Santa Maria Fairpark Santa Maria CA: More Than Events?
Santa Maria Fairpark Santa Maria CA: What It Is and Where to Find It
Santa Maria Fairpark is a 140-acre multi-use event facility located at 937 S Thornburg St, Santa Maria, California 93458, operated by the State of California's 37th District Agricultural Association (37th DAA) since its inaugural fair in 1891. The premier event center in the Santa Maria Valley hosts the annual Santa Barbara County Fair every July, plus the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, trade shows, conventions, concerts, and athletic competitions at its 7,000-seat Minetti Arena.
Core Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 937 S Thornburg St, Santa Maria, CA 93458 |
| Operator | 37th District Agricultural Association (37th DAA) |
| First Fair Held | 1891 (Santa Maria Valley Fair) |
| Office Hours | 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday |
| Contact Phone | 805-925-8824 |
| Website | www.santamariafairpark.com |
Venues and Capacities Inside the Fairpark
The facility features indoor and outdoor venues designed for everything from intimate banquets to large conventions and live concerts. The largest space is the 14,175 sq. ft. Convention Center, which accommodates up to 2,025 standing guests or 950 seated. The Park Plaza Pavilion (12,600 sq. ft.) and Fountain Pavilion host smaller meetings and receptions, while Minetti Arena draws over 6,000 fans for concerts and athletic events.
- Convention Center: 14,175 sq. ft., 105 x 135 ft., 950 seated / 2,025 standing
- Park Plaza Pavilion: 12,600 sq. ft., 90 x 140 ft., 840 seated / 1,800 standing
- Fountain Pavilion: 6,500 sq. ft. banquet hall with full kitchen
- Minetti Arena: Outdoor arena for 6,000-7,000 spectators, concerts, rodeos, and sports
- Animal Barns: On-site livestock housing for fair exhibitions
Major Annual Events and 2026 Dates
The Fairpark anchors Santa Maria's community calendar with three flagship events each year, drawing regional visitors and supporting local agriculture, arts, and small businesses. The 2026 Santa Barbara County Fair runs July 3-5 and July 8-12 (closed July 6-7), while the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.
- Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival: April 24-26, 2026; features strawberry-themed foods, live music, and family activities
- Santa Barbara County Fair: July 3-5 and July 8-12, 2026; includes carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and concerts
- West Coast Kustoms Car Show: Annual automotive showcase with hundreds of custom and classic vehicles
- Kid's Festival: Family-focused day with games, performances, and educational activities
- Live Concerts & Special Events: Including Paranormal Cirque Voodoo (May 29-30, 2026) and rotating touring acts
Facility Rental and Community Use
Beyond flagship fairs, the Fairpark functions as a year-round community hub where schools, churches, nonprofits, and businesses rent spaces for graduations, weddings, trade shows, and meetings. All facilities include full kitchens, tables, chairs, and parking, with rental packages available for events ranging from 50 to 2,000 guests.
In December 2025, the 37th DAA opened recruitment for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead strategic planning, fiscal management, and community partnerships, signaling ongoing investment in the Fairpark's long-term role as a regional economic engine. The CEO position offers a monthly salary of $9,486-$11,627 plus CalPERS retirement and comprehensive health benefits.
Why This Matters for Education and Community Development
From a Marist education perspective, spaces like Santa Maria Fairpark exemplify how community institutions foster holistic formation through service, collaboration, and encounter with diverse populations-core to Marist pedagogy's emphasis on presence, simplicity, and family spirit. School leaders in Brazil and Latin America can draw practical insights from the Fairpark's model of public-private partnership, year-round programming, and youth-focused events that integrate agriculture, arts, and civic engagement.
"The ideal CEO will collaborate and partner with community and governmental organizations to support and expand year-round community events and facility use." - 37th DAA CEO Position Highlights
For administrators seeking community engagement strategies that align with Catholic educational mission, the Fairpark demonstrates how physical infrastructure can serve spiritual and social goals when guided by clear values and measurable impact.
Helpful tips and tricks for Santa Maria Fairpark Santa Maria Ca More Than Events
Where is Santa Maria Fairpark located?
Santa Maria Fairpark is at 937 S Thornburg St, Santa Maria, CA 93458, on the corner of Stowell Rd & Thornburg St, 0.7 miles from the historic Santa Maria Inn.
What are the office hours for Santa Maria Fairpark?
The Administration Office is open 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday; call 805-925-8824 for event information.
When is the Santa Barbara County Fair in 2026?
The 2026 Santa Barbara County Fair runs July 3-5 and July 8-12, with the fairground closed July 6-7.
Can I rent space at Santa Maria Fairpark for a private event?
Yes; all venues-including the Convention Center, Park Plaza Building, Fountain Pavilion, and Minetti Arena-are available for rent with tables, chairs, and full kitchens.
What is the history of Santa Maria Fairpark?
The Fairpark's history begins with the first Santa Maria Valley Fair in 1891; it has operated continuously under the 37th District Agricultural Association as a multi-purpose community facility.
