It is that time of year, for the California State Fair! The theme is perfectly titled Back Together. We are looking forward to the California State Fair which opens this Friday on July 15th and runs through July 31st, 2022.

Want to SAVE some money? Buy advanced tickets online, it will save you $2 per admission ticket.  I also saw a package deal at Costco, it will only be available through July 14th, so NOW is the time to pick up those savings. Fair Admission at the gate will be $14 for adults, $12 for seniors 62+, and $10 for kids ages 5-12. Kids 4 and under are free.  Parking will be $15 at the Cal Expo Fair Grounds. 

One thing new I have read about they have a Clear Bag Policy. Make sure your bag is no larger than 12"x12"x12. Clear bags are required to help speed up the security line process.  Exceptions are made for diaper bags and medical bags.  I was also told that you can bring a regular purse or bag, and keep it empty while going through security.  Bring a Ziplock gallon-size clear bag with your belongings and then you can put your clear bag in your purse once through security.  They don't want to have to dig through people's bags or have you dump them out.  So take this as a sign to go clean out that purse!  

Here are some other money-saving tips!

Read to ride! This program is for students in Kindergarten to 8th grade.  For every two books your child reads, they will receive two rides free and a monorail ticket at the CA State Fair a $15 Value. Students must read two books, write a summary, then bring the completed form to the California State Fair Guest Services office (located inside the Main Gate). Read-to-ride redemption is valid any day of the Fair.  Only one report form per child per day will be accepted. 

Visit the Fair on SMUD Giving Mondays, on Monday, July 18th, and Monday, July 25th. Bring three non-perishable, non-expired food items to the Fair Gates before 3 PM and receive FREE admission.  The collected food items will benefit the Elk Grove Food Bank.

Visit on Tuesdays when Kids 12 and under are FREE and rides are $2 per ride all day! Tuesday, July 19th, and Tuesday, July 26th. 

Senior Fridays, Seniors receive discounted admission $10 on Fridays.

Thursday, July 21st is Military, Veteran, and First Responders Appreciation Day. Free admission all day for active duty reserve and veterans from all branches of the military and active first responders. 

Let's talk about State Fair Food, that is everyone's favorite part about the State Fair am I right?  You can save on food by purchasing the Food Festival Pass.  It is $28 (valued at $40).  With the Food Festival Pass, you will receive 4-tickets, each valid at select vendors, good for any $10 item.  You can locate the Food Festival competitors on the California State Fair App. Check out the list of previous Food Festival Competition Winners here. 

Another way to save on food is to visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $2 Taste of the Fair where a variety of select fair foods are only $2 11 AM to 4 PM. Everyone knows that Fair food is delicious, but with so many options it's hard to try everything.  With $2 Taste of the Fair, you can try bite-sized versions of your favorite Fair foods for only $2 a taste.  

This event is great for little ones or for anyone who wants to sample a variety of treats from their favorite Fair vendors.  

The California State Fair is one of my favorite annual events! I love walking around and looking at the animals, strolling through the Farm and Garden area, walking through all the buildings checking out the exhibits, and taking a break in the cool air conditioning.  I am so happy the Silent Disco is returning, it was one of our family's favorite in-door exhibits. 


We will be sure to share more on the blog once we visit the State Fair and as always we share on our social media pages the fastest so be sure to go and give us a follow on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. You will be able to see a lot more videos of our Fair fun on our Instagram stories.