With hits and ‘trivia,’ Ludacris rolls out California State Fair concert series
The first day of the 2025 California State Fair ended with rapper Ludacris playing to an overflowing crowd.
Fairgoers looked on from all sides of the Sky River Casino Stage as hits such as “How Low” and “Act a Fool” blasted from speakers. Fans singing along with the rapper further amplified the sound.
The performance kicked off the Toyota Concert Series, at the same time Damon Perkins kicked off a weekend of 8th birthday celebrations. His dad, Joseph Perkins, said Damon is a huge music fan, and when it comes to rap he loves everything about it. Damon danced in his seat as he waited for Ludacris to take the stage.
The rapper was celebrating too — 25 years of making music. Hearkening back to the start of his career, Ludacris sang his first single, “What’s your Fantasy.”
The crowd filled the concert venue and a grassy area across from the stage. Attendees on the lawn sat in camping chairs or on blankets, enjoying the music from a bit farther back. Kids sat on their parents shoulders to get a better look.
The most unique view of the performance was the “Sky Ride” that takes fairgoers up and over part of the Cal Expo fairgrounds. Some took pictures and videos of Ludacris while others sang along as they went past the concert, via the sky.
Outside barricades to the side of the stage, Bernadette Rodriguez enjoyed an unobstructed view of Ludacris. As an Elk Grove resident, Rodriguez, now 63, said she has come to the fair every year since she was a little girl. On Friday, even the triple-digit heat couldn’t keep her away from seeing Ludacris and attending the fair.
The rapper performed for just over an hour, commanding the stage alongside DJ Infamous. Throughout the set Ludacris praised the crowd’s energy and knowledge of his songs. He joked with the crowd that parts of the performance were “Ludacris trivia.”
“They getting tested,” Ludacris said, after asking the crowd what he has in the 916, alluding to his 2001 song “Area Codes.”
The concert series continues for the remainder of the fair this month, with 17 total acts, including Sacramento’s very own, Tesla.
This story was originally published July 12, 2025 at 9:26 AM.
