There is lots of Big Fun in store for State Fair 2010. Please check back for an updated list o exhibits and attractions. Or scroll down to see the exhibits and attractions from State Fair 2009.
Indoor Exhibits
Expo Center
Buildings #1 - #8
Adjacent to the Cal
Expo Lagoon by the Main Gate
entrance, Expo Center is a
collection of eight numbered
buildings that house feature
exhibits. These eight
structures encircle the PG&E
Center Stage (a.k.a. "Center
Stage").
#1 - Youth Art & Design
See what California’s most talented young artists are creating. Exhibits include drawings, paintings, crafts, textiles, photography, video and more. Visit the demonstrations area inside; do and learn something new! Be sure to check out demonstrations on speed cup stacking, see Mad Science, enjoy crafts with Sacramento Parent Magazine and watch 4-H Science, Engineering & Technology Presentations.
Join us to see
California’s
Youth present a showcase of
fine art, youth fashion,
quilting and textiles,
crafts, computer generated
art, digital media and more.
#2 - Save Mart Supermarkets California Foodstyle,
presented by Health Craft
A fast-paced, fun and educational place where fairgoers can sample some of the best dishes in California. With features like the Guittard’s Chocolate Passion Contest, the Fire Station Chef Challenge and daily cooking demos, fairgoers will want to spend plenty of time in this building! Sponsored by Save Mart Supermarkets, Health Craft & Del Monte.
#3 - NEW! Wild, Wacky
and Wonderful California
Come see how wild and wacky the Golden State really is! Peruse a variety of quirky California museums, from the Bunny Museum to the Museum of Death. See how big Bigfoot’s foot really is. Take a photo with the monster Tahoe Tessie. Compete in the Rubber Duck Races or make your own ugly dog. Explore the most haunted places in the state. Enjoy a musical performance by a band of saw players. View wild collections from cat whiskers to Ouija boards. There is something for everyone in this new wacky & wonderful exhibit.
#4 - NEW! It's a Candy Nation
Candy Nation will turn every child’s dream of a candy land into reality. Featuring a 20-foot tall Rock Candy Mountain, visitors will enjoy a taste of history with timelines exploring American candy. Fairgoers can take a trip into a candy factory to watch the creation of their favorite confections. With cooking demonstrations, “smell zones,” and a sweet trip down memory lane with a store full of different types of candy from the past, you’ll definitely be saying “I want candy. Also, everyday of the fair will feature free candy giveaways, so make sure to stop by and satisfy your sweet tooth. Presented by Stage Nine Entertainment Store.
#5 - Industrial & Technology
Education
“Shop class” isn’t what it used to be! Check out award-winning projects made by industrial and technology students in middle school through community college. These impressive projects include woodworking, graphic arts, video, models, drafting, photography, robots, automotive technology and more. Visit the demonstration areas to see “how it’s made,” and how you can find an exciting career! Be sure to check out the award-winning locomotive built by Kinney High School from Rancho Cordova.
#6 - Fur & Feathers
Enter
the adorable and exotic
world of Fur & Feathers, a
showcase of the small
poultry, rabbits, exotic
birds, cavy, and pocket pets
from the 4-H, FFA, Grange
and Open competitions. Make
sure to check out the Weird,
Wild & Wacky poultry,
rabbits and guinea pigs.
This year will also feature
a special frog exhibit where
visitors can learn Weird,
Wild & Wacky facts about our
frog friends.
#7 - California Fine Arts
Hundreds of artists from all over California competed to have their works in this juried show. Over 185 paintings, sculptures, and other fine art and fine craft works are displayed in a gallery setting. Live art demonstrations by several artists are ongoing every day of the fair. This exhibit also includes special displays of the artwork of the 2009 California Artists of the Year, Clayton Bailey and Fred Dalkey. And, don’t miss Rolling Through the Bay, a sculptural depiction of San Francisco made of 100,000 toothpicks, as seen on TV.
