2021 Alameda County Fair: Dates Set For Celebration

PLEASANTON, CA — The Alameda County Fair is on for 2021.

Alameda County Fairgrounds announced Thursday that the fair will take place Oct. 22 through 31 in compliance with state and county COVID-19 protocols. Last year, the fair was canceled for the first time in 108 years.

“We are excited to welcome Fair guests back in October and our team is working diligently to ensure we continue to put on a 'safety first' event for the community," Fairgrounds CEO Jerome Hoban said in a statement. "The Fair may look a little different in 2021, but we assure you it’s the same good time where you can build memories that last a lifetime."

Read: 2020 Alameda County Fair Canceled Amid Coronavirus Concerns

The event typically takes place in June, but the Pleasanton fairground location is expected to remain a site for COVID-19 vaccinations and food distribution through June. The site can serve up to 4,000 people per day, according to Fairgrounds.

Guests at the 2021 Alameda County Fair will likely have to buy tickets online for specific days in advance, Fairgrounds said. Attendance will be limited.

Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols will be in place. Fairgrounds anticipated that guests will still have to wear face masks and have their temperatures checked before entering the event.

Cashless and touchless systems will be used where possible for tickets, parking, carnival purchases and food and drinks.

Competitive exhibits and contests will continue online, Fairgrounds said. Winners may be highlighted at the 2021 Alameda County Fair.

Fairgrounds also announced plans to hold livestock and small-animal shows July 7 through 11 with a limited audience. The junior in-person livestock auction event is slated for July 11.

Live horse racing will continue as usual on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 18 through July 11. Guests must buy tickets in advance.

Fairgrounds said it will release more details soon on how people with tickets to the 2020 event can reserve a ticket for the 2021 Alameda County Fair. More details will also come soon for those who received a ticket after attending a drive-in movie at the fairground in 2020 or 2021.