There Are 4 County Fairs Happening This August Around The Bay Area

Have some good old-fashioned fun at these county fairs in and around the Bay Area! If you’re craving a funnel cake, hoping to blow off steam on a carnival ride, or seeking some quality animal time at a petting zoo, be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming local fairs and festivals.

1. Santa Clara County Fair

July 27-August 7, 2022 – San Jose, CA

This year’s Santa Clara County Fair has an emphasis on livestock, with shows featuring pygmy goats, rabbits, cattle, guinea pigs, and more from July 23-29; and a livestock auction on July 30. Be sure to check out their Wednesday Night Music Series featuring the Usual Suspects on July 27.

Price: Free

What to know: There will be no carnival rides this year.

Location: 344 Tully Road, San Jose

2. Sonoma County Fair & Exposition

August 4-14, 2022 – Santa Rosa, CA

Here’s your ultimate county fair experience, with events and exhibits including a hall of flowers, horse racing, NorCal brew fest, rodeo, monster truck show, destruction derby, concerts, shopping, livestock shows, and more!

Prices: $14 general admission ($18 after August 3), $10 for kids 7-12, free for kids 6 and under, $10-15 parking.

What to know: Tickets for special events and exhibitions must be purchased separately.

Location: 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa

3. Napa Town & Country Fair

August 11-14, 2022- Calistoga, CA

Fun and family-friendly fair with carnival rides, games, circus performers, livestock barns and competitions, wine garden, home and garden demos, chef demos, live DJs, karaoke, and art competitions. Don’t miss the art walk courtesy of talented Napa youth.

Prices: Advance tickets are $10 general admission and $7 for 60+ seniors and youth 6-12. Gate tickets are $13 general admission and $10 for 60+ seniors and youth 6-12. Free for children 5 and under. $10-15 parking.

What to know: Wine garden, selfie spots, chef demos, and more are new this year.

Location: 575 Third St, Napa

4. Yolo County Fair

August 17-21, 2022 – Woodland, CA

California’s largest free admission fair dates all the way back to 1893. Events will include an opening night gala, demolition derby, delicious food vendors, and the “vocal showcase” singing competition better known as “Yolo Idol.”

Price: Free!

What to know: Must purchase tickets for the demolition derby, opening night gala, and carnival rides.

Location: 1250 E Gum Ave, Woodland

5. Monterey County Fair & Event Center

September 1-5, 2022 – Monterey, CA

This year’s theme is “Wool Meet Ewe at the Fair” with carnival rides, daily concerts and entertainment, livestock shows and auctions. Stay tuned as we awwait more details about the day-to-day itinerary.

Prices: Pre-sale tickets are $10 general admission, $9 for seniors 62+, and $5 for children 6-12. Gate tickets are $13 general admission, $11 for seniors, and $7 for children 6-12. Free for children under 5. Tickets for rodeo shows sold separately.

What to know: Monterey County Fair will enforce a clear bag policy. Any bags larger than 5″ x 8″ must be clear, and bags can be no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.

Location: 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey

6. Santa Cruz County Fair

September 14-18, 2022 – Watsonville, CA

The Santa Cruz County Fair will showcase special contests for apple pies, veggie judging, amateur winemaking, photography, art, and more. Not to mention a “Diaper Derby” toddler contest, horse shows, LEGO® sculptures, model trains, and plenty of fantastic food.

Prices: $20 general admission, $13 for seniors 62+, $10 for youth 6-12, free for children 5 and under, $10 parking.

What to know: Special admission day on September 14 – kids 12 and under get in free, and seniors pay $10.

Location: 2601 East Lake Ave, Watsonville

 

Featured image: Photo by Israel Palacio on Unsplash