There are so many fairs and festivals that take place in California, including in every other state throughout the continent. They are sources of unadulterated joy and laughter, a guaranteed good time to be had.

After two long years of being stuck at home because of the worldwide pandemic, things are finally starting to open up again. This includes many events that were put on hold during this time, one of them being the California State Fair. Celebrate everything The Golden State has to offer during this amazing fair, with good music, food, entertainment, and fun!

How to Prepare for The State Fair

Preparing for this momentous event is just as important as having a laid-out plan on how to spend a day there. The California State Fair has been absent for a while, so for those who have not managed to participate or have forgotten what to expect, here are a few pointers. 

Time and Costs of the State Fair

The California state fair is open from July 15 through July 31, and the various gates for all different events are open at specific times during the day.

However The Main Gates and Blue Gates are open from 11am to 10pm Monday to Thursday, and from 10am to 10pm from Fridays to Saturdays. To access the remaining hours or for more information, visit their official website. 

Tickets are free for children ages four and younger, while tickets for children aged 5-12 cost $12. Entrance for general adult admission is $14, and for seniors, 62 years and older tickets cost $12.

There are also discounts on admission tickets when bought online a few days before the fair begins for whoever wishes to benefit from it.

Is it okay to bring my kids? 

The California State Fair has lots of family-friendly fun activities, so bringing your kids is definitely something you should not shy away from. There are different types of rides and exhibits to entertain the whole family, an entire park dedicated to children (Kids Park), and delicious foods to satisfy your empty stomachs. 

Do I have to bring food? 

Bringing beverages and food from outside the fair is allowed, but is not recommended. As there will be stalls filled with mouth-watering foods of different varieties at the California State Fair. 

What to do At The State Fair

With so many attractions and events to choose from, deciding on how to spend your day at the California State Fair 2022 can be a little overwhelming — especially with so many unique and fun options. So here are some highlights of the fair you might want to keep an eye out for. 

Taste of California 

Dropping by the Save Mart California’s Kitchen exhibit at the California state fair is one of the best ways to enjoy the culinary side of the fair. Offering guests professionally curated samples, programs, and masterclassed, the Taste of California Education Center aims to help everyone discover more about different types of foods. This year, you will have the opportunity to learn more about olive oil, honey, coffee, and tea. Check out the Save Mart California Kitchen schedule and hone your skills for picking the best ingredients for a killer recipe.

You can participate in a large variety classes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, for an additional $5-$10 per class. 

Rides filled with fun

While a lot of fairs in California include rides that will be part of your day’s highlight, the California State Fair’s rides are arguably one of the most fun ones. Butler Amusements provides a wide variety of rides fit for people of all ages looking for some pure fun. From exhilarating rides like the Wave Swinger and the Mega Flip to calmer rides like the Giant Wheel and State Fair Slides, good times are a guarantee with any ride you go on.

Tuesday will be the best day to enjoy this part of the fair as kids 12 and under get free admission to all rides. As an added bonus, visitors of all ages get to go on the Carnival rides for only $2 per ride!

Keep an eye out for the Special Events

Unlike most Sacramento fairs and Sacramento State fairs, this state fair hosts a number of special events on a rather larger scale. Some examples of these events include the one on July 20, when the Agricultural Club Breakfast will take place. July 21st is Military, Veteran & First Responder Appreciation Day. And the following Mondays will have free admissions with food donations, where you will have the chance to enjoy the fair while making a difference in the community. Check the official California State fair website for more information. 

The Raging Waters 

Located at the heart of Cal Expo is the Raging Waters of Sacramento, known to be a landmark within the community since 1986. This is one of the attractions available at the fair that will bring the entire family together, where unforgettable memories will be made. There are 25 exciting water attractions in the park, which include breathtaking slides, crystal clear pools and so much more. Raging Waters is also one of the best attractions in Sacramento to check out.

Tips and Suggestions for Doing the California State Fair Right

Where to stay? 

There are a number of hotels to choose from if you are planning on staying for the full state fair California experience. The three hotels suggested by Cal Expo are Courtyard Sacramento, Fairfield Inn Sacramento, and Holiday Inn Express. Not only are these hotels near the California State Fair, but they are also conveniently located near major freeways, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Parking 

If you plan on just spending a day at the fair, you might want to invest in parking for your vehicles. There are general parking fees of $10, for most events and shows. For concert or Heart Health park events, parking fees go up to $15.

You could also benefit from the California State fair parking spot, which is $15 per vehicle.

Remember to relax and cool off 

It is crucial to take it easy and rest during the fair as it can get extremely hot and sunny out. The best spots to do this are the Cool Zone near the Kids Park and Sky River Casino Promenade Stage near the Main Gate. Or you could go into the many air-conditioned buildings near the fair, like the Expo Center, California Buildings A, B, C, and D, and the Guest Services.