12 county fairs to catch this summer
The county fair — there's nothing quite like those aromas, the sounds and the excitement. Here's just a sampling of Northern California fairs and expos happening this summer.
ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIR >> Through July 10, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. The fair returns for 19 days of all your favorite fair fun, plus new rides, shows and food experiences. $15-$18 admission. annual.alamedacountyfair.com/.
MARIN COUNTY FAIR >> Through Monday, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Enjoy carnival rides, exciting exhibits, spectacular firework displays, first-rate concerts and all kinds of food. $20 admission. fair.marincounty.org/2022.
STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIR >> July 8-18, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. This year's fair will feature carnival rides, animals, live entertainment, local exhibits — including a new Selfie Museum — and such beloved events as the famous Duck Races, Marionette Show and Destruction Derby. $7-$15 admission. stancofair.com/.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FAIR >> July 23-30, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. With a theme of “Get your Ag on,” this year's fair will emphasize livestock and home art exhibits. No carnival rides this year, unfortunately, commercial vendors or traditional fair food, but there will be plenty of exhibits and a Jr. Livestock Auction. Free admission. thefair.org/.
AMADOR COUNTY FAIR >> July 8-31, 18621 Sherwood St., Plymouth. Join the fun at this county fair, where the theme is “Around The World In Four Days,” and festivities celebrate California's living history. You'll find all your favorite carnival rides, entertainment and food, too. $7-$12 admission. amadorcountyfair.com/.
CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION AND STATE FAIR >> July 18-25, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. Join this showcase of California's industries, agriculture and diversity. The state fair features blue-ribbon animal displays, culinary delights and competitions, live music concerts, a carnival, fireworks and other family fun. $8-$14 admission. calexpostatefair.com/.
SONOMA COUNTY FAIR >> Aug. 4-14, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Enjoy all your fair favorites including carnival rides, live concerts, food, horse racing, special contests and a flower show. $10$18 admission. sonomacountyfair.com/.
NAPA TOWN AND COUNTRY FAIR >> Aug. 11-14, 575 Third St., Napa. Enjoy carnival rides, a livestock show and competitive exhibits where artists, craftspeople, farmers and youth can show off their creative expertise. napavalleyexpo.com/town-and-country-fair.php.
YOLO COUNTY FAIR >> Aug. 1721, 1250 Gum Ave., Woodland. This year's fair will feature crowd favorite activities and a local exhibitor and livestock show. Tickets go on sale July 11. yolocountyfair.net/.
MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR >> Sept. 1-5, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. The theme is “Wool Meet Ewe at the Fair!” Enjoy carnival rides, fair food, live entertainment and concerts, local exhibits and a livestock show and special contests. $5$10 admission. montereycountyfair.com/.
GOLD COUNTY FAIR >> Sept. 8-11, 1273 High St., Auburn. Enjoy a Comic Con, Knight Fights, and Darth Vader himself as the fair plays out its theme, “Where No Fair Has Gone Before.” $5-$12 admission. goldcountryfair.com/.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR >> Sept. 14-18. County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. In previous years, the fair has included carnival rides, livestock exhibits, food booths, live music and children's activities. Find updates and ticket prices at santacruzcountyfair.com.