Santa Cruz County Fair just got cheaper – here’s how much you’ll save

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Admission and parking prices at the Santa Cruz County Fair are dropping this year – a deliberate move by organizers to bring back families priced out by rising costs. 

County fair CEO Dori Rose Inda said the move is in response to community feedback that the yearly event had become increasingly expensive to attend. After hearing that feedback, Rose Inda said that she and her team “put their heads together” to think of ways to make the fair more affordable and accessible to the community. 

The new prices are roughly $1 to $2 less than prior years. Tickets for adults (ages 13-61) are $20, compared to last year’s price of $22. Tickets for kids and older adults are priced $10 and $13, respectively, decreasing by $1. 

In celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday, Rose Inda told Lookout that fair admissions on opening day – Wednesday, Sept. 16 – will be $2.50, cash only, at the gate. On Thursday and Friday, Sept. 17 and 18, attendees can save $4 per ticket from noon to 5 p.m. if purchased at the gate, according to the county fair website. 

She added that there are additional discounts on prices throughout the fair’s run through Sunday, Sept. 20, such as kids day on Sept. 17, when children 12 and under are free. 

“We anticipate more attendance,” said Rose Inda. “We anticipate people to be able to spend money once they’re inside a little more comfortably if they haven’t had to spend it as much coming in.” 

In addition to admission costs being lowered, Rose Inda said prices for parking have also decreased by $5. Attendees can also take advantage of free offsite parking at the Santa Cruz County government building on Westridge Drive and the Elks Lodge on Martinelli Street in Watsonville, with Santa Cruz Metro offering free rides from there to the fairgrounds.

“I’m excited about families coming and about seniors being able to get in because it’s more affordable,” Rose Inda said. 

Rose Inda told Lookout she’s excited to highlight local talent at this year’s fair, including singers such as Andy Vargas and James Durbin, and to celebrate the local agriculture community. She recommends attendees check out the art exhibits, and added that they can look forward to a new drone show every night of the fair. 

Attendees can also expect all the yummy food and baked goods, including the famous Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls, which will feature a special flavor to celebrate this year’s theme, “Apple Pies and Starry Skies.”

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