The 172nd annual California State Fair returns to Cal Expo with nationally known concerts, exciting new attractions, carnival rides, award-winning exhibits, spectacular fair food and family entertainment celebrating the best of the Golden State.
There are few traditions woven into California summers quite like the annual pilgrimage to the California State Fair.
For generations, families have circled dates on calendars, planned reunions, gathered groups of friends and made the drive to Sacramento to spend a day—or several—immersed in one of the state’s largest and longest-running celebrations. It’s a place where children experience their first carnival ride, grandparents revisit favorite traditions from decades ago, food lovers eagerly hunt down the newest culinary creations, and music fans pack the grandstands night after night for nationally recognized performers.
Beginning Friday, July 17, that tradition returns once again as the 172nd California State Fair opens at Cal Expo, launching 17 days packed with concerts, agriculture, carnival rides, exhibits, competitions, family entertainment, shopping and enough food to satisfy every craving imaginable.
Running through Aug. 2, this year’s fair promises one of its most diverse lineups yet, blending classic attractions that generations have loved with new exhibits, expanded entertainment, interactive experiences and one of the largest collections of food vendors ever assembled at the annual event.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the California State Fair remains unlike any other event in the Golden State. It is simultaneously an agricultural showcase, music festival, amusement park, culinary destination, educational experience and celebration of California itself.
For nearly three weeks, Cal Expo transforms into a city within a city—one filled with the sounds of live music drifting across the grounds, the laughter of children racing toward carnival rides, the unmistakable aroma of fresh kettle corn and barbecue filling the summer air, and visitors discovering something new around nearly every corner.
More than simply an annual fair, it has become one of Northern California’s defining summer traditions.
A Tradition Dating Back More Than 170 Years
Long before towering roller coasters, nationally known entertainers and social media-worthy food creations became part of the experience, the California State Fair was founded with a much different purpose.
Established in 1854, only four years after California achieved statehood, the fair was created to showcase the state’s rapidly growing agricultural industry, livestock, innovation and craftsmanship. Farmers gathered to display prize-winning crops and livestock while artisans demonstrated their work and communities celebrated California’s remarkable growth.
What began as a modest agricultural exhibition evolved alongside California itself, reflecting the state’s incredible diversity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the decades, new attractions were added, midway rides arrived, competitions expanded, live entertainment became a centerpiece and eventually nationally touring musicians joined the lineup.
By the late 1960s, the event had outgrown its previous locations.
In 1968, the California State Fair found its permanent home at Cal Expo, where 350 acres provided room for larger exhibits, expanded livestock facilities, bigger entertainment venues and a carnival that continues growing nearly every year.
Today, while millions of visitors come for concerts, rides and food, the fair continues honoring its original mission by celebrating California agriculture, education, innovation and community while introducing each new generation to traditions that have endured for more than 170 years.
Opening day for the 2026 edition of this summer classic is this Friday, July 17, with festivities continuing daily through Sunday, Aug. 2. Fair hours vary depending on the day of the week.
From Monday through Thursday, gates are open from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., making weekday evenings a popular choice for visitors hoping to avoid the hottest afternoon temperatures while still enjoying everything the fair has to offer.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the fair opens much earlier, welcoming guests from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. Those expanded weekend hours allow visitors to spend an entire day exploring exhibits, taking in performances, enjoying carnival rides and ending the evening with fireworks or a concert.
On the fair’s final day, Sunday, Aug. 2, gates remain open until 11 p.m., although admission sales conclude at 8 p.m., giving guests ample time to enjoy closing day festivities.
Planning Ahead Can Save Both Time and Money
Like many major events, purchasing tickets before arriving offers the best value.
Advance online admission is priced at $16 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 62 and older, and $10 for children ages 5 through 12. Children four years old and younger receive free admission.
Waiting until arriving at the gate increases ticket prices slightly, with adult admission rising to $18, seniors to $14, and children’s admission to $12.
