California

Save money on CA State Fair tickets? See available deals and how long they last

Want to save money on California State Fair tickets? Organizers are offering major discounts, just in time for Mother’s Day weekend.

On Friday, May 8, fair organizers announced the Mother’s Day Pack, which features six general admission tickets for $45. That’s more than $50 off the regular price.

The offer is good only until midnight on Sunday, May 10.

To take advantage of the deal, you need to subscribe to the fair’s newsletter or follow the fair on Facebook and Instagram.

The discount is limited to six tickets per order. Each ticket is good for one admission and is valid any day of the fair.

Visitors take the Sky Ride at the California State Fair at Cal Expo on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Visitors take the Sky Ride at the California State Fair at Cal Expo on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. JOSÉ LUIS VILLEGAS jvillegas@sacbee.com

When is the California State Fair in 2026? Where?

The California State Fair runs from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, Aug. 2.

The fair is held at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento.

Now in its 173rd year, the California State theme this year is Wish You Were Here.

How much do Sacramento fair tickets cost?

Tickets for the California State Fair, which went on sale in March, cost $16 in advance or $18 at the gate.

Tickets for seniors cost $12 to $14, while admission for children ages 5 to 12 costs $10 to $12. Kids 4 and under get in free.

Parking at Cal Expo and carnival ride wristbands are sold separately.

You can also buy a Price Fun Pack for $54.99 which includes four admission tickets, four ride tickets and a parking pass, according to the fair’s website.

Future discount promotions will be coming, a fair spokesperson said.

For ticket prices and a list of other discounts available until opening day, you can go online to the fair’s website, subscribe to the online newsletter or follow the fair on social media.

Fair-goers ride the chair swing ride at the California State Fair on July 11.
Fair-goers ride the chair swing ride at the California State Fair on July 11. MARIANA GARCIA magarcia@sacbee.com

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Save money on CA State Fair tickets? See available deals and how long they last."

AG
Allison Gibson
The Sacramento Bee
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER