Frequently Asked Questions

The California State Fair is July 12 through July 28, 2024.

General Parking for most events & shows is $10.00.

Parking for concerts is $15.00.

Parking for events at Heart Health park is $15.00/ $15.00 for Sacramento Republic FC matches.

Parking for the California State Fair is $15.00.

All bags entering CE&SF must follow our clear bag policy. It requires your bag be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC no larger than 12”X12”X2”.

See acceptable bags and exceptions in our Code of Conduct.

Click here for the Code of Conduct. A PDF download is also available.

Yes, you can rent them at the site across the way from the monorail, near the Main gate.

Retail Prices

Stroller: $12

Wagon: $15

Wheelchair: $25

Scooter: $65

After 6pm: $45

Click here to make a scooter reservation

Or call for reservations: 877-588-4782

The last day closing hours may vary. Please check back for updates.

No Handstamps After 6:30 pm

No Re-Entry After 7:00 pm

Parking Gates Close at 7:30 pm

No Automobile Access at Main Gate Loop After 7:30 pm

No Admission After 8 pm

If you lost your child, please contact the Cal Expo Police at (916) 263-3050.

Coolers are allowed and must be attached to a wagon. Like backpacks and purses, they are subject to a search when you take them through security.

Yes, sealed plastic water bottles are fine, but no glass, aluminum cans, Hydro Flasks, Metal Water Bottles, or outside alcohol are allowed.

Yes, you can bring outside food.

The only animals allowed are certified service animals.

Pets and Emotional Support Animals are prohibited.

All Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage shows are FREE with a California State Fair admission ticket.

Fairgoers are welcome to line up at the back of the Golden 1 Stage venue starting at 5 pm for first-come, first-served seating in the FREE area behind the General Admission seating area. Please note that the free seating area is limited to the first 700 guests.

Want to be up close to the action? Reserved seats for the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage are available and they start at just $25!

Poppy loves Tuesday Kids Free Days!  If you come on Tuesdays with your family you will see Poppy all over the Fair.

Other days, Poppy roams the Fair during various Fair hours. His schedule changes daily due to planned appearances and the weather, but he is always willing to take a photo, so be ready!

Cal Expo and the California State Fair does not receive state funding. In order to maintain the Fairgrounds and to ensure we have adequate staff for the event, including safety and personnel, we have to generate the funds on our own.

There are many ways to purchase discount tickets prior to the Fair and we also have special discount days during the week.  Once you purchase an admission ticket most major exhibits and entertainment are free.  The admission ticket also allows you to see the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage for free and entertainment all over the Fair.

Accessible parking spots are available closest to each admission gate:

• Main Gate (located on Exposition Blvd. and Heritage way)
• Blue Gate (located on Exposition Blvd. and Challenge Way)
• Rodeo Gate (located on Exposition Blvd. and Challenge way)
• Green Gate (located West of the Main Gate and Parking Lot A)

View a map of the fairgrounds.

There are 3 main Gates you can enter from:

• Main Gate
• Green Gate
• Blue Gate

View parking and gate information.

There are restrooms conveniently located throughout the fairgrounds:

• Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand
• Tractor Supply Big Barn (North and South)
• California Buildings A & B
• Expo Center (behind Expo Center 4 and below Expo Center 2)
• Carnival (North)
• Monorail
• Main Gate
• Pepsi Main Promenade & Foodcourt
• Kids Park
• SaveMart Wine Garden
• Shopping (between Buildings C &D)

Yes, lockers are located at the Main, Blue, and Green Gates.

You can reach the Cal Expo Police Department at (916) 263-3050.

Find more information about Safety & Security.

• Green Gate
• Outside Expo Center 5
• Outside California Building B
• Outside the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn
• The Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand

Cool Spots are all over the Fair!  Look for misting stations and cool down charge up stations where you can relax, cool off, and charge your phone.

For your comfort indoors, we have air conditioning in these buildings:

• California Buildings A, B, C, & D
• Expo Center (Buildings 1-8)
• The Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn
• Satellite Wagering Center at the Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand
• Guest Services

The California State Fair is a family-friendly environment, we encourage mothers to breastfeed anywhere on our property they feel comfortable.

We have provided a Mommy Lounge in the Tent D and Expo Center Building 1, with comfortable seating and air conditioning.

Live Thoroughbred Horseracing and wagering takes place at the Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand during the Fair. All horse races are free with Fair admission.

In both the Cool Zone (near the Kids Park) and the Pepsi Promenade & Foodcourt (near the Main Gate) there are seating, shade, and misters.

Both areas are surrounded by food vendors, so you can grab a snack while you rest your feet.

There is also seating near the Farm and in the Forest Center.

The fountain has a gate surrounding it for public safety.

Fireworks light up the sky on Friday and Saturday nights at 10 pm. This dazzling display can be enjoyed from various vantage points throughout the Fairgrounds!

There is a petting zoo located outside of the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn near the Kids Park area. They are open daily until 8:30 pm.

The Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn features livestock from our livestock competitions! It is open daily until 10 pm. See the full schedule here.

Having been at the California State Fair for numerous years, the owners of the State Fair Tacos booth have decided to retire. Regrettably, none of their family members wanted to take over the business.

Yes, our ticket prices are as follows:

• Children ages 4 and younger: Free
• Children 5-12 years old: $10
• Adult/General Admission: $16
• Seniors 62 years and older: $12

Admission tickets are sold at a discount price online until the day before the Fair starts.

Fun Packs and Season Passes are a great way to save money and can only be purchased prior to opening day. There is even a discounted parking pass. Check back for the announcement when discount tickets go on sale or sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know!

Fun Packs, formerly known as Poppy Packs, are ticket packages that come with 4 General Admission tickets, 4 monorails ride tickets and 1 parking pass.

Fun Packs are great for anyone looking to save money! These are only available prior to the start of the Fair.

Monorail tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the monorail ticket booth.

If you’ve lost your mobile tickets, please visit the Etix Ticket Retrieval Page.

Please note: this page is only for events using the Etix ticketing platform.