2025 California State Fair guide

The California State Fair marks its 171st year in 2025.Each year, crowds come to experience the food, exhibits, rides and live music. But this year, organizers are saying the gates will be opening much later during the fair’s 17-day run. Organizers said the theme this year is «Times Like These,» described as «a nostalgic look at family fun at the fair. This year, all the buildings will have air conditioning. Below is what to know about the state fair this year.(Video below: Disneyland helps California State Fair kick off fair’s opening week in a big way.)When is the 2025 California State Fair?The fair will run from July 11-27.What are the state fair hours?The fair will open at 4 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, which is later than has been the case in past years. «Attendance statistics show more people show up after 4 p.m. year after year, and the new hours will be more cost-effective for the State Fair, said Alex Alcantar, a spokesperson for Cal Expo. «We also want to make sure that our staff and vendors are fresh and ready to go throughout the 17-day run over there.» Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours won’t change. The fairgrounds will still open at 10 a.m.The fair closes at 10 p.m., though gates will close at 8 p.m. on closing day, July 27. See more information about hours, including box office hours, here. Here are some resources to keep handy when you go.See the full list of California State Fair exhibits.See directions for California State Fair parking | Here’s a map of attractionsHere’s where to find information on animals at the fair Here’s the list of carnival rides for 2025Learn about cooking competitions hereSee the full daily entertainment schedule for venues across the fairgroundsHow to buy tickets for the California State Fair? You can buy tickets online here or at the box office. Regular daily admission is $16 for adults, $10 for children (ages 5-12), and $12 for seniors (ages 62 and above) at the box office.A digital state fair season pass good for admission during the entire fair costs $39.99. You can also pay $49.99 for a blue ribbon season pass, which allows for unlimited monorail rides. A $54.99 «fun pack» of four admission tickets, four carnival or monorail rides and a parking pass is on sale through July 10 at 11:59 p.m. Carnival ridesCarnival wristbands cost $44. MonorailMonorail tickets are $5, though children ages 4 and younger are free.ParkingParking costs $17 if you buy tickets online. You can pay $15 in person. More ways to save at the fairAdmission prices are $2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays.Carnival rides cost $2 per ride on Tuesdays.Seniors pay $10 for admission on Fridays.SMUD Giving Friday: You can donate five nonperishable items and on Fridays and get a free ticket to the fair. You are allowed to bring a cooler or ice chest but it has to be attached to a wagon. Sealed plastic water bottles are allowed, but no metal bottles or glass or aluminum bottles. You are allowed to bring outside food to the fair. Who is performing at the Toyota Concert Series?The California State Fair offers free nightly concerts on the Sky River Casino stage. Fans can begin lining up for one of 700 free seats starting at 5 p.m. You’ll need to reserve a seat for $40 if you want it to be guaranteed.July 11: LudacrisJuly 12: Bret MichaelsJuly 13: Air SupplyJuly 14: Blank Space: The Taylor Swift TributeJuly 15: Happy Together TourJuly 16: Dirty HeadsJuly 17: Dustin LynchJuly 18: TeslaJuly 19: Queen NationJuly 20: Majo Aguilar and Joss FavelaJuly 21: Journey RevisitedJuly 22: Cypress HillJuly 23: Joe NicholsJuly 24: Tower of PowerJuly 25: O.A.R.July 26: Brothers OsborneJuly 27: En VogueYou can get into the fair for free if you buy a Sacramento Republic FC match ticket Match tickets to Republic games on July 12 and July 19 include same-day fair admission. Learn more. What’s new at the California State Fair this year?A new ride | The Invader, at 45 feet tall, spins four-passenger pods with «intense centrifugal forces. Budweiser Clydesdales | The iconic horses are appearing at the fair on July 11-13 and July 17-20 in front of the Michelob Ultra Racetrack. New exhibits | The «CaLOWfornia Love» exhibit is an immersive experience about California lowrider culture. A «POPnology» exhibit is inspired by science fiction and innovation. «Wild Science» features interactive experiments and demos. Shaq aka DJ Diesel | Shaq’s Base Allstars is performing on July 11 at Heart Health Park. A ticket for