It’s the final weekend of the California State Fair. Here’s what to do at Cal Expo
The California State Fair concludes on Sunday evening, which means there’s still time to hop on a ride and grab a funnel cake or two before the gates close.
If you’re thinking of going to the fair on the final weekend, here’s what you can do:
Calendar of events
Several events are happening from Friday to Sunday, including:
Friday
- Taste of California: What is extra virgin olive oil? - Learn about extra virgin olive oil for $10, in addition to a fair ticket. The event is at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- Taste of CA: Experience the sweet range of varietal honey - Learn about honey with UC Davis Honey and Pollination Center Director Amina Harris for $10. Event is at 4 p.m.
- Blanco Brown live - Singer and rapper Blanco Brown is performing at the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage. Admission is free with fair admission. Concert starts at 8 p.m.
Saturday
- Taste of CA: CiderDay - Enjoy a cider tasting and food pairing. The event runs multiple times from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is $10, in addition to fair admission.
- Out at the Fair - Celebrate diversity with activities such as Drag Queen Bingo, live entertainment and silent disco.
- Made in California fashion show - The show features “Project Runway” alumni and California fashion designers. It starts at 7 p.m.
- Smash Mouth live - Smash Mouth is playing at the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage. The concert is free with fair admission. Concert starts at 8 p.m.
Sunday
- Taste of California: Tasting the wines of Santa Barbara - Explore wines with a California wine appellation specialist. Class is $10, in addition to fair admission. It starts at 1 p.m.
- Taste of CA: Wine Judge for a Day - Be a wine judge and see if you can identify the 2022 fair sweepstakes winner. Class is $10 and starts at 3 p.m.
- Quebradita Time - See Mi Banda El Mexicano, Banda Machos, Banda Maguey, and Banda Movil perform. Admission is $50, but the concert tickets include fair admission.
Fair food and rides
All day, every day — until Sunday — you can enjoy classic fair food and rides.
The carnival opens at 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and opens 11 a.m. Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Don’t know which ride you should get on? We got you covered: The Bee interns did some research, reviewing the most terrifying rides the fair offers.
Various vendors will be at the fair’s food festival, serving up blooming onions, corn dogs, deep-fried munchies, kebabs and sweet desserts.
If you have trouble choosing, The Bee interns ranked the 10 foods you should try at the fair.
It’s no surprise that inflation is hitting the fair. If you’re on a budget, here’s what you can do with $100.
First-timer?
The fair offers more than just food and carnival rides.
You can shop, check out exhibits, purchase some goodies from vendors and watch live entertainment.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to see at the fair.
General info
Adult admission starts at $14. Seniors 62 and up are $12, kids 5 to 12 are $10 and children 4 and under are free.
Closing hours for Sunday may change. As of Thursday, according to the website, there will be no admission after 8 p.m. and no re-entry after 7 p.m.
You can find more information about costs, parking and gate times online.
This story was originally published July 28, 2022 at 11:57 AM.