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, consider taking a day trip out to these upcoming Bay Area county fairs and festivals.
Some standout events include the Sonoma County Fair, which has monster truck shows and a destruction derby; and the Santa Cruz County Fair, which has a huge range of cooking and baking contests.
The American county fair dates back over 200 years in the US as a longstanding tradition celebrating agriculture and farming. Sheep farmer Elkanah Watson held the first US county fair as we know it in Pittsfield, MA in 1807, subsequently hosting additional livestock shows and agricultural contests around New England. By the mid-1800s the fairs were common throughout the East and Midwest, eventually evolving into the modern carnival celebration that we’re all familiar with today.
Here in California, county fairs provide a beloved opportunity to celebrate the state’s agricultural bounty. Which one will you visit this year?
1. Sonoma County Fair & Exposition
Here’s your ultimate county fair experience, with events and exhibits including a hall of flowers, horse racing, rodeo, monster truck show, destruction derby, concerts, shopping, livestock shows, and more.
📅 Dates: August 1-11, 2024
📍 Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1450 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
2. Nevada County Fair
The Nevada County Fair takes place on what is wildly considered to be the state’s most beautiful fairgrounds. Walk among 90 acres of towering pine trees to enjoy live music, carnival rides, monster trucks, and the popular Draft Horse Classic.
📅 Dates: August 7-11, 2024
📍 Location: Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95949
3. Napa Town & Country Fair
Enjoy this fun and family-friendly fair with carnival rides, games, circus performers, livestock barns and competitions, a 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.
📅 Dates: August 8-11, 2024
📍 Location: Napa Expo, 575 3rd St, Napa, CA 94559
4. Monterey County Fair
This year’s theme is “Barn to be Wild” with carnival rides, daily concerts and entertainment, livestock shows, and auctions. The fairgrounds have hosted fairs and events since 1935.
📅 Dates: August 29-September 2, 2024
📍 Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940
5. Gold County Fair
Take a trip to the Wild Wild West at this rustic county fair 135 years running. Peruse livestock exhibitors, dozens of art exhibits and vendors, and epic live music.
📅 Dates: September 5-8, 2024
📍 Location: Gold Country Fairgrounds, 209 Fairgate Rd, Auburn, CA 95603
6. Madera District Fair
The Madera District Fair presents a lively lineup of magic and circus shows for kids, a drone show, food contests, a cosplay contest, and plenty of requisite carnival rides. Get tickets soon to take advantage of the early bird discount.
📅 Dates: September 5-8, 2024
📍 Location: 1850 W Cleveland Ave, Madera, CA 93637
7. Santa Cruz County Fair
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, model trains, and plenty of fantastic food.
📅 Dates: September 11-15, 2024
📍 Location: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076
8. Lodi Grape Festival
The Lodi Grape Festival has drawn crowds from around San Joaquin Valley for over 80 years as a way to celebrate the local grape harvest. The event has evolved into a four-day affair with great food and wine, talented vendors, and excellent live entertainment.
📅 Dates: September 12-15, 2024
📍 Location: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E Lockeford St, Lodi, CA 95240
9. San Benito County Fair
This lively fair brings old-fashioned entertainment including carnival rides and live music. This year is its 101st rendition taking advantage of the fall harvest.
📅 Dates: October 4-6, 2024
📍 Location: San Benito County Fairgrounds, 9000 Airline Hwy, Tres Pinos, CA 95075