Disclosure: I am part of the California State Fair media program, in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, I am provided with complimentary tickets. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.
The California State Fair opens THIS Friday, July 17, 2026. The Fair will be open through Sunday, August 2, 2026! We love enjoying the California State Fair. The food, the exhibits, the animals its an annual tradition for our family. Something NEW this year is the hours, Monday through Thursday, the Fair will open at 4 PM through 11 PM, and then Friday through Sunday, the hours are 10 AM to 11 PM. I love sharing ways you can save and enjoy the Fair with your family. Be sure to follow me over on social media to see more of that. You can find me @BlogAboutItAll on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
You can save a little by purchasing your tickets in advance, so get them now. Advance tickets are $16, at the gate they are $18. Kids ages 4 and under are free, kids ages 5-12 are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate, and seniors are $12 and $14 at the gate.
You can find discounted tickets at your local SaveMart, and Costco also has a deal but I believe the Costco deal is only available before the fair opens.
If you love the rides you can save with a POP wristband they are $45 Monday through Thursday and $50 Friday-Sunday.
There are a ton of events and special days you can read more about that here. Some of our favorite days: The Viva El Mariachi Youth Competition, on the PG&E Center stage on Sunday, July 26th. Poppy's Birthday, celebrate Tuesday, July 28th 4:30-5:30 on the I Can go to College Promenade Stage. Military, Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Day will be Wednesday, July 29th, active duty, reserve and veteran personnel from all branches of the military as well as active members of law enforcement, firefighters and first responder units to enjoy FREE Fair admission. Active duty military spouses and dependents are also included in FREE admission on this special day.
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If you love the concerts, you can read more about that here. All Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage shows are FREE with a California State Fair admission ticket. Fair-goers are welcome to line up at the back of the Main Stage venue starting at 5 pm for first-come, first-served seating in the FREE area behind the General Admission seating area. Please note that the free seating area is limited to the first 700 guests.
The State Fair does have a clear bag policy, must be clear on up to 12x12x12 size. Coolers are allowed but must be attached to a wagon. You can bring in food and water bottles, water bottles must be sealed, no glass, no metal water bottles, no Hydro Flasks. Parking is $15.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy your visit.
Freeze Water Bottles, make sure they are sealed.
Take a handheld fan, one of those mist ones is the best.
A great place to cool off is the Cooling Stations, they have shade, chairs, and large fans to help cool you off. Also the exhibit buildings. My kids could spend a long time in there exploring and enjoying the hands-on activities.
As always, I share a lot more in video form, check out our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I truly appreciate every one of you who reads my blog posts, and thank you for every like, comment, and share.
CA State Fair July 17-August 2, 2026
Disclosure: I am part of the California State Fair media program, in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, I am provided with complimentary tickets. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.
The California State Fair opens THIS Friday, July 17, 2026. The Fair will be open through Sunday, August 2, 2026! We love enjoying the California State Fair. The food, the exhibits, the animals its an annual tradition for our family. Something NEW this year is the hours, Monday through Thursday, the Fair will open at 4 PM through 11 PM, and then Friday through Sunday, the hours are 10 AM to 11 PM. I love sharing ways you can save and enjoy the Fair with your family. Be sure to follow me over on social media to see more of that. You can find me @BlogAboutItAll on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
You can save a little by purchasing your tickets in advance, so get them now. Advance tickets are $16, at the gate they are $18. Kids ages 4 and under are free, kids ages 5-12 are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate, and seniors are $12 and $14 at the gate.
You can find discounted tickets at your local SaveMart, and Costco also has a deal but I believe the Costco deal is only available before the fair opens.
If you love the rides you can save with a POP wristband they are $45 Monday through Thursday and $50 Friday-Sunday.
There are a ton of events and special days you can read more about that here. Some of our favorite days: The Viva El Mariachi Youth Competition, on the PG&E Center stage on Sunday, July 26th. Poppy's Birthday, celebrate Tuesday, July 28th 4:30-5:30 on the I Can go to College Promenade Stage. Military, Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Day will be Wednesday, July 29th, active duty, reserve and veteran personnel from all branches of the military as well as active members of law enforcement, firefighters and first responder units to enjoy FREE Fair admission. Active duty military spouses and dependents are also included in FREE admission on this special day.
If you love the concerts, you can read more about that here. All Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage shows are FREE with a California State Fair admission ticket. Fair-goers are welcome to line up at the back of the Main Stage venue starting at 5 pm for first-come, first-served seating in the FREE area behind the General Admission seating area. Please note that the free seating area is limited to the first 700 guests.
The State Fair does have a clear bag policy, must be clear on up to 12x12x12 size. Coolers are allowed but must be attached to a wagon. You can bring in food and water bottles, water bottles must be sealed, no glass, no metal water bottles, no Hydro Flasks. Parking is $15.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy your visit.
Freeze Water Bottles, make sure they are sealed.
Take a handheld fan, one of those mist ones is the best.
A great place to cool off is the Cooling Stations, they have shade, chairs, and large fans to help cool you off. Also the exhibit buildings. My kids could spend a long time in there exploring and enjoying the hands-on activities.
As always, I share a lot more in video form, check out our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I truly appreciate every one of you who reads my blog posts, and thank you for every like, comment, and share.