The 171st annual California State Fair takes place at the Cal Expo fairgrounds, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, from July 11 to July 27. According to the California State Fair, this year’s theme is “Times Like These,” which offers a nostalgic look at family-friendly fair activities. Monday through Thursday, gates open at 4 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, gates open at 10 a.m. Every night at 10 p.m., the fair comes to an end, and on Friday and Saturday nights, fireworks light up the sky.
This month marks the return of the 2025 California State Fair to the Capitol, bringing two weeks of enchantment, music, delicious cuisine, and moments to create lasting memories. To extend the excitement, new weekday hours will be added.
The food, rides, exhibits, and live music attract large crowds every year. However, the gates will open somewhat later this year during the fair’s 17-day run, according to organizers.
The theme for this year, according to the organizers, is “Times Like These,” which they defined as “a nostalgic look at family fun at the fair.” Every building will have air conditioning this year.
This year’s fair will also have different operating hours; daily entry will begin at 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. From Friday through Sunday, the fair will open at 10 a.m.
This is your comprehensive guide to everything taking place at the Golden State’s renowned festival this year:
The California State Fair features a different headliner performing every night from Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 27.
The fair is located in Sacramento at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd.
On Friday, July 11, Ludacris, whose popular songs include “Act a Fool” and “Get Back,” will play the headline act while the fair’s Sky River Casino Stage is completely booked.
The hip-hop artist is presently on a U.S. tour. According to the fair’s website, gates open at 5 p.m. for first-come, first-served seating in the section behind the General Admission seating area. The fair stated, “Please note that the free seating area is limited to the first 700 guests.” At 8 p.m., Ludacris is scheduled to perform.
At the California State Fair, general parking is $15. Parking fees can be paid using cash or most major credit cards. The parking spots that are nearest to each admission gate are accessible.
Regular ticket costs, excluding days of special events, are:
Before the fair’s opening, discounted tickets can be purchased online at https://castatefair.com/admissions/. Only available before the fair begins, Special Fun Packs include four General Admission tickets, four Monorail ride tickets, and one parking pass. Tickets for a single monorail are available at the monorail ticket booth and cost $5. Youngsters under four enter free of charge.
Children under the age of 12 enter the fair free on Tuesdays, and visitors of all ages only pay $2 per carnival ride.
The Sky River Casino stage hosts free music every night during the California State Fair. At 5 p.m., fans can start waiting in line for one of the 700 available seats. If you want a seat to be guaranteed, you will need to pay $40 to reserve it.
The Toyota Concert Series lineup for the Sky River Casino Stage is as follows:
Admission to the California State Fair is free, including entry to concerts. For first-come, first-served seating in the free area behind the general admission seating area, fairgoers can begin lining up at the Golden 1 Stage venue at 5 p.m. Only the first 700 attendees will be able to use the free seating area. Reserved tickets are also available to fans.
Every day until 8:30 p.m., there is a petting zoo outside the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn close to the Kids Park area. Every day until 10 p.m., you may also view the livestock from the competitions in the Big Barn. For additional information, visit https://castatefair.com/exhibits/. The fair also features the state’s finest food, technology, and agriculture throughout the fairgrounds. Live entertainment and performers roam the grounds to amaze and excite audiences at the Community Stage.
Choose from dozens of well-liked carnival rides for all ages at Midway, including the famous Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and roller coasters. Every rider needs to have a carnival coupon or a ride wristband.
From the Stockton area, drivers can go north on Interstate 5 or Highway 99 to Sacramento. Follow the signs to Reno after leaving Downtown Sacramento on the Capital City Freeway East exit of I-5. Just northeast of the American River is the Cal Expo exit. Just North of the 12th Avenue exit, Highway 99 turns into the Capital City Freeway. To go to Cal Expo, keep crossing the river.
Yes. The fireworks shows at the California State Fair take place at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
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