By Joseph Seemayer – @joeseemayerphoto
I went to my first Ventura County Fair Rodeo this past weekend, and I couldn’t believe how incredible every single minute was. Five shows over three days kept the arena buzzing — Friday night at 7 pm, Saturday’s doubleheader at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday’s doubleheader at 2 pm and 7 pm. Each performance flew by in a blur of dust, cheers, and adrenaline. Between the fresh popcorn smell floating in on the ocean breeze, the distant jingle of carnival rides, and the rising thud of hooves in the arena, my camera never had a chance to rest. It was pure, non-stop rodeo magic.
A Storied Venue by the Sea
The Ventura County Fair has been a part of the community since the 19th century, but its home at Seaside Park (awarded to the county in 1909 and in use since 1914) gives it that classic coastal charm. Sitting just steps from the beach and the train station, the grounds make for one of the most scenic rodeo backdrops in California. Attendance at the fair typically hovers around the 300,000+ mark, with the 2023 event drawing about 333,000 visitors. The rodeo is often cited by fair organizers as a key driver of local economic activity – encouraging fairgoers to extend their stay and support local businesses across Ventura County.
PRCA-Style Action with a $21,500 Purse
Back for 2025 was the full PRCA-sanctioned slate of events: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing – all competing for a $21,500 purse. The prize money brought in serious competition – from a California champ, to a trailblazer from Hawaii, plus fierce amateurs whose grit was impossible to miss.
And then there was Mutton Bustin′ – when kids aged 4–7 took on baby sheep. The sight of those little riders holding on for dear life might have drawn the loudest “awwws” of the weekend.
Sunsets, Rodeo Grit, and Full Fair Immersion
Friday Night: The sun dipped low, painting the arena golden as the opening whistle sounded. The crowd, fueled by sizzling barbecue and the roar of entry gates, was with every gate slam and each dust kick.
Saturday Doubleheader: The afternoon show bathed the arena in brilliant sunlight, dust rising from pounding hooves. By the evening performance, the lights were blazing, ocean air cooled the stands, and the energy felt twice as sharp as the day crowd’s.
Sunday Doubleheader: The matinee had a family-friendly tempo; the 7 pm show was electrifying. Arena lights, cool coastal air, kettle corn aroma, and that never-fading sawdust smell combined for a perfect finish to the weekend. Through my telephoto lens, I was even able to catch cayoting horses, quiet handshakes between riders, and the volunteers prepping for the next round – reminding me just how much behind-the-scenes rhythm goes into rodeo performance.
The Rodeo-Fair Blend
One of the Ventura County Fair Rodeo’s greatest draws is how it’s woven into the larger weekday fair experience. The fair ran from July 30 to August 10, spanning 62 acres of rides, concerts, contests, food vendors, and shows across three stages – plus five rodeo performances.
Rodeo offered an immersive day: you could watch barnstorming bronc runs in the afternoon, then stroll a few steps to ride the Ferris wheel, grab funnel cakes, and browse agricultural displays at sunset.
Looking Forward to Next Year
I can’t wait to go back. The Ventura County Fair Rodeo arrives just once a year – but it delivers excitement that feels long-lasting. If you’re anywhere near Southern California, this is one summer event that blends pulse-pounding competition with family fun and coastal beauty – perfect for your bucket list next summer.
