Carnival & Fair News

Fireworks every Friday and Saturday, an exhibition focused on King Tut, the California First Peoples' Art Showcase, and triple-digit temperatures were among the experiences fairgoers found at the 2026 California State Fair. Running July 17 through Aug. 2 at the Cal Expo fairgrounds in Sacramento, the fair drew approximately 650,000 guests despite the heat.

This year's event marked the fair's 173rd outing and its final summer run, with the fair moving permanently to fall dates beginning in 2027. The heat wave during the final weekend underscored the wisdom of that change, as attendance declined on days that are typically among the fair's most popular. Next year's fair is scheduled for Sept. 17 through Oct. 3.

"We've been listening to our fairgoers, and we're excited to return the Fair to its historic roots by bringing the Fair back to the fall," said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo and the California State Fair. "It's a true homecoming that honors our history while embracing our future." The first California State Fair opened in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 1854.

The fair's theme this year was "Wish You Were Here." Martinez said the 17-day fair was "especially meaningful" as its final summer event.

Adult admission was $16 online and $18 at the gate. Senior admission was $12 online and $14 at the gate, while tickets for children ages 5 through 12 were $10 online and $12 at the gate. Children age 4 and younger were admitted free. A digital season pass was available online for $54. A Fun Pack, also priced at $54, included four admission tickets, four carnival ride tickets and one parking pass. Costco offered a $32.99 package with two admission tickets, two $5 Fair Value vouchers and a parking pass.

Other discounts included California's Read to Ride program. Children in kindergarten through eighth grade who read two books and submitted reviews received two free carnival rides and a monorail ticket. On Monday, July 20 and 27, admission was $2 from 4 to 6 p.m. for Family Discount Day. On Tuesday, July 21 and 28, children age 12 and younger were admitted free, and carnival rides were $2 each for guests of all ages.



Photo by Steve Hinz

Wednesdays were Ride and Save Days, offering $10 off carnival ride passes. Fridays were Senior Savings Days, with admission priced at $10 for guests age 62 and older. Fridays were also SMUD Giving Days, when guests who donated five nonperishable food items at the gate before 3 p.m. received free same-day admission. Donations benefited Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Early online offers also created affordable options for savvy fairgoers, with social media and email promotions offered on Black Friday, Mother's Day and Father's Day. A half-price season-pass promotion generated record sales, according to fair officials.

Regular carnival ride wristbands cost $45 Monday through Thursday and $50 Friday through Sunday. Individual ride tickets were $1 each. Monorail tickets were sold separately for $5, while children age 4 and younger rode free.



Photo by Steve Hinz

Butler Amusements operated the midway, which featured games and rides in two areas, including a section for the youngest fairgoers. Butler has provided the fair's midway since 2009, offering everything from kiddie and family rides to major thrill attractions. New this year was the rapidly revolving Hip Hop. Other popular rides included Sound Wave, the Viva Las Vegas fun house, the high-flying Turbo Speed, Inversion and the massive King XXL.

Classic attractions were also strong draws, including the Zipper, Giant Wheel and Butler's distinctive carousel, billed as the largest traveling carousel in the United States.

Fairgoers could escape some of the final weekend's heat inside the air-conditioned Expo Center buildings, where two major new exhibitions were presented. Tutankhamun: The King Tut Experience, produced by Stage 9 Exhibits, explored the life and legacy of the Egyptian pharaoh. The California First Peoples' Art Showcase presented the art, culture and living history of California's Native American tribes. Another new attraction, A-M-A-Z-E-D: America 250 Maze, celebrated American history. Barrel O Fun, a new roving comedy act, also drew crowds throughout the grounds.

The fair offered plenty of other attractions, from livestock exhibits featuring sheep, cattle, pigs, rabbits, cavies and goats to the return of the popular CaLOWfornia Love lowrider exhibit.

Other returning favorites included corn dog and pie-eating contests, the strolling balloon artists of Balloonacy, the Sea Lion Splash animal show, and a performance by the Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus on the Promenade Stage. The Candy Maze and Selfie Experience, popular in 2025, also made an Instagram-ready return.

The crashing action of monster trucks returned to the Michelob Ultra Grandstand, adding another dose of high-powered entertainment to the fair's lineup.

Naturally, Cal Expo offered a wide range of fair food. Choices ranged from corn dog sushi to dirty sodas, a nonalcoholic blend of soda, cream and flavored syrups. Churros, Handel's ice cream, Sicilian pizza, fruit smoothies, traditional corn dogs, smoked meats and barbecue were also popular. Adult fairgoers could also visit the cannabis lounge.


Photo by Steve Hinz

Music was another major component of the sprawling fair. Each night at the Sky River Casino Stage, the Toyota Concert Series offered 700 free seats on a first-come, first-served basis, while reserved seating started at $45. The lineup included Babyface, Wyclef Jean, Tower of Power, Midland, KC and the Sunshine Band, Queen Nation, Trace Adkins, Boyz II Men, WAR and Dark Star Orchestra, which recreates Grateful Dead concerts live on stage.

It was a cool fair despite the heat, and next year's return to fall dates should make the experience considerably cooler.