Mid-State Fair again nominated best in U.S. for country music
The California Mid-State Fair was once again recognized nationally by the Academy of Country Music.
For a second year in a row, the Academy of Country Music Awards announced the Paso Robles fair as a nominee for “Fair/Rodeo of the Year,” an award representing excellence in presenting country music, according to a news release from the fair.
“The California Mid-State Fair has become known for delivering great entertainment year after year, and 2026 is no exception,” Fair CEO Colleen Bojorquez said in the release.
This year, the Mid-State Fair will host multiple country music stars on its grandstand stage, including Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Old Dominion, Treaty Oak Revival and a special pre-fair concert from Chris Stapleton. Six other free music stages across the fair grounds will showcase even more local and national acts.
“This recognition really belongs to our community,” Bojorquez said. “We’re fortunate to be part of a region that truly loves live music, and that shows up every summer.
The San Luis Obispo County fair joins four other nominees for the title this year, including:
- Calgary Stampede – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Cheyenne Frontier Days — Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Florida Strawberry Festival — Plant City, Florida
- San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo — San Antonio, Texas
Award winners will be announced live in May during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, which will stream live on Amazon Prime Video. Last year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo won.
The California Mid-State Fair runs from July 15 to 26.
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 12:10 PM with the headline "Mid-State Fair again nominated best in U.S. for country music."
