Sacramento County California Fairgrounds Events
Sacramento County has two major fair destinations that visitors should distinguish: the Sacramento County Fair, held at Cal Expo, and the California State Fair, which also takes place at Cal Expo. Located at 1600 Exposition Boulevard in Sacramento, California, the grounds serve as a gathering place for agricultural competitions, youth livestock projects, carnival attractions, concerts, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year.
The Sacramento County Fair brings a more local agricultural focus to the venue, with 4-H and FFA competitions, livestock judging, competitive exhibits, fair food, and family entertainment. Cal Expo also hosts much larger events, including the California State Fair and sporting events at Heart Health Park.
For anyone searching for Sacramento County fair events, exhibitor opportunities, or the next annual fair, the important distinction is that Cal Expo is the venue, while the Sacramento County Fair is a separate annual event held there. Their schedules, admission arrangements, and participation requirements can differ.
Overview of Sacramento County Fairgrounds
Location and facilities
The Sacramento County Fair is held at Cal Expo, at 1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95815. The property is in the Point West area of Sacramento, northeast of downtown, with access from the Capital City Freeway and nearby Interstate 80 and Highway 50 connections.
Cal Expo describes its developed event grounds as approximately 350 acres, with indoor exhibition halls, outdoor event spaces, livestock facilities, arenas, and extensive parking. The wider property also includes environmentally protected land, so the total property should not be confused with the acreage available for ordinary events.
The grounds are managed by the California Exposition and State Fair organization, a state-established public entity with responsibility for the venue and its year-round operations. The Sacramento County Fair has its own event administration and participation procedures.
Why the fair matters locally
Sacramento County combines a large urban population with agricultural communities in the Sacramento Valley and Delta region. The county fair provides a public setting where young exhibitors can present animals, compete in showmanship, and demonstrate skills learned through agricultural education.
For families, the fair connects traditional livestock and home arts competitions with modern carnival rides, live entertainment, food concessions, and interactive exhibits. For local businesses, it offers a seasonal opportunity to reach visitors, while year-round events bring trade shows, sports spectators, and other groups to the same venue.
Upcoming Events at Sacramento County Fairgrounds
What events take place at Cal Expo?
Cal Expo operates throughout the year, and the Sacramento County Fair is only one part of its calendar. Events and activities associated with the venue include:
- Agricultural competitions: livestock judging, youth showmanship, animal exhibits, and educational displays during the county fair.
- Carnival and family entertainment: traveling midway rides, games, animal encounters, and live performances during fair week.
- Exhibitions and trade shows: indoor consumer events, craft and hobby exhibitions, product showcases, and commercial displays.
- Sports and outdoor events: soccer matches at Heart Health Park, large outdoor gatherings, and special events.
- Automotive and recreational events: car shows, RV exhibitions, swap meets, and other outdoor gatherings when scheduled.
- Concerts and arena entertainment: performances, rodeo-style events, and other ticketed shows, depending on the organizer and calendar.
These are categories of events associated with the venue, not a promise that every event occurs annually.
Seasonal patterns and event rentals
The Sacramento County Fair traditionally takes place in late May, making it an early-summer destination for families before Sacramento’s hottest weather arrives. Other events are distributed throughout the calendar, with the California State Fair typically taking place in summer.
Cal Expo rents indoor and outdoor spaces to outside organizers. The site includes exhibition buildings, arenas, and large paved areas suited to different event formats. Organizations considering a private gathering, public exhibition, or commercial show should contact the venue about available dates, insurance, equipment, catering, and site-specific restrictions.
How to check upcoming events
For the next Sacramento County Fair, the latest livestock schedules, entertainment announcements, vendor information, and admission policies should come from the Sacramento County Fair office. Cal Expo’s event calendar is the appropriate source for other events taking place on the property.
As of October 20, 2026, the Sacramento County Fair’s 2027 dates have not been confirmed in the published information available for this guide. Visitors should not assume that the 2026 dates will automatically carry over to 2027.
