SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The 2026 California State Fair wrapped-up another year of a summer tradition at Cal Expo, bringing families and friends together from across California and other states. Centered around the theme, “Wish You Were Here,” this year’s Fair welcomed over 650,000 guests to create new memories while reflecting on the traditions and experiences that first made the California State Fair a part of their lives.
From cultural experiences and headline concerts to unique food offerings, thrilling carnival rides, and family-friendly entertainment, the 2026 California State Fair delivered something for everyone. These attractions, along with the Fair’s competitions, arts and crafts, agriculture, and interactive experiences, were among the biggest draws for fairgoers throughout the 17-day event.
Weather conditions were favorable during the first 10 days of the Fair, and attendance remained on pace with the strong crowds experienced during the 2025 California State Fair. While the final weekend is traditionally the busiest, triple-digits contributed to a dip in attendance as the Fair came to a close. To provide a more enjoyable experience for fairgoers and take advantage of more favorable weather conditions, the Fair will move to new dates beginning in 2027.
“This year’s Fair was especially meaningful, as it marked our final summer California State Fair,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition and State Fair. “We’ve been listening to our fairgoers, and we’re excited to return the Fair to its historic roots,” Martinez continued. “The very first California State Fair was held in October 1854, and in 2027, we will proudly usher in a new chapter by bringing the Fair back to the fall. It’s a true homecoming that honors our history while embracing our future.”
Even on the hot days, fairgoers took advantage of the Kaiser Permanente Cool Zones, and the air-conditioned Expo Center buildings that housed two new exhibits – Tutankhamun: The King Tut Experience and The California First Peoples’ Art Showcase, an exhibit that celebrated the rich artistic traditions, cultural heritage, and living history of California’s Native American tribes from across the state.
The California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors and State Fair staff remained committed to making the Fair as affordable as possible for guests. Social media and e-newsletter promotions played a significant role in helping fairgoers save before they arrived, with special offers including Black Friday, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day sales, as well as a half-price Season Pass promotion that resulted in record sales.
The Family Four Pack continued to be a popular value, offering four admission tickets, four ride tickets, and one parking pass—a $93 value—for just $55.
The Costco “Wish You Were Here” Pack was also a guest favorite, with 18,883 packages sold at participating Costco locations throughout the region. Each package included two admission tickets, two $5 food vouchers, and one parking pass for $32.99.
Save Mart stores were the only location to purchase discount admission tickets and ride wristbands throughout the 17-day run of the Fair. Sales more than doubled over previous years. The Fair kicked-off opening day with SMUD Giving Fridays, playing a dual role. Guests who donated a minimum of 5 non-perishable, non-expired food items gained entry into the Fair. The donations benefited the Sacramento Family Food Bank & Family Services which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Generous Fair guests donated a total of 35,774 pounds of goods. Those 35,774 pounds will provide 29,812 meals for families across Sacramento County.
