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Pleasanton, Calif. – The Alameda County Fair is officially kicking off summer with an action-packed opening weekend filled with incredible Fair foods, live entertainment from the Gene Simmons Band, thrilling carnival rides and games, family-friendly attractions, and a spectacular fireworks and drone show on Friday, June 19.
The world’s best Fair food is back and better than ever, featuring over 100 different food and beverage booths serving up favorites like corn dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy, as well as flavors from around the world with items including elote, ceviche, boba, gyros, a Persian grill, and much more.
The Foodies Choice Awards return with Fair food and beverage vendors competing for the top prize for the craziest food creation. A few of the new entries this year include the Spam Wonton Taco, the Pickled Corndog, and the “Elvis Presley” sandwich featuring peanut butter, sliced bananas, and bacon on sourdough bread.
Known as one of the Bay Area’s favorite summer traditions, the Alameda County Fair’s opening weekend will also feature a weekend packed with concerts from The Gene Simmons Band, Twist on Taylor, and country powerhouse Lonestar.
New this year is a special exhibit located near the grandstand called “Rising Together: In Remembrance of 9/11”. The exhibit features an actual beam from the World Trade Center and is especially meaningful this year as the Fair recognizes America 250 and marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The memorial, which will also list the names of all those lost in the attacks, will offer the community a powerful tribute rooted in remembrance, patriotism, and unity.
Back by popular demand and free with Fair admission are action sports shows every weekend at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand. On Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, guests can experience the exhilarating action of Demolition Derby. New this year, guests can also enjoy watching world cup soccer games at various watch party locations throughout the grounds.
The Fair will also offer many family activities and classic events such as the Kids Park, All Alaskan Racing Pigs, Movies on the Lawn, the All American Petting Zoo, the Canine Stars show, and the thrilling Off Axis Stunt show featuring BMX bikers and stuntpeople doing tricks and flips.
To promote a more sustainable way to get to the Fair, guests can ride BART to the East Dublin/Pleasanton Station then catch the bus and be dropped off near the admission gates.
“Opening Weekend is always an exciting time because in many ways, it signifies the start of summer,” said Kristin LaPorte, Marketing and Development Director for the Alameda County Fair. “Whether you come for the food, concerts, animals, or rides, there’s truly an experience here for everyone.”
The Alameda County Fair runs June 19 through July 12, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 12pm-11pm. For tickets, schedules, and additional information, visit alamedacountyfair.com.
2026 Alameda County Fair Information
ALL PRICES INCLUDE PROCESSING FEES
Dates: June 19-July 12 | Open Wednesday-Sunday
Hours: 12pm-11pm
Carnival Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 1pm to closing
Concerts (Cuervo Amphitheater)**: 8pm-9:15pm nightly, except July 4
- Friday, June 19 – The Gene Simmons Band
- Saturday, June 20 – Twist on Taylor
- Sunday, June 21 – Lonestar
- Wednesday, June 24 – Hoobastank
- Thursday, June 25 – Collective Soul
- Friday, June 26 – En Vogue
- Saturday, June 27 – A Tribute to Demon Hunters
- Sunday, June 28 – Banda Maguey
- Wednesday, July 1 – The Beach Boys
- Thursday, July 2 – Tower of Power
- Friday, July 3 – The Maine
- Saturday, July 4 – NO CONCERT
- Sunday, July 5 – Ozomatli
- Wednesday, July 8 – Flo Rida
- Thursday, July 9 – Elle King
- Friday, July 10 – Boyz II Men
- Saturday, July 11 – Damage Inc – A tribute to Metallica
- Sunday, July 12 – Cheat Codes
Action Sports in the Michelob Ultra Grandstand:
- Saturday & Sunday, June 20-21 – Demolition derby
- Friday-Sunday, June 26-28 – Monster trucks
- Friday & Sunday, July 3 & 5 – Arena cross
- Saturday, July 4 – Fireworks spectacular show (no action sports)
- Friday-Sunday, July 10-12 – Truck & Tractor pulls
Drone Show: 9:30pm following every concert
Movies on the Lawn: Concert Lawn 6pm (see movie list); subject to change
Advanced Sale (now through June 18, 2026):
- General (13-61) – $17.60
- Seniors (62+) – $14.30
- Kids (6-11) – $14.30
- Unlimited Carnival + Sky Ride Wristbands – $39.60
- Sold online only through June 18, 2026
- Must be purchased at a Butler Kiosk inside the Fair starting June 19, 2026
- Season Pass (admission for all 18 days, plus concert early access) – $52.80
- Premium Season Pass (admission for all 18 days with PARKING, plus concert early access) – $99.55
Regular Gate Admission* (Starting June 19 – July 12, 2026):
- General (13-61) – $19.80
- Seniors (62+) – $16.50
- Kids (6-11) – $16.50
- Children 5 and Under – FREE
- General Parking – $15
- Unlimited Carnival + Sky Ride Wristbands – $35
- Sold online only through June 18, 2026
- Must be purchased at a Butler Kiosk inside the Fair starting June 19, 2026
Promotions and Special Days
- School Ticket Program – Alameda County elementary school students grades K-5th are eligible to receive one free Fair admission ticket from their participating school
- Pet Food Drive and $1 Ride Day: Wednesday, June 24 – Bring new, unopened pet food items to benefit Valley Humane Society and receive FREE one general admission for June 24 plus $1 carnival rides, all until 5pm
- Feed the Need Food Drive and $1 Ride Day: Wednesday, July 1 – One FREE general admission for July 1 with the donation of 4 non-perishable food items to benefit the Alameda County Community Food Bank plus $1 carnival rides, all until 5pm
- $1 Ride Wednesdays: (Wednesday, June 24, July 1, July 8) – $1 rides until 5pm
- First Responder’s Day July 4: Free general Fair admission with ID until 5pm
- Throwback Thursdays (TBT): (Thursdays, June 25, July 2, July 9) – General admission price is $11 until 5pm
- $3 Fair Food Bites: (Thursdays, June 25, July 2, July 9) – Select fun-sized Fair treats just $3 each, until 5pm
- Thursday, June 25 School Spirit Day – Students wear an item representing their school and receive a special giveaway at the gates or at info booths
- Sensory Morning: Wednesday, July 8, Fair opens early at 11am with a one hour sensory-friendly environment. Those with special needs receive one free admission. A special ticket is required to enter, not open to the general public.
- $6 Wednesday: July 8 – $6 admission ticket, online and at the gates until 5pm
- Children 5 and Under: FREE general admission ALL DAY, EVERYDAY
- Military Appreciation: One FREE general admission with valid Military ID, ALL DAY, EVERYDAY
*Subject to change.
**Beware of Third-Party Resale. Only buy from the Alameda County Fair ticketing site, Saffire. Tickets purchased outside this website, from any third-party sellers, are not guaranteed.
The Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces the annual Alameda County Fair without any tax funding from the government. It is ranked one of the top 50 North American Fairs and the 7th largest fair in California.
For upcoming events in Contra Costa County, visit our events calendar.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source contracosta.news ’