The Sacramento County Fair
Annual fair dates and schedule
The Sacramento County Fair is the county’s principal annual celebration of youth agriculture, local exhibits, midway attractions, and family entertainment.
The 2026 edition ran from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25, 2026. Those dates are historical, not upcoming dates. The 2027 schedule remains subject to an official announcement.
The fair’s daily program can include livestock shows in the morning, indoor exhibits and demonstrations during the day, and carnival attractions and entertainment into the evening. Specific performance times and opening hours vary by year.
Visitors interested in Sacramento County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore local gatherings through Riverside County California Fairgrounds Events. Both locations provide opportunities to discover community traditions, enjoy seasonal activities, and plan memorable outings across California.
Livestock, exhibits, and competitions
Agriculture remains central to the Sacramento County Fair, even though the event takes place in a major metropolitan area.
The 2026 livestock program included market goat and swine shows, rabbit competitions, showmanship classes, and other youth agricultural events. The broader fair program provides opportunities for eligible participants to display livestock and enter approved competitive exhibits.
Depending on the year’s premium book, competitive categories can include:
- Beef cattle, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbits.
- Market-animal classes and showmanship competitions.
- Baking, food preservation, sewing, and other home arts.
- Photography, fine arts, crafts, and creative projects.
- Educational and agricultural displays.
Not every category is necessarily offered every year. Exhibitors should consult the relevant handbook for current classes, age divisions, judging rules, animal health requirements, and submission deadlines.
Carnival rides, food, and entertainment
A contracted carnival operator provides the midway during fair week. Visitors can generally expect a selection of family rides, larger thrill rides, games, and attractions, but the exact ride count, height restrictions, and wristband offers depend on the year’s contract and operating schedule.
Food is another major part of the experience. Typical fair concessions may include corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried snacks, barbecue, burgers, lemonade, and other festival foods. The available vendors and menus change, so a particular dish or food stand should not be treated as a guaranteed annual feature.
Entertainment can include local performers, concerts, family attractions, specialty acts, and arena programming. Rodeo-style events, truck pulls, or similar shows should be checked against the current program rather than assumed to be scheduled every year.
Admission, children, and parking
For the 2026 Sacramento County Fair, published advance admission prices were $12 for general admission ages 17 and older, $10 for ages 12–16, and free for children 11 and under. At-the-gate admission was $14 for adults and $12 for ages 12–16, with children 11 and under free. Senior admission was free on the advertised senior day, and eligible active or retired military visitors received free admission on the advertised closing day with valid identification.
These were the 2026 fair’s published prices and promotions, not confirmed 2027 rates. Arena performances may require separate tickets, and parking is an additional expense unless a specific offer says otherwise.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition buildings and livestock areas
Cal Expo’s event infrastructure includes numerous indoor venues and outdoor spaces. For the Sacramento County Fair, these accommodate competitive exhibits, commercial displays, livestock presentations, and visitor activities.
The Five Star Bank Livestock Pavilion is an important venue for livestock competitions, with designated areas for species-specific judging and showmanship. Exact barn access, animal unloading arrangements, stall assignments, and exhibitor check-in procedures are set out in the current livestock handbook.
The wider Cal Expo site also includes a Show Arena that can accommodate rodeos, concerts, monster-truck shows, and other performances. Published venue information gives the arena a capacity of approximately 3,500 people, although actual event capacity and configuration can vary.
Parking, accessibility, and visitor amenities
Cal Expo has extensive parking, with accessible parking spaces near its admission gates. The property also has paved access routes, restrooms, and event-specific visitor services. The availability of first aid, concessions, ATMs, and other amenities should be confirmed for the particular event.
Parking charges differ by event. Cal Expo has published separate rates for the California State Fair, general interim events, concerts, and sporting events, so visitors should not assume that one event’s parking price applies to the Sacramento County Fair.
