The Napa Town & Country Fair Returns

4DAYS Music | Midway Magic | Summer Tradition

By Kathleen Reynolds

There are few traditions that say “summer in Napa” quite like the Napa Town & Country Fair. For four days each August, the Napa Valley Expo transforms into a lively celebration where carnival lights stretch across the evening sky, live music fills the air, and generations of families gather to enjoy everything from award-winning exhibits to deep-fried fair favorites.

This year’s fair, running August 6–9, promises to be one of the biggest in recent memory, blending hometown traditions with nationally recognized entertainment and new attractions designed to keep visitors coming back all weekend long.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on the midway, introducing little ones to their first fair, or simply looking for a warm summer evening filled with live music and local flavor, there’s something around every corner.

Music takes center stage throughout the four-day celebration. Families can kick off opening day with the authorized Disney tribute Little Mermen and Princess Pals, followed by TROUBLE – A Coldplay Tribute Thursday evening. Friday welcomes rising country-pop artist Niko Moon before multi-platinum country favorites Lonestar take the stage Saturday night, performing fan favorites including the enduring hit “Amazed.”

Sunday brings a vibrant celebration of Regional Mexican music with performances by Regulo Caro and Noel Torres before chart-topping headliner Gerardo “El Jerry” Coronel closes out the fair with an energetic finale.

One of the fair’s most popular gathering spots, the Surfside Bandstand, once again offers entertainment throughout the weekend. From nostalgic dance music performed by the Poyntlyss Sistars, to Bruno Mars tribute band Uptown Funk, and 1980s favorites from Careless Whisper, the stage offers something for every generation. DJ Nano Saenz keeps the energy going throughout the weekend.

Friday night’s annual Fierce & Fabulous Drag Review has quickly become one of the fair’s signature events. Hosted by Sasha Devaroe and followed by the DJ Rotten Robbie Dance Party, the evening draws enthusiastic crowds and has become a celebration of music, creativity and community. The Fierce & Fabulous Drag Review was recently recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Merrill Award for presented by the Western Fairs Association given to programs that exemplify innovation, vision, and excellence in the fair industry.

The Locals Live Stage will also be buzzing with activity each day, offering a variety of performances to delight folks of all ages.

And the best part? Every

performance on the Plaza Stage, Surfside Bandstand and Locals Live Stage is included with fair admission.

Beyond the music, the fair continues to innovate, offering new exhibits and attractions showcasing what has always made it a Napa tradition. Visitors can browse the popular Makers Market and check out the Young Creators Gallery, a newly imagined youth Arts and Crafts exhibit showcasing Napa youth projects with a modern, whimsical twist. Other new exhibits include glass blowing demonstrations, a steampunk art display, a wool sheep demo and display, the Sea Lion Splash, a one-of-a-kind traveling sea lion show that combines education, comedy, and audience participation, and the new Palisades Saloon featuring line dancing and karaoke. In addition, fairgoers can step into a world where fantasy and science come together at Wizard’s Challenge, a hands-on interactive exhibit exploring magical-themed science through giant bubbles, optical illusions, puzzles, a dragon’s lair, and other fun, educational activities.

The midway features new rides and attractions, including thrill rides making their Napa debut and the return of the very popular PLUR spinning roller coaster. Families with younger children will find plenty of classic rides, while thrill seekers can test their courage on the newest high-flying attractions.

Of course, no fair experience would be complete without incredible food, including smoky barbecue, authentic Mexican favorites, Asian-inspired specialties, pizza, sweet treats, refreshing beverages, and classic fair indulgences like corn dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy and Kettle Korn made fresh all day. Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy or satisfyingly sweet, there’s something to tempt every appetite.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets before opening day to receive the best pricing. Advance admission and unlimited ride wristbands offer significant savings compared to purchasing during the fair, making early planning worthwhile for families looking to enjoy multiple attractions.

Located at the Napa Valley Expo in downtown Napa, the Napa Town & Country Fair continues to be one of the community’s largest annual gatherings - a place where longtime traditions meet new experiences and where every visit creates another summer memory.

Whether it’s singing along with your favorite band, watching children discover the carnival for the first time, browsing local exhibits, or simply enjoying an evening under the lights with friends, the fair remains one of Napa’s most anticipated celebrations of the season.