Awesome little fair! Concerts are always fun. A lot of fair food. Great atmosphere. *wish they had a quicker way through for prepaid tickets* read more

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I'm fairly new to Paso Robles (a year), and it was my first time going to the famous Mid-State Fair. Last year, it was 106+ degrees all-week, and I was like, no way. This year (or last night), was in the 80's and it cooled off nicely in the evening. So, I went. Well, I have lukewarm feelings about it. I like the small town and rural feel of it, a little bit cowboy. But I feel it is 90% overpriced crappy food vendors. Kinda what you want and expect from a fair, but still. My gal and I got in at 615pm, and perhaps the highlight would be the barnyard animals...and all that we saw were rabbits. Ugh. We didn't go for the music, as most people do, but on this night were the 60's band, Herman's Hermits. They did a few of their hits, and covers of others from that era. Good performers, but not my cup of tea. All in all, 2.5 hours and we had enough. Best part: parked at Lowes, and took a bus to/from. A beautiful clean bus at that. read more

We purchased tickets to see Keith Urban in concert at the fairgrounds. What they didnt tell us was that you also have to buy separate entrance tickets to the fair as well. Shuttle service was great at pick up from city hall area. This is an old fashioned typical small town fair with 4H club animals, carnival rides and food vendors. We were not there long enough to explore fairgrounds before the start of the concert, so my review is primarily about concert arena. Seating was pretty harsh on aluminum stadium benches. The sound of music gets a bit distorted if you are seated under the roof covering in the back of the stadium. Shuttle pick up after the show was pretty disorganized with so many people trying to leave. But all in all, it was a fun night read more

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Rowdiest concert I've ever been to. Please increase security staff!!! Disappointing when you are in the front section and the crowd is a MESS! More crowd control is absolutely need read more

My first time here and it was a lot of fun. We didn't get to ride any of the rides but they sure looked fun. Clean grounds, great food and the animals are so sweet. We watched the pig competition that was pretty cool to see they were all so well behaved. It's amazing to see how these trainers can get these animals to listen to them. The goats were adorable! We watched Keith Urban at night which was such an awesome show. It did get very cold in the late afternoon about 7 pm and I ended up buying a sweatshirt. It was so nice and warm earlier that afternoon but know beforehand that can be deceiving even in mid July. It can get windy and very chilly. We were fine once he came onstage at 9 pm because we were up and moving around so that kept us pretty warm. The view of the ferris wheel at night was just magical! read more

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I know a lot of folks really like the California Mid-State Fair every year. I've gone several times and am lukewarm about it because I had a hard time finding good food. This year I ordered a California burrito bowl from Rico's Manjares Sophia and over half of it were French fries buried underneath a top layer of meat, beans, and a white sauce. I went back to show them the huge amount of french fries (inexpensive filler starch) they gave me and it seemed that even the counter staff was surprised. I've found it very hard to find healthy food at the fair. read more

California Mid-State Fair - Do Not eat here at the fair! See my picture of the huge amount of French fries they buried in my California burrito bowl. - Festivals Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Concert venue not ADA friendly or accommodating. Took my purchased seats from ADA B1-B4 for the camera crew and had no accommodation except grandstand seating. My condition amplified on an aisle bench seat which my leg hung in the aisle(trip hazard for others) and everytime someone needed to use the restroom, drinks, whatever, I had to get up and then sit back down. I only was able to stay for half the Kieth Urban show before the pain overtook my ability to stay in that seat. The ADA entrance is great, but the fact you have no accommodation after taking away a handicapped persons seats says a lot about your accommodation services. I want the 400 dollars I spent for the seats you wouldn't let me sit in and I also filed a formal complaint with the Department of Justice that handles the American Disabilities Act. read more

California Mid-State Fair - It is a screenshot of my complaint record number from the Dept. Of Justice civil rights division that handles any ADA complaint. - Festivals Near Me - Paso Robles, California

