MERCED — The Merced County Fair will return June 10–14 with its largest entertainment lineup in years, new attractions across the grounds and expanded savings programs for families, fair officials announced Friday. This year’s theme, “Roots Run Deep,” highlights Merced County’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
Fair CEO John Allgaier said the 2026 event blends long‑standing traditions with new experiences. “We’re especially excited about the return of PRCA Rodeo, the nationally touring Monsters of Destruction Monster Trucks, incredible free concerts and all the new family attractions we’ve added throughout the grounds,” Allgaier said. “We’ve also worked hard to make the Fair affordable for families with free admission every day for kids 12 and under, discount ticket programs, and special savings opportunities throughout the community.”
The 2026 Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Coors Light will offer five nights of free entertainment with fair admission. Wednesday’s lineup features Vive Mana Tribute and Outlaw Mariachi. Thursday brings country acts Just Jayne and Colin Stough. Friday’s show includes ‘90s hitmakers Tag Team and Color Me Badd, beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday features rising country artist Bayker Blankenship at 8:30 p.m. The series closes Sunday with regional Mexican groups Tiranos del Norte and Banda Troyana at 8 p.m.
Grandstand entertainment, sold separately from fair admission, includes two nights of Monsters of Destruction Monster Trucks on June 10–11, each with a free 5 p.m. Pit Party for ticket holders and a 7 p.m. showtime. The PRCA Pro Rodeo returns June 12–13 at 7 p.m., presented by the Merced Western Heritage Foundation. The fair closes June 14 with Jaripeo Tremendo at 6 p.m., featuring bull riding, dancing horses, banda music and family entertainment. Children 5 and under receive free grandstand entry with a paid adult.
New attractions this year include Sea Lion Splash, the only traveling self‑contained sea lion show in the country, offering educational presentations, comedy‑filled performances and photo opportunities. New strolling entertainers will appear throughout the grounds, including Hilby “The Skinny German Juggle Boy,” Jules Ross Physical Comedy, Slim & Curly and the Shipwreck Pirate Comedy Show starring Captain Jack SpareRibs. Camel rides will be offered near the Martin Luther King Jr. Way entrance.
Returning favorites include live entertainment on the Coors Light Stage and Dignity Health – Mercy Medical Center Stage, the daily Tractor Parade, the interactive Farm to Fair exhibit, the Library Bookmobile as part of the Early Childhood Literacy Partnership, petting zoo attractions and other family activities.
The fair is also expanding its savings programs. Children 12 and under receive free admission daily through a partnership with Valley Children’s Healthcare. The “Feed Our Community” Early Food Drive, presented by MERCO Credit Union, offers a free opening‑day ticket to anyone who donates five cans of food at MERCO branches in Merced or Atwater through June 10. Donations benefit the Merced County Food Bank. Seniors 62 and older receive free admission on opening day as part of Dignity Health – Mercy Medical Center’s “Seniors’ Day,” which includes a Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. near the Martin Luther King Jr. Way gate.
Discounted admission and carnival wristbands are available at participating Save Mart and FoodMaxx locations through June 14, offering $5 off general admission and up to $7 off unlimited ride wristbands.
More information, including full schedules and ticket details, is available at mercedcountyfair.com.
