The Alameda County Fair takes place every summer in Pleasanton, California, less than an hour drive from San Francisco. The 110-ha- fairgrounds feature the Amador Pavilion, a multi-purpose arena and livestock show facility, which used to be home to the Tri-Valley Ranchers of the National Indoor Football League. The fair offers traditional entertainment such as carnival rides, live concerts, and food vendors with delicious fair specials. In addition to music, entertainment includes live horse racing, Monster Truck, Demolition Derby, Extreme Rodeo, Extreme Freestyle Motocross (FMX), Festival Latino, and more exhibits, animal shows, and special events.
Cattle Drive
The main event of the Opening Day is a Cattle Drive, where real cowboys and cowgirls walk a herd through Downtown Pleasanton, from Del Valle Avenue to Main Street. Wild West Weekend festivities will last throughout all of the days of the fair.
Carnival Rides
The Fair’s Carnival's highlight is a new cross-grounds Sky Ride–70 passenger gondolas that offer riders a bird’s eye view of the Fair. The ride extends from the Green Gate main entrance to the Kids Park at the Yellow Gate entrance. TURBO is also a must try. It's a fast exciting ride with upside-down and free flipping in the air. Every day there is a concert at 8 pm. Concert lineups offer something for everyone from rock to country.
Horce Racing
Live horse racing at the historic Pleasanton race track is a cherished tradition of the Alameda County Fair. Dating back to 1858, the race track was built by Augustin Bernal, the son of the Spanish Don. Admission to the track is free with general admission. However, reserved seating, VIP options, and amenities are also available. The racetrack hosts Mary Clare Schmitt Oaks on June 15, She’s a Tiger Stakes on June 22, Oak Tree Sprint on June 29, Everett Nevin Stakes, and the famous Pleasanton Mile on July 7. Post time for the stakes is 1:45 pm.
Drone and Fireworks Show (June 14, 28, 2024)
Fireworks Spectacular & Drone Show is one of the biggest highlights of the fair. Taking place only on the first two Fridays of the fair, dazzling pyrotechnic displays light up the skies over the Stella Artois Grandstand. A drone show without the fireworks occurs nightly (except July 4). The magical show of hundreds of colorful lights is visible all over the fairgrounds. The best viewing spot is the race track.
Fiesta At The Fair (June 16, 2024)
The vibrant Fiesta at the Fair takes place on the first Sunday of the Alameda County Fair. Channeling the true spirit of a Caribbean carnival, the Fiesta features live music, dancing, and various performances. All the entertainment is free with a general admission ticket.
Tickets
General admission to the fair is $18. Advance online price is $16. Child admission (ages 6-12) is $15, advance online price is $13. Senior admission (ages 62+) is also $15, advance online price is $13. Parking is $15 per day. The advance sale parking price is $13. Carnival wristbands cost $37-$42, advance sale price is $34. A general admission season pass is $45.Premium season pass is $90. Concerts are not included in fair admission. Concert tickets range between $15 and $45.
