Californians still have one final weekend to visit the 2026 California State Fair before it closes Sunday, Aug. 2, at Cal Expo. Photo courtesy of the California State Fair

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Californians still have one final weekend to visit the 2026 California State Fair before it closes Sunday, Aug. 2, at Cal Expo.

The fair opens at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Entrance gates and exhibit buildings close at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, although some attractions may continue until 11 p.m. On Sunday, the final day, the fair closes at 8 p.m.

Gate admission is $18 for adults, $14 for seniors 62 and older and $12 for children ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and younger are admitted free. Participating Save Mart stores offer discounted tickets, and parking at Cal Expo costs $15. Sacramento Republic FC will play at Heart Health Park at 8 p.m. Saturday, and match tickets include same-day admission to the fair.

The final weekend includes three headline concerts on the Sky River Casino Stage. Boyz II Men performs Friday, followed by WAR on Saturday and Yacht Rock Revue on Sunday. The concerts are included with fair admission, but free viewing space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved seating costs extra and does not include fair admission.

Friday and Saturday nights will also end with fireworks.

Beyond the concerts, visitors can spend the weekend on carnival rides, see livestock in the Big Barn and watch family entertainment such as sea lions, acrobats, racing pigs and dog performances. Indoor exhibits include the King Tut Experience, the Candy Maze and Selfie Experience, fine art and photography displays, a California First Peoples art showcase, lowrider culture and the California Cannabis Exhibit and Experience.

Food options range from traditional fair favorites such as funnel cakes, churros, corn dogs and Dole Whip to barbecue, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, tacos, Thai food, boba, tanghulu and Dubai chocolate. Adults can also visit the Save Mart Wine Garden or Beer Den.

Visitors should prepare for Sacramento’s summer heat by bringing sunscreen and sealed plastic water bottles. Outside food is allowed. Bags must follow the fair’s clear-bag policy and generally cannot exceed 12 by 12 by 2 inches.

The fair is at 1600 Exposition Blvd. Visitors should check the official daily schedule before arriving as event times and closing hours are subject to change.