California State Fair keeps the groove going with legendary band, dance teams, monster trucks, llama costumes, and more

The countdown to the final weekend is on, and Thursday kicks off the first of eight remaining days at the California State Fair. With comfortable evening temps in the forecast and a schedule stacked with funk, food, and fun, July 24 is shaping up to be a prime night to experience all that Cal Expo has to offer.

From the legendary soul sounds of Tower of Power to racing pigs, dancing llamas, monster truck rides, and hands-on exhibits for all ages, the fairgrounds will be buzzing with energy as the statewide celebration enters its home stretch.

The spotlight shines on Tower of Power at 8 p.m. as part of the Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage. For over 55 years, the iconic band has delivered powerful horn-driven funk and soul that’s helped define the “Oakland sound.” From their early days as The Motowns to the hits of Bump City, East Bay Grease, and timeless tracks like “What Is Hip?” and “So Very Hard to Go,” the group’s stage presence remains as dynamic as ever. Still led by founders Emilio Castillo and “Doc” Kupka, the band continues to thrill fans around the world with its signature grooves.

Tower of Power

In addition to Tower of Power, a full evening of live performances is planned across the fairgrounds. At the Kona Brewing Tiki Bar Stage, Hit Replay brings retro flair with two high-octane sets of ’80s favorites from 8 to 9:50 p.m. Over at the Don Julio Outlaw Bar & Stage, Infuzed Band blends modern pop, funk, and soul in back-to-back evening sets starting at 8 p.m.

The 805 Blues & Brews Stage hosts local favorite Moonshine & Honey with sets at 6 and 7 p.m., while the ICanGoToCollege.com Promenade Stage features a variety of performances throughout the night. Counts kick things off with a short set at 5 p.m., followed by a high-energy showcase by the Mane Event Dance Team, including performers from McClatchy and Sound Rhythm Tap & Dance, at 7 p.m. Wrapping up the night will be The Konsept Party Band, known for their powerhouse vocals and nonstop energy, performing from 9 to 10:50 p.m.

Fairgoers can also enjoy returning favorites from the daily lineup of attractions. The Tanzanite African Acrobatsperform at the PG&E Center Stage at 6 and 8 p.m., while the ever-popular All-Alaskan Racing Pigs dash to the finish line at 5:30, 6:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m. Sea Lion Splash returns to the Olive Grove at 7 and 9 p.m., and the crowd-favorite hypnotist takes the stage at 5, 7, and 9 p.m. in the Expo Center. Comedy and adventure take center stage with Captain Jack Spareribs at Building D and live music from The Drumheads at the Adventure Stage, both performing at 6 and 8 p.m.

Over at the Big Barn, Thursday offers a special treat with the return of llamas and alpacas, including the much-anticipated Llama Costume Class at 6:30 p.m. Youth competitions for FFA and 4-H members continue, showcasing everything from goats and cattle to rabbits and poultry as young exhibitors compete for top honors.

The SaveMart California Kitchen Cooking Theater heats up in Building B with a T-bones and lamb showcase at 4:30 p.m., followed by a special Butcher Showcase at 7:30 p.m. While there, visitors can enjoy the Taste of California Classroom, free samples at Tasters’ Row, and browse exhibits on olive oil, baked goods, food preservation, and floral design.

For those looking for adventure, the Dodge Ram Trucks activation offers two ways to get your adrenaline fix: climb aboard the “Ramdemption” monster truck for a free ride, or test drive a Ram 1500 on the on-site track.

Families and kids will find plenty to explore, from camel rides and petting zoos to a rock climbing wall and carnival games spread across the fairgrounds. The Expo buildings continue to host crowd-pleasing exhibits including the Super Secret Silent Disco (Building 1), the vibrant Candy Maze Selfie Exhibit (Building 2), and the futuristic POPnology(Building 3), featuring robots, virtual reality, and 3D printing.

Wild World Adventure in Building 4 introduces visitors to rescued animals from around the globe, while CaLOWfornia Love in Building 5 celebrates the state’s rich lowrider culture with classic and custom cars on display. Building 6’s Rustic Charm Market offers vintage finds and handmade treasures, and Building 7 features the Fine Art & Photography Exhibit, showcasing works by California artists and photographers. Building 8 continues to spotlight youth talent through the Student Showcase & California Crafts exhibit.

Building A features the beach-themed California Authors area, the educational California Fresh Exhibit, regional tourism booths for Amador and Mono counties, interactive displays in Life’s Big Ag-Venture, a showcase of rare birds by the Northern California Pigeon Fanciers, and the always-popular U.S. Postal Service booth with collectibles and stamp trivia.

Building B remains a bustling hub of agriculture, culinary, and conservation programming, home to the SaveMart California Kitchen, Friends of the Fair Bakery, Olive Oil Exhibit, UC Master Food Preservation Center, California Floral Society, and the whimsical live-action Tree Circus.

Thursday’s schedule includes a full mix of live music, family activities, and educational exhibits as the California State Fair heads into the weekend ahead.

This Week’s Entertainment Headliners to Come
As the fair heads into its final weekend, several major headliners are set to take the Sky River Casino Stage in the days ahead. On Friday, July 25, alternative rock favorites O.A.R. bring their jam-band sound to the stage. Saturday, July 26, country duo Brothers Osborne turn up the volume with their award-winning hits. Closing out the concert series on Sunday, July 27, R&B icons En Vogue deliver their soulful harmonies to end the fair on a high note.

For full schedule details and ticket information, visit www.calexpostatefair.com.

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