Ventura County Fairgrounds
Ventura County Fairgrounds sits at Seaside Park, with a history dating back to an 1874 harvest festival held soon after Ventura County split from Santa Barbara County. Parking right at the Fairgrounds is limited to the Main Lot, so most visitors park at an offsite shuttle stop or take the Pacific Surfliner train, which drops passengers a short walk from the main entrance.
Before you go
- Official site
- venturacountyfair.org
- Next festival here
- California Strawberry Festival, May 15 to 16, 2027
Worth knowing before you go
- Parking right at the Fairgrounds is very limited, so plan to use a shuttle lot.
- Shuttle parking is free except at San Buenaventura State Beach, which costs $10.
- Shuttles run from an hour before opening until 11:30pm.
- Folding, camping and beach chairs are not allowed through the gate.
- Only one sealed bottle of water per person passes through the gate.
Festivals here
Venue basics: On-site parking is limited to the Main Lot · Free shuttle parking at most lots · Train drops off near the main entrance.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You are happy to shuttle or train in rather than park on site
Think twice if
- You were planning to bring your own chairs, cooler or drinks
Getting there and parking
Parking at the Ventura County Fairgrounds itself is extremely limited and only available in the Main Lot, so most visitors are encouraged to park offsite at a shuttle location instead. Shuttle parking is free except at San Buenaventura State Beach, which costs $10, and shuttles run from an hour before the Fair opens until 11:30pm.
The Pacific Surfliner train drops passengers off just feet from the Fair's main entrance, and the Fairgrounds has offered a discount on train fares during the Fair.
Accessibility
We don't yet have confirmed information about accessibility at the Fairgrounds. The venue's own pages are the place to check: venturacountyfair.org.
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at the Fairgrounds. The venue's own pages are the place to check: venturacountyfair.org.
Food, water and what you can bring
Outside alcohol, cannabis and illegal drugs are never allowed onto the Fairgrounds, and alcoholic drinks bought outside cannot pass the gate, though they are sold inside. Folding, camping and beach chairs are not permitted, glass bottles and metal cans are barred, and only one sealed bottle of water per person is allowed through.
Recently at the Fairgrounds
One more announcement
From the venue · May 25, 2026
The fun begins....
From the venue · May 15, 2026
2026 Concert Series Lineup Announcements
From the venue · May 13, 2026
40th Annual California Strawberry Festival returns to Ventura County
California Strawberry Festival
Quick answers
Can I park right at the Ventura County Fairgrounds?
Partly. On-site parking is extremely limited and only in the Main Lot, so most visitors park offsite at a shuttle location.
Is shuttle parking free at the Ventura County Fair?
Yes, except at San Buenaventura State Beach, which costs $10.
Can I take the train to the Fairgrounds?
Yes. The Pacific Surfliner drops passengers off just feet from the main entrance.
Can I bring my own chair?
No. Folding, camping and beach chairs are not allowed through the gate.
Can I bring alcohol?
No. Outside alcohol is never allowed onto the Fairgrounds, though it is sold inside.
How old is the Ventura County Fairgrounds?
It traces back to 1874, when Ventura County separated from Santa Barbara County and celebrated with a harvest festival.
A little history
The Ventura County Fairgrounds traces back to 1874, when Ventura County separated from Santa Barbara County and residents celebrated with a fall harvest festival featuring bullfights, horse races and a grand evening ball. During World War II the federal government took control of the site, Seaside Park, to protect the coast.