Date Night Ideas at the California State Fair

Whether you are going with kids, family or friends- or if you are thinking about sneaking away and having a little adult fun time, the California State Fair has 17 days of opportunity for romance!  

Top 5 Reasons You Need a Date Night at the Fair: 

1. ​Adults need to play too! 
2. The Kids Need a Break (ok, maybe you do as well) 
3. It's Healthy to spend time slone with your significant other
4. It's an affordable (and much more fun) way to experience the fair 
5. Because the State Fair only comes around once a year and provides everything you need for the perfect night "on the town"

Here is my list of 12 things to check out while "adulting" at the Fair:

• Concerts- There is no other place that will bring you FREE (with the price of Admission) concerts under one roof, like the Fair does in 17 Days! Regardless of the kind of music you and your loved one enjoy, the concert line up has something for everyone! You can see the line up here .If you are planning the date and want to score bonus points, consider purchasing reserved tickets to a show!
• Rides: Adults need fun too! Take your partner on a thrilling ride or something more sweet and mellow, like the Sky Ride across the Fair.  The monorail is an awesome way to get cozy too, with your love. Channel your inner child and play a few carnival games while you are out there! Prizes always are a big hit when it comes to romance! P.S. No Fair date is complete without a kiss at the top of the Giant Ferris Wheel! 
• Food: All dates should include food, and NO WHERE else can you find the food options like you can at the California State Fair! We always suggest sharing when you are on a date, and be sure to try something sweet too! (All Menus are available on the California State Fair App, which I recommend you download before any trip to the fair). 
• Fireworks and Sunsets: Two of the most romantic things ever, are watching fireworks and sunsets with the one that you love. You can check these out from most places on the Fairgrounds, but I recommend the Sky Rider or Ferris Wheel, so you can really be in the moment with one another 
• Wine Slushies at The Save Mart Wine Garden: This is always a fan favorite at the Fair! Who doesn't love a Wine Slushie! This area has been revamped with more seating to accommodate a good conversation over a glass of some of the State's finest wine. 
• Craft Beer and Brew Fest: Not a wine Fan? The fair is really celebrating the State's Breweries this year. Not only do they have a Craft Brew Pub, but you could step up your game and take your Beer lover to the Best of California Brew Fest on July 22nd! There is an extra fee for this event, but it will be well worth it for the beer aficionado in your life! 
• Farm to Glass is another new feature the Fair has added this year, which includes all things Fresh from California (Farm) to your drinking pallet (Glass). I hear that they are adding Whisky to the list of things to taste this year and will also have cooking demonstrations. A perfect place to spend time with the chef in your life!
• The Sac Republic Professional Soccer Team, is hosting two games during the Fair. If you have never been, this is surely a treat! This is a fun event to think about when planning a date. Perhaps you are looking for something a little more casual, and sporty to do? You can find Game Details Here
• Horse Racing: Free Live Horse Racing every Thursday – Sunday at the California State Fair Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand. This is a great way to spend some time with your significant other! It's something you don't get to see all the time, and you can even get a little risky and try betting on a Horse in the race (don't worry, you can bet as little as a dime! Oh, and they teach classes on how to place your bet!) It's a WINNER of a Date!
• Shopping: Whether you are planning a home improvement project, looking a buying a new car, or you are just in the mood to browse the vendors, shopping is so much more fun without kids! This is also one of the best ways to stay cool throughout the fair, because it's all indoors! 
• Animals: If you are in the *ahem* baby making mood, or just want to see something cute, be sure to check out the cuteness in the Exhibition Buildings, specifically the "Whale Tail" exhibit or the baby barn (located on the opposite side of the fair near the barn). Nothing like seeing baby cuteness, to draw you closer! 
• Art: If you are an artsy couple, you the fair has amazing Art for you to admire! I recommend checking out the Fine Arts Exhibit.This visual arts exhibition is recognized as one of the Golden State’s largest and most prestigious juried art shows.

As you can see, this is a short list of things to do when taking someone on a date to the California State Fair. 

Some tips for planning your date night (or day): 

• Download the State Fair App for your phone. It is packed with awesome information to make planning easy. 
• Avoid Tuesdays! If you are trying to get away without kids, this is not the day to go to the fair (Kids get in Free that day!) 
• Consider Biking in on a Saturday! There is Free Bike Valet on this day! 
• Think ahead- do you have cash (no one wants to pay high dollar to get cash). Will you need a sweatshirt or jacket? Do you look cute, but have good walking shoes? Does the car have gas? Is the Babysitter booked? Thinking ahead will make the date go smoothly and will be enjoyable start to finish!