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California State Fair Celebrates 50 Years at Cal Expo

Kids are FREE on Tuesdays for Family Day!

By Provided by the CA State Fair July 9, 2017

This is the 164th California State Fair, but we are celebrating 50 years here at the Cal Expo location. We want YOU to be a part of the celebration!

Discount tickets are available until July 13:  http://www.castatefair.org/discount-tickets/
Buy Early and Save! 

The CA State Fair begins on Friday, July 14, but plan to come with the family on any Tuesday “Kid’s Day” (July 18th and 25th) -  Kids 12 and under are free and everyone rides for only $2.00 per ride.  

Poppy’s Birthday celebration will be on Tuesday, July 18http://www.castatefair.org/poppys-birthday/


New exhibits and attractions this year:

Hear them roar and watch them move!   It’s “Exhibition Dinosaur”.  16 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs will take over TWO buildings at the Fair. You can find them inside Expo Buildings 4 & 5, along with 14 other interactive and educational features. This FREE exhibit is included with your Fair ticket.   These exhibits usually cost a lot more…sometimes $35 per ticket, but it is FREE!   http://www.castatefair.org/expeditiondinosaur/

If RIDES AND GAMES are your thing, new this year, we are introducing a Fast Pass for rides which takes you to the front of the line. The Fast Pass must be purchased on site and it must be used the same day. There is a limited quantity of passes available each day, so get them early. http://www.castatefair.org/rides/

The Time Capsule Exhibit:  http://www.castatefair.org/time-capsule-exhibit/ We are asking people to send in pictures and memories and even memorabilia that may be showcased at the Fair or put in the time capsule.  Information will be updated on how to submit your entry.

We are celebrating the contributions of farm workers this year. Most people don’t realize the process it takes to get our food from the farm to our tables. Children think it magically appears at the grocery store! This exhibit will play homage to those who help keep food on our table. http://www.castatefair.org/best-californiacelebrating-farm-workers-rich-contributions-food-agriculture/

Some of our favorite exhibits are returning:

The California State Fair Kaiser Permanente Farm - It’s all about educating people about farm-to-fork. The California State Fair Kaiser Permanente Farm is a 3.5 acre working farm with fruit and veggies! School tours are offered for six weeks in the spring and fall and are available for grades K-6. http://www.castatefair.org/farm/

The California Forest Center -  The Forest is a  beautiful, shaded area features 40 native species of trees in a relaxing atmosphere. Get close to nature while learning about the benefits of a healthy sustainable forest. Enjoy the nature trail showcasing California’s various trees and forest animals, kids craft activities, see rescued animals and live chainsaw demonstrations. The Forest Center is located near The Farm. http://www.castatefair.org/california-forest-center/

Camp Smokey - Camp Smoky is always fun for everyone. This fun, interagency fire prevention program teaches fire safety at home and in the forest. Visit Smokey’s cabin and enjoy puppet shows, learn “stop, drop and roll” and safely exit “smoke-filled” rooms to earn your Camp Smokey bandana! Kids of all ages can hike the forest trail and learn how to prevent fires while camping. http://www.castatefair.org/2-taste-fair/


What’s the Fair without FOOD! Some of the fair favorites will return: corndogs, funnel cakes, bacon-wrapped corn, and the cinnamon rolls! We will also have food for vegans! You can find the menu to your favorite eating spots on the CA State Fair App! http://www.castatefair.org/food-vendors/

Read to Ride – You can save money and continue your child’s summer learning by having them read in order to ride at the Butler Midday!  For every 2 books they read, they get 2 FREE ride tickets. This is open for children in the                         8th grade and below. http://www.castatefair.org/read-ride-program/

Nightly Concerts - Pick your favorite artists and make it a Date Night or nights!!! We have just about all music genres including, rock, R&B, and country. Brian McKnight will make for a very romantic evening! Sheila E kicks off the concert series on opening night, July 14. Or rock out with Queen Nation- a Tribute to the Music of Queen. You can get the rest of the line-up here: http://www.castatefair.org/attractions/concerts-music/