2 MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR • 2026 At the Fair, deciding what to eat is practically an event of its own. Fair food operates by a different set of rules. A corn dog can be an appetizer. Kettle corn is perfectly acceptable before noon. Something fried followed by something frozen is considered a healthy balance. And if someone in your group orders a funnel cake, everyone is suddenly entitled to “just one bite.” For five days this September, the Monterey County Fair becomes one of the most eclectic places to eat in town. There are, of course, the foods that practically come with the price of admission; Red & White Concessions Corn Dogs has the food-on-a-stick category covered, while Funnel Cake Express, Olde Tyme Kettle Korn, Log Cabin Turkey Legs, and Old West Cinnamon Rolls offer the kind of classics that have probably derailed more carefully planned dinners than anyone would care to admit. But one of the best things about the Fair is that the menu has become much bigger than corn dogs and funnel cake. This year, you could start with Bunbao, head to Lumpia Lady, make your way through The Sleek Greek or Mr. Falafel, and still have Taste of Mexico calling your name. There’s Backyard BBQ for something smoky or Original Bratwurst for something hearty, or Just Cheezen Grilled Cheese for something unapologetically comforting. Then comes the dangerous question: Did you save room for dessert? The correct answer at the Monterey County Fair is yes. There’s OMG Ice Cream and Dippin’ Dots for the frozen-food loyalists, Lemonade at the Giant Lemon and Slush Puppies when Monterey decides to give us a sunny September afternoon, and Dubai Strawberries and Tanghulu adding some of the internet era’s more recognizable sweet treats to the mix. And therein lies the trick to doing Fair food correctly: don’t try to be reasonable. Try to be strategic. Bring people. Order different things. Share everything. Get the corn dog you’ve been thinking about since last September, but leave enough room to discover something you’ve never tried before. Circle back for dessert after the carnival. And yes, buy the kettle corn on your way out—you already know you’re going to regret it if you don’t. Because rides eventually stop spinning, concerts play their final song and the livestock barns close for another year. But somehow, months later, you’ll still remember exactly how that cinnamon roll tasted. The 2026 Monterey County Fair runs September 3–7 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center–come hungry. THE FAIR DIET STARTS TOMMORROW...
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