Visitors planning multiple trips throughout the fair’s run may also purchase a digital season pass, while families can take advantage of special value packages combining admission, carnival rides and parking into discounted bundles available before opening day.
Parking is available at Cal Expo throughout the fair, and advance parking purchases can save both time and money before arriving. Guests are encouraged to purchase admission and parking online before traveling to reduce wait times at the entrance.
Plenty of Ways to Save
One reason the California State Fair remains such an accessible family tradition is the number of promotional days offered throughout its run.
Returning favorites include Family Discount Days, when admission drops dramatically during select evening hours, Kids Days, where children receive free admission and discounted rides, and Ride and Save Wednesdays, offering reduced-price unlimited ride wristbands.
Seniors once again receive discounted admission on designated Fridays throughout the fair.
One of the fair’s most meaningful promotions also returns this year through SMUD Giving Fridays.
Visitors who donate five non-perishable food items at participating entrance gates on select Fridays receive free same-day admission while helping support the Sacramento Food Bank during its 50th anniversary year. The program has become one of the fair’s signature community partnerships, combining entertainment with an opportunity to give back to families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Sacramento region.
Students can also participate in California’s popular Read to Ride program, encouraging reading by rewarding qualifying children with complimentary admission and Monorail tickets after completing book reviews.
More Than a Fair—A Celebration of California
Every state fair reflects the personality of its home state. California’s does so unlike anywhere else in America. Walk through the entrance gates and you’ll immediately notice the remarkable diversity that defines the Golden State.
Agriculture shares space with cutting-edge technology. Historic traditions blend seamlessly with modern entertainment. Country music fans mingle alongside hip-hop lovers, foodies searching for the newest viral dessert stand shoulder-to-shoulder with families carrying giant turkey legs, while children marvel at livestock exhibits just steps away from international art displays and immersive experiences.
It is, in many ways, California in miniature. Visitors can spend an afternoon learning how food is grown, watch award-winning livestock competitions, admire student artwork, discover California-made products, sample wines produced just a few hours away, then finish the evening listening to Grammy-winning performers under the stars.
Very few events offer such a broad cross-section of everything California represents. That diversity is exactly why no two visits to the fair are ever quite the same.Some visitors arrive focused entirely on concerts. Others never miss the livestock barns.
Families with young children may spend the day watching animal demonstrations and enjoying kid-friendly attractions, while thrill seekers head straight toward towering carnival rides. Food enthusiasts often build entire itineraries around sampling new culinary creations.
Although longtime visitors will immediately recognize many beloved traditions, the 2026 California State Fair also introduces several major additions designed to give returning guests fresh reasons to explore.
New Experiences Join Longtime Favorites
Among the most anticipated is the debut of the A-M-A-Z-E-D: America 250 Maze, an interactive attraction celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary through a fun, immersive maze experience.
History enthusiasts can step inside the new Tutankhamun: King Tut Experience, bringing one of history’s most fascinating archaeological discoveries to Sacramento through an exhibit exploring the legendary Egyptian pharaoh and the treasures discovered within his tomb.
Another new addition, the California First Peoples Art Showcase, highlights the rich artistic traditions, history and cultural contributions of California’s Native communities through artwork and educational exhibits.
Families will also encounter Barrel O Fun, a new roaming entertainment act bringing comedy, audience participation and interactive performances throughout the fairgrounds.
Opening weekend includes another special attraction as Disneyland Resort celebrates its “Kids Rule Summer” campaign with games, treats and family photo opportunities inside the Expo Center.
Yet even with exciting new additions, it’s the combination of longtime traditions and fresh experiences that has always made the California State Fair special.
Returning visitors will quickly discover that while there is plenty that’s new to see, the heart of the fair remains exactly where they’ve always remembered it.