It's nice to have "big" named singers come here. I think my favorite part about this fair location are the trees throughout the grounds (that's unique compared to my local fair). We just went to see Keith urban a month or so ago. Heads up, if you're going to see a concert but not spend time on the rides (like us) you have to buy fair tickets on top of the concert tickets. There were no signs outside of the fair stating this so we got into the entrance line, went through security (which took about 20 minutes) only to be told "we don't need your concert tickets here we need your fair tickets". I explained I'm not going to ride any rides so why should I pay for fair tickets? Where does it say i need to have a fair ticket? She said you have to go back out front to pay for them. I said I'm not waiting in two lines to buy tickets due to the fair's lack of signage. We stood on the side while she "called a supervisor " but no one ever came. After waiting 10 minutes for one she shrugged her shoulders at us. Like what? A concert ticket should be/wave the entry ticket. SMH. read more

Visited Tuesday, 26 July 2022 Underwhelming and overpriced! The fair was the "in thing" to do; there was nothing unique or awe-inspiring to see or do.Since we are in town, with nothing else on the schedule, we decided to go to the fair. "When in Rome", ya know? Well, let me tell you, the city definitely made a guap from this event!! Pay for parking $20 per vehicle Pay for entrance: * Adult (Ages 13-61): $14.00 * Senior (Ages 62+): $12.00 * Youth(Ages 6-12): $10.00 * Children: Ages 5 and under are FREE Pay for shows/concerts $$ Pay for food, drinks, merchandise, rides; basically, pay for everything!! I wonder if the vendors had to pay to got a spot inside? Although the fairgrounds we paved, it was very dusty and you came out with dusty feet after walking around. If you ventured near the animals, be sure to clean the soles of your feet before getting in your vehicle. Lol If you want to experience the fair just to say you went, then definitely go. However, I'd recommend spending your money elsewhere. read more

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Well, Yelp review Readers...seems like fellow Yelper's either love the Mid-State Fair or hate it. We don't go every year...last time going was approximately 5 years or so ago. And yes...the Vendors (Retailers and Food) are basically the same with a few variants. The set up is the same but there are differences. For instance...the Entrants to the different exhibits are different. The Flower, Photo, Wine and Landscaping displays/arrangements are different. And of course in turn, the Winners (1st,2nd and 3rd place) and participants are different. The Main Stage Entertainers are different. And from year to year the interesting audience/Fair "goers" vary and in their own way do much to entertain the observer. Admittedly the prices are quite high for the Fair Food, but everything we did try was really quite good tasting. The temperature can be oppressive...but ya, learn to walk in all shaded opportunities outside and enjoy the relative "coolness" in the Retail and Exhibit Halls. Today, with family, we spent approximately 5 hours walking around enjoying all of the above mentioned, as well as, the animals (Sheep, Goats, Birds, Cows and Horses). We were tuckered out by the time we viewed everything and as we walked back across the street to get the car and drive home we all spoke about today's enjoyable affair. If you haven't been you should go. Any form of outside entertainment, even going out for dinner these days isn't cheap...so go with that fact in mind and enjoy the experience for what it is. On this occasion, in this Yelper's opinion...the CA Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles earned this "highly recommend" 4 Star review. read more

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Small fair but with huge personality! The crowd is friendly and family oriented. Lots of rides, food and fun! Even a free evening concert! It's small enough to cover in a couple hours but plenty to do to make an evening of it! read more

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Fun fair, perfect size (smaller than the LA. County Fair), nice people. We learned a lot from Beth and Kate who showed us about weaving and looming. So interesting. The only thing that is not the fair's fault -it's too damn hot! Go early! read more

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Freaking ridiculous. This is the first review I've ever written. We had tickets to the John Pardi concert. It started at 7:30. We got there at 7:00. It was 8:50 when we finally got into the stadium. 1/2 the concert was over. We had front row tickets. We never got anywhere near our seats. There was no security, ushers etc. It was complete chaos! Furthermore there is absolutely no smoking. Security at the entrance told me I had to throw my cigarettes away or bring them back to my car (we took an Uber). Somehow those with weed managed to get their cigarettes in. I don't care if you smoke weed but damn why can't I have a cigarette? To top it off there is no Coors Light or Diet Coke only Bud and Pepsi. Ok rant over. read more

