Mark Wilder presents The Wilder Show in front of a crowd at the Sacramento County Fair. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Fair

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Get ready, Sacramento! The Sacramento County Fair is back this Memorial Day weekend, May 22 through 26, bringing five days of family-friendly fun, delicious fair food and thrilling entertainment.

This year’s fair, themed “Cowboy Boots & Fair Roots,” celebrates the best of Sacramento with exhilarating Grandstand Events.

Sacramento County Fair Entertainment Lineup 2025

Each night, the main stage will host dynamic performances, kicking off with Eric “EQ” Young and his signature sound, followed by Red Rocker Revisited delivering a tribute to one of rock’s greatest icons. HipNosis and Maya Latin Tribute Band will keep the energy high with music guaranteed to get the crowd moving, and Gunpowder & Lace will deliver a stomping country finale to an unforgettable weekend.

Beyond the main stage, daily performances will keep fairgoers entertained at every turn. The mesmerizing illusions of Murray and Teresa will leave audiences in awe, while The Drumheads bring high-energy drumming performances that captivate and excite. The Wilder Show promises a mix of comedy, stunts, and surprises, and Tina Marie, the hypnotist, will have guests questioning reality with her mind-bending act.

 

Head to the arena for a night of fearless riders, bucking broncos and bull-riding mastery. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Fair

Kid-Friendly Fun: Animal Encounters and Farm Garden

This year’s fair offers a variety of engaging activities designed to delight children of all ages, from adorable farm animals to fast-paced pig races and interactive learning experiences.

Don’t miss the high-energy All Alaskan Racing Pigs, where these pint-sized athletes dash, leap and compete in a sprint around the track. This hilarious competition will have you on the edge of your seat cheering on your favorite little racer. 

Little ones can get up close and personal with a delightful mix of farm animals at the Petting Farm. From soft, cuddly bunnies to playful goats and gentle ponies, kids can feed, pet and learn about these friendly animals in a safe and interactive environment.

Dare to come face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures at the Live Shark Encounters! This exciting exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to learn about these majestic predators while witnessing them up close.

Get ready to be amazed by Brad’s World Reptiles, where kids can get hands-on with snakes, lizards and other incredible reptiles. This exhibit is perfect for curious minds who want to learn more about the world’s most unique cold-blooded creatures.

Farm Garden in A Wheelbarrow

The Farm Garden in A Wheelbarrow program is a fantastic way for children in kindergarten through sixth-grade to discover the magic of agriculture. This interactive learning experience teaches kids how food grows, from farm to table, in a fun, hands-on setting. Open to schools, after-school programs, homeschool groups and 4-H clubs, this activity meets state classroom standards and encourages agricultural appreciation. Every participant receives a ribbon, with top winners earning placement awards and the prestigious Best of Show Rosette!

 

A young girl beams with excitement as a balloon artist hands her a balloon animal during the Sacramento County Fair. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Fair

Sacramento County Fair 2025 Grandstand Events

On Friday, May 23 experience the Hot Rod & Smoker Truck Pulls. Feel the ground shake as massive trucks battle it out, pulling incredible weights with impressive precision and raw power. Expect roaring engines, flying dirt and raw horsepower as these machines battle it out for the Best on the Dirt. Doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is at 7 p.m.

The Stars and Stripes Rodeo will take place Saturday, May 24. Join us at the arena for a night of fearless riders, bucking broncos and bull-riding mastery. This high-energy rodeo showcases the skill and courage of competitors taking one of the toughest endurance and strength challenges you’ve ever seen. Doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, May 25, El Gran Bailazo takes the stage. Get ready to dance at El Gran Bailazo at the Sacramento County Fair. Enjoy an electrifying night of live music, vibrant energy and nonstop regional Mexican rhythms. It’s the ultimate fiesta you don’t want to miss! Doors open at 3 p.m. and showtime is at 4 p.m.

Destruction Derby will take place Monday, May 26. Brace yourself for chaos and collisions as fearless drivers go head-to-head in an action-packed showdown. Watch as cars crash, spin and battle for supremacy in the ultimate test of endurance and strategy. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and showtime is at 2 p.m.

And of course, no fair is complete without the classics. Indulge in your favorite fair treats and carnival rides, catch live musical performances and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t miss out on discounted pre-sale pricing when purchasing tickets before May 21.

General admission is $12 for adults and $10 for youth aged 12 to 17, with free entry for children under 12. Pre-sale arena admission is $14, which does not include the required fair admission. Additionally, pre-sale carnival wristbands are available for $33, although these wristbands do not include the fair admission. All ticket pricing now includes all fees.

For more information, visit www.sacfair.com.

About the Sacramento County Fair

More than 100,000 guests will enjoy the Sacramento County Fair on Memorial Day Weekend, May 22 through 26, at Cal Expo. More than 10,000 young students will participate in educational school tours, and 5,000 local Sacramento residents will compete for awards in the livestock and competitive exhibit programs.

 

Get ready to be amazed by Brad’s World Reptiles, where kids can get hands-on with snakes, lizards and other incredible reptiles. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Fair