Entertainment Around Every Corner
One of the reasons the California State Fair has remained one of the West Coast’s premier summer attractions is that entertainment is never confined to one stage or one corner of the grounds. From the moment guests enter Cal Expo until the fireworks light up the night sky, something is happening almost everywhere they turn.
Unlike many festivals where visitors move from one scheduled event to another, the California State Fair is designed so discoveries happen naturally. A family heading toward the carnival may suddenly stop to watch a comedy juggling act. Visitors grabbing lunch might find themselves listening to a violinist performing rock classics. Children may turn a corner and encounter towering stilt walkers or racing pigs before stumbling upon a rescued dog performing incredible tricks.
It’s that constant sense of discovery that encourages fairgoers to slow down, wander and experience more than they originally planned.
This year’s fair once again features dozens of professional performers appearing daily throughout the grounds, creating an atmosphere where entertainment is as much a part of the experience as the rides and exhibits themselves.
Family Entertainment Takes Center Stage
Families visiting with young children will quickly discover there is no shortage of activities designed specifically with all ages in mind.
Among the fair’s longtime favorites returning this year are the wildly popular Aces Flying Pig Races. Equal parts competition and comedy, the attraction has become one of the fair’s signature family experiences as enthusiastic little pigs sprint around a specially designed track while announcers provide humorous play-by-play commentary and audience members cheer on their favorite racer.
Another returning favorite, Puppy Pals Live!, continues to delight audiences by showcasing rescued dogs performing agility routines, obstacle courses and impressive tricks while highlighting the importance of pet adoption. The combination of incredible canine talent and heartwarming stories has made the show one of the fair’s most beloved attractions year after year.
Sea Lion Splash also returns, offering visitors the opportunity to watch playful California sea lions demonstrate their intelligence through entertaining performances while trainers educate audiences about marine conservation and the animals’ natural behaviors.
Children who love bubbles won’t want to miss Scott Makes Bubbles, where ordinary soap bubbles become giant floating sculptures, colorful creations and interactive works of art that captivate audiences of every age.
Meanwhile, Magical MickeyO blends comedy with sleight-of-hand illusions, creating family-friendly magic performances that invite audience participation and leave children wondering how the impossible suddenly became possible.
Performers Fill the Fairgrounds
Not all of the entertainment happens on traditional stages.
Throughout each day, visitors will encounter roaming performers bringing unexpected moments of laughter and amazement to nearly every section of the fairgrounds.
Colorfully costumed Stilt Circus performers tower above the crowds while interacting with visitors and posing for photographs. As evening falls, the Illuminarians LED Stiltwalkers transform into glowing spectacles, illuminating walkways with vibrant costumes that create one of the fair’s most visually striking nighttime attractions.
The whimsical Fritters roam the grounds entertaining guests through improvisation and spontaneous comedy, while Wheelie Fun Entertainment adds another layer of surprise with performers navigating unusual wheeled vehicles as they interact with fairgoers.
New this year, Barrel O Fun joins the entertainment lineup with family-friendly comedy and audience participation that promises laughs throughout the day.
These roaming acts help create an atmosphere where visitors never know what they’ll encounter next, making simply walking across the fairgrounds an entertaining experience in itself.
World-Class Specialty Acts
The California State Fair has long featured performers whose talents rival those found on national stages, and this year’s lineup continues that tradition.
Shanghai Circus brings internationally acclaimed acrobats performing astonishing displays of strength, balance and precision inspired by centuries of Chinese circus artistry. Their breathtaking routines have become one of the fair’s signature live productions and routinely draw large crowds.
Amazing Aydar demonstrates remarkable feats of balance and athleticism through daring acrobatic performances that combine strength, agility and audience interaction.
Comedy also remains an important part of the entertainment lineup.
Roberto the Magnificent blends juggling, physical comedy and balancing acts into an energetic performance that keeps audiences laughing while marveling at his remarkable skills.
Jeremiah’s comedy juggling show likewise combines athletic ability with humor, creating performances that appeal equally to children and adults.
