Lowriders, banda and more: Our Latino guide to the 2025 California State Fair
The California State Fair has long been a place for people to spend time together and bond over fun activities.
For Latinos, being in community through cultural celebration and music is an important part of our expression and the time we spend together. So, what kinds of activities is the fair offering that foster said community and are inviting to the whole family?
I visited the fair to explore its exhibits and learn more about its cultural performances that are sure to excite everyone, from your lowrider-loving primo to your banda-loving tia.
Immerse yourself in Chicano culture at the CaLOWfornia Love Exhibit
Presented by the Sacramento Lowrider Commission, CaLOWfornia Love is an exhibit that honors the contributions of Chicanos and Latinos to California history through lowriding. The expo features a dozen intricately designed lowriders and bikes, proudly displaying plaques with phrases like “Family First” and images of children in short-brimmed fedoras, a staple of the lowrider style.
The free exhibit is an immersive learning experience for the whole family, even featuring a DJ booth bumping Chicano oldies to enhance the vibe. Those who are interested can purchase merchandise from a huge selection of lowrider-style patches and stickers, fedoras, tank tops, button-ups and flags.
The exhibit runs from now until the fair’s end on July 27.
What kinds of musical performances are offered at the fair?
If you are part of a family or friend group that loves to sing or dance to Latino music, you’re in luck. This year, the fair is offering a wide range of musical acts from mariachi to banda.
Viva El Mariachi is once again hosting the Youth Mariachi Competition, where student mariachi groups from nine counties across California compete in front of judges for cash prizes and recognition.
The performances will take place on the Sky River Casino Stage at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 20.
Later that day, Majo Aguilar and Joss Favela will also be performing on the Sky River Casino Stage. The solo singers will be performing regional Mexican music as a duo for the event. You can purchase tickets for $34 on the California State Fair website or opt for free viewing futher away from the lawn area. Tickets do not include admission to the fair.
For more intimate musical performances, the Community Stage Acts series offers free performances from local artists that last the entirety of the fair’s duration. The Estrella Jalisco Cantina 1854 Stage features local Latino acts from DJ Memo Aguilera, Texas Funk and Terremoto Norteño until July 27. For information on dates and times of performances, visit the Community Stage Acts page on the state fair’s website.
