Fairgoers make their way through the carnival midway during a previous Butte County Fair in Gridley. The 2026 fair returns Aug. 27-30, with discounted admission and carnival wristbands available through Aug. 26. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Butte County Fair returns Aug. 27-30 with four days of livestock shows, carnival rides, exhibits, entertainment and a new Fairtime Marketplace showcasing products from local farm stand businesses.

This year’s theme, “Golden Days and Country Ways,” reflects the fair’s focus on agriculture and longtime fair traditions.

“Golden Days and Country Ways reflects everything the Butte County Fair is about: bringing our community together to celebrate agriculture, entertainment, and family traditions,” Butte County Fair CEO Matt Reed said. “Whether you’re coming for the carnival, the livestock shows, the arena events, or simply to spend time with family and friends, there’s truly something for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Gridley.”

One of the changes fairgoers will find this year is inside Farmers Hall, where the new Fairtime Marketplace will serve as the focal point of the building with a farm stand-style facade.

“It will be like a farmers market, a mercantile of sorts,” Reed said. “We have a few local farm stand businesses participating.”

The Sheldon Stand, B Street Blooms, Canada Family Farms and Reis Ranch Produce are expected to participate, offering seasonal produce, baked goods, canned and prepared items and other products.

Reed said other merchandise will also be available, including items that could provide last-minute gift ideas for fairgoers.

“It’s a great opportunity for fairgoers to let their kids ride on the rides, and swing by the marketplace and purchase some local products,” Reed said.

Farmers Hall will also take on a larger role for competitive exhibits this year. Floral displays previously housed in Butte Hall will move into Farmers Hall alongside judged vegetables.

“The flowers didn’t like the swamp coolers very well,” Reed said. “So, all of the floral products, and judged vegetables will all be in one place, including the train display.”

The Wishing Corner will return with a themed display in the center of Farmers Hall. Butte Hall will not open during this year’s fair.

“We are going to shut down Butte Hall this year and see what happens,” Reed said.

Agriculture will remain a central part of the fair with livestock shows and exhibitions throughout the four-day event. Other attractions include the Midway of Fun Carnival, KidsZone, Jeremy the Juggler, competitive exhibits, People’s Choice Voting, Miss Butte County, Skip Banks the Balloon Man, food competitions and Big Wheel Races.

Live music, bingo, karaoke, line dancing and other performances will take place at Jake’s Bar and the Courtyard Stage.

Grandstand events begin Friday with the Jeff Mardesich Memorial Roping. Flat Track MotoX Racing follows Saturday, and the Destruction Derby closes the fair Sunday.

The fair is also partnering with Feather Falls Brewing Company on Peachy Keen Seltzer, a beverage created for the Butte County Fair and available during the event. Fairgoers may also complete a survey for a chance to win a $700 Feather Falls Casino Resort gift basket.

The Butte County Fair has operated for more than 80 years, with agriculture, competition and entertainment forming the foundation of the annual Gridley event.

The 2026 Butte County Fair runs Aug. 27-30 at the Gridley Fairgrounds. Tickets, schedules and additional information are available at http://buttecountyfair.org.