If you’re looking for something fun and family-friendly this May, the Sacramento County Fair might be just the thing to check out. It runs from May 22 through May 26 at Cal Expo, and it’s known for being affordable, easy to get around, and packed with fun things for kids and adults alike. Why the Sacramento County Fair Is a Great Family Event.

7 Reasons the Sacramento County Fair Is the Perfect Family Day Out

1. Affordable Fun
Tickets are cheap (often under $10), and kids may get in free. Ride wristbands help keep costs low if your kids love to go again and again.

2. Not Too Big, Not Too Small
It’s easy to get around without feeling overwhelmed. You can cover a lot without wearing out the kids—or yourself.

3. Fun for All Ages
From tiny tot rides to thrill rides, petting zoos to live shows, there’s something for everyone in the family.

4. Learning That’s Actually Fun
Kids can meet farm animals, learn about agriculture, and explore hands-on exhibits—without it feeling like homework.

5. Less Screen Time, More Face Time
With so much to do, kids actually look up from their devices. Expect smiles, laughs, and maybe a funnel cake selfie.

6. Come-as-You-Are Entertainment
No planning needed. Just show up and enjoy music, shows, and surprise moments throughout the day.

7. Perfect for Groups
Whether it’s a family outing or a group playdate, the fair has plenty of space to roam, snack, and make memories.

🎡 Rides, Games, and Nonstop Fun for All Ages

One of the biggest draws is definitely the rides and games. It’s what gets the kids excited before you’ve even parked the car. There’s usually a wide range of rides—from gentle, slow-moving ones for the little ones to full-on thrill rides for the older kids and teens who want more of a rush.

You’ll often see rides like the kiddie train that loops around a little track, or the mini Ferris wheel that’s just tall enough to feel exciting but not too scary. For families with small children, these rides are a perfect fit. There's also usually a carousel, and let’s be honest—those never get old no matter how many times they go around.

For the brave ones in the family, there are bigger rides like the Zipper, Gravitron, or Orbiter—the kind that spin, swing, and twist you every which way. Teens (and some thrill-loving adults) will line up again and again for these.

Then there are the classic midway games—you know, the ones where you toss a ring over a bottle or try to pop balloons with darts. These are scattered all around the fair, and while they’re not always easy to win, that’s part of the fun. The stuffed animals hanging from the game booths are half the attraction. One year, someone walked out with a giant purple gorilla that was taller than they were.

On select days, they offer unlimited ride wristbands, which can be a huge money-saver if your kids are the type to ride everything more than once (or ten times). It’s nice to just let them go from one ride to the next without constantly pulling out your wallet.

Whether your family is into spinning rides, gentle fun, or just playing a few games while snacking on cotton candy, this part of the fair really delivers the kind of carefree joy that keeps everyone smiling.

🎢 Family Favorites: Rides & Games to Look For

For Little Kids:

• 🐎 Pony Carts – gentle, slow-moving fun

• 🎠 Carousel – a fair classic with music and lights

• 🚂 Kiddie Train – great for toddlers who love to ride

• 🎡 Mini Ferris Wheel – just the right height for younger ones

For Older Kids & Teens:

• 💫 The Zipper – spins and flips for serious thrill-seekers

• 🌪️ Gravitron – feels like defying gravity as you stick to the wall

• 🎢 Orbiter or Wipeout – fast-paced spinning and tilting action

• 🎠 Full-Size Ferris Wheel – great views and a slower pace

Can’t-Miss Midway Games:

• 🎯 Balloon Darts – classic and always fun

• 🧸 Ring Toss – simple but surprisingly tricky

• 🐟 Fishing Games – perfect for younger kids with guaranteed prizes

• 🏀 Basketball Toss – great for friendly competition

🐐 Animal Encounters at the Sacramento County Fair: Petting Zoos, Pony Rides & Stingrays

For families with younger children, the petting zoo and pony rides are always a hit. It’s one of those must-do stops where little kids light up the moment they see the animals.

You’ll usually find goats, bunnies, sheep, maybe even a cow or two—all in a safe, fenced-in area where kids can pet and sometimes feed them. It’s hands-on, gentle, and a nice break from the faster pace of the rides. And if your child’s never been on a pony before, this is a great first experience.

The ponies walk slowly in a circle, guided by staff, and there’s often a photographer nearby to catch the moment.

Then there’s something you don’t normally expect at a county fair—a stingray encounter. Yes, actual stingrays! It’s a traveling exhibit where kids (and grownups) can gently touch stingrays as they glide through a shallow, open tank.

Don’t worry—they’re safe to touch and there are trained staff members explaining how it all works. It’s the kind of thing kids talk about afterward because it feels like a little adventure in the middle of the fair. It’s also a great learning moment—without feeling like school.

These kinds of hands-on animal encounters add a whole other layer to the fair experience. It’s not just rides and games—it’s memories your kids will carry with them long after the day is over.

Tastes of the Sacramento County Fair: Fair Food, Local Flavor & Laid-Back Vibes

And then of course, the food. It’s one of the biggest highlights of the Sacramento County Fair. From the moment guests step through the gates, the smell of buttery popcorn, grilled meats, and sweet funnel cakes fills the air.

The fair serves up all the crowd favorites—corn dogs hot off the fryer, churros dusted with cinnamon sugar, crispy curly fries, and funnel cakes piled with strawberries and whipped cream.

In addition to the classics, visitors can often find a mix of local vendors and food trucks offering everything from BBQ sandwiches to elote (Mexican street corn), and even boba tea. It’s the kind of place where grazing from booth to booth becomes part of the experience.

There are shaded picnic areas scattered throughout the fairgrounds, including near the main entertainment stage. It’s common to see families relaxing with their food while enjoying live music from local bands.

