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How to save money on tickets for the 2019 California State Fair

The 2019 California State Fair is opening soon. Here is a guide of how to get cheaper (and some cases, free) tickets for the State Fair.

SACRAMENTO, California — There's no need to pay full price in order to head to the California State Fair when there deals that can get you in cheaper and, in some cases, for free.

The 2019 California State Fair is scheduled to operate from July 12 to July 28. Here is what you need to know to get more affordable or even free tickets this year.     

1. Pre-sale tickets 

California State Fair is offering a $2 discount on its tickets from April 9 to July 12. Here is what those prices would look like.

  • Adults: $12 
  • Youth Daily Admission (Ages 5-12): $8 
  • Child Daily Admission (Ages 4 & under): Free for the entire run of the fair
  • Senior: (62 and older): $10 

2. Groupon 

California State Fair tickets are currently available on Groupon at a discount for a limited time. 

  • Opening day general admission: $6.10 
  • July 12-28: one-day general admission ticket and monorail pass for one: $12
  • July 12–28: one-day general admission ticket and monorail pass for two: $20 

3. Deals for kids

Children who are 12 and under will be able to get into the California State Fair on July 16 and 23 for free. Rides for those days are also $2.  

California State Fair is giving away two free ride tickets for K-8th-grade students every time they read two books.

4. Military and Appreciation Day 

California State Fair is offering free admission for military members that include active duty, reserve and veterans from all branches on July 18. This is also extended to active duty spouses and dependents. 

5. First Responders Appreciation Day 

Vitalant is sponsoring First Responders Appreciation Day, which offers free admission for members of law enforcement, firefighters, first responder units, and lifeguards on July 25. 

6. Senior deals

Seniors who are 62 and older pay $10 for admission every Friday of the California State Fair: July 12, 19, 16. Seniors also could be able to ride the Grand Carousel and the Giant Wheel for free.

7. Deals courtesy of SMUD

SMUD is covering the admission for people who donate particular items on July 15 and July 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. SMUD says the donations need to be non-expired and nonperishable items. SMUD suggests that people donate:

  • Canned meat (chicken or tuna)                               
  • Peanut butter
  • Soup
  • Beans
  • Disposable adult briefs
  • Ensure
  • Baby diapers 
  • Socks- all sizes
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Mac and Cheese 
  • Pasta 
  • Boxed Mashed Potatoes 
  • Packaged rice
  • Ramen 
  • Cereal

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