The Best Summer Fairs in Northern California

For many families in California, attending a fair is an annual tradition. There’s something magical about a fair — a warm summer night, the sounds of the midway, the thrill of a carnival ride. Most counties in California host annual fairs, and many of them are held during the summer months. In addition, those who live in the greater Sacramento region can attend the California State Fair, which showcases the best of the entire state!

County fairs are a longstanding tradition throughout the United States. They began in the early 1800s as a way for farmers to show off their animals and crops, often competing for prizes. They also served as a way for farmers to share ideas and educate the public about their work. They soon became cultural events for the entire community, with entertainment and competitions coming later.

Today, fairs have every type of event imaginable, from live music to rodeos, magic shows to demo derbies. Yet they’ve held tight to their agrarian roots, with livestock and other animals playing a central role. Food is also a highlight of most fairs. And while known for over-the-top deep-fried concoctions, many fairs (especially in California) also showcase farm-fresh produce, wine, olive oil, cheese, and locally crafted brew. So, without further ado, following is a list of the best summer fairs to attend in Northern California.

California State Fair | Sacramento | July 17–Aug 2

The biggest fair of the year is the California State Fair, held at Cal Expo. Whether you’re into live music, entertainment, carnival rides, or food, you’ll find it all at the California State Fair. Food-wise, the state fair is much more than hot Cheeto corn dogs and cotton candy burgers. The fair also showcases the best in California cuisine, with a professional chef challenge and BBQ showdown. You can also sample California-grown wine, olive oil, cheese, and honey.

Of course, entertainment is a big part of any fair, and the California State Fair welcomes everything from music and dance to hypnotists and acrobats. They also host big-name musical acts. Scheduled this year are the following:

• Babyface, July 17
• Wyclef Jean, July 18
• Tower of Power, July 19
• Struggle Jennings, July 20
• Midland, July 21
• Iration, July 22
• Lee Brice, July 23
• Ja Rule, July 24
• KC and the Sunshine Band, July 25
• Ezequiel Peña, July 26
• Queen Nation, July 27
• Keith Sweat, July 28
• Trace Adkins, July 29
• Dark Star Orchestra (Grateful Dead Live Concert Experience), July 30
• Boys II Men, July 31
• WAR, Aug. 1
• Yacht Rock Revue, Aug. 2

The fair is rooted in agriculture, so a big part of the draw is the animal competitions. You can browse the livestock stalls and come face-to-face with cows, pigs, bunnies, chickens, llamas, sheep, and more. There are also show dogs and a petting zoo.

If art is more your speed, be sure to visit the exhibition halls to see the works of regional artists and crafters. Textiles, ceramics, woodwork, painting, and photography are just a few of the arts and crafts you can find here.

County Fairs to Visit in Northern California This Summer

Colusa County Fair | Colusa | June 11–14

This is a classic small-town fair that celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage. There are agricultural displays, livestock exhibits, and of course, carnival rides for thrill-seeking visitors. There are also special events like dachshund races, a diaper derby, pageants, and a destruction derby.

El Dorado County Fair | Placerville | June 18–21

This local county fair is all about traditional fair fun. There are rodeo competitions like mutton bustin’, as well as friendly competitions such as wheelbarrow races, a bubble gum bubble blowing contest, and a funnel cake eating contest. You can also browse the livestock exhibits, see live music, and indulge in fair food.

Yuba-Sutter Fair | Yuba City | June 25–26

This two-county spectacular is one of the largest community celebrations around. Not only does it highlight local farming traditions with livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits, but it also has cultural performances and live music. There’s also a monster truck rally, extreme truck racing, and bull riding. And, of course, there’s a huge carnival with all the classic rides.

Placer County Fair | Roseville | June 25–28

The Placer County Fair prides itself on getting the entire community involved. Local musicians, dancers, martial artists, and singers take to the stage to show off their skills. There’s also a rib cook-off, a pie-eating contest, and an arts-and-crafts exhibit. Livestock, carnival rides, circus performers, and racing pigs round out the offerings.

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Amador County Fair | Plymouth | July 30–Aug. 2

In the heart of gold country, this small-town fair features all the classic fair attractions: carnival rides, midway games, and livestock competitions. There are also rodeo events, including mutton bustin’, a tractor rodeo, and a horse show. Being that it’s in the heart of Amador wine country, there is also wine tasting available. If you’re looking for some action, there’s also a destruction derby.

Nevada County Fair | Grass Valley | Aug. 12–16

Held on the scenic fairgrounds under the pines, the Nevada County Fair is jam-packed with exciting events, including a rodeo, monster trucks, and stock rough truck racing. They also have traditional fair attractions such as carnival rides, ag displays, an artisan showcase, and of course, food and drink vendors.

Napa Town & Country Fair | Napa | Aug. 6–9

Held in downtown Napa, this fair focuses on the region’s celebrated wine and food heritage. Live music and entertainment are other highlights, as are livestock exhibits, carnival rides, and art exhibits. Food and drink vendors, agriculture exhibits, and kids’ activities are also scheduled.

Yolo County Fair | Woodland | Aug. 6–17

Held in Woodland, this is one of the longest-running county fairs in the state! The fair is all about the region’s agricultural heritage, so it makes sense that agricultural exhibits and livestock shows take center stage. There’s also a junior rodeo and livestock auction. Not only that, but there’ll be a demolition derby and a power wheels derby for kids.

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Butte County Fair | Gridley | Aug. 27–30

This family-focused event focuses on classic fair traditions. From carnival rides and midway games to livestock exhibitions and ag competitions, you’ll find all the traditional attractions here. There’s also a rodeo, tractor pull, and BMX competition. You can also take home some goodies from the vendors’ hall, where you’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, and locally produced gourmet food products like jams and jerky.

Visit a Northern California Fair This Summer

Whether you’re an animal lover, a food lover, or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll find it all at the many county fairs scheduled in Northern California this summer, not to mention the California State Fair. The small-town charm comes alive at these community events, complete with live music, rodeo events, and carnival rides. Explore some of California’s best fairs and make the most of summer.