As darkness settles over the fairgrounds, Zor the FireBender ignites the evening with dramatic fire manipulation, spinning and balancing routines that transform flames into works of performance art.
Music lovers can also enjoy Patrick Contreras’ “Violin On Fire,” an electrifying performance blending rock, country, Latin and contemporary music into a high-energy concert experience unlike anything many visitors have seen before.
For guests seeking something completely different, longtime favorite hypnotist Tina Marie returns on select dates, inviting volunteers from the audience to participate in entertaining demonstrations that have become one of the fair’s most talked-about recurring attractions.
Agriculture Remains the Heart of the Fair
Despite the concerts, carnival lights and ever-expanding entertainment lineup, agriculture remains the foundation upon which the California State Fair was built more than 170 years ago.
Nowhere is that heritage more evident than inside the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn.
Each day, visitors can get an up-close look at prize-winning cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other livestock representing the hard work and dedication of California’s farming families and 4-H and FFA participants.
For many urban visitors, the Big Barn provides a rare opportunity to experience agriculture firsthand, learning where food comes from while meeting the young exhibitors who have spent months preparing their animals for competition.
Educational demonstrations throughout the fair continue showcasing California’s role as one of the world’s leading agricultural producers, reminding visitors that while the fair has evolved dramatically over the decades, its original mission remains firmly intact.
The Big Barn opens when the fair opens each day and welcomes visitors until 10 p.m., making it one of the fair’s most popular family destinations.
New Exhibits Add Fresh Reasons to Explore
Returning visitors will discover several new experiences waiting inside the Expo Center this summer.
The interactive A-M-A-Z-E-D: America 250 Maze celebrates the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary by challenging guests to navigate a patriotic maze while learning about America’s history.
The new Tutankhamun: King Tut Experience transports visitors thousands of years into ancient Egypt, exploring one of archaeology’s greatest discoveries through exhibits celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary pharaoh.
The California First Peoples Art Showcase highlights the artistic traditions and cultural heritage of California’s Native communities, offering guests an opportunity to appreciate works created by Indigenous artists from throughout the state.
These additions join returning Expo Center attractions including the Candy Maze and Selfie Experience, Fine Art and Photography exhibits, CaLOWfornia Love and the Wild Wild World Adventure, providing visitors with welcome air-conditioned escapes during Sacramento’s warm summer afternoons.
The Midway Comes Alive
No visit to the California State Fair feels complete without spending time on the carnival midway.
Towering rides dominate the skyline while the sounds of laughter, music and excited screams echo across the grounds from morning until late evening.
Whether visitors seek adrenaline-pumping thrill rides that soar high above the fairgrounds or gentler attractions perfect for younger children, this year’s carnival offers dozens of options appealing to every comfort level.
Classic midway games once again line the walkways, inviting guests to test their skills while competing for oversized stuffed animals and other prizes that have become iconic souvenirs of a day at the fair.
Individual rides require between four and eight tickets depending on the attraction, while unlimited ride wristbands are available throughout the fair, allowing thrill seekers to ride as often as they wish. The popular Pay One Price wristbands remain among the best values for families planning to spend much of their visit on the midway.
Shopping, Exhibits and Hidden Discoveries
Many longtime fairgoers intentionally set aside time simply to browse.
Hundreds of exhibitors and vendors fill multiple buildings showcasing everything from handcrafted artwork and home décor to specialty foods, clothing, kitchen gadgets, jewelry, gardening products and unique California-made merchandise.
Demonstrations, product samples and specialty retailers create an atmosphere that blends county fair traditions with a bustling marketplace, often introducing visitors to products they’ve never seen before.
Many guests return each year specifically to revisit favorite vendors while discovering new local businesses making their State Fair debut.
Ending the Night Under the Stars
As evening settles over Cal Expo, the atmosphere shifts once again.