#8 - California Creative
Arts
You’ll be amazed by the caliber of crafts & textiles created by California’s adults. Each day will showcase different demonstrations on quilting, wood working, beading, straw art and more. NEW for 2009 this building will also feature a Special Guitar Exhibit with a vast collection of handmade electric guitars, designed and built by musician David Skiles. David has a colorful past of performing in Las Vegas and recording original music. Come see the instruments used during his amazing career.
California Building
The California Building encompasses Buildings A and B,
east of the Golden 1 Stage.
California’s Authors
A special tribute to the literary legacy of California's authors,
this exhibit will provide an area for the public to meet actual
California authors and discuss their newest editions, with the
opportunity to purchase books and receive autographs from the
authors.
California’s Counties
California’s counties compete for accolades by creating original and elaborate displays that showcase the incredible and unique beauty of California. Come find your county and vote for the people’s choice!
California
Green Dream Expo
Live the California Green Dream! Come see the latest & greatest ways to be environmentally-conscious. Together with the State Fair, the California Green Dream Expo partners will show new directions in energy conservation, production and alternative & renewable resources. Located in Building A.
| Exhibit Partners |
SMUD - Sacramento Municipal Utility District |
Department of Consumer Affairs - Bureau of Automotive Repair |
California Department of Consumer Affairs |
Hunter Douglas |
|
Department of Conservation - Division of Recycling |
Friends of the California State Fair
Stop by the California Building and learn about applying for the State Fair Scholarship Program or how to become a State Fair volunteer.
NEW! Department of Water Resources - Save Our Water Exhibit!
With California enduring three years of drought it’s vital that we work together to conserve our most precious natural resource—water. Visit this exhibit to learn about California’s water shortage and also how to conserve water in your everyday life, both indoors and outdoors. See daily demonstrations to help you save water. Don’t miss Radio Disney’s water conservation ‘edutainment’ on August 25 and September. 1. “Save Our Water” is a new exhibit from the California Department of Water Resources, in partnership with the Association of California Water Agencies. ‘Save Our Water’ Day on Tuesday, September 1.
NEW! NAACP 100th Anniversary Exhibit
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the NAACP, the State Fair will present an exhibit featuring the rich history of the NAACP both in California and the nation. With support and contributions from the California NAACP, this exhibit will highlight 12 civil rights pioneers who have been immortalized by the U. S. Postal Service through a special series of postage stamps commemorating their courage, achievements and commitment to civil rights.
NEW! Sacramento Children’s Museum
The Sacramento Children's Museum will showcase their NEW Raceways exhibit as golf balls loop, spin, collide and race down roller coaster ramps. The exhibit is designed especially for children 8 and under and teaches them the principles of physics.
Tim Wommick
Come learn about tree care, conservation, our environment and a healthy planet. This energetic stage show is interactive, educational and captivating for all ages. Also learn the ways of the arborist as they demonstrate tree climbing technique and put you in the harness for a climb up too! Daily shows on the Green Dream stage.
Trip A Week Giveaway
Every week, one lucky fairgoer will win a trip for four to LEGOLAND with accommodations at the Sheraton Resort & Spa, courtesy of the California State Fair and News10. What better way to celebrate California culture than to visit not just one, but two of California’s premier attractions! Visit the News10 booth at the State Fair to sign up. (Some restrictions apply). News10 Booth, Building A.
Outdoor Attractions
California Forest Center
This living exhibit offers year-round opportunities to learn
about responsible use of natural resources. Established in 1972 with
sponsorship from the California Forest Products Commission, the California Forest
Center is a well-known
stop for fairgoers to receive FREE tree seedlings.
With numerous shady trees, the
California
Forest Center
is literally one of the “coolest” spots to be at the State Fair.
Camp Smokey
Presented by the
Interagency Fire Prevention Education Program and the California
State Fair, Camp Smokey is dedicated to educating the public through
fun activities on issues such as outdoor fire prevention, fire
safety and conservation education. There is a “Golden Passport to
Fire Prevention” activity, which children 12 and under can complete
by performing fire prevention and conservation tasks, answering
questions and playing games. After successfully completing
prevention and education tasks, each child receives a stamp in their
Golden Passport. Children may also receive a Smokey the Bear award
after completing the fire prevention tasks. Smokey the Bear, Sparky
the Dog and Woodsy Owl will be some of the loveable characters on
site for pictures and autographs.
