The 2026 Butte County Fair, themed "Golden Days & Country Ways," runs Aug. 27 through Aug. 30 at the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley. Photo courtesy of the Butte County Fair

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - With less than a month before opening day, the Butte County Fair is encouraging visitors to purchase discounted admission and carnival tickets before Aug. 26 while reminding exhibitors that entry deadlines are approaching.

The 2026 Butte County Fair, themed "Golden Days & Country Ways," runs Aug. 27 through Aug. 30 at the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley.

Advance general admission tickets are available online at ButteCountyFair.org and at the fair office, 199 E. Hazel St. Carnival wristbands for unlimited one-day rides are also available during the presale period for $30. Presale pricing ends at 5 p.m. Aug. 26.

Advance admission prices are $10 for adults ages 13 and older, $8 for children ages 6 through 12 and $8 for seniors 65 and older. Children age 5 and younger are admitted free.

The fair will also offer several special admission promotions. Seniors 65 and older receive free admission on Thursday, which also features bingo and karaoke. Friday is Kids Day, when children 12 and younger are admitted free, along with free team roping in the grandstands.

Competitive exhibit entries also remain open in several divisions. Entries for clothing, textiles and quilts, crafts, digital arts, fine arts, preserved foods, photography and family projects close at 11:59 p.m. Aug. 9. Entries for floriculture and farm and garden exhibits remain open until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 16.

Several arena events are expected to highlight this year's fair.

The Jeff Mardesich Memorial Roping returns Friday, Aug. 28, with a minimum of $5,000 in added prize money. Sign-ups begin at 5 p.m., books close at 5:45 p.m. and competition starts at 6 p.m. Organizers will also hold a free dummy roping competition for children, with buckle awards presented in the 6-and-under and 7-to-9 age divisions.

Saturday's featured attraction is Flat Track Motorcycle Racing. Gates open at 6 p.m. Admission for the event is $10, and children younger than 5 are admitted free.

The fair concludes on Sunday with the annual Destruction Derby. Gates open at 5 p.m. The evening will also feature the PowerWheel Derby, where children ages 4 through 9 can compete in two age divisions. Organizers are accepting advance registrations, and entry is $25.

Fair officials encourage visitors to purchase tickets before the Aug. 26 deadline to receive discounted pricing and avoid waiting in line during the four-day event.

For more information visit: https://www.buttecountyfair.org