Carnival lights reflect across the midway, music drifts through the fairgrounds, illuminated performers roam among the crowds and thousands of visitors gather for one of the fair’s nightly traditions.
Every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m., spectacular fireworks burst above the fairgrounds, bringing a colorful conclusion to another day of memories for families, couples and friends alike.
For many visitors, watching fireworks while surrounded by the sights, sounds and excitement of the California State Fair has become as much a tradition as eating a corn dog or riding the Ferris wheel.
And while the entertainment is enough to fill an entire day on its own, there is another attraction that has evolved into one of the biggest reasons many visitors make the trip each summer.
The California State Fair has quietly become one of Northern California’s largest outdoor food festivals, where deciding what to eat can be every bit as exciting as deciding which concert to attend.
One of California’s Biggest Food Festivals
If there is one area where the California State Fair has evolved more dramatically than anywhere else over the past decade, it is the food.
Once known primarily for corn dogs, cotton candy and funnel cakes, today’s California State Fair has become one of Northern California’s largest outdoor culinary events, bringing together more than 70 food and beverage vendors representing cuisines from around the world alongside the nostalgic fair classics generations have grown up enjoying.
Visitors no longer come simply expecting a quick lunch between rides. Many now arrive with a strategy.
Families compare vendor menus weeks before opening day. Friends map out which booths they want to visit first. Social media influencers search for the latest viral desserts, while longtime fairgoers make a point of revisiting favorite vendors before trying something completely new.
For many people, eating their way across the fairgrounds has become just as important as watching the nightly concerts or riding the giant Ferris wheel.
It’s no exaggeration to say food has become one of the fair’s biggest attractions.
Every Turn Brings Another Temptation
Walking through the California State Fair is an experience for every one of the senses.
The unmistakable smell of barbecue smoke drifts across the midway while fresh kettle corn pops continuously nearby. Sweet cinnamon floats through the air from freshly fried churros and funnel cakes, competing with the aroma of garlic fries, grilled burgers, sizzling tri-tip and freshly baked pizza.
Brightly colored lemonade stands seem to appear around every corner, while visitors carrying towering desserts or oversized turkey legs tempt everyone walking behind them to change their lunch plans.
Every few steps introduces another decision.
Should lunch be barbecue? Street tacos? Macaroni and cheese? Thai food? Pizza?
Or perhaps dessert comes first.
For many visitors, sticking to a single meal simply isn’t possible. Instead, groups often divide up, each person purchasing something different before meeting together to sample a little of everything.
That variety has become one of the defining characteristics of the modern California State Fair.
Fair Classics Never Go Out of Style
Despite all of the new culinary trends arriving each year, the timeless fair favorites continue drawing some of the longest lines on the grounds.
Towering corn dogs remain among the fair’s signature foods, hand-dipped and fried fresh throughout the day.
Giant turkey legs continue attracting hungry visitors looking for the iconic meal that has become almost synonymous with state fairs across America.
Fresh-cut French fries, loaded baked potatoes, oversized cheeseburgers, smoked sausage sandwiches, pizza by the slice, giant pretzels and creamy macaroni and cheese continue satisfying fairgoers looking for hearty comfort food while spending a full day exploring the grounds.
Roasted corn fresh off the grill remains another perennial favorite, particularly during Sacramento’s warm summer afternoons.
These are the foods that have defined fair memories for generations, and visitors returning year after year often make it a point to enjoy the same favorites they’ve been eating since childhood.
New Vendors Join the Lineup
Returning favorites are joined this year by several new food vendors making their California State Fair debut.
Brian’s Mac n Cheese brings a menu centered around creamy comfort food loaded with toppings and generous portions.
Handel’s Ice Cream introduces another nationally recognized frozen dessert destination, offering handcrafted ice cream perfect for cooling off during Sacramento’s often triple-digit summer temperatures.
Sweet Crunchy Tanghulu brings one of social media’s hottest food trends to the fair with glossy candied fruit skewers that have become wildly popular across TikTok and Instagram.
