It’s almost time for the California State Fair. Here’s how to save money on tickets and rides

Brianna Taylor
·2 min read

The annual California State Fair is almost here and if you plan ahead, you could save some cash.

The state fair returns to Cal Expo at 1600 Exposition Blvd. on Friday, July 14 with its familiar comfort food and nostalgic carnival rides. It will run through Sunday, July 30.

Before you hit the road, here’s your guide to ticket costs, from admission to parking:

California State Fair tickets

If you buy tickets online in advance before opening day on Friday, July 14, you will save a few dollars.

On Thursday, July 27, military, veterans and first responders get into the state fair for free.

Advance ticket prices

  • Adult ticket: $14

  • Senior ticket (ages 62 and older): $10

  • Youth ticket (ages 5 to 12): $8

  • Children (ages 4 and under): Free

Regular ticket prices

  • Adult ticket: $16

  • Senior ticket (ages 62 and older): $12

  • Youth ticket (ages 5 to 12): $10

  • Children (ages 4 and under): Free

Unlimited Ride Wristbands

If you plan on going on rides, you can buy Unlimited Ride Wristbands online in advance for $35.

Starting Friday, July 14, wristbands will cost $37 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The cost increases to $42 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Carnival Fast Pass and tickets

Carnival Fast Passes are $10. Carnival tickets are $1 per ticket.

Packages and season passes

These packages are available to bundle costs:

Fun Pack: For $49.99, you get four one-day general admission tickets, four ride tickets and one parking pass.

State Fair Season Pass: For $35.99, you get daily admission into the fair.

Blue Ribbon Season Pass: For $45.99, you get daily admission into the fair, unlimited monorail rides and a seat at horse races.

Food Festival Pass: For $34, you receive four Food Festival Pass tickets.

How to get a free California State Fair ticket

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 from Friday, July 14 to Sunday, July 30.

California State Fair concert tickets

Both reserved and general admission seats to the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage at the California State Fair are $25 per person.

All shows are free with state fair general admission tickets. Official concert tickets are available online and in person at the Cal Expo Box Office at 1600 Exposition Blvd.

How much is parking at the California State Fair?

California State Fair parking is between $15 and $30 depending on how many days you want access to the Cal Expo public parking lot.

Remember: One car per ticket. There are no exchanges or refunds.

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