The California State Fair begins Friday. Share your experiences and tips
The 17-day California State Fair will commence Friday, marking a vibrant celebration of its 171st anniversary.
In anticipation of the event, The Sacramento Bee is asking its readers to share their favorite memories, useful tips and thoughts on the long-standing tradition.
The annual event, which runs July 11-27, is a reliable summer highlight for Sacramento locals and visitors showcasing delectable food vendors, lively concerts and exhilarating carnival rides. Fair tickets are available to purchase on the State Fair’s website with adult tickets priced at $16 and children tickets costing $10. Children 4 and younger have free admission.
Gates will open for the Toyota Concert Series at 5 p.m. for visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis to see artists like Ludacris, Dirty Heads and Cyprus Hall in its general admission section.
Beyond its popular attractions, the State Fair offers a variety of activities catering to a wide range of interests. From highly anticipated competitions on everything from agricultural achievements to pie-eating, to the heartwarming presence of fair mascot Poppy the bear, there’s something to discover and enjoy.
Despite last year’s triple-digit heat, the event reached a record-breaking attendance with more than 640,000 attendees, a 10% increase in attendance from 2023.