Wow, some really harsh critics... We had fun. It was our first Mid-State Fair since moving to the area. I've only ever been to the OC Fair (which is huge in comparison). This one made for a fun evening. Yes it's expensive. But then again, I somehow managed to buy a hot tub/spa while I was there, LOL. We liked the exhibits and after spending an hour and a half in line, rode the ferris wheel. The people watching was AMAZING. I have a feeling that not a lot of mothers were aware of what their daughters were wearing when they left the house that night. Anyway, it was crazy and I am NO prude. Next year I'll adhere to the dress code and wear my cowboy boots with the skimpiest thing I own, haha. We drank some wine and shared some food - a chicago style hot dog and tri tip sandwich. Best thing there? Without a doubt, the cinnamon rolls (with cream cheese frosting, please!). We did the responsible thing and took an UBER there and back and hope some of our fellow fair goers did too! I hear that the fair was a little toned down this year due to Covid. I look forward to attending next year! read more

In light of what happened just a few days later, it's difficult to express how grateful we are that our first visit to the Mid-State Fair was not marred by senseless violence and tragedy. We had gone to see two very talented musicians playing on the Mission Stage: Anthony Thayer of the Marchines, and Warren Haskins. The night was beautiful and these very accomplished composer/singer/musicians put on a great show. Our families and friends were able to enjoy the fair, music, exhibits, and one another, in relative peace. But it's just heartbreaking that this hasn't been the case for so many others elsewhere. So, more than all else, we are thankful. read more

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This year the first few days were dead. Cooler weather and not as many people out having fun. Hydration station is good. Miranda Lambert concert was good. Appeared that security was not as good as people were standing in the isle the whole time making it hard to see. Ice bar would/will be fun when it heats up next week. Carnival vendors are friendly and helpful. Rides are clean and for the most part lines moved. Animal exhibits are clean and fun to see always. Food vendors are well placed and I LOVE the edition of Elote. read more

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Always a great time at the Mid-State fair! Something for the entire family. Great concerts, a wide variety of fair food, shopping etc. read more

California Mid-State Fair - Ready for Santana! - Festivals Near Me - Paso Robles, California

I've been bringing my family to this fairground over the last six years since living up in the Paso area every time we've gone to the fair we've had nothing but the best experiences even when it's not midstate fair carnival there's still great events here . Like the home and garden shows that we like to go and check out . Such a great place. We also like to go see the Traxxas monster trucks when they come to town here. read more

California Mid-State Fair - Monkeying around - Festivals Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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The biggest disappointment is the price gouging! Absolutely shameful! Jaw dropping expensive! Paid for five wrist bands for my kids, the lines were so long and slow! I waited 2 1/2 hours in line for the zipper for my boys! The express line is a joke! Rude people everywhere, Dirty and disgusting! The absolute worst of our society being showcased here. I felt like we were in 3rd world country trying to survive! Absolutely uncaring Rude Disrespectful people this world has to offer! Nothing like what it used to be. I've been coming to this fair since the 80's and this is the last time my families and I will be suckered into this Scam of an organization again! We felt so dirty traumatized by this experience, save yourselves and your money SCAM! read more

Do not buy tickets to the hospitality tent. 2024- terrible. For some stupid reason I thought free drinks for my $75/ person. No. Paid $18/drinks. Terrible food (I was not planning on eating though). Was there for Miranda lambert concert. Terrible. No lines outside for drinks. Completely waste of $$. read more

Always a good show, staff is great. Fun to go at least once. Parking can be difficult and expensive, but plenty of free shuttles around town. We take the shuttle from Lowes. Plenty of food options, atms inside, vendors and concert choices either free or paid. read more

