Patch Parents: A Guide To Summer 2025 County Fairs In California

CALIFORNIA — Summer is here, which means county fairs are back in California.

The annual events are slated all summer long across the Golden State, attracting hundreds of thousands with festive entertainment, food and fun.

Families can get their fill of fair fun all summer long with thrilling carnival games and rides, big-name and small-town concerts, prize-winning exhibits, adorable farm animals, and of course, crave-worthy food. Each fair features a variety of activities for all ages and its own unique offerings.

Check out the family-friendly county fairs taking place this summer in California.

Alameda County Fair

June 13 through July 6. Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton.

New attractions this year include camel rides, a Monster Truck show, a Trapeze show, and a new thrill ride called The Invader. This year's theme is "Celebrate Summer."

Butte County Fair

Aug. 21-24. Butte County Fairgrounds, Gridley.

The annual event has been creating memories for 77 years. This year's theme is "Family Roots, Buckles and Boots."

California Mid-State Fair

July 16-27. Paso Robles Event Center, Paso Robles.

The event, called "The Biggest Little Fair Anywhere," is a beloved community tradition that celebrates the region's rich agricultural heritage. This year's theme is "Off To The Races!"

California State Fair

July 11-27. Cal Expo, Sacramento.

The 17-day fair is a celebration of California's diverse culture, industries and people, with a focus on agriculture.

El Dorado County Fair

June 12-15. El Dorado County Fair and Event Center, Placerville.

The annual fair attracts about 58,000 people over its four-day run. This year's theme is "Movin' and Groovin."

Humboldt County Fair

Aug. 16-24. Humboldt County Fairgrounds, Ferndale.

The annual event is the oldest continuously running fair in California. The theme for the 129th annual fair is "Your County Fair with a Redwood Flair — Come Celebrate Your Hometown Roots!"

Lake County Fair

Aug. 28-31. Lake County Fairgrounds, Lakeport.

This year's theme is "A Blast From The Past."

Marin County Fair

July 2-6. Marin County Fairgrounds, San Rafael.

Now in its 82nd year, the annual fair is the county's premier community event with attendance that reaches 100,000 annually. This year's theme is "Bug-tastic."

Merced County Fair

June 4-8. Merced County Fairgrounds, Merced.

The fair welcomes more than 70,000 people from throughout the county and beyond. This year's theme is "Let the Good Times Roll."

Monterey County Fair

Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey.

The fair features five days of fun. This year's theme is "Surfin' Safari."

Napa Town and Country Fair

Aug. 7-10. Napa Town and Country Fair, Napa.

The dates for this year's fair have been set, but more details will be announced soon.

Orange County Fair

July 18 through Aug. 17. OC Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa.

The OC Fair will offer a mix of familiar fun and tradition along with more to explore, including new carnival rides, new food concoctions and entertainment. This year's theme is "Find Your Happy!"

Petaluma Fair

June 19–22. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds and Event Center, Petaluma.

The fair, formerly known as the Sonoma-Marin Fair, will focus on traditional exhibits such as arts and crafts and livestock shows. This year's theme is "Country Nights and Carnival Lights."

Placer County Fair

June 26-29. @the Grounds, Roseville.

The 87th annual fair will feature more carnival rides, free nightly concerts, the Family Fun Zone, a livestock exhibit, the return of the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, and more. This year's theme is "Soundtrack to Summer."

Plumas Sierra County Fair

July 24-27. Plumas County Fairgrounds, Quincy.

This year's fair invites community participation with the theme "It's Your Fair, Be There and Share!"

Ramona Country Fair

Aug. 1-3. Ramona Outdoor Community Center, Ramona.

The fair features carnival games and rides, a cornhole competition, an off-road show, western shows, live music and more.

San Diego County Fair

June 11 through July 6. Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar.

Going strong since 1880, the fair is the largest and longest running event in the county. This year's theme is "Summer Pet-tacular."

San Mateo County Fair

May 30 through June 8. San Mateo County Event Center, San Mateo.

The fair is the Peninsula's premier community event for family fun and entertainment. This year's theme is "Where Tradition Meets Innovation."

Santa Barbara County Fair

July 9-13. Santa Maria Fairpark, Santa Maria.

This year's theme is "Dance to your Own Beat."

Santa Clara County Fair

July 30 through Aug. 3. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, San Jose.

This year's theme is "Still Hare and Kickin.'"

Santa Cruz County Fair

Sept. 10-14. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville.

The fair celebrates the rich agricultural history of the community and people. This year's theme is "Hay Bales, Piggy Tails, and Ewe!"

Solano County Fair

June 12-15. Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo.

This year's event is the 76th annual fair. The theme is "Fun for the Whole Herd."

Sonoma County Fair

Aug. 1-10. Sonoma County Fairground, Santa Rosa.

The annual event is a celebration of community spirit, agriculture, entertainment and wholesome fun. This year's theme is "Hot Dogs and Cool Cats."

Ventura County Fair

July 30 through Aug. 10. Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center, Ventura.

This year's theme is "Waves of Fun."

Yolo County Fair

Aug. 13-17. Yolo County Fairgrounds, Woodland.

The annual event is the largest and oldest free gate fair in California. This year's theme is "Totally AG-cited."

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.