Smoking Rose BBQ joins the lineup with slow-smoked meats and barbecue favorites, while Sicilian-style pizza offers another hearty option for hungry visitors.
A Dirty Soda cart also debuts this year, serving customized soft drinks with flavored syrups, cream and specialty combinations that have become increasingly popular throughout the West.
Fresh churros, another longtime fair staple, will also greet concertgoers near the Sky River Casino Stage, ensuring that even those heading to an evening performance can enjoy one last sweet treat before the music begins.
California’s Diversity Comes to the Table
Perhaps nowhere is California’s remarkable cultural diversity more visible than throughout the fair’s food courts.
Traditional American fair foods now share space with authentic international cuisine representing communities from throughout the Golden State.
Visitors can enjoy authentic Mexican street tacos, burritos, combination plates and fresh aguas frescas prepared alongside vendors specializing in Hawaiian barbecue, Mediterranean specialties, Thai-inspired dishes and Asian street food.
Several booths focus on freshly prepared barbecue featuring smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken and tri-tip sandwiches, while seafood lovers can choose from fish and chips, fried shrimp and other coastal favorites.
The result is a culinary experience reflecting modern California itself.
Rather than limiting guests to traditional carnival fare, today’s California State Fair offers a menu as diverse as the state it celebrates.
Families often find themselves carrying completely different meals back to the same picnic table.
One person may have barbecue.
Another chooses tacos.
Someone else enjoys Mediterranean cuisine.
Meanwhile, the youngest member of the group proudly arrives carrying a giant corn dog nearly the size of their arm.
It is precisely that variety that makes every meal feel like another adventure.
Dessert Worth Saving Room For
Veteran fairgoers know one important rule.
Never fill up completely at lunch.
Dessert is waiting around the next corner.
Funnel cakes remain one of the undisputed stars of the midway, arriving hot from the fryer before being covered in powdered sugar or topped with strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and countless other indulgent combinations.
Fresh churros coated in cinnamon sugar continue delighting visitors throughout the day, while cotton candy, caramel apples, cinnamon rolls and oversized cookies tempt nearly everyone who walks past.
Ice cream has likewise become one of the fair’s signature attractions.
In addition to Handel’s Ice Cream making its fair debut, visitors can once again enjoy California Ice Cream Company, Dippin’ Dots and numerous specialty frozen dessert vendors serving everything from classic cones to elaborate sundaes.
Those looking for relief from Sacramento’s summer heat can also cool off with Hawaiian shaved ice, frozen lemonade and tropical Dole Whip, all of which have become annual favorites among returning visitors.
Drinks for Every Taste
The beverage selection has expanded just as dramatically as the food itself.
Fresh-squeezed lemonade remains the undisputed king of the midway, with vendors producing thousands of cups throughout the fair.
Smoothies, fruit juices, sweet tea, frozen beverages, specialty coffees and flavored drinks provide plenty of additional options for visitors seeking something refreshing between attractions.
Boba tea has also become increasingly popular in recent years, reflecting California’s evolving culinary tastes and giving younger visitors another trendy option to enjoy while exploring the grounds.
Adults can also unwind inside the Save Mart Wine Garden or other designated beverage areas featuring California wines, locally crafted beers and specialty cocktails in shaded settings that provide welcome opportunities to relax before heading back out to experience the rest of the fair.
More Than Fried Food
Although outrageous fried creations often grab the headlines each year, today’s California State Fair also recognizes that many visitors are searching for lighter fare.
Fresh fruit vendors, smoothies, grilled corn, Mediterranean cuisine and other healthier options provide alternatives for guests who prefer something beyond deep-fried indulgence.
That balance reflects how the fair has evolved alongside changing dining habits.Visitors can absolutely enjoy every classic fried favorite imaginable.But they can also build an entire day around fresher options if they choose. The result is a food experience that appeals to virtually every appetite and dietary preference.
