Turlock

Going to Stanislaus County Fair? Here’s how to save on parking, admission & more

Planning a trip to the Stanislaus County Fair?

From Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 19, fairgoers can enjoy a night of family-friendly fun filled with carnival rides, live concerts, fair food, exhibits and more.

If you’re hoping to make the most of your visit without overspending, the Stanislaus County Fair offers several ways to save on admission, rides and more.

Here’s how much tickets cost for the Stanislaus County Fair — and the best ways to save money when you go:

Rides in the midway at the 2025 Stanislaus County Fair.
Rides in the midway at the 2025 Stanislaus County Fair. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com

When is the Stanislaus County Fair in 2026? Where is it?

The Stanislaus County Fair returns Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 19, at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 North Broadway in Turlock.

The fairgrounds and exhibit buildings open at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

Buildings close each night at 11 p.m., while the carnival and fairgrounds remain open until midnight.

How much does it cost to get into Stanislaus County Fair?

If you buy tickets at the gate, admission to the Stansislaus County Fair costs:

  • General admission (ages 13 to 64) — $15
  • Child admission (ages 7 to 12) — $7
  • Senior admission (age 65 and older) — $7
  • Children 6 and under — Free

How can I save on tickets at the Stanislaus County Fair?

The Stanislaus County Fair offers several ways to spend less on admission.

Buying tickets before Friday, July 10, can save fairgoers a few dollars.

Advance tickets are available online and at participating FoodMaxx and Save Mart stores through Thursday, July 9.

These are advance ticket prices for the Stanislaus County Fair:

  • General admission (ages 13 to 64) — $12
  • Child admission (ages 7 to 12) — $5
  • Senior admission (age 65 and older) — $5

The fair also offers several special admission days.

Admission is only $5 on weekdays before 5 p.m.

On Friday, July 10, military service members and veterans receive free admission with valid military IDs.

Seniors 65 and older get in free on Saturday, July 11.

On Tuesday, July 14, kids 12 and under get in free.

Anyone can receive free admission on Sundays before 3 p.m.

How much is parking for Stanislaus County Fair?

Parking at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds costs $10 per vehicle.

Parking is cash only and available on a first-come, firs- served basis.

How can I save on parking at the Stanislaus County Fair?

If you’d rather skip the parking fee, you can ride to the fair for free.

As part of the Free Fares July program, Turlock Transit is offering free rides on all fixed-route buses and other transit services through July 3.

That includes the Fair Shuttle, which provides direct service between the Turlock Transit Center, 1418 North Golden State Blvd. in Turlock, and the Arch Gate at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

The fair shuttle will run weekdays from 3:30 to 11:30 p.m. and weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The last shuttle departs the fairgrounds each night at 11:15 p.m., according to Turlock Transit.

What can I expect to pay for carnival ride wristbands?

Unlimited ride wristbands can be purchased online or at the fair and are valid for one day.

Here’s what you’ll pay at the fair:

  • Monday through Friday — $40
  • Saturday and Sunday — $45
The Crazy Dumbo ride was in the midway at the 2025 Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock.
The Crazy Dumbo ride was in the midway at the 2025 Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com

How can I save money on carnival rides?

Through Thursday, July 9, unlimited ride wristbands are available for $32 online and at participating FoodMaxx and Save Mart stores, regardless of which day you plan to attend.

The fair also offers a few special ride promotions.

On Saturday, July 11, seniors receive free Ferris wheel rides all day.

Fairgoers can bring one new, unwrapped toy and receive two free carnival ride tickets on Wednesday, July 15.

How to save on food at the fair

Outside food and drinks are not allowed at the Stanislaus County Fair.

“We ask that you bring only your taste buds through gates,” fair officials said. “Two sealed water bottles or sports drinks per person or one empty reusable bottle per person is allowed.”

If you’re looking to save on fair food, vendors will offer bite-sized versions of their best-selling menu items” for $5 on weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m.

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.

Angela Rodriguez
The Modesto Bee
Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER