The 2025 California State Fair returns to the Capitol this month, bringing two weeks of music, magic, mouthwatering food and memory-making moments, plus new weekday hours to keep the fun going even longer.
In its 171st year, the California State Fair runs from July 11 to July 27 at the Cal Expo fairgrounds, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. This year’s theme is “Times Like These,” a nostalgic look at family fun at the fair, according to the California State Fair. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday. The fair closes at 10 p.m. each night, with fireworks lighting up the sky at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Here’s your ultimate guide to everything happening this year at the Golden State’s iconic event:
How much is parking at the California State Fair?
General parking for the California State Fair is $15. Cash and most major credit cards are accepted for parking payment. Accessible parking spots are available closest to each admission gate.
How much are tickets to the California State Fair?
Except for special event days, regular ticket prices are:
Discounted tickets are available online in advance of the fair opening at https://castatefair.com/admissions/. Special Fun Packs come with 4 General Admission tickets, 4 monorails ride tickets and 1 parking pass, and are only available prior to the start of the fair. Single monorail tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the monorail ticket booth. Children 4 and younger are free.
On Tuesdays, children 12 and under get free fair admission, and guests of all ages pay just $2 per carnival ride.
What is the 2025 entertainment lineup?
Here is the lineup for the Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage:
How much are state fair concert tickets?
Concerts at the California State Fair are free with fair admission. Fairgoers can to line up at the back of the Golden 1 Stage venue starting at 5 p.m. for first-come, first-served seating in the free area behind the general admission seating area. The free seating area is limited to the first 700 guests. Fans can also purchase reserved tickets.
Family-friendly entertainment
A petting zoo outside the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn near the Kids Park area is open daily until 8:30 p.m. You can also see the livestock from the competitions in the Big Barn every day until 10 p.m. The fair also showcases the best of the state’s agriculture, technology and food across the fairgrounds; visit https://castatefair.com/exhibits/ for more information. The Community Stage features live entertainment, and performers roam the grounds to wow and delight crowds.
Get your scream on one of dozens of popular Midway includes carnival rides for all ages, from roller coasters and haunted houses to the iconic Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. All riders must have either a ride wristband or carnival coupons.
Got more questions? Visit https://castatefair.com/ for more information.
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How to get to the California State Fair
Northbound drivers to Sacramento from the Stockton area can take either Interstate 5 or Highway 99. From I-5, take the Capital City Freeway East exit from Downtown Sacramento, follow the signs to Reno. The Cal Expo exit is just Northeast of the American River. Highway 99 becomes the Capital City Freeway just North of the 12th Avenue exit. Continue over the river to Cal Expo.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Get ready to play: California State Fair back with fireworks, family fun, food and more
Reporting by The Stockton Record / The Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