A Culinary Adventure All Its Own
Ask longtime visitors what they remember most from the California State Fair, and many won’t immediately mention a ride or even a concert.
Instead, they’ll remember sharing a giant basket of fries with family. Trying a food they had never heard of before. Cooling off with frozen lemonade on a hot Sacramento afternoon or ending the evening with a warm funnel cake while fireworks exploded overhead.
Those simple moments have become traditions repeated year after year. Food has become woven into the very identity of the California State Fair. It tells the story of California’s diversity, creativity and willingness to embrace new ideas while celebrating the traditions that have stood the test of time.
Whether visitors arrive craving barbecue, authentic street tacos, handcrafted ice cream, gourmet macaroni and cheese, giant turkey legs, viral desserts or the classic corn dog that has defined generations of fair memories, they will quickly discover one thing.
No one leaves the California State Fair hungry and once dinner is finished, another unforgettable tradition awaits each evening as nationally known artists take the stage for one of the most impressive free concert series of any state fair in America.
Every Night Ends with a Show
As impressive as the attractions, exhibits and food offerings may be, every evening at the California State Fair builds toward one of its biggest draws—the Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage.
Included with paid fair admission, the concert series has evolved into one of the premier live music events of the Northern California summer, regularly attracting legendary performers, Grammy Award winners, country stars, R&B icons, classic rock favorites and internationally recognized entertainers.
This year’s lineup is among the strongest and most diverse in recent memory, offering something for virtually every musical taste throughout the fair’s 17-day run.
Every concert begins at 8 p.m. and is included with paid California State Fair admission.
Guests hoping to take advantage of the 700 free first-come, first-served seats may begin lining up at 5 p.m. each concert day. Those wanting guaranteed seating can purchase reserved concert tickets, which start at $45 and vary depending on the artist and seating location. Reserved seating includes assigned seats closer to the stage but does not include California State Fair admission, meaning all concertgoers must also purchase fair admission separately.
2026 Toyota Concert Series Schedule
Friday, July 17 – Babyface
The 13-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer opens the 2026 California State Fair with an unforgettable evening of timeless R&B. Beyond his own successful recording career, Babyface has written and produced countless hits for Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, TLC, Madonna, Usher and many other music legends.
Saturday, July 18 – Wyclef Jean
Grammy Award-winning artist and founding member of the Fugees, Wyclef Jean brings his signature blend of hip-hop, reggae, R&B and world music to Sacramento. His energetic performances combine solo hits with fan favorites from his groundbreaking work with the Fugees.
Sunday, July 19 – Tower of Power
Northern California’s own Tower of Power returns with the unmistakable horn-driven sound that has made the Oakland-based funk and soul legends famous for nearly six decades. Fans can expect classics including “What Is Hip?,” “You’re Still a Young Man,” and “So Very Hard to Go.”
Monday, July 20 – Struggle Jennings
Country rap artist Struggle Jennings, grandson of country music icon Waylon Jennings, blends country storytelling with rock and hip-hop influences in one of the fair’s most unique performances.
Tuesday, July 21 – Midland
The Grammy-nominated country trio has become one of modern country’s strongest traditional acts. Midland brings fan favorites including “Drinkin’ Problem,” “Burn Out,” and “Cheatin’ Songs” to the Sky River Casino Stage.
Wednesday, July 22 – Iration
Southern California reggae-rock favorite Iration delivers a laid-back evening of island-inspired music and summer vibes, making it a perfect soundtrack for a warm Sacramento evening.
Thursday, July 23 – Lee Brice
Country music superstar Lee Brice performs a string of chart-topping hits including “Hard to Love,” “Rumor,” “One of Them Girls,” and the emotional favorite “I Drive Your Truck.”
Friday, July 24 – Ja Rule
Hip-hop icon Ja Rule brings the soundtrack of the early 2000s back to life with chart-topping hits including “Always on Time,” “Mesmerize,” and “Livin’ It Up.”