Classic Car Show
The California Automobile Museum is proud to present a tribute to America’s 1st transcontinental highway, the Lincoln Highway, to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 200th Birthday! Several vintage Lincolns along with one of the original Boy Scout trucks used to place highway markers will be on display. This exhibit will also showcase a unique collection of Weird, Wild & Wacky vehicles like “denim” Metropolitan Nash, crazy bicycles and a Fords on snow tractor! Also, each day of the fair, local car clubs will feature their best classics, customs and rods! At the Miller
Fireworks
Presented by Dish
Networks
With names like Thunder Rain, Silver
Willow
Peacock, Crackling Bouquets, and Blooming Flower at Dawn,
fireworks at this year’s California State Fair will draw more “oohs”
and “ahhs” than ever! This nightly extravaganza of blazing
color and sound is sponsored by Dish Networks and begins at 10 p.m.
every night in the Miller Lite Grandstand.
Floriculture- Garden of MAGnificent Proportions
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you were the size of a bug? Experience this life-altering perspective by visiting our floriculture exhibit, the “Garden of MAGnificent Proportions”. Reduce your worries (and your size) by taking a stroll through our magical magnifying glass and enter a garden loaded with ENORMOUS fun!
- Discover what kind of a trail a 5-foot-tall snail leaves behind!
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- Curtsy to the queen (bee that is)!
- Visit Tweeter’s house for a “bird’s eye view” – be careful not to step on an egg or fall out of the nest!
- & Weekend visits from noon to 6pm will give you an up close and personal experience with live bugs and reptiles provided by Star Eco Station.
All this and more await you in the “Garden of MAGnificent Proportions”. Better bring your umbrella, just in case the sprinklers go off. Life can be uncertain when you’re no bigger than a bug!
Magnificent Midway
The California State Fair comes alive under the lights of the Magnificent Midway, where fairgoers of all ages will find their favorite rides for BIG FUN under the sun-or-moon.
There are 61 rides to choose from with traditional family entertainment like the Merry-Go-Round, kid rides such as Looney Tooter Train and of course, hair-raising thrillers whose names evoke shrieks of delight like the Super Shot Drop Tower. Plus, three amusement rides originally from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch!
- NEW! Everyday Unlimited Ride Wristbands!
This year every day is a wristband day, Unlimited Ride Wristbands are $30, Monday through Friday & $35 on Saturday, Sunday & Labor Day. Buy ‘til 10 PM, ride ‘til 11 PM. All height & safety restrictions apply. Some rides excluded.
- Games
You’ll find more than just carnival rides in the Midway. Butler Amusements features 45 games of skill as well.
- Read to Ride
Kids in grades K-8 can get 3 FREE rides for reading 3 books. Visit Guest Services to redeem. Some restrictions apply.
- Kids Days
On Tuesdays all rides are $1 until 11 PM.
-
Butler Amusements
Butler Amusements is the largest carnival company in the Western United States providing attractions for more than 110 different events each year. From safety and energy conservation, to employee training and education, Butler Amusements strives to produce the best family entertainment around.
Operation Postcard
The California State
Fair invited
fairgoers, to show
support and honor
for deployed service
persons in hardship
areas with
“Operation
Postcard”. Fairgoers
can write personal
messages on large
vinyl postcards that
will be sent out to
all the different
branches currently
serving in hardship
areas.
September 11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial Plaza is a respectful tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. The tribute features a steel beam from the World Trade Center and a 5,000 pound granite ball inscribed with the names of the fallen. Newly renovated in 2008, the Memorial was expanded to include monuments for Washington & Pennsylvania. Located near Expo Center #2.