The mix of delicious bites, background music, and friendly faces creates a laid-back, small-town atmosphere that feels welcoming and community-centered.

Food at the fair isn’t just about eating—it’s about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and making memories over shared treats and happy tunes. For many, it’s a tradition that tastes just as good as it feels.

🍴 Top 5 Foods to Try at the Sacramento County Fair

🏆 High-Energy Arena Events That Keep the Crowd Cheering

Throughout the weekend, the Sacramento County Fair also hosts a series of special arena events that bring big energy to the fairgrounds. These shows change depending on the day, but they’re always crowd-pleasers—and the best part?

They’re all included with general admission, so there’s no need to buy separate tickets to enjoy them.

One of the most popular events is the truck pull, where massive, roaring trucks compete to drag weighted sleds across the dirt track. It’s loud, exciting, and totally thrilling—especially for kids who love big vehicles and anything that shakes the ground when it moves.

Then there’s the Humpz & Hornz Rodeo, which brings the classic rodeo experience right to Sacramento. Expect to see barrel racing, bull riding, and roping events that show off serious skill and courage.

It’s a fast-paced, action-packed show that gives families a taste of cowboy culture without having to leave the city.

Another big highlight is the Mayhem Destruction Derby, where cars crash, smash, and battle it out in a demolition-style contest. Drivers go all out to be the last one rolling, and the crowd gets just as into it as the competitors. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s a whole lot of fun.

For something a little different, there’s also the Jaripeo, a traditional Mexican rodeo event filled with music, vibrant costumes, and powerful performances. It’s a cultural experience that’s as entertaining as it is meaningful, with plenty of cheering, dancing, and family pride.

These arena events are more than just shows—they’re moments that bring people together, whether it’s cheering for a rider, gasping at a near-miss, or just soaking in the excitement of something you don’t see every day.

👩‍🌾 From Barns to Booths: Exploring Agriculture at the Sacramento County Fair

Beyond the entertainment, the fair also has deep roots in agriculture—and it shows. One of the most meaningful parts of the Sacramento County Fair is its strong focus on livestock and youth education, thanks to local 4-H and FFA programs.

Throughout the fair, visitors can walk through barns where students proudly showcase animals they've raised themselves, including goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, and cows. These aren’t just pets—these are part of year-long projects where kids learn responsibility, animal care, and the real-life connection between agriculture and daily living.

For younger fairgoers, this is often the first time they’ve seen farm animals up close.

It’s a chance to ask questions, meet the student exhibitors, and even watch judging competitions, where animals are scored based on health, grooming, and handling.

You can actually see the pride and hard work in every stall—it’s not just educational, it’s inspiring.

There are also interactive exhibits and agriculture education displays that help explain how food goes from farm to table.

Some areas offer hands-on experiences like “guess that grain,” “milk the cow” demos, or even small craft stations tied to farming themes. It turns learning into something that’s fun, visual, and easy to understand—especially for school-age kids.

In a world where most people grab groceries without thinking twice about where they come from, this part of the fair is a gentle but powerful reminder of the people, animals, and processes behind the scenes. It’s wholesome, real, and one of the things that makes this fair feel grounded in its community.

📅 Event Dates & Hours

• Dates: May 22–26, 2025

• Location: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA

• Daily Hours:

  • Thursday, May 22 – Sunday, May 25: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day): 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Carnival opens daily at 11:00 AM ​

🎟️ Admission & Parking

• Adults (17+): $12

• Youth (12–16): $10

• Children (11 & under): Free

• Seniors (60+): $8 (valid on Thursday, May 22 only)

• Military Personnel: Free admission on Monday, May 26 with valid ID

• Parking: $10 per vehicle ​

🎡 Attractions & Activities

• Carnival Rides & Games: A variety of rides suitable for all ages, from gentle kiddie rides to thrilling attractions for teens and adults.

• Petting Zoo & Pony Rides: Interactive areas where children can meet and learn about farm animals.

• Stingray Encounter: A unique exhibit allowing guests to safely touch and learn about stingrays.

• Live Entertainment: Daily performances by local bands, hypnotists, and other entertainers.

• Agricultural Exhibits: Showcasing livestock and projects from local 4-H and FFA students, providing educational insights into farming and animal care.

• Food Vendors: A wide array of fair food favorites, including corn dogs, churros, curly fries, funnel cakes, BBQ sandwiches, elote, and boba tea.​

🏆 Grandstand Events

All grandstand events are included with general admission:​

• Friday, May 23: 4×4 Truck Pull – Gates open at 6:00 PM; event starts at 7:00 PM

• Saturday, May 24: Humpz & Hornz Memorial Rodeo – Gates open at 6:00 PM; event starts at 7:00 PM

• Sunday, May 25: Jaripeo – Gates open at 3:00 PM; event starts at 4:00 PM

• Monday, May 26: Mayhem Destruction Derby – Gates open at 1:00 PM; event starts at 2:00 PM ​

For more details, ticket purchases, and the full event schedule, please visit the official Sacramento County Fair website.

🎉 Wrapping It Up

Whether your family loves thrilling rides, sweet treats, cute animals, or high-energy arena shows, the Sacramento County Fair brings it all together in one fun-filled weekend.

It’s more than just an event—it’s a chance to make memories, explore something new, and enjoy time together without spending a fortune.

From the smallest fairgoer riding the carousel to teens cheering at the demolition derby, there’s something here for everyone. If you’re looking for a way to kick off summer with some good, old-fashioned fun, this fair should definitely be on your calendar.

Mark the dates, grab your tickets online, and get ready for a weekend full of smiles, snacks, and surprises.