this event gets you free fair admission. A film festival | An inaugural film festival on July 11 showcases original short films and animations.Truck and Tractor pulls | Engines and heavy-duty machines compete on July 19. You can also see monster trucks on July 13. Other attractions that are returning The State Fair BBQ competition takes place on July 12. The All-Alaskan racing pigs and sea lion splash attractions are back.A butcher showcase takes place on July 24. The California cannabis exhibit and Save Mart Wine Garden featuring wine slushies are also back. Other returning exhibits include the super secret silent disco and candy maze selfie exhibit at the expo buildings. A petting zoo near the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn is open each day until 8:30 p.m. You can check roaming performers and community stage performers here. What new food is at the fair? Boba King features boba and spam friesChando’s TacosDubai Chocolate CupsIsland Fin PokeRescafe CoffeeWoodfired Flatbreads featuring state-sourced ingredientsFire Roasted Artichoke with lemon-chive aioli and garlic butter»Celebration of Sourdough!» is fire roasted with dipping sauces»The Best of the Wurst» features Silva Sausages from Northern California with warm German potato salad and moreGolden Fry HouseHere are special events at the fair by day July 12 – Best of CA BrewfestJuly 12 – CA State Fair BBQ CompetitionJuly 13 – Junior Livestock Awards CeremonyJuly 15 – Fair Food CompetitionJuly 19 – Truck and Tractor PullsJuly 19 – Out at the Fair – Diversity is celebrated with activities all day such as Drag Queen Bingo (at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand)July 18/19 – Corndog Eating ContestJuly 18/19 – Pro Chef ChampionshipJuly 19 – Multicultural Gospel CelebrationJuly 20 – Day of FlowersJuly 20 – Youth Mariachi CompetitionJuly 21 – Save Mart Pie Eating ContestJuly 22 – Poppy’s Birthday PartyJuly 23 – Military, Veteran & First Responder Appreciation Day sponsored by AT&TJuly 23 – HERO Act Chili Cookoff for Firefighters (Rep. Ami Bera sponsored event)July 26 – El Gran Bailazo de la FeriaWill there be fireworks at the California State Fair?Yes. The California State Fair’s fireworks shows happen Friday and Saturday nights at 10 p.m. Here are state fair security measures and the clear bag policy you need to know about.Anyone under the age of 18 will only be allowed into the fair at Cal Expo with a parent or guardian with them who is 21 or older.According to an online code of conduct, anyone entering the fair may be asked to show a valid ID card.Adults are allowed to chaperone five minors at a time.Upon request, young people must provide the telephone number of the attending parent or guardian.There are some exceptions to the policy, like for pre-scheduled group visits from groups like schools, churches and other ticketed group outings.Clear bag policyThe fair has two exceptions to its clear bag rule, clutches with a wrist strap no bigger than 5 inches by 8 inches and clutches with a shoulder strap no larger than 5 inches by 8 inches.These are more approved bags:Clear plastic tote smaller than 12 inches, by 12 inches, by 2 inchesOne-gallon plastic freezer bagClear purseClear plastic backpack smaller than 12 inches, by 12 inches, by 2 inchesClear fanny packThese are the non-approved bags:PurseFanny packBinocular caseCamera caseBackpackPrinted pattern plastic bagSeat cushionMesh bagOversized tote bagTinted plastic bagCal Expo’s police chief said don’t bring a pocketknife or pepper spray. Each year thousands of pocketknives are confiscated.What to do if you lose your childCall Cal Expo police at 916-263-3050Where can you rent a wheelchair or scooter?You can rent wheelchairs and scooters near the main gate once inside the fair and reserve them in advance online or by calling 262-677-2696. Here are the prices.Stroller: $15Wagon: $20Wheelchair: $30Scooter: $70After 6 p.m.: $45Where are the restrooms?Michelob Ultra GrandstandTractor Supply Co. Big Barn (North and South)California Buildings A & BExpo Center (behind Expo Center 4 and below Expo Center 2)Carnival (North)MonorailMain GatePepsi Main Promenade & FoodcourtKids ParkSave Mart Wine GardenShopping (between Buildings C &D)These buildings have air conditioning:California Buildings A, B, C, & DExpo Center (Buildings 1-8)The Tractor Supply Co. Big BarnSatellite Wagering Center at the Michelob Ultra GrandstandGuest ServicesBonney Cooling Stations See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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