NEW! Weird. Wild and Wacky Zone
Enter the Weird, Wild & Wacky Zone to uncover what gives California its reputation for being the weirdest, wildest, and wackiest state in the nation! Big Foot, munchkin village, UFOs and haunted excursions are sure to WOW even the most seasoned fairgoer. Top all this off with entertainment from bird shows, face painting, magicians, acrobats and fire dancers. Stage enhancements and other improvements are provided by PG&E. Everyday in the WWW Zone! Located in front of Building A.
Free Photos
You can be Weird, Wild or Wacky in these FREE 5” x 7” Green Screen pictures, courtesy of Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel and the California State Fair. In the Weird, Wild & Wacky Zone.
Animals & Agriculture
Aquaculture (Fish Experience)
California’s Aquaculture Industry (the raising of fish and shellfish for food and profit) will be featured at the Farm. Many of California’s most profitable fish will be showcased such as sturgeon, catfish, bass, carp and koi. Visitors will have the opportunity to touch aquatic creatures during the “Fish Experience” at 2:30 & 5:30 PM daily. Located near the Farm.
Blacksmith Shop (Smithing Experience)
Visit the Blacksmith Shop to learn interesting facts about Blacksmith history see blacksmithing and metalwork demonstrations. Also purchase handmade blacksmith items made at the State Fair. Come learn more about the art of Blacksmithing during the “Smithing Experience” at 1, 3 & 5 PM daily.
California Ranchland
The extremely popular
California Ranchland is located outside the Livestock Pavilion
with the look and feel of a true rural area. This exciting and
educational program is truly a hands-on agricultural program for
children. The Ranchland is divided into “ranchettes” offering
kids the opportunity to experience livestock maintenance and fun
in California agricultural and recreational areas. Ranchettes include the
Petting Farm, Pedal Tractor Pull Competitions, Pony Painting, a
Chicken or the Egg Farm with chicken petting, the Children’s Dairy Center, Roping Arena and
much more. Each one of these ranchettes will have interactive
activities for children, parents and grandparents and there will
be a wide assortment of farm animals for fairgoers to get up
close and personal with.
Camp Smokey
Camp Smokey has lots of fun activities to educate kids and adults about outdoor fire prevention, fire safety and conservation tasks. Smokey the Bear, Sparky the Dog and Woodsy the Owl live in Camp Smokey and love to take pictures and give autographs. Since it’s Smokey’s 65th birthday, come wish him a happy one! Presented by the Interagency Fire Prevention Education Program and the California State Fair. Located next to the California Building.
Children’s Dairy Center
The
Children’s
Dairy
Center,
located
in
between
the
Livestock
Pavilion
and
California
Ranchland,
is where
kids
will be
able to
milk
cows and
goats.
In
addition,
making
butter
from the
milk
that has
been
collected
during
the
milking
activity
is one
of the
most
popular
activities
at the
Dairy
Center.
The
Children’s
Dairy
Center
also
contains
an
educational
display
regarding
the care
and
maintenance
of dairy
animals
as well
as
information
demonstrating
how the
milk and
milk
products
travel
the
route
from the
milking
parlor
to the
grocery
stores
and
family
dining
tables.
Competitions
The State Fair hosts hundreds of contests and competitions each year. Many of the competitions are judged before the Fair opens so the winning entries can be exhibited throughout the Fair. But there are still plenty of fun contests fairgoers can see and participate in during fair time.
