The California State Fair is celebrating our 50th anniversary at Cal Expo July 14-30th. Established in 1854, the California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate California's achievements, industries, agriculture, and diversity of its people, traditions and trends that shape the Golden State's future.
This is the 164th California State Fair, but we are celebrating 50 years here at the Cal Expo location. We want YOU to be a part of the celebration! The fair runs July 14th through the 30th and there is so much to see and do!
Opening Ceremonies - Before the 2017 CA State Fair opens on Friday, July 14 show up to the Main Gate at 9:00 a.m. for live entertainment and a confetti welcome.
In Honor of the 50th year anniversary, they have created #50thFairHunt - A fun scavenger hunt on our official CA State Fair app takes you all over the fairgrounds. Take photos on your phone at 9 special locations, and show your complete photo card to get a fun prize. TIP: Download the State Fair App so you can find your way around!
Discount tickets are available until July 13th Buy Early and Save!
Kids Day is back every Tuesday! The CA State Fair begins on Friday, July 14, but plan to come with the family on any Tuesday “Kid’s Day” (July 18th and 25th) - Kids 12 and under are free and everyone rides for only $2.00 per ride.
Read to Ride – You can save money and continue your child’s summer learning by having them read in order to ride at the Butler Midday! For every 2 books they read, they get 2 FREE ride tickets. This is open for children in the 8th grade and below. Learn More here
Poppy’s Birthday celebration will be on Tuesday, July 18. Check out the party details here
NEW EXHIBITS AND ATTRACTIONS:
Hear them roar and watch them move! It’s “Exhibition Dinosaur”. 16 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs will take over TWO buildings at the Fair. You can find them inside Expo Buildings 4 & 5, along with 14 other interactive and educational features. This FREE exhibit is included with your Fair ticket. These exhibits usually cost a lot more…sometimes $35 per ticket, but it is FREE!
If RIDES AND GAMES are your thing, new this year, we are introducing a Fast Pass for rides which takes you to the front of the line. The Fast Pass must be purchased on site and it must be used the same day. There is a limited quantity of passes available each day, so get them early. More about Fast Pass here
The Time Capsule Exhibit: We are asking people to send in pictures and memories and even memorabilia that may be showcased at the Fair or put in the time capsule. Information will be updated on how to submit your entry. Learn more about the Exhibit here
Video Show on the Water Tower - When the lights go down, look up to the iconic Water Tower to see a fun video show projected. This starts every night of Fair at 8:45 p.m.
Bike Valet - On Saturdays ride your bike to the Fair and receive a free valet from 11am - 10pm. The valet is located off of the American River Parkway near Papa Murphy's Park.
2 Soccer Matches – There will TWO Sacramento Republic FC games happening at Fair this year. The first is on Saturday, July 15 at 8:00 p.m. It’s a special international match against CF Pachuca from Mexico. The second game is on Sunday, July 23 at 8:00 p.m. against the Seattle Sounders FC. A ticket to either match includes admission to the Fair.
Some of our favorite exhibits are returning:
The California State Fair Kaiser Permanente Farm- It’s all about educating people about farm-to-fork. The California State Fair Kaiser Permanente Farm is a 3.5 acre working farm with fruit and veggies! School tours are offered for six weeks in the spring and fall and are available for grades K-6.
The California Forest Center- The Forest is a beautiful, shaded area features 40 native species of trees in a relaxing atmosphere. Get close to nature while learning about the benefits of a healthy sustainable forest. Enjoy the nature trail showcasing California’s various trees and forest animals, kids craft activities, see rescued animals and live chainsaw demonstrations. The Forest Center is located near The Farm.
Camp Smokey- Camp Smoky is always fun for everyone. This fun, inter-agency fire prevention program teaches fire safety at home and in the forest. Visit Smokey’s cabin and enjoy puppet shows, learn “stop, drop and roll” and safely exit “smoke-filled” rooms to earn your Camp Smokey bandanna! Kids of all ages can hike the forest trail and learn how to prevent fires while camping.
What’s the Fair without FOOD! Some of the fair favorites will return: corndogs, funnel cakes, bacon-wrapped corn, and the cinnamon rolls! We will also have food for vegans! You can find the menu to your favorite eating spots on the CA State Fair App!
Nightly Concerts- Pick your favorite artists and make it a Date Night or nights!!! We have just about all music genres including, rock, R&B, and country. Brian McKnight will make for a very romantic evening! Sheila E kicks off the concert series on opening night, July 14. Or rock out with Queen Nation- a Tribute to the Music of Queen. You can get the rest of the line-up here:
See the complete 2017 California State fair agenda here
