The fair includes an agricultural show, carnival rides, food booths, and nightly concerts.

The first Ventura County Fair took place in 1874 at the end of the local San Miguel Days harvest festival with attractions that included cockfighting, bullfighting and horse racing, as well as nightly balls.

In 1987, the event was moved to August to boost attendance by taking advantage of better weather.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office Mounted Enforcement Unit assists with horseback deputies.

[11] Many notable artists and bands have played at the fair, including The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix Deep Purple, The B52’s, Smash Mouth, and Smokey Robinson.