8/22 Casting Call Presented by John Robert Powers
(WWW Zone) |
8/23 State Fair Star
(Golden1 Stage) |
8/23 Firefighter Challenge
(EC#2) |
8/24 Home Canning Show
(EC#2) |
8/25 Kidz King Arthur’s Cookie Contest
(EC#2) |
8/25 Diaper Derby Baby Race
(Youth Art & Design Expo) |
8/25 Poppy’s Baby Cake Contest
(EC#2) |
8/27 Bread, Cake, Pie & Pastry Shows
(EC#2) |
8/28 Step Up Dance Competition
(Golden 1 Stage) |
8/29 Casting Call Presented by John Robert Powers
(WWW Zone) |
8/29 Guittard’s Chocolate Passion Contest
(EC#2) |
8/31 Confection & Cookies Shows
(EC#2) |
9/1 Kids Talent Show
(PG&E Center Stage) |
9/4 Fleischmann’s Yeast Bread Bake For The Cure Contest
(EC#2) |
9/4 Hidden Valley’s Fresh Taste for the Family
(EC#2) |
9/4 Malt-O-Meal Contest
(EC#2) |
9/4 Lindsay Olive Lovers Salad Challenge
EC#2) |
9/5 Dachshund Derby
(Miller Lite Grandstand) |
9/5 King Arthur’s Baby Cake Contest
(EC#2) |
9/5 Casting Call Presented by John Robert Powers
(WWW Zone) |
9/5 Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship Contest
(EC#2) |
9/6 California Karaoke Championship
(Promenade Stage) |
Discovery Island - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Exhibit
“Discovery Island,” can help fairgoers escape from the sun and get a first hand look at the exciting interactive exhibit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has to offer. In the shaded structures, continuous children’s activities focus on wildlife and their habitats, including federal wildlife refuges, native birds and fish, other rare species in the Golden State and invading species that threaten our native species. Activities include a wildlife touch table, temporary tattoos and a special exercise that explores the life cycle of the Pacific Chinook salmon and other rare species. You can also enjoy a quiet walk through the tree-shaded island and connect with nature as you learn about the Pacific migration flyway or sit back and relax while discovering signs of wildlife.
Forest Center
This living exhibit offers year-round opportunities to learn about responsible use of natural resources. The California Forest Center is where you can get your FREE tree seedlings. With numerous shady trees, the California Forest Center is literally one of the “coolest” spots to be at the State Fair. Sponsored by The Forest Foundation. Located next to the Farm.
Fur & Feathers
Enter
the
adorable
and
exotic
world of
Fur &
Feathers,
a
showcase
of the
small
poultry,
rabbits,
exotic
birds,
cavy,
and
pocket
pets
from the
4-H,
FFA,
Grange
and Open
competitions.
Make
sure to
check
out the
Weird,
Wild &
Wacky
poultry,
rabbits
and
guinea
pigs.
This
year
will
also
feature
a
special
frog
exhibit
where
visitors
can
learn
Weird,
Wild &
Wacky
facts
about
our frog
friends.
Insect Pavilion (Insect Experience)
Visit the Insect Pavilion which is full of creatures from your backyard and as far away as the tropical rain forests. The special feature this year will be beneficial insects - predators that hunt garden pests! The Pavilion will also feature butterfly collections, pests and Integrated Pest Management Programs. Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and hold a variety of insects at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 PM daily. Located in the Farm.
Live
Horse Racing
Presented by Cache Creek
Casio Resort
Live Thoroughbred Racing is coming back to the California State
Fair located in the Miller Lite Grandstand!
Horse racing fans are invited to purchase season box seats for the
upcoming thoroughbred and mixed breed race meet which is scheduled
to run August 26 – September 7 during the California State Fair.
Dark days are August 31 – September 1. Prime location season boxes are only
$650 for the season and boxes farther away from the finish line are
only $550. Both season box seat packages are valued at over $1,100
and include:
- Six (6) California State Fair admission tickets per racing day (66
total)
- Six (6) box seat tickets per racing day (66 total)
- Six (6) official racing programs per day (66 total)
- One preferred parking season pass
- One general parking season pass
Those interested in purchasing a box for the
racing season should contact Kate Phariss at (916) 263-3047 or
Brittany Clark at (916) 263-3048 or email
horseracing@calexpo.com.
Fans are encouraged to reserve their boxes early to ensure
availability. After Aug. 1, boxes will be available to purchase by
the day and may not be available for the entire season. For
information about live racing and satellite wagering year-round at
Cal Expo, please visit
www.calexpoharness.com.
