About

The Mother Lode Fair/29th District Agricultural Association (DAA) is an agency under the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Fairs and Expositions.

The Mother Lode Fair has taken place at these fairgrounds in Sonora since 1938. In addition, our fairgrounds are the venue for annual events such as the Mother Lode Round-Up Rodeo on Mother’s Day weekend, Home and Garden Show, and the Sonora Christmas Artisan Fair (held on Thanksgiving weekend), as well as serving the communities of Tuolumne County as an evacuation center and fire camp during local disasters.

As an event center, we offer several sizes of buildings available to rent for meetings, corporate trainings, parties, and festivals. Three of our four buildings offer kitchens, including the recently renovated Manzanita Building. The Grandstand and several separate lawn areas are also available, including the Barn area. Our staff is happy to help you find the perfect fit!

Looking for that perfect spot for your next vacation? Our fairgrounds RV park is open all year (except during special events), and groups are welcome! Our park features electric, water, and sewer hook-ups, as well as complimentary basic WiFi. We are only a short walk from Downtown Sonora and its collection of unique shopping and dining experiences, and driving distance from Columbia State Historic Park, Railtown State Historic Park, and even Yosemite National Park, perfect for exploring on day trips!