This one magnificent fair! Highly recommend attending. The fair is run in a professional manner from too tier to bottom. Starting with CEO Colleen, upper managers Terry, Rob, Sid, Hollywood, Annabelle and my boss Kevin Costa, etc. I hope I didn't leave anyone out. I worked as Midway Rover #1, alongside Bricen and Ethan. The fair is safe, clean and spot on! I will work my third fair next year!! read more

This little big fair has been around for a long time. Pretty much the same every year. Once you have been here once, you've seen it. We don't go every year as things are extremely over priced. But hey it's the fair. And the vendor booths are outrageously priced so of course they are going to pass it onto the patrons. Parking can be anywhere from $5-20 depending on how close you want to be. Word of advice, to save on parking, park 3-4 blocks away and walk there. Ticket prices are slowly creeping up but they do give free concerts on the smaller stages and that's worth the entertainment. Food does lean on the pricey side but you will probably only go once. Choose wisely on what you get. It's decent fair food. Anything of alcohol has definitely gone up in prices. And the prices are the same throughout the park. There are rides for those that like rides. You can get an unlimited ride pass but there are lines. For the games, they are making you buy a card with points and that's what you use at each booth. But it's hard to know how many points you need if you want to play multiple times. They try to get big names for the grand stage. And they usually do a good job. It's not their fault if a singer backs out. There's plenty of a variety of vendors in the big buildings. But not as many as I have seen in the past. Overall, if you haven't been, suggest to go once. read more

Had a great time attending the fair yesterday with the family. We went a bit later in the afternoon, wish we actually had gone a bit earlier as there was so much more we wanted to see and do! Lines were long for tickets, food, entrance and security screening, and of course the rides however at least the rides lines moved pretty quickly so we were able to get in quite a few rides before ending our night. It was the evening of the sold out Blake Shelton concert so we did expect a crowd. From what we could hear it was an excellent concert! Pros: tons to see and do. Definitely check out the animal exhibits, the main buildings and take a ride on the giant ferris wheel at dusk for a beautiful view of the entire surrounding area. Cons: 1. Ticket lines: arrive early and plan ahead for tickets. If I had known most of my evening would be spent in line for the initial tickets at the gate and then again for the ride tickets multiple times, I certainly would have purchased early at a discount! (lesson learned for next year!) 2. Crowds: Try and go on a day without a sold out concert! 3. Cost: Plan on spending a good amount of money for this fair. Wristbands for rides are $40 but worth it as a single ride on the ferris wheel is $6 per person. Other rides average $5 each. Feeding 4 people with just a hot dog and a water bottle each will run you $40. If you want two turkey legs you'll spend $30. Alcohol is minimum $15 a drink...this is all in addition to the $14 admission ticket. Plan accordingly! read more

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We bought tix to Darius and Santana and thought it would be fun to add on the VIP tent to make it an even more special time at the fair. Let me tell you that it is/was a such HUGE disappointment and waste of $150! Shit food, horrible drinks that they advertised as a 'premium bar' They had NO mixers-it was awful. It was so bad! Never again-don't go and hopefully the Paso fair people will stop ripping people off with this BS VIP tent thing read more

We were at the Mid State Fair on Thursday, July 21 to see Darius Rucker. We did not really do anything at the fair except go straight to the concert, and buy a corndog after. However, I was really impressed with everything inside the Chumash stadium where the concert was held. The stadium itself is not as big as I thought, and is a relatively intimate venue considering act up later. Even if you're sitting with the back in the stands, you still have a pretty good view. We had pit passes, and the pit was nice and small. That was great because I didn't feel any need to get to the front of the pit. Even if you're standing at the very back you were really close. There is plenty of shade to wait in before the concert, and while there was a ton of people, all the lines for everything moved very quickly. I don't think I waited more than a couple minutes for anything including the bathrooms and drinks. I was considering getting the VIP tent pass, but I think it would've been unnecessary. It would've been nice to wait in the AC for the concert, but other than that, the lines for everything we're very short and I didn't feel any regret not getting the passes. We took an Uber there from our hotel about 10 minutes away in Atascadero. I was worried about Uber drop off and pick up, but they have designated areas for the drivers for that. It wasn't too hard to get to the venue at all, and we were able to get our Uber back very quickly after the concert. A word of warning if you have bleachers seats next to the stage, I imagine it's very hard to see the concert, I have no idea what they were able to see from the view, but it looked pretty bad. read more

