Dates & Location:: July 11-27, 2025, at Cal Expo, Sacramento.
Theme:: "Times Like These," focusing on nostalgic family fun.
New Hours:: Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tickets:: Regular daily admission is $16 for adults, $10 for children (5-12), and $12 for seniors (62+).
Savings:: $2 admission on Mondays (4 p.m. - 6 p.m.), $2 carnival rides on Tuesdays, $10 senior admission on Fridays, and free admission on SMUD Giving Fridays with a donation of five nonperishable food items.
Why this matters:: The California State Fair is a long-standing tradition, offering entertainment and community engagement. Understanding the schedule, costs, and ways to save ensures everyone can enjoy the fair without breaking the bank.
The fair runs from July 11-27. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Closing time is 10 p.m. daily, except for July 27, when gates close at 8 p.m.
Directions for California State Fair parking?ref=yanuki.com | Here's a map of attractions?ref=yanuki.com
Regular daily admission is $16 for adults, $10 for kids (5-12), and $12 for seniors (62+). A digital season pass is $39.99, and a Blue Ribbon Season Pass (unlimited monorail rides) is $49.99. A "fun pack" with four admission tickets, four rides, and a parking pass is available for $54.99 through July 10.
Ways to Save:
Mondays: $2 admission from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesdays: $2 carnival rides.
Fridays: $10 admission for seniors.
SMUD Giving Friday: Free admission with five nonperishable food items.
New:
The Invader ride
"CaLOWfornia Love" exhibit (lowrider culture)
"POPnology" exhibit (science fiction and innovation)
Wild Science exhibit
Inaugural Film Festival (July 11)
Returning:
State Fair BBQ Competition (July 12)
All-Alaskan racing pigs
Sea lion splash
California cannabis exhibit
New food vendors include Boba King, Chando’s Tacos, Dubai Chocolate Cups, and more. Don't miss the fire-roasted artichoke and "Celebration of Sourdough!"
The Toyota Concert Series features free nightly concerts. Headliners include Ludacris, Bret Michaels, Air Supply, and Cypress Hill. Fans can start lining up at 5 p.m.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (21+).
Clear bag policy enforced.
No pocketknives or pepper spray allowed.
Call Cal Expo police at 916-263-3050 if you lose a child.
Wheelchair and scooter rentals are available.
Air-conditioned buildings include California Buildings A, B, C, & D and the Expo Center.
What are the dates for the 2025 California State Fair?
July 11-27, 2025.
What are the new hours this year?
Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
How much is regular daily admission?
$16 for adults, $10 for children (5-12), and $12 for seniors (62+).
Are there any ways to get free admission?
Yes, on SMUD Giving Fridays, you can get a free ticket by donating five nonperishable food items.
Plan your visit in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts and special events.
Consider visiting on Mondays or Tuesdays for cheaper admission and ride costs.
Don't forget to check out the new exhibits and food vendors this year.
Be aware of the security measures, especially the clear bag policy.
Are you planning to attend the California State Fair this year? What are you most looking forward to seeing or doing? Let us know in the comments!
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