California State Fair is in full swing. Here’s how to save money on tickets and rides
The California State Fair is full swing — and you still could save some cash.
The fair kicked off Friday at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento, with concerts, rides, carnival games and deep-fried food. It runs through Sunday, July 28.
Here’s your guide to ticket costs, from admission to parking:
How can I save money on California State Fair admission?
You can save money at the California State Fair if you buy admission tickets in advance.
Advance tickets come with a $2 discount, according to the fair website.
Advance ticket prices
- Adults: $14
- Seniors (age 62 and older): $10
- Youth (ages 5 to 12): $8
- Children (age 4 and under): Free
Regular ticket prices
- Adults: $16
- Seniors (age 62 and older): $12
- Youth (ages 5 to 12): $10
- Children (age 4 and under): Free
Here’s where you can purchase your tickets
How much do carnival passes and tickets cost?
Carnival fast passes cost between $10 and $15, depending on the rides. Carnival tickets are $1 per ticket.
If you want to go on all the rides, you can buy unlimited ride wristbands.
The wristbands are $39 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday. The price increases to $44 on Fridays and weekends.
All carnival tickets and fast passes must be purchased inside the carnival.
Fairgoers can bundle costs with packages and season passes.
These packages and passes are available:
Fun Pack: For $54.49, you get four one-day general admission tickets, four ride tickets and one parking pass.
State Fair season pass: For $39.49, you get daily admission into the fair.
Blue Ribbon season pass: For $49.49, you get daily admission into the fair, unlimited monorail rides and a seat at the horse races.
How much is parking at the California State Fair?
California State Fair parking is $17 for one day and $33 for three days.
Remember: One vehicle is allowed per parking pass. There are no exchanges or refunds.
What are concert ticket prices?
General admission to the Toyota Concert Series is included with your fair admission ticket, according to the fair’s website.
Guests can line up at the back of the stage venue starting at 5 p.m. for first-come, first-served seating in the free area behind general admission.
This seating is limited to the first 700 guests.
Reserved seats are available and start at $28.50.
What are other ways to save money at the fair?
Here are special events to save money at the California State Fair:
Senior Savings Friday: Each Friday, including opening day, seniors 62 and older pay $10 admission before 8 p.m.
Tuesday Kids Free Day and $2 Rides For All: On Tuesdays, kids 12 and under can receive free admission. Rides cost $2 each for all fairgoers.
Military, Veteran and First Responder Appreciation Day: On July 24, active first responders, active duty, reserve and veterans from all branches of the military will receive free admission into the fair.
SMUD Giving Monday at the Fair: Bring five non-perishable, non-expired food items to the fair before 3 p.m. and receive free admission on Monday and July 22.
This story was originally published July 10, 2024 at 3:19 PM with the headline "California State Fair is in full swing. Here’s how to save money on tickets and rides."