California Mid-State Fair - Festivals Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Every year they get some great musicians. I don't go on the rides but I Iove all the lights. I thought this year there was less vendors in the buildings, was that just me? There is always some interesting fair food which only tastes good at the fair and over priced beer that goes good in the Paso heat. They have good entertainment on the free stage. The collection of people, young, old, cowboys, bikers, and everything in between makes for a fun and interesting night. read more

California Mid-State Fair - Festivals Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Parking sucks. Had to park a mile away and walk in the 105 degree heat. Are you kidding me? Everything is expensive. So crowded, feels like a Covid cesspool-no wonder the Covid rates are going up in this county. read more

I have gone to many fairs in my lifetime. There is no other fair that I have been to that draws the entertainment consistently like the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles. Unbelievable talent year after year. This year the big one for me was "Thee Garth Brooks"!!! What an entertainer. The first show sold out in 30 seconds when Tix were available. That's 30,000 people -BAM! The second show opened because of the big demand and that one sold out in 5 minutes. WOW! Other performers this year were Lionel Ritchie, Counting Crows and Matchbox 20, The Four Seasons, and Trisha Yearwood performed with Garth. They also have the Professional Truck/Tractor pulls, PRCA Rodeo, and other main events. That's just the Grandstands. There are many free shows at other stages throughout the fairgrounds. Lots of rides for the kids, food to break resolutions you made in January, and people watching at its best! Next year I think I am going to sign up for the Heritage Foundation and get in on Tix for every event and not have to compete for online Tix sales. Not to mention, like any good local fair, there are tons of exhibits and projects that people enter. Kids showing animals in 4H and FFA is also a huge part of the daily activities. No fair does it better than the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles. Cheers!!! read more

The Mid State Fair is bigger and better than ever, the event staff makes you feel safer than ever. Main gate staff makes your entry fast and efficient , and puts you at ease about your family safety. Santana was awesome and Carlos Santana played great song after song. I strongly recommend you go to the fair this year and have a great time. read more

Beautiful evening Friday night for the Fair. Fantastic people watching !! Great band at the Frontier....High Voltage... an AC/DC tribute band. Really rocked the place. The food however was EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE....two hot dogs and one bottle of water..$39. read more

One star for the exploits of prices. It is shameful how the prices for everything are outrageous. I have been to fairs and festivals all over the United States and never have I felt the advantage this fair takes of its patrons. From 20 dollar parking to a 6 dollar (small) ice cream cone to a 22 dollar tri-tip sandwich to a 6 dollar hot dog on a stick. Shame, shame, shame! Will never attend this high priced little fair and I would not recommend it. NOT WORTH THE DRIVE. I wonder if the fair committee feels their face burning knowing they are taking blatant advantage of the fair attendees. Probably not because they are GREEDY!!! read more

Enjoyed the fair grounds for the 4th of July. The grounds has amazing events throughout the year. This year we enjoyed a "picnic table" for the Paso Pops Festival. Small carnival for the kids some great rides with different types of food trucks and of course a festival isn't a festival without Funnel Cake. read more

