manager Ron Haedicke said.
The fair’s theme, “Apple Pies and Starry Skies,” will come to life Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights when 300 drones take flight after the main stage concerts and will be visible throughout the fairgrounds.
In previous years, trees and the grandstand blocked the view from some areas, Haedicke said. The official schedule lists the shows for 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8:45 p.m. Sunday. However, Haedicke said to expect the shows to start right after the main entertainment each night, so they might start a little earlier.
The evening concert lineup will showcase performers with local roots. Watsonville native Andy Vargas, the longtime lead singer for Santana, will perform with his band, La Verdad, at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Vargas will fly in from Las Vegas for the performance, and his father, mariachi musician Javier Vargas, will join him on selected songs.
Haedicke said Javier Vargas first put his son on a fair stage to sing when Andy was about 8 years old.
Santa Cruz native and former “American Idol” finalist James Durbin will perform with The Lost Boys at 7:30 p.m. Saturday for KWAV Night at the Fair. Durbin finished among the top four contestants on “American Idol” in 2011 and has since released six solo albums.
Sunday’s entertainment will begin with horses and flowing skirts. Lola Montes will sing regional Mexican music while riding an Andalusian horse during the Escaramuza Charra El Centenario show at 4 p.m. in Horse Arena One. The women of the escaramuza ride sidesaddle in traditional outfits while performing synchronized maneuvers.
“It draws a couple thousand people each time,” Haedicke said. “It’s fun — the beautiful flowing skirts of the ladies on horseback.”
Los Reyes de la Banda will also perform in the horse arena at 4 p.m. Los Mismos will close the main stage entertainment at 7 p.m. during La Movida and La Buena Night at the Fair. Los Mismos was formed by musicians associated with the popular Mexican band Los Bukis.
Monster trucks will take over the grandstand at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. The Monster X Tour, brought in by a new promoter, will feature 10,000-pound trucks competing in races, wheelie contests and freestyle action. Fairgoers will also have a chance to meet the drivers and see the trucks during a pre-show autograph pit party.
Monster truck admission is separate from fair admission. Tickets are $15 for people 13 and older and $7 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.
The Midway of Fun carnival will return, along with daily stage shows and roaming entertainers. Twinkle Time, a bilingual children’s performer who blends pop, rock, electronic dance music and hip-hop, will perform throughout all five days.
“The kids adore her,” Haedicke said. “She’s back for all five days of the fair.”
Other returning entertainment includes magician and hypnotist Michael Mezmer, the Alaskan Racing Pigs, Jeremy the Juggler, stilt characters, tractor parades and nightly performances at the Ragtime Piano Corner in Heritage Hall.
At night, a UC Santa Cruz astronomy group will set up telescopes in the Community Zone, giving fairgoers a closer look at the starry skies that inspired this year’s theme.
The pig races are moving to a new track across from the model railroad display and Big Creek Lumber’s booth.
“The pigs are in hog heaven with the new track,” Haedicke said. “It’s shadier.”
Fairgoers will also be able to take part in judging this year by voting for a Fairgoers’ Choice Award in the exhibit buildings, selecting favorites such as the quilt they believe is best.
Haedicke said exhibit entries were already arriving in large numbers.
“We should have some nice packed buildings this year,” he said.
Visitors will notice a major change in the livestock area. The former sheep and swine barns were recently removed afterreaching the end of their useful lives. Sheep and hogs will be housed in tents during this year’s fair.
“The nice part about it is it will give some time for the Livestock Committee to reimagine that area,” Haedicke said.
The Beef Barn is expected to hold 28 to 30 steers, about four times the number displayed in some recent years, Haedicke said. Large numbers of sheep, hogs and goats are also expected.
Opening-day admission will be $2.50 all day Wednesday, cash only at the gate, in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Veterans and active-duty military members with valid identification will be admitted free. Wednesday will also include a senior contest and ice cream social.
Children 12 and younger will be admitted free Thursday. Fairgoers buying tickets at the gate before 5 p.m. Thursday or Friday can receive a $4 discount.
Regular admission is $20 for people ages 13-61, $13 for seniors 62 and older and $10 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Parking is $10, down from $15, and vehicles carrying five or more people can park free.
“The fair is all about community, and with our new pricing system we want to see all of you come to the fair as we showcase the best in Santa Cruz County,” Haedicke said.
The fair will be open from noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Exhibit buildings close 30 minutes before the fair closes.
“The grounds look the best I’ve ever seen them,” Haedicke said.