Santa Cruz County Fair is set to take place from Sept. 10-14 at the fairgrounds in Watsonville, bringing a week full of entertainment, community celebration and family fun. This year’s event features a lineup of exciting new attractions alongside beloved traditional favorites, all designed to provide a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
To ensure easy and affordable access, the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) is offering free fares on all fixed-route and ParaCruz services to the fairgrounds. A new weekday Route 79F will operate with free direct service to the fair, and free rides on Route 79 will be available on weekends. ParaCruz riders will also enjoy complimentary daily service throughout the event.
In addition, fairgoers riding Routes 79, 79F or ParaCruz can receive discounted tickets—$7 off for adults and $6 off for youth aged 6 to 12—by requesting a coupon voucher from the bus operator and presenting it at the ticketing window.
Transportation services will depart from the Watsonville Transit Center at 10:35am and continue until 9:35pm on weekdays, with weekend schedules starting at 8:35am and running until 9:35pm. Return trips from the fair will leave on the hour from 11am-10pm on weekdays and from 9am-10pm on weekends, making it convenient for visitors to plan their day at the fair.
This year’s entertainment lineup promises a lively and diverse array of performances. Attendees can enjoy performances by The Outlaw Mariachi on Thursday; The White Album Ensemble—an homage to The Beatles—on Friday; RED, a Taylor Swift tribute, on Saturday; and Los Dinnos wrapping up the festivities on Sunday.
Among the new attractions is FMX Ramp-Age, a spectacular show combining extreme sports with live music, featuring breathtaking stunts by top FMX riders, including X Games gold medalist Adam Jones, though additional tickets are required for this event. Also making its debut is Pro Wrestling Revolution, which celebrates the vibrant tradition of Lucha Libre wrestling, offering exciting matches for fans of all ages.
Families will find plenty of new and traditional activities to enjoy. Kids can explore the Slime Lab, powered by the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, where they can play with colorful, stretchy slime in a fun and interactive environment. The fair also features the classic Tractor Parade, Horse Show, livestock exhibits, camel rides, pig races, carnival rides, magic shows, drone displays and roving entertainment. Visitors will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of sweet and savory treats while experiencing the lively atmosphere of the fairgrounds.
Santa Cruz County Fair continues its commitment to celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and investing in youth programs. Visitors are encouraged to stop by METRO’s booth in the First Responders Area for games, giveaways and more fun activities.
For more information on transportation options, visit scmetro.org/countyfair, and for details about the fair itself, visit santacruzcountyfair.com.