Saturday, July 25 – KC & The Sunshine Band
Disco legends KC & The Sunshine Band promise one of the fair’s biggest dance parties with timeless favorites including “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Boogie Shoes,” and “Shake Your Booty.”
Sunday, July 26 – Ezequiel Peña
Widely recognized as the “King of Banda and Mariachi,” Ezequiel Peña delivers one of regional Mexican music’s most celebrated live performances, highlighting traditional ranchera and banda favorites.
Monday, July 27 – Queen Nation
One of the world’s premier Queen tribute bands faithfully recreates the music and stage presence of Freddie Mercury and Queen with classics including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody to Love,” and “We Are the Champions.”
Tuesday, July 28 – Keith Sweat
One of R&B’s most influential performers takes the stage with smooth ballads and enduring hits including “Nobody,” “Twisted,” and “Make It Last Forever.”
Wednesday, July 29 – Trace Adkins
Country music veteran Trace Adkins brings his unmistakable baritone voice and decades of hits, including “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” and “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.”
Thursday, July 30 – Dark Star Orchestra
Grateful Dead fans won’t want to miss Dark Star Orchestra, internationally recognized for recreating classic Grateful Dead concerts using original setlists while capturing the improvisational spirit of the legendary band.
Friday, July 31 – Boyz II Men
One of the most successful R&B vocal groups in music history closes out the final Friday of the fair with timeless harmonies and unforgettable hits including “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “Motownphilly,” “On Bended Knee,” and “One Sweet Day.”
Saturday, Aug. 1 – WAR
Legendary funk pioneers WAR bring more than five decades of music to Sacramento, performing crowd favorites including “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” “The Cisco Kid,” and “Spill the Wine.”
Sunday, Aug. 2 – Yacht Rock Revue
Closing out the 2026 California State Fair is Yacht Rock Revue, one of the nation’s premier tribute bands celebrating the smooth rock sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s with music made famous by Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan and many more.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
With so much to experience, many longtime fairgoers recommend arriving with a flexible plan rather than trying to rush from attraction to attraction.
Weekend mornings are ideal for exploring exhibits, shopping and visiting the Big Barn before larger crowds arrive. Late afternoon provides a great opportunity to enjoy dinner while watching roaming entertainment or family shows before heading toward the concert venue.
As temperatures cool during the evening, visitors can enjoy the carnival midway, catch a concert, stroll through the illuminated fairgrounds and cap off the night with spectacular fireworks every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, as many visitors easily cover several miles during a full day at Cal Expo. Guests should also review the fair’s clear bag policy before arriving and check the daily entertainment schedule to make sure they don’t miss their favorite attractions or performances.
California’s Biggest Summer Tradition Returns
Every year the California State Fair introduces something new.
New foods make their debut. New exhibits arrive. Fresh entertainment fills the fairgrounds. National recording artists take the stage, and innovative attractions give returning visitors another reason to come back.
Yet despite those additions, the heart of the California State Fair remains unchanged after more than 170 years.
It remains a celebration of California’s people, agriculture, innovation, culture and remarkable diversity.
It is a place where generations come together to create new memories while reliving old traditions. Parents introduce children to rides they once enjoyed. Grandparents revisit favorite food vendors. Friends gather for concerts beneath the stars, while families spend entire days discovering something new around every corner.
Whether visitors come for the incredible food, nationally recognized concerts, award-winning exhibits, livestock competitions, thrilling carnival rides, shopping, fireworks or simply to spend a summer day together, the California State Fair continues to offer one of California’s most iconic annual experiences.
Beginning Friday, July 17, the midway lights will once again shine across Cal Expo, the aroma of fair food will fill the air, live music will echo across the grounds and another chapter in one of California’s greatest summer traditions will begin.
For complete schedules, tickets, parking information, daily entertainment and additional visitor information, visit the official California State Fair website before planning your visit.
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