The California State Fair returns for another fun-filled 17-day stretch of thrill rides, funnel cake, concerts and cannabis starting Friday.
This summer marks the 170th year of the State Fair, which runs through July 28 at Cal Expo in Sacramento.
“We pay homage to a nostalgic past that has brought us a prosperous present which leads to a promising future,” State Fair officials said in a news release in touting its campaign for this year’s fair: “State of Awe.”
The Sacramento Bee’s summer interns got a peek at the attractions Wednesday during the State Fair’s media day.
Here’s what fairgoers should look forward to this year:
Marijuana
Cannabis enthusiasts can rejoice because this year marks the first time marijuana can be sold and consumed on-site at the State Fair.
Marijuana has appeared at previous fairs but consumption was banned. In 2022, the State Fair hosted its first cannabis competition where vendors participated in a marijuana exhibit . Last year, the fair allowed attendees aged 21 and older to purchase CBD-infused slushies.
Now edibles can be eaten and blunts blazed at a large outdoor consumption lounge for those 21 and over.
“Our charge is to ensure that every fairgoer has an amazing experience,” said Dustin Moore, co-founder of Embarc, a cannabis dispensary that partnered with the State Fair to host this year’s exhibit.
The fair will also expand its cannabis competition to include six new categories: pre-rolls, concentrates, cartridges, edibles, beverages and wellness products.
Mariachi, critters and rides
Those too young to consume cannabis can watch eight teams compete to be the best youth Mariachi band in California. The winning group will get the chance to play on the main stage with Mariachi Los Compreros on Sunday, July 21.
And animal lovers will also find fun at two new fair events. There will be a one-of-a-kind traveling sea lion show, as well as a Wild Things exhibit where visitors can witness some of the world’s most exotic animals, including capybaras, alligators, otters, birds and reptiles.
Adrenaline junkies can hop on King XXL , a new thrill ride that’s the only one of its kind on the west coast. The 20-person ride swings passengers up, down and in dizzying circles as it soars above the rest of the fairgrounds.
New food to feast on
Deep-fried burgers, baked potatoes and build-your-own charcuterie are all making first-time appearances at the State Fair.
They’re part of a dozen new food vendors scattered around Cal Expo this year:
▪ Board & Bites: Build your own charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, olives, crackers and fruit of your choice, all piled on top of a souvenir wooden cutting board.
▪ Cheesy Chef: Monte Cristo sandwiches soaked in syrup and dusted with powdered sugar, as well as a one-pound block of deep-fried mozzarella cheese.
▪ Build a Sundae: Make your own ice cream sundae with a variety of fun toppings at no extra cost.
“I’m very excited,” said Gina Lockaby, owner of Cheesy Chef. “I’m trying to expand my horizon on fairs and there’s nothing better than the State Fair.”
Those looking to taste more new and old fair favorites on a budget can get cheap eats from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Wednesday and Thursday, when food vendors will have at least one food item for $4.
Special day
The State Fair will host multiple specialty days throughout its run this year to celebrate members of the community.
July 20 will be the fair’s fifth annual Out at the Fair day, celebrating California’s LGBTQ+ community with special events including drag bingo, performances from LGBTQ+ groups and artists and an after-dark dance party.
July 24 will be Military, Veteran and First Responder Appreciation Day, honoring troops and first responders with events and discounts.
Active duty, reserve and veterans from all military branches and active members of law enforcement, firefighter and first-responder crews will receive free admission to the fair this day. Active duty military spouses and dependents also get into the fair for free on July 24. Free tickets are available at vettix.org or 1sttix.org .
Though not a full day, the fair will also be hosting a multicultural gospel celebration on July 27, with choirs, ensembles and other groups performing throughout the day.
Prepare for heat on opening weekend
Opening weekend could be one of the hottest weekends of the fair, coming off of a record-breaking heat wave.
Opening day on Friday is estimated to see a high of 108 degrees, with the temperature peaking around 4 p.m. and not expected to drop below 100 until after 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday will be a bit cooler, with forecast highs of 102 degrees and 96 degrees, respectively, according to the National Weather Service.
To help beat the heat, the State Fair has multiple air-conditioned areas and cooling stations around the Cal Expo grounds.
There are 13 air-conditioned buildings at the fair — California Buildings A, B, C and D, Expo Center Buildings 1-8 and the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn.
In addition, the Satellite Wagering Center at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand, the guest services area and four specialized cooling stations sponsored by Bonney Plumbing, Heating and Air offer guests a place to cool off.
Safety at the fair
Cal Expo’s “minor rule” will be in place for the third year in a row.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 21 while on fair property, and State Fair staff may request ID to verify a guest’s age.
The rule states there is a maximum child-to-adult ratio of 5-1. If a party has more than five minors, another adult chaperone is required for every five children, according to the State Fair’s website.
Visitors entering the fair will be subject to Cal Expo’s clear bag policy . Bags brought in must be small or see-through. Fairgoers are allowed to carry blankets, jackets and parental bags.
How expensive is the State Fair?
Here’s a rundown of how much a typical fairgoer might expect to spend:
▪ General admission for adults is $14 ahead of time, or $16 at the gate.
▪ Kids ages 4 and under get in for free; 5 to 12 years old are $8 ahead of time and $10 at the gate. Seniors get in for $10, with advance purchase online or $12 at the door.
▪ Parking is $15.
▪ Unlimited ride wristbands vary in price from $39 to $44 depending on the day of the week.
▪ Every Tuesday, all rides are $2 each.
▪ Food, drink and craft classes range from $6 to $11 per person.
▪ On Mondays, July 15 and July 22, visitors who bring five or more non-perishable food items for donation get free entry from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. courtesy of Sacramento Municipal Utilities District.
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