The California State Fair returns for its 171st year with a 17-day celebration starting Friday, July 11, and running through July 27, offering food, music, rides, and more at Cal Expo in Sacramento.
Key Details
- The fair runs July 11–27, marking the event’s 171st anniversary.
- Fair tickets are available online:
- Adults: $16
- Children (ages 5–12): $10
- Children 4 and under: Free
Main Attractions
- Toyota Concert Series kicks off daily at 5 p.m., with general admission available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Featured artists include Ludacris, Dirty Heads, and Cyprus Hall.
- Carnival rides, delectable food vendors, and agricultural showcases highlight the fairgrounds.
- Poppy the Bear, the fair’s beloved mascot, will make regular appearances.
Special Activities
- Competitions in agriculture, baking, and pie-eating are returning favorites.
- The fair is also a platform for recognizing local talent and achievements from across California.
What to Know
- Last year’s fair broke records with over 640,000 attendees, a 10% increase from 2023, despite scorching heat.
- Organizers are encouraging fairgoers to share their memories and tips via The Sacramento Bee in celebration of the tradition.
The California State Fair continues to be a vibrant summer staple, drawing locals and tourists alike for fun, food, and unforgettable memories.

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