Camping and RV facilities are associated with the wider Cal Expo property, but overnight access, reservations, and restrictions depend on the facility and event. Confirm availability before bringing an RV or planning to stay overnight.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Commercial and food vendors
Businesses interested in exhibiting at the Sacramento County Fair should apply through the fair’s vendor process rather than assuming that a general Cal Expo rental automatically grants access to fair week.
The 2026 commercial vendor process required an application and a non-refundable application fee. Published booth options included indoor and outdoor spaces, with prices depending on location and configuration. Selected vendors could also be required to provide proof of insurance, a California seller’s permit, business details, product descriptions, and photographs of their booth.
Food concession applications have separate requirements. Applicants may need to submit a proposed menu and prices, photographs of their food stands, and other requested documentation. Food sampling and preparation can also trigger applicable county health-permit requirements.
The 2026 applications are closed. Vendors planning for 2027 should ask the fair office when the next application period opens and whether fees or requirements have changed.
Competitive exhibits and livestock entries
Individuals entering artwork, photography, home arts, or other still exhibits should follow the relevant entry handbook. Livestock exhibitors must review eligibility rules, deadlines, identification requirements, health documentation, weigh-in procedures, and show schedules.
The fair office can help first-time entrants understand the online entry process and identify the correct department or class. For current participation questions, contact the Sacramento County Fair office at (916) 263-2975.
Getting to Sacramento County Fairgrounds
Driving directions
Cal Expo is northeast of downtown Sacramento, near the American River and the Capital City Freeway.
- From downtown Sacramento: Follow signs for the Capital City Freeway and Reno, then take the Cal Expo exit and follow event signage to the appropriate entrance.
- From Interstate 80: Connect to the Capital City Freeway and follow signs toward Cal Expo.
- From Highway 50: Follow the Reno/Capital City Freeway connections toward the Cal Expo exit.
- From Elk Grove and southern Sacramento County: Highway 99 provides a route toward Sacramento, where drivers can connect to the freeway system serving Cal Expo.
- From Roseville and northern Sacramento County: Interstate 80 provides access to Sacramento and connections toward the venue.
Allow extra time during major events. The correct entrance and parking lot can vary according to the event, and GPS directions may take drivers to a gate that is not open to general admission.
Public transportation and rideshare
Sacramento Regional Transit buses serve the Exposition Boulevard and Arden Way area. Route availability and stop locations can change, so check the current transit timetable before travelling. Do not assume that a dedicated fair shuttle operates unless one is announced for that year.
Rideshare pickup and drop-off arrangements may use designated areas that differ by event. Follow posted signs and instructions from traffic staff rather than arranging a pickup in a busy entrance lane.
4-H, FFA, and Junior Livestock Programs
The Sacramento County Fair gives young people opportunities to apply agricultural skills in a public competition. Local 4-H members and students involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA) can participate in eligible livestock and showmanship classes according to the fair’s rules.
The livestock program has included separate 4-H and FFA classes, market-animal competitions, rabbit shows, and showmanship events. The exact participating clubs and FFA chapters, however, can change from year to year.
How the junior livestock auction works
Junior livestock auctions give eligible youth exhibitors an opportunity to present qualifying animals to prospective buyers. Buyers may include local businesses, agricultural supporters, community organizations, and individuals interested in supporting youth education.
The auction’s schedule, eligible species, buyer registration process, bidding rules, payment arrangements, and treatment of sale proceeds are established in the current livestock handbook. Families should confirm whether an animal qualifies and understand the financial obligations before entering.
The fair office and the relevant 4-H or FFA advisers are the best starting points for questions about enrollment, project requirements, showmanship, and auction eligibility.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Cal Expo’s year-round calendar extends beyond agricultural competitions. Depending on the organizer and the season, visitors may find:
- Consumer exhibitions, craft and hobby shows, and trade events.
- Automotive shows, RV displays, and outdoor markets.
- Concerts, sporting events, and large community gatherings.
- Arena performances and other ticketed entertainment.
- Seasonal festivals and private or nonprofit events.
