The California State Fair returns to Sacramento for 17 days of summer fun July 13-29 at Cal Expo. Bring the entire family, gather up your friends or take a break with the coworkers and don't miss any of the action, as there is something for everyone at the fair. 

New for 2018: Sacramento summers bring warm days, find one of the fair's "Cool Spots," one featuring a fast cellphone charging station and free wifi and another featuring full-body misters at the push of a button. Make sure if you're taking a selfie, you're taking it in one of the new designated selfie stations, share it on social media to win prizes! 

Visit the fair on SMUD Cares at the Fair Giving Monday and bring at least 3 non-perishable food items per person before 3 p.m. to receive free same day admission. All donations will benefit the Elk Grove Food Bank. Check out a list of top items needed.

Live like Lady Bird and purchase the new Lady Bird Experience ticket package, which includes a discount admission ticket and unlimited White Water log rides!  

Food & Drinks: The fair is full of tasty classics including funnel cakes, corn dogs, cinnamon rolls and giant turkey legs, but there is a plethora of food options out there, including healthy ones. Try a gourmet baked potato, a grilled ear of corn or a giant piece of fresh fruit. Craving your favorite ethnic cuisine? Grab some ceviche or carne asada tacos, a plate of chicken chow mein or some gyros. 

Save some money and bring your own food in an ice chest (rules and regulations found here). Or visit the fair on a Wednesday or Thursday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and enjoy the $2 "Taste of the Fair." Sample a variety of foods with $2 special menu items from select food vendors. 

The Animals: Visit the farm animals in the Tractor Supply Company Big Barn and learn about your favorites in the Animal Education Center. Don't forget to make your way to the other side of the fairgrounds to the exhibit buildings to check out the Fur & Feathers exhibit.

For a little excitement, make your way over to Splash Dogs or watch live horse racing every Thursday-Sunday. And, don't forget the popular petting zoo full of friendly and photogenic animals. 

CA State Fair petting zoo

Exhibits: Check out the Farm-to-Glass exhibit and learn how your favorite adult beverage goes from a farm to your glass. New this year, National Geographic presents "The Future of Food," taking a look at how we will grow and eat in the future to meet the needs of an expanding population. The California Coastal Commission brings the Whale Tail exhibit back to the fair, featuring educational information and rescued animals.

Remember to visit the classics at the fair: the California Counties, the California Forest Center, Camp Smokey, California Crafts Exhibit, SaveMart Wine Garden and California Fine Art Exhibit. 

Concerts, Events & Shows: Once again the concert lineup on the Golden 1 Stage is awesome with FREE performances by Berlin, Kool and the Gang, Sugar Ray and Night Ranger. Catch a hypnotist show on the PG&E Center Stage, listen to smooth live jazz at the Heineken Blue & Brews Stage, attend the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Dog Races, and don't miss the Inaugural California State Fair Youth Mariachi Competition on July 22. 

Another cant-miss event is the Best of California Brewfest on July 21. A separate event ticket (which includes entry to the fair) gets you unlimited tastes of California’s award-winning beers from the Commercial Beer Competition.

CA State Fair Save Mart Wine Garden

Tickets & Pricing: Special advance-ticket pricing through Thursday, July 12, can be purchased here. Individual tickets start at just $8, and family packs, season passes and ride wristbands are all available, too. There is FREE admission for children 4 and under.

For a complete list of fair hours, click here

Keep the special promotional days in mind when planning your visit.

Senior Savings Fridays: Discount admission of $10 for seniors 62 & over every Friday. Plus, seniors ride FREE on the Grand Carousel and the Giant Wheel.
Wells Fargo $2 Rides for all & Kids Free Tuesdays: FREE admission for kids 12 and under and $2 rides for all ages.
Military & Veteran Appreciation Day Presented by BloodSource: FREE admission all day for active, retired, veterans and reserve military personnel with Military ID.
First Responders Appreciation Day Presented by BloodSource: FREE admission all day for first responders and law enforcement with ID.

Don't miss a moment making memories at the Californian State Fair!