The sights, sounds, and scents of summer will come alive again in Sacramento this week as the California State Fair returns to Cal Expo beginning Friday, July 11, and continuing through Sunday, July 27.
Celebrating 171 years of tradition, the 2025 California State Fair promises an expanded lineup of entertainment, culinary attractions, agricultural showcases, live music performances and action-packed Grandstand events. Organizers have themed this year’s celebration “Times Like These,” evoking a nostalgic look back at summer memories while also embracing new experiences for a modern audience.
Updated hours and expanded entertainment
One of the most notable changes this year is a shift in daily operating hours. The fair will now open later on weekdays to better accommodate summer schedules and rising daytime temperatures. Monday through Thursday, the fairgrounds will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.
“Attendance statistics show more people show up after 4 p.m. year after year, and the new hours will be more cost-effective for the State Fair,” said Alex Alcantar, spokesperson for Cal Expo. Fair officials said the adjusted schedule is intended to maximize attendance, protect guests from mid‑day heat, and better manage vendor operations.
Extreme heat has also increasingly factored into planning. “We’ve seen this oppressive heat at times during the summer months,” said California State Fair official Darla Givens, noting climate conditions are now a major consideration in scheduling and timing events.
Cal Expo’s 350‑acre grounds will once again host a wide variety of events, including the highly anticipated return of the Budweiser Clydesdales, nightly fireworks shows, chef competitions, monster truck exhibitions, and hands‑on experiences in agriculture and science.
A major highlight will be the Taste of the Fair program, which offers smaller, sample‑sized portions of fair food favorites for just $4 each on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—perfect for those looking to try more without overindulging. New vendors will debut inventive creations like deep‑fried cheeseburgers, loaded baked potatoes, and gourmet charcuterie cones.
A showcase of California’s agricultural legacy
True to its roots, the California State Fair remains a proud platform for showcasing the state’s agricultural innovation. The annual Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition will recognize top producers from across the region, while visitors can explore livestock exhibits, farm‑to‑fork education centers, and horticulture displays.
Youth competitions, including 4‑H and FFA exhibits, will be on display throughout the fair’s run, and the ever‑popular petting zoo and pony rides will return for younger guests. Inside the air‑conditioned exhibit halls, fairgoers will find a blend of visual arts displays, photography exhibits, cultural showcases, and educational programming, providing a comfortable retreat from the summer heat.
Michelob Ultra Grandstand events
In addition to nightly concerts, visitors can take in high-octane entertainment at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand. Monster truck fans can enjoy “Revved Up & Ready to Smash” on July 13 with two daily shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. followed by a thrilling Truck & Tractor Pulls demonstration at 6 p.m. on July 19. Competitive gaming enters the grandstand July 19–22 with the Esports Bear Cup tournament. Latin music fans can look forward to a regional concert featuring Banda Corona Del Rey and Los Rieleros Del Norte at 3 p.m. on July 26castatefair.com+4castatefair.com+4castatefair.com+4castatefair.comcastatefair.com.
Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage
Music fans will find plenty to cheer for with the return of the Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage, where a lineup of national headliners and tribute favorites will perform nightly, all included with fair admission. The concert series kicks off on opening night, July 11, with Ludacris, followed by Bret Michaels on July 12. Air Supplybrings their signature soft rock to the stage on July 13, while July 14 will feature Blank Space, a Taylor Swift tribute act. On July 15, the Happy Together Tour rolls in with a showcase of 1960s and ’70s pop favorites. The alternative‑reggae band Dirty Heads performs on July 16, followed by country star Dustin Lynch on July 17. Sacramento’s own Tesla returns to their hometown stage on July 18, with Queen Nation delivering a high‑energy Queen tribute on July 19. On July 20, Latin music fans can enjoy a dual bill featuring Majo Aguilar and Joss Favela. Journey Revisited performs July 21, followed by hip‑hop pioneers Cypress Hill on July 22. Country fans can catch Joe Nichols on July 23, while Tower of Powerbrings their classic funk and soul to the stage on July 24. Alt‑rock mainstays O.A.R. perform on July 25, and country duo Brothers Osborne take the spotlight on July 26. The concert series concludes July 27 with a reunion performance by En Vogue, featuring the return of original member Maxine Jones.
All concerts are free with fair admission, though seating is first‑come, first‑served with limited capacity. A standing‑room section opens at 5 p.m. nightly for the first 700 guests. Reserved seats are available for purchase in advance through Etix, with prices beginning at $40.
Concerts, contests, and community recognition
In addition to the nightly concerts and Grandstand events, themed days will provide discounted entry and special activities for different groups. Kids Ride Tuesdays on July 15 and 22 will offer $2 rides for children. Senior Fridays provide reduced admission and early access for older adults. A Military, Veteran and First Responder Appreciation Day will honor service members with free admission and programming, while Family Discount Mondays will feature free rides and games from 2 to 6 p.m. for families arriving early.
Competitions in baking, brewing, winemaking, and fine arts will crown dozens of local winners, providing a spotlight for California creators and craftspeople. The Commercial Olive Oil Competition, one of the fair’s most celebrated tastings, returns to highlight the best in California’s culinary agriculture.
With a blend of old‑fashioned fun, culinary innovation, agricultural heritage, exciting Grandstand events, and a star‑studded concert lineup, the 2025 California State Fair promises memorable “Times Like These” for every visitor. Don’t miss your chance to ride Ferris wheels at sunset, savor deep‑fried delicacies, and dance under the stars.
For full schedules, ticket information, and concert and Grandstand reservations, visit castatefair.com.
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