Livestock Competitions – Junior & Open
Watch as beef cattle, sheep, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goats, llamas, boer goats, pygmy goats, and Nigerian dwarf goats fight for the crown! Most competitions are held in the Livestock Show Rings in the Livestock Pavilion. The Livestock Pavilion is the place to see the West’s premier livestock competitions in youth and open categories, including those by the FFA and 4H. The Pavilion is right next to the newly redesigned California Ranchland, and the area will be open throughout the 18 days to showcase livestock. Presented by Dodge.
Livestock Nursery
Don’t forget to show the kids the Livestock Nursery at the Farm where they can see real baby animals. New animal babies and mothers are housed there during the fair and are monitored around the clock by practicing veterinarians and veterinary science students form U.C. Davis.
Livestock Pavilion
The Livestock Pavilion is the place to see the West’s
premier livestock competitions in youth and open categories,
including those by the FFA and 4H. The Pavilion is right
next to the California Ranchland, and the
area will be open throughout the 18 days to showcase
livestock. Watch as beef cattle, sheep, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goats, llamas, boer goats, pygmy goats, and Nigerian dwarf goats fight for the crown, in the Livestock Competitions! Click
here for a list of all the competitions!
Master Gardeners
The Sacramento County UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are available to help take the mystery out of growing a healthy landscape and garden. Trained by the University of California, the Master Gardener Volunteers will answer questions on water efficient plants, pest management and pruning techniques. Also, information is available through out the day on edible crops such as vegetables, berries and fruit trees. Bring your samples and questions and receive free advice from the UC Master Gardeners. Located in the Farm.
Play With Your Food
The Play With Your Food Activity is a fun and free time for the entire family. Come create an insect, car or animal from produce grown throughout California. The activity will be offered on Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day at 2 & 5 PM in the Farm.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Exhibit
Escape from the sun and get a firsthand look at the fish and wildlife in California. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will stock a touch table where children can hold and discuss weird and wacky items that our species use or leave behind as antlers, horns, feathers, shells, and pelts. It’s fun and puts you in touch with California wildlife. Located in the Farm.
Family fun includes:
-
Wildlife touch table with feathers, shells, bones and other wildlife objects
-
Temporary tattoos of birds and animals (bear, salmon, California condor, and bald eagle)
-
Make your own Salmon Life Cycle Bracelet
-
Photo opportunities that put you in the wild throughout the exhibit
-
Hands on wildlife activities
The Farm
Presented
by Save
Mart
Supermarkets
The Farm at Cal Expo is a
year-round working farm that is fun for the whole family. A number
of special attractions will be located at the Farm this year,
including the Aquaculture Exhibit, Vet
School, a Blacksmith Shop, the Insect
Pavilion, Farmer’s Market and
the Livestock Nursery. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to
participate in a variety of competitions, from corn husking to
watermelon eating, in the Farm Games. For a tasty experience, also
be sure to check out the Farm’s many “Dirt to Dish” Outdoor Kitchen
Cooking Demonstrations. Located next to the California Forest
Center.
Dirt
to Dish
Cooking
Demonstrations
Farm & Forest Center Tours (Pre-Registration Required)
The State Fair is offering 2 two-hour educational field trips, Fair Time Farm Tour and the “Fair Time Forest Center Tour” presented by The Forest Foundation. The tours are designed for grades 1 -6 and will include an informational presentation; semi-self guided interpretative walk, planting, harvesting and other “hands-on” activities. The tours are offered on Tuesdays free of charge.
Vet School presented by UC Davis (Pre-Registration Required)
Vet School is an international award winning program held at the Livestock Nursery. This unique educational opportunity will give children between the ages of 10 - 17 a chance to learn what it takes to become a veterinarian. U. C. Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine will be conducting the sessions . Veterinary Medical Students and Post-Graduate Veterinarians will demonstrate and teach state-of-the art clinical techniques utilized in the veterinary industry. Participants will learn through hands-on activities and lessons, and will be given the opportunity to complete tasks and projects, watch demonstrations and listen to various professionals.
