The Alameda County Fair is the 7th largest fair in California and has been ranked in the Top 50 Fairs of Northern America. This popular fair is only in town for a few weeks every year, but in that short time there’s a ton of fun to be had! We picked 10 reasons we won’t miss the Alameda County Fair every year.
Fair Food
Where else can you get a 12 inch hot dog or a plate of fries the size of your face? The Alameda County Fair gives us all an excuse to indulge in food that’s unusual, over-sized, or fried. Some fan favorites include funnel cake, gelato shakes, curly fry baskets, tornado potatoes, deep fried oreos, and turkey legs.
Entertainment
The Alameda County Fair hosts a variety of live entertainment options every year. See some of our favorite ways to spend the day at the fair below:
- Alaskan Pig Racing
- Imperial Knights Extreme Medieval Stunt Show
- FMX Freestyle Motocross
- Hypnotist Show
- Kid-Friendly Magic Shows
- Live Musical Performances
- Strolling Acts
Competition Exhibits
Long before the fair starts locals submit their art, produce and flowers, crafts, etc. to be judges and put on display during the fair. Fair goers are welcome to stroll through various exhibits including fine arts, photographs, gardening produce, floral designs, and more.
Carnival Games & Rides
Nothing is more nostalgic than riding the fair’s ferris wheel or trying to win a big teddy bear trophy from the carnival midway. During the day, the carnival is a great place for thrill-seekers and competitive gamers alike. Every night the carnival area is lit up with thousands of colorful lights, making it a picturesque playground for children and adults.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is a staple at the Alameda County Fair. In fact, the Alameda County Fairgrounds race track was built in 1858, making the oldest one-mile horse race track in America. On live-race days, thousands of people are drawn to the grandstands and sidelines of this historic race track. During the duration of the fair, live horse races generally run Friday-Sunday and on July 4th.
Tasting Fests
While the Alameda County Fair has an wine garden (stocked with lots of shade and live entertainment), there are also three separate tasting events specially curated for craft beer enthusiasts, wine-lovers and craft cocktail fans. Each tasting event is held at the Infield at the Race Track, and includes commemorative glasses, admission the fair, and plenty of samples. For more information about the tasting fests, check out the Alameda County Fairgrounds website.
Live Concert Series
Throughout the Alameda County Fair, live concerts are put on each night featuring some of our favorite bands and cover bands. Check out an up-to-date line-up of this year’s concert series here.
Discount Days
The Alameda County Fair offers several discount days so visitors can enjoy everything the fair has to offer without giving away the farm. Foodies can enjoy $2 Fair Food Bites, where participating food vendors offer “fair bites” for just $2 until 5pm every Thursday. For more discounts and deals, check out the Alameda County Fair website.
Animal Showcase
In addition to showcasing smaller animals like rabbits, cavies (fair-talk for guinea pigs), chickens, cats and dogs, the fair is also a great place to view other animals we don’t get to see everyday, like cows, pigs, goats, llamas, kanagroos, and rare reptiles! Take a walk through the various animal showcases to meet and sometimes feed friendly animals and speak with their owners.
Movies on the Lawn
Every night at 6pm outside of the concert arena, our favorite family-friendly movies are projected on the big screen for anyone to enjoy. Snag an Adirondack chair or bring your own picnic blankets to spread out on the lawn.