California State Fair

July 14 - August 1

Every summer, Sacramento's Cal Expo fairgrounds come alive as the California State Fair rolls into town. Hosting nearly one million visitors annually, this "city within a city" has been delighting visitors for 157 years with exhibits, competitions, fireworks, free concerts, and the Magnificent Midway.

The fair offers plenty of exhibits and attractions with true country flair, from livestock contests to rodeo competitions. Children can get a hands-on barnyard experience at the California Ranchland exhibit, which includes a petting farm, pedal tractor pull competitions, pony painting, a children's dairy center, and roping arena where your little ones can try out their cowpoke skills. New this year are a life-sized robotic dinosaur exhibit and an exotic animal and reptile exhibit.

Kids of all ages flock to the fair’s Magnificent Midway, which boasts 55 carnival rides ranging from pulse-pounding thrillers to old-fashioned, kiddie classics. If the idea of a twirling carnival ride makes you a little green, you can still enjoy the Midway. Grab some traditional fair food (funnel cake, anyone?) and try your skills at any one of the game booths offered.

The California State Fair also presents free evening concerts and comedy shows, with retro favorites and up-and-coming stars alike gracing the main stage. This year's line-up includes Martina McBride, "Weird Al" Yankovich, Howie Mandel, and more.

With additional entertainment including live thoroughbred horse racing, Motorcross demonstrations, Demolition Derby, wine and cheese tastings, nightly fireworks, and more, there's bound to be something for everyone.