California State Fair on a budget: How to save on tickets and rides
The California State Fair returns in less than three weeks — and while the food, concerts, and carnival rides are part of the fun, costs can add up fast.
But don’t worry: the Sacramento Bee Service Journalism Team has you covered with our bumper guide to the best discounts, deals and freebies for the 2025 event.
Here’s what to know to make the most of the fair without overspending.
When and where is the California State Fair?
The 17 day event kicks off Friday, July 11, and lasts until Sunday, July 27.
The fair is hosted at the Cal Expo enter at 1600 Exposition Boulevard in Sacramento.
Entry and admission deals
How much does it cost to get in?
- General admission: $16
- Youth (ages 5–12): $10
Deals and discounts
- Kids Day (Tuesdays): Kids 12 and under get in free every Tuesday of the fair.
- SMUD Giving Fridays: Bring five canned food items (non-expired, non-perishable) to Guest Services on July 11, 18, or 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to get free same-day admission. Tickets must be used by 3 p.m. Suggested donations include canned meat, beans, peanut butter, soups, stews and canned fruit and vegetables.
Senior Discount (Fridays): Seniors 62+ pay only $10 admission until 8 p.m. on Fridays. After 8 p.m., prices return to normal.
Military, Veteran & First Responder Appreciation Day (Wednesday, July 23): Free admission for active duty, reserve, and veteran military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders and their spouses/dependents. Claim the deal by showing a valid ID at the gate or get free tickets online through VetTix or 1stTix.
Advance Online Purchase: Save around $2 per ticket when purchasing admission online before the fair opens.
How much are carnival tickets?
Regular Pricing
Individual carnival tickets: $1 each
Unlimited ride wristbands (purchased in the carnival area): $39–$44 depending on the day
Deals and discounts
Kids Day (Tuesdays): All carnival rides cost just $2 each.
Read to Ride Program: For students transitional kindergarten through 8th grade — read two books, write a summary, and bring a completed form to Guest Services to get two free rides and a monorail ticket. One report form accepted per child per day.
How much to see California State Fair headliners?
Concerts are free with the purchase of an admission ticket.
Concert viewing comes on a first come, first served basis. There is a 700 person free seating limit. However, people can purchase reserved tickets for around $45 per person.
How much to take classes or for different events?
The state provides the opportunity for attendees to take classes on wine, cider, teas and mushrooms taught by experts. Prices range from $6 to $11 per person.
Workshops and special events
- Wine, cider, tea, and mushroom classes available at the fair
- Check the California State Fair schedule for dates and registration
Special Event Highlight
- Dinner 911 Cooking Challenge and community showcases will be held on July 23 as part of Military & First Responder Day, featuring representatives from public safety organizations
California State Fair Corporate and Union Discounts
SEIU Local 1000 Members are eligible for discounted tickets and waived convenience fees, including access to the Fun Pack deal
Corporate Discount Program: Employees at participating companies can receive promo codes for discounted, fee-free tickets. Program is open through July 10. Contact: corporatesales@calexpo.com or check with your HR team for details.
Extra tips to save at the California State Fair
Look for free admission promotions through local utilities and community partners
- In addition to SMUD Giving Fridays, the fair has occasionally partnered with other organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Golden 1 Credit Union, or local radio stations to offer free admission days, family passes, or ticket giveaways. These often appear in the weeks leading up to the fair on official partner sites and social media channels.
Tip: Follow @CAStateFair on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to catch these offers as they’re announced.
Shop discount ticket retailers before the fair
- Retailers like Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx have historically sold discount fair tickets and ride wristbands ahead of opening day. These often bypass online fees and offer bundled discounts.
Check in-store promotions during the last two weeks of June or early July for posted flyers or customer service desk offers.
Avoid peak times to save on food and wait times
- Food prices don’t change throughout the day, but lines and portion sizes do. Regular attendees suggest going early (before 2 p.m.) or late (after 7 p.m.) to avoid peak lines and sometimes get larger or freshly prepared servings.
Tip: Share sampler-sized dishes between two people to try more food for less.
Use public transit or bike parking to avoid fees
- Parking at Cal Expo is $15 per car, but fairgoers can save by taking SacRT Light Rail or buses, which run extended fair service hours.
Cal Expo also offers free, secured bike valet on select days, ideal for local residents.
Plan around free, hands-on activities
- Not all fair fun costs money. You can explore the California Counties exhibit, agriculture displays, petting zoo, youth art and photography competitions, and live cooking demos in Save Mart California’s Kitchen — all included with admission.
These are good ways to enjoy a full day without adding extra costs beyond food and rides.
Use a map to avoid extra purchases
- Bringing a downloaded or printed fairgrounds map (or grabbing one at the entrance) helps families avoid getting lost and spending on extras like drinks or shuttles due to backtracking in the heat.
Cal Expo’s layout is large, so planning your route can help conserve energy and money.
This story was originally published June 24, 2025 at 10:12 AM.