Food & Wine
Brewfest
Brewfest is a popular event entering its 11th year at the Fair. The event showcases award-winning brews from the Commercial Craft Brew Competition. Friday, August 28 at 5 PM on the north side of the Miller Lite Grandstand. Special Brewfest
tickets are $10 and
open to fairgoers 21
and older. Fair
admission is sold
separately.
Dirt to Dish in The Farm
Get your questions answered, see wonderful demonstrations, and sample world-class dishes of California’s finest local ingredients by local chefs.
Located in the Farm, you can see these demonstrations will be held on
Aug. 22-23, 28-30, Sept. 4-7 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at The Farm.
Fair Food- Memories are Best Served Deep-Fried!
NEW for 2009!
- The legendary Chicken Charlie will be back with his newest deep fried creation: the Zucchini Weenie! This weird, wild, and wacky concoction is a hollowed-out zucchini with a hot dog inside – and like most of his other foods, battered and deep fried!
- While the name “Buffalo Chip” may not sound so appetizing, Jackson Enterprises has created a unique variation of the potato! Made up of sliced potatoes that are marinated in buffalo sauce and thrown on the barbeque, this is sure to be a mouthwatering stop for every Fairgoer.
- Thirsty? Tuttle’s Old Fashioned Soda is the place to both cool down and grab a hearty drink. Serving old-time soda from a covered wagon into collectable tin cups, be sure to try every flavor, ranging from Sasparilla to Root Beer, and more!
- Don’t forget to pick up a Pickle Pop from Grinder’s Sandwiches: a frozen dill pickle that’s both wacky and scrumptious!
- In addition, all the old favorites are back! State Fair Tacos, Curly Fries, Bloomin’ Onions, Fried Artichoke Sandwiches, funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls and more are all right around the corner!
- For a complete list of food vendors, please visit the information booths.
Farmer’s Market
Your healthy fresh food oasis is presented by the Friends of the Fair in partnership with Certified Farmer’s Markets. Find some of the freshest California Grown fruit and vegetables, juice, water and more healthy and nutritious options at the Farmer’s Market located at the entrance of The Farm.
Bringing Food to the Fair
Fairgoers are welcome to bring outside food and drinks onto the Fairgrounds as long as they are in paper or plastic containers. Ice chests will be searched and no glass, aluminum cans or outside alcohol will be allowed.
Hussongs Cantina
Enjoy live music from south of the border along with hand-shaken margaritas and a world of famous Caesar Salad. A lively respite form the heat, Hussongs is the State Fair’s favorite cantina! Sponsored by Tecate.
Save Mart Supermarkets California Foodstyle, presented by Health Craft
A fast-paced, fun and educational place where fairgoers can sample some of the best dishes in California. With features like the Guittard’s Chocolate Passion Contest, the Fire Station Chef Challenge and daily cooking demos, fairgoers will want to spend plenty of time in this building! Sponsored by Save Mart Supermarkets, Health Craft & Del Monte.
California’s Kitchen Competitions
California’s Kitchen is definitely a place for the hungry. It’s fast-paced, fun and educational with plenty of samples, cooking tips, demonstrations and more! Sponsored by Health Craft, Del Monte & Save Mart Supermarkets.
|
California’s Kitchen Challenges |
| Golden Bear Chef Challenge Round 1 |
Saturday, August 22 |
| Fire Station Chef Challenge |
Sunday, August 23 |
| Golden Bear Chef Challenge Round 2 |
Wednesday, August 26 |
| Junior Chef Central Challenge |
Friday, August 28
& Thursday, September 3 |
| Golden Bear Chef Challenge Round 3 |
Sunday, August 30 |
| Golden Bear Chef Challenge Finals |
Sunday, September 6 |
| Fire Station Chef Challenge Finals |
Sunday, September 6 |
| Mystery Bag Cooking Challenges |
Everyday of the Fair |
California’s Kitchen Demonstrations
- Cook
Once,
Eat
Twice
for
Today’s
Busy
Lifestyles
-
Create a new meal using the same ingredients. With endless possibilities, these tips are sure to save time and money. Everyday.