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Came to the California Mid-State Fair last week to watch the Earth, Wind and Fire concert with my family. This legendary group, whose timeless hits that have spanned many generations and many musical genres, put on one high-energy performance. The Chumash Grandstand Arena is not one of my favorite concert venues because it doesn't really accomodate large crowds too well. When big acts come through, the arena gets saturated with people. The Earth, Wind and Fire concert had just the right amount of people in attendence - we could move, dance, eat and drink wine without bumping into people. Every year during the summer concert series they featire "An Evening of Music & Wine" event. Tables replace the floor seats and ticketholders can bring in their own picnic baskets and deck out their dinner tables (prizes are awarded in several categories for best decorated table). Many local wineries come out and serve up wines by the glass and bottle for an evening that involves all-out imbibing by attendees. Over the last 5 years, I've enjoyed several different performers, including Journey, Heart, Maroon 5, Kidd Rock and Stevie Nicks. Recent bands that have come through include Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Journey, Heart, Chicago, Maroon 5, Kidd Rock, Joan Jett, Alabama, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and many more. In addition to a great number of ticketed concerts, there are also a number of free concerts on the smaller stages. This year's line-up included Uncle Kracker, Puddle of Mudd and the Los Lonely Boys. And, of course, and nothing marks the arrival of the fair like some belly-bursting deep-fried foods. I decided to test my deep-fried limits with a deep-fried Twinkie, Snicker Bar, artichokes hearts, onion rings, giant corn dog, parmesan-garlic fries and grilled corn on the cob. Enjoy an evening of great music, art, food, agriculture and local crafts at the California Mid-State Fair. read more

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Bought tix for Journey and added the hospitality tent $150.00-first off we waited in line to get in through security check and we were shoved and pushed by people cutting in line ahead of us and all staff did was watch- a group of 9-10 jerks plowed through the line and went in ahead of everybody !! Very disturbing how rude and violent they were!! Hospitality tent is a huge rip off!! Only a few cocktail tables and a couple of couches and a couple of chairs for 40-50 people-so we had to stand the entire time-I have a cast on my arm so I had to set my cup on the dirty floor to access my phone and there was a long line to use the "luxury Andy Gump" NOT!! I went out side to use the restrooms-no lines !! Extremely disappointed and will not return. read more

I love that there is free parking at various business through out the city with a free shuttle to the fair. The bus drivers to and from the fair were very nice and helpful. Once in the venue, most places are inside or have shade, making it easy to be there during the heat of the day. There was ample seating at various places, making it easy to enjoy the food choices to have a drink or just sit for a while. The fair isn't overwhelming large so we were able to navigate quite easily with our guest who was using a walker. We had a great time walking around talking in the sights and enjoyed people watching as well as the pig races. read more

Mid state fair is such an awesome place to have a great time and see great concerts ! I just saw the Hollywood Vampires and they were amazing !! I could not believe how Alice Cooper, Perry, & Depp can jam !! Also all the guest musicians that shared the stage was amazing !! I have to say to anyone who wants to still see and witness true great Rock N Roll must go see the Hollywood Vampires !! They can ROCK !! And are full of High Energy !! Also this venue is small and such a great place to see a concert !! Thanks Mid State Fair for always signing up such class acts !!!! I'll be back again and again :) B V Simi Valley CA read more

California Mid-State Fair - Festivals Near Me - Paso Robles, California

Great family and adult fun. Lots of variety for rides and food! Carnival workers were polite. Multiple activities daily to keep you entertained. BBQ, burgers, corn dogs, cinnamon rolls and more! read more

Time to avoid this place. Every single year they raise prices and take away more vendors and add more alcohol and food booths. They even have taken away almost all the usual free concerts and even made the carnival smaller. What's the point of going unless you are going to drink? Just a crap hole lately and getting worse every year. Love the phrase, "can't wait to see you "... you mean "can't wait to take your money!". Save your money and spend it on something worthwhile. "Biggest lil disappointment of the year!" New slogan for 2021! read more

Second time at the fair. Came specifically to see Zac Brown concert, which was truly phenomenal once we finally got inside the Chumash Arena. We arrived at the arena entrance early, but it was so unorganized it took 45 minutes to get through the gate. Understaffed and chaotic, it was truly amateur hour and we missed the first 30 minutes of the concert. I have seen Zac Brown at larger venues; Hollywood Bowl, Irvine Meadows, and we were able to get to our seats effortlessly. Will not be coming back and too bad because we love Paso, but the concert experience could have been so much better if management had a clue on how to run their operation. Exiting the concert was just as bad. This is not rocket science. It's called crowd control. Hats off to Zac Brown who gave another incredible performance. Thumbs down to concert organizers. read more