Swap meets, flea markets, gun shows, motocross events, and rodeos should be treated as event-specific possibilities, not guaranteed annual fixtures. Their occurrence, dates, admission requirements, and venue arrangements must be confirmed independently.
For event organizers, Cal Expo’s indoor and outdoor spaces provide options for exhibitions, corporate gatherings, community events, and public entertainment. Rental approval depends on availability, event requirements, and the venue’s terms.
History of Sacramento County Fairgrounds
The Sacramento County Fair began in 1937 in Galt, on land now associated with the Galt Flea Market and Park. In 1948, the organization transitioned to a district agricultural association structure. The fair remained in Galt until 1954, when it moved to the state fairgrounds on Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento.
In 1969, the Sacramento County Fair moved with the California State Fair to the newly opened Cal Expo site. The fair also produced the California State Fair Horse Show for a period, with that responsibility ending in 1991.
For decades, the county fair concentrated largely on livestock and indoor exhibits, including projects prepared by young exhibitors. In 1988, it expanded into a paid-admission event featuring a carnival, entertainment, food concessions, commercial vendors, and broader public programming.
That evolution reflects Sacramento County’s changing population. The fair continues to connect urban families with livestock, agriculture, home arts, and youth education while accommodating the entertainment expectations of a large metropolitan audience.
Cal Expo itself opened in 1968 and has since become a year-round event destination. The county fair’s history is therefore tied to both the agricultural traditions of the Sacramento region and the development of the state’s modern exposition facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sacramento County Fair in 2027?
The 2027 dates have not been confirmed in the published information available as of October 20, 2026. The 2026 fair ran May 21–25. Check for an official announcement before making travel plans.
What time does Sacramento County Fairgrounds open?
Opening hours depend on the event. During the 2026 Sacramento County Fair, the published schedule was 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday. Those hours should not be assumed for 2027 or other Cal Expo events.
Is there camping at Sacramento County Fairgrounds?
RV facilities are associated with the broader Cal Expo property, but overnight stays are subject to availability and facility rules. Confirm reservations, operating dates, and access restrictions before travelling.
How do I enter livestock in the Sacramento County Fair?
Review the current livestock handbook for eligibility, entry deadlines, health requirements, weigh-in procedures, and show schedules. Contact the Sacramento County Fair office at (916) 263-2975 if you need help with entry procedures.
Are dogs allowed at Sacramento County Fairgrounds?
Do not assume that ordinary pets are permitted. Animal admission policies can vary by event, and service animals are subject to applicable accessibility requirements. Check the current visitor rules before bringing a dog.
Where do I park at Sacramento County Fairgrounds?
Parking is available in designated Cal Expo lots near the event entrances. Follow signs and staff directions, because the correct lot and entrance depend on the event. Parking fees may apply.
Who do I contact to rent Sacramento County Fairgrounds?
For the annual county fair, contact the Sacramento County Fair office at (916) 263-2975. For other exhibitions, private functions, or events at Cal Expo, contact the venue’s event-rental team.
How much does it cost to get into the Sacramento County Fair?
The published 2026 advance admission prices were $12 for adults ages 17 and older, $10 for ages 12–16, and free for children 11 and under. At-the-gate prices were $14 for adults and $12 for ages 12–16. The 2027 prices have not been confirmed.
Does the Sacramento County Fair have carnival rides?
Yes. The annual fair has featured a contracted carnival midway with rides and games. Ride availability, height restrictions, operating hours, and wristband prices depend on the current year’s arrangements.
Can local businesses sell products at the fair?
Yes. The fair accepts applications for commercial vendors and food concessionaires when application periods are open. Applicants should review booth options, fees, insurance requirements, permits, and submission deadlines before applying.
Is the Sacramento County Fair the same as the California State Fair?
No. They are separate events held at Cal Expo. The Sacramento County Fair focuses strongly on local youth agriculture, livestock, exhibits, and family entertainment, while the California State Fair is a larger statewide exposition with its own schedule and admission arrangements.
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