4 ways to get into the California State Fair for free — plus other ways to save inside
The California State Fair can get expensive fast, especially with the more people you bring along.
Here’s a list of ways to get into the state fair for free, and save even more once you cross the gates.
SMUD Giving Monday
Those who bring at least five nonperishable, non-expired items to the state fair on Mondays get in for free.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District is collecting food for Elk Grove Food Bank Services. The food bank is in need of the following, according to SMUD:
Canned chicken or tuna
Peanut butter
Baby and adult diapers
Ensure nutritional shakes
Socks
Canned fruit and vegetables
Soup
Beans
Macaroni and cheese
Pasta
Mashed potatoes
Rice
Ramen
Cereal
Drop the food off at the booth near the Blue Gate to redeem one free, same-day ticket before 3 p.m. The deal ends Monday, July 24.
Tuesday is Kids Day
On Tuesdays, children 12 and under get into the California State Fair for free.
According to a statement, the promotion includes $2 carnival rides for all guests, regardless of age.
Free tickets at O’Reilly Auto Parts
You get one free general admission adult ticket when you scan the QR code on the California State Fair “table tent” at your nearest O’Reilly Auto Parts.
The catch: You have to buy one general admission adult ticket.
The offer is valid through Sunday, July 30.
Military, Veteran & First Responder Appreciation Day
On Thursday, July 27, military, veterans and first responders get into the state fair for free.
The entire family is invited, according to the California State Fair website. Tickets are available at Veteran Tickets Foundation and First Tickets Foundation.
Read to Ride Program
Students from kindergarten to eighth grade can get two free rides and a monorail ticket, which can be redeemed any day you choose.
Here’s what children have to do, according to the state fair website:
Read two books
Write a summary
Bring a completed form to the California State Fair Guest Services’ office (inside the Main Gate)
The forms are available in English, Russian, Korean, Chinese and Ukrainian. A Spanish version is “coming soon,” the state fair wrote on its website.
Only one form per child will be accepted each day.
Taste of the Fair
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, food vendors sell “bite-sized” plates for $4.
Butler food stands, bars, Turf Club and the Clubhouse are not participating. Here’s a list of more than 70 food vendors.
California State Fair in Sacramento
Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
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