- It’s a Wrap!
A healthy alternative to “fast food.” Everyday.
- Pizza Fun in the California Sun -
Learn about new and exciting ways to make quick and easy pizzas while using California Grown products. Everyday except food judging days.
- A Taste of California’s Culture -
Several guest chefs from restaurants and cultural groups throughout the State will sample from various cultures, so fairgoers can experience a taste of the entire world. Friday and Saturday. evenings.
- California Kidz Kitchen -
Young chefs will demonstrate food preparation, food safety and food storage. Poppy, the Golden Bear Mascot, will make a special appearance as well.
Save Mart Supermarkets Wine Country
Taste from the best California wines, including gold and double gold medal-winning wines from the State Fair’s Commercial Wine Competition! Plenty of shade and seating make this a great location for relaxing with friends.
-
Friday, August 21: Beringer & Meridian Vinyards
-
Saturday, August 22: Gallo Family Vineyards, Fetzer, Bonterra, Five Rivers & Little Black Dress
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Sunday, August 23: Folie A Deux, Newman's Own & Jargon
• Monday, August 24: Robert Mondavi, Toasted Head, Blackstone, Woodbridge, Clos du Bois, Folie A Deux, Newman's Own & Jargon
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Tuesday, August 25: Robert Mondavi, Toasted Head, Blackstone, Woodbridge, Clos du Bois & Concannon
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Wednesday, August 26: Beringer & Meridian Vineyards
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Thursday, August 27: Robert Mondavi, Toasted Head, Blackstone, Woodbridge, Clos du Bois & Concannon
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Friday, August 28: Kenwood, Valley of the Moon, Gnarly Head, Brazin, Loredona, Twisted, Bota Box & Delicato
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Monday, August 31:
Robert Mondavi, Toasted Head, Blackstone, Woodbridge and Clos du Bois
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Tuesday, September 1:
Folie A Deux, Newman's Own & Jargon
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Wednesday, September 2: Gallo Family Vineyards, Fetzer, Bonterra, Five Rivers & Little Black Dress
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Thursday, September 3: Beringer & Meridian Vinyards, and Gallo Family Vineyards
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Friday, September 4: Robert Mondavi, Toasted Head, Blackstone, Woodbridge & Clos du Bois
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Saturday, September 5: Concannon
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Monday, September 7: Robert Mondavi, Toasted Head, Blackstone, Woodbridge, Clos du Bois, Fetzer, Bonterra, Five Rivers & Little Black Dress
Shopper's Expo
From home improvement and furniture to jewelry and makeup, the shopaholic in all of us can at last be satisfied. Treat yourself to pants from Peru, art from Africa, accessories from Australia, handbags from Hawai’i and everything exotic across the world. Or, find the latest mop as seen on TV.
Checkout Shopper’s Expo, located in Buildings C & D and on the upper level of the California Building. Enjoy exciting product demonstrations in an indoor bazaar showcasing all sorts of wonderful arts and crafts, and marvel at products of all shapes and sizes.
If the Shopper’s Expo isn’t enough, several locations around the fair, including Raging Waters Row and the Xtreme Zone will carry anything your heart desires. With treasures located around every corner, you can find all you need and maybe a little more!
For a complete list of commercial vendors please
one of the information booths.
Snack Shack
Presented by Friends of the California State Fair, this is the spot to find a variety of healthy food options such as nuts, cheese, water and more at very reasonable prices. Located in Expo Center #2.
The Farm
The Farm at Cal Expo is a year-round working farm that is fun for the whole family. A number of special attractions will be located at the Farm this year, including the Aquaculture Exhibit, Vet School, a Blacksmith Shop, the Insect Pavilion, Kaiser Permanente Passport Program, Farmer’s Market and the Livestock Nursery. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitions, from corn husking to watermelon eating, in the Farm Games.
The Farm is located next to the Cavalcade of Horses Arena and the California Forest Center.
