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2024 Sacramento County Fair: Here's what to know

Matt Cranford, CEO of the Sacramento County Fair, told ABC10 this year has an expanding list of attractions for young kids.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — The Sacramento County Fair at Cal Expo is back for 2024 and will run through Memorial Day weekend.

The fair begins Thursday, May 23, and ends Monday, May 27. This year’s theme is “shake, cattle and roll.”

Matt Cranford, CEO of the Sacramento County Fair, told ABC10 this year has an expanding list of attractions for young kids.

“We are featuring a live stingray exhibit,” Cranford said. “Fairgoers will be able to get up close to these majestic animals. We have also brought in a new experience, a maze, that allows you to learn about the rainforest while getting ‘lost’ in the rainforest.”

How much is the fair

Patrons can purchase tickets at the pre-sale price by May 22. Pre-sale general admission is $10 for adults, $8 for youth (ages 12-17) and free for kids under 12, organizers said. Pre-sale arena admission is $12, not including fair admission, which is required.

Those who miss the pre-sale deadline will spend $12 on adult admission and $10 for youth. Pre-sale carnival wristbands are also available for $30; wristband purchases do not include admission.

All active duty military and veterans enter free with valid identification May 27.

Sacramento County Fair hours

Fair hours are: 

  • May 23, Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • May 24, Friday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • May 25, Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • May 26, Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • May 27, Monday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Carnival hours are: 

  • May 23, Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • May 24, Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • May 25, Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • May 26, Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • May 27, Monday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Building hours are: 

  • Building C: Local arts, crafts, demonstrations and Wild Science
  • Building D: The Shoppers Expo
  • Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Monday, Memorial Day, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Livestock pavilion hours are: 

  • Thursday - Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Junior Livestock Auction, Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Monday, Memorial Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Organizers say most animals leave the fair early Monday morning. To visit the most animals, patrons should plan to visit before Monday.

Concerts at the Sacramento County Fair

Events include:

  • May 24: 4x4 Truck Pull | Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., $12 tickets
  • May 25: Humpz & Horns Memorial Rodeo | Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., $12 tickets
  • May 26: Arriba La Quebradita (dance performance) | Doors at 3 p.m., show at 4 p.m., $60 tickets
  • May 27: Mayhem Destruction Derby | Doors at 1 p.m., show at 2 p.m., $12 tickets

Free concerts at 7:30 p.m. each night are included with fair admission. They feature:

“We are definitely excited to have the County Fair again this year,” Cranford said. “We have a five fun days for excitement for families and kids of all ages.”

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Sacramento County Fair returns for 2023

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