California State Fair Special Events

July 12 – 28

California Kitchen Trivia

We challenge YOU to prove your produce prowess with CA Kitchen Trivia!
Tuesdays
A girl on a carnival ride

Tuesday $2 Rides for All

Each Tuesday of the Fair, all guests of all ages only pay $2 per Carnival ride.
Wednesdays & Thursdays
two hands each holding one dole whip cups

Taste of the Fair

Everyone knows that Fair food is delicious, why not get a little of everything.
Fridays
Two seniors dancing in front of a stage with someone performing

Senior Savings Fridays

Each Friday of the Fair, seniors 62 and better pay only $10 admission.
Fridays & Saturdays

Fair Fireworks

End your night at Fair with a spectacular display of fireworks that illuminate the skies!
Fridays-Sundays
Horse Racing at Miller Lite Grandstand Simulcast Satellite Wagering Horse Racing

Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Watch Thoroughbred Horse Racing during the Fair!
July 20

Out at the Fair

Come celebrate diversity at the annual Out at the Fair! Everyone is welcome.
July 13
man making a sandwich

Save Mart Employee Cooking Challenge

Teams of 2 current employees of Save Mart compete in a live cooking challenge.
July 12 – 28

Junior Livestock Awards Ceremony

Recognizing the talented winners of the Junior Livestock Competitions.
July 14
Man mixing ingredients

Postal Service Cooking Challenge

Teams of two US Postal Service employees use mystery ingredients to prepare a meal.
July 23
Pie Eating Contest

Save Mart Pie Eating Contest

Participate in a good old fashioned pie eating contest.
July 19 – 20
CA Professional Chef Challenge

CA Professional Chef Challenge

California is bursting with rising star chefs who make our state’s bounty really shine!
July 24
Military and Veterans standing in a group photo

Appreciation Day

A day revolved around immense appreciation for military, veteran & first responders.
July 27
Man reaching out to a crowd of people with a microphone during a gospel singing event.

Multicultural Gospel Celebration

A spiritually uplifting experience with choirs, groups, ensembles, and more!
July 19
Two women holding glasses of beer at Brewfest

Best of California Brewfest

Savor and taste award-winning flavors of California's craft beer scene.
July 15 & 22
a box of canned food

SMUD Giving Monday at the Fair

Donate and get into the world-renowned CA State Fair & FREE!
July 17
Kevin Cooper Jr. being presented a scholarship grant check from Friends of the California state fair

Ag Heritage Club Awards Ceremony

Start your Fair day with a breakfast and celebrate California's farming legacy.
July 23
kid cooking

Junior Chef Cooking Challenge

Junior Chefs will create and prepare an original recipe against each other!
July 23
Poppy waving and standing near tables full of cupcakes

Poppy’s Birthday

Come celebrate another year older and better with your favorite golden bear, Poppy!
July 12 – 28

Dairy Awards Ceremony

Recognizing the talented winners of the Dairy Livestock Competitions.
July 24
Man cooking

Dinner 911! Cooking Challenge

Military, Veterans, and First Responders face off in a live cooking challenge.