Carnival & Fair News

A successful junior livestock auction, the Midway of Fun carnival, monster trucks, reptiles, and Alaskan racing pigs were among the many highlights at the Sacramento County Fair this year.

The theme was Carnival Lights and Country Nights, and between the sparkling LEDs on the midway and a multitude of arena events, the fair lived up to its name.

Pre-sale fair admission was $12 for ages 17 and up, $10 for kids ages 12-16, and free for children under 12. The Stars and Stripes Rodeo event cost $17 in advance and $22 at the gate for ages 5 and up. The 4x4 Truck Pull and Dirt Drag Racing events were $15 for ages 12 and up, while younger children were admitted free. General admission was priced at $12 for ages 12-16 and $14 for ages 17 and up. On the fair's opening day, May 21, seniors were admitted free. Admission to the arena events included fair admission. Carnival ride wristbands were sold separately for $33.

Held at Sacramento's Cal Expo, the event introduced several new attractions this year. Chief among them, according to fair organizers, was the BMX Freestyle Team, whose riders performed multiple flips, jumps, and tricks throughout each day of the fair. The five-day event ran May 21-25 over Memorial Day weekend.

Also new this year were Birds of Prey, featuring rescued exotic birds such as condors and raptors along with educational demonstrations of their natural abilities, and Hilla the Queen of the Rings, who traversed the fairgrounds with a trick hula hoop show. Magician Frank Thurston also joined the entertainment lineup.

Returning acts included The Wilder Show, featuring juggling and a massive 7-foot unicycle; percussion group DrumHeads; the popular All Alaskan Racing Pigs; and Brad's World Reptiles. Baloonacy's balloon entertainment also marked a return engagement.

Speaking of reptiles, strolling entertainment included the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles themselves, costumed characters who roamed the fairgrounds for photo opportunities.

According to fair CEO Matt Cranford, "This year's fair entertainment lineup truly offered something for everyone... whether families are coming for the animals, live entertainment, carnival rides, or arena shows." He added that he was "excited" to showcase the fair's extensive offerings to the community this year.

Fair food was, unsurprisingly, plentiful. Popular items included classic giant corn dogs and funnel cakes, as well as deep-fried Oreos. There were also asada baked potatoes, jumbo turkey legs, soft-serve ice cream, chicken on a stick, mini doughnuts, tacos, nachos, soft pretzels, candy apples, and giant swirls of cotton candy.

Such treats were eagerly consumed by crowds drawn to the nonstop arena action, which included three packed Monster X Tour Monster Truck shows and the bucking bulls and broncs of the Stars and Stripes Rodeo. There were also 4x4 Truck Pulls and Dirt Drag Racing events.

Before each monster truck show, attendees could enjoy a Pit Party, which allowed them to get up close to the trucks, meet the drivers, and preview the action before the show. Attendees could also ride in a monster truck during both the Pit Party and intermission.

Less action-packed but equally impressive was the fair's massive sand sculpture representing the fair theme, Country Nights & Carnival Lights, created by master sand sculptor JP Sandman Inc.

Music was also well represented, with main stage acts ranging from rock and country to Latin music. Performers included the Sunset River Band, Remedy 7, Ninth Circle, Corazon De Mana, and Gunpowder & Lace. Comedian Dane Madden also took the stage.

The Midway of Fun carnival featured 30 rides this year including a variety of rides including the Giant Wheel, Zipper, Sky Diver, and more favorites.

And of course, there was livestock, which remains at the heart of the fair itself. According to the fair team, the event is dedicated to educating both children and adults about the importance of agriculture in the region and throughout the state. "For a majority of Sacramento and some exhibitors, the county fair is the only agricultural experience they will ever have... [but they may] make decisions [in the future] that could affect the way we all live and do business." The fair, organizers said, "strives to educate the community in a fun and safe way."

Along with livestock displays and shows, there were auctions featuring goats, swine, cattle, poultry, sheep, rabbits, cavies, and dogs. Dozens of livestock competitions and judging events led up to the fair's signature tradition, the Junior Livestock Auction. Final numbers were not available at press time, but bidding was robust. Forty animals were sold, and Sheldon High School students alone generated $18,000 in sales, making them just one of several participating schools this year.

The 89-year-old fair itself began in 1937 in Galt, Calif., before two relocations led the event to its current home at Cal Expo. This year, Fair attendance was 75,000 for the 5 days, an increase of 5% from 2025.