From cultural experiences and headline concerts to unique food offerings, thrilling carnival rides and family-friendly entertainment, the 2026 California State Fair delivered something for everyone. Photo courtesy of California State Fair

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG)– The 2026 California State Fair wrapped-up another year of a summer tradition at Cal Expo, bringing families and friends together from across California and other states. Centered around the theme, “Wish You Were Here,” this year’s fair welcomed over 650,000 guests to create new memories while reflecting on the traditions and experiences that first made the California State Fair a part of their lives.

From cultural experiences and headline concerts to unique food offerings, thrilling carnival rides and family-friendly entertainment, the 2026 California State Fair delivered something for everyone. These attractions, along with the Fair's competitions, arts and crafts, agriculture and interactive experiences, were among the biggest draws for fairgoers throughout the 17-day event.

The California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors and State Fair staff remained committed to making the fair as affordable as possible for guests. Photo designed by Magnific

Weather conditions were favorable during the first 10 days of the fair, and attendance remained on pace with the strong crowds experienced during the 2025 California State Fair. While the final weekend is traditionally the busiest, triple-digits contributed to a dip in attendance as the fair came to a close. To provide a more enjoyable experience for fairgoers and take advantage of more favorable weather conditions, the fair will move to new dates beginning in 2027.

“This year's fair was especially meaningful, as it marked our final summer California State Fair,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition and State Fair. “We've been listening to our fairgoers, and we're excited to return the fair to its historic roots,” Martinez continued. “The very first California State Fair was held in October 1854, and in 2027, we will proudly usher in a new chapter by bringing the fair back to the fall. It’s a true homecoming that honors our history while embracing our future.”

Even on the hot days, fairgoers took advantage of the Kaiser Permanente Cool Zones, and the air-conditioned Expo Center buildings that housed two new exhibits – Tutankhamun: The King Tut Experience and The California First Peoples’ Art Showcase, an exhibit that celebrated the rich artistic traditions, cultural heritage and living history of California's Native American tribes from across the state.

The California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors and State Fair staff remained committed to making the fair as affordable as possible for guests. Social media and e-newsletter promotions played a significant role in helping fairgoers save before they arrived, with special offers including Black Friday, Mother's Day and Father's Day sales, as well as a half-price Season Pass promotion that resulted in record sales.

The Family Four Pack continued to be a popular value, offering four admission tickets, four ride tickets and one parking pass—a $93 value—for just $55.

The Costco "Wish You Were Here" Pack was also a guest favorite, with 18,883 packages sold at participating Costco locations throughout the region. Each package included two admission tickets, two $5 food vouchers and one parking pass for $32.99.

Save Mart stores were the only location to purchase discount admission tickets and ride wristbands throughout the 17-day run of the fair. Sales more than doubled over previous years.

The fair kicked-off opening day with SMUD Giving Fridays, playing a dual role. Guests who donated a minimum of 5 non-perishable, non-expired food items gained entry into the fair. The donations benefited the Sacramento Family Food Bank & Family Services which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Generous fair guests donated a total of 35,774 pounds of goods. Those 35,774 pounds will provide 29,812 meals for families across Sacramento County.

Thousands of families took advantage of “Family Discount Day” Mondays. For the first two hours of the fair (4-6 p.m.), everyone received admission for just $2. The Tuesdays Kids’ Day tradition continued: kids 12 and under were admitted to the fair for free and rides were only $2 for everyone.

Thanks to Butler Amusements’, “Ride and Save Day” Wednesdays provided a $10 discount on ride passes. The fair donated more than 16,000 complimentary tickets to non-profit organizations that serve disabled community. Seniors 62 and better received $10 admission every Friday before 8 p.m.

While affordability remained a top priority, the California State Fair also continued its commitment to celebrating the people, cultures and traditions that make California unique. Guests experienced a wide range of cultural exhibits, performances and educational displays throughout the fair.

Traditional dances from members of the Miwok tribe performed in an opening ceremony and land acknowledgement on the opening day of the California State Fair. For the first time ever, The California First Peoples’ Art Showcase gave guests an opportunity to learn about the diverse tribal cultures that have shaped California since time began, while honoring the traditions, stories and artistic expressions that continue to thrive today.

The flags of Federally-recognized California tribes were proudly displayed in the lagoon for the second consecutive year. Additionally, the “CaLOWfornia Love” Lowrider exhibit returned for the second consecutive year. Cars from across the state were represented.

Viva el Mariachi Youth Competition brought seven teams from southern California, to the Bay Area to share their musical talents. Cantares de Mi Tierra from Sonoma County placed first in the competition.  

Cultural dances, music and performances were displayed on the community stages across the fairgrounds.

Social media posts created an interactive activity with the Daily Sticker Drop. Each day, a new sticker representing a State Fair moment was revealed in various locations across the fairgrounds. Guests collected more than 200,000 stickers!

The Beer Den became the go-to spot to cool off and try craft beer represented by six regions of the state - Bay Area, Central Coast, Central Valley, Nor Cal, So Cal Sac Valley.

Cast members from the Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen performed at the fair. The musical is based on 17-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer and actress Alicia Keys.

Feeding of the success of X-games only 13 days prior to the opening of State Fair, Wake skating and Wake boarding took center stage at the lagoon for the very first ever competition. Five time Wave Craft World Champion Mark Gomez brought energy to close the last weekend at the lagoon.

There are a few fun fair facts from this year's state fair. 121.5-million impressions reached across social and traditional media. All 58 counties were represented at this years fair. More than 1-million rides rode and 600,000 balloons popped in the carnival games.

The California State Fair featured fun foods. Including Milo’s Corndog Eating Contest where 347.62 corn dogs disappeared in 20-minutes for the qualifying and final rounds. The winner, Molly Schuyler broke her record by eating 40.5 in 8 minutes.

One cinnamon roll was sold every 23 seconds. They used 4-tons of the “secret recipe” cinnamon roll flour, 3,200 pounds of cream cheese frosting and 2,500 Biscoff cookies for their Fair Food Competition winning Biscoff Roll. They have taken home five of six Best of Show ribbons since 2019, including this year.  

Not only did they serve up tasty mac and cheese, they put on a show while making it! They used almost 1,200 pounds of cheese for Mac Daddy's.

Chillin & Grillin featured the bacon wrapped hotdog fresh off the grill, the most popular item at the fair. Dirty sodas were also among some of the most beloved treats. The cotton candy dirty soda was one of the most popular made with Starry Soda, blue raspberry syrup topped with blue cotton candy!

Sweets by J the Sandia Pop and Sandia Pizza were very popular. They used 10 bins of watermelon which equaled 360 watermelons; For the Tanghulu (fresh fruit coated in melted sugar) 5,700 pounds of strawberries and they went through 9,500 pounds of sugar for the tanghulu and agua frescas.

Repeat champs for the HERO Chili Cook Off went to Metro Fire Station 26. They won the Golden bear; Sacramento Sheriff won second place and People’s Choice. 5 Skins BBQ won the top prize of the Golden Bear. Cowabunga BBQ was selected by fairgoers as The People’s Choice.

“Thank you for celebrating the very best of the Golden State. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year's Fair such an unforgettable success,” Martinez said. “Whether you've been coming for generations or discovered us for the first time this year, we invite you to join us next year: Sept. 17 - Oct 3 2027, as we gather once again to celebrate California, each other, and …our Homecoming.”