Celebrating the Best - California State Fair

Celebrating California

The California State Fair is a place to make long-lasting memories. Some of my earliest memories are from the CA State Fair: I remember running through the carnival, singing along to the Vanessa Hudgens and Hot Chelle Rae concerts, and…

Wienerschnitzel Weiner Nationals

One of the best days of Fair–at least in my opinion–is fast approaching. Nothing can stop these miniature running machines, as the Wienerschnitzel Weiner Nationals are back! Are you prepared for the impending weiner dog championship? Picture this—small fur slinkies,…

Becoming a Connoisseur

The California State Fair has endless thrills and frills to offer. The midway holds hundreds of flashy rides and The Coca Cola Promenade features rows upon rows of food stands offering the most exotic items a person can consume,—such as…

Fair Food Can Be Healthy Too!

When you think of going to the Fair, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? FAIR FOOD: Corn dogs, BBQ, funnel cake, and Krispy Kreme burgers–where the burger bun IS a donut. Okay, okay, this may not be…

¡Ay Jalisco, no te rajes!

Smiles are all over our fairgrounds as we enter the last week of Fair! But, not many people are smiling larger than I am, because Mariachi Vargas is playing tonight! This concert is sure to be the experience of a…

Get Your Brew On!

The beer renaissance is in full swing and we’re well aware of that here at the California State Fair. When I think beer, images of tattoos, flannels, and beards come to mind. While beer culture is something I’ve longtime been…

Happy Birthday To Our Favorite Golden Bear!

In my many years of attending the California State Fair, I have never missed an opportunity to snag a picture with Poppy–my favorite bear in the world–just like many other fair goers. Poppy is always there with a smile, high…

Saving Money, Making Memories

The first day of the California State Fair was Friday! Now, since I will be here all 17 days, I definitely needed to find a way to budget so I didn’t blow ALL my cash in the first day. Because,…

Join Us on an AGventure!

The sweltering mid-May sun beat down on my thirteen year old face as I waited anxiously in a pig pen. The sounds of baying, clucking, and shouting could be heard echoing from every angle, and I was in the center…

Hey Cyclers!

Hay der. It’s me! Joshua Giberson! If that doesn’t sound familiar by now, you clearly don’t read enough California State Fair blogs! But hey, at least you’re reading this one. I’m actually really stoked to tell you all about this…

Corn, Dawgs!

It was a blustery tuesday afternoon, (that’s not true but I don’t remember what day it was and I’ve been told details are essential to hook your reader. I digress). The finals for Milo’s annual corn dog eating contest at…

Twenty-Wine and Up!

Big News! I, Grace Becker, just turned 21! Now you may not care about my recent age milestone because you don’t know me, hence it’s unlikely that you’d be as excited as I am. Unless you’re just a really nice…

How to do Fair for FREE!

One of the most common stereotypes about college students is that they will only participate in free activities. As a senior in college, I can 100% confirm this. If you’re trying to coax college students into attending a function of…

Spotted: Dole Whip at the Fair!

Before I begin, I was looking for a joke to start this blog off with when I discovered something unexpected. There are ZERO good jokes about pineapples. The almighty internet provided very little material for me to use. Like seriously…

What’s Appening at the Fair?

As the saying goes, “There’s an app for everything nowadays” *queue the eyeroll* and quite honestly, it’s true. However, despite the absurd amount of apps available for download, whether it be “therapeutic” pimple popping, adding a cat stamp to any…

Don’t Miss Out on the California State Fair Gala!

When the California State Fair Gala happens, you know the California State Fair is right around the corner! The Gala is the kick-off event for the California State Fair and is coming up on June 22nd. All of the competitions…

9 Must Haves for The Fair

Don’t get beat by the heat! Plan ahead to avoid letting hot summer days stop your fun at the California State Fair. Courtesy of the Sacramento News Review, here are the must have items to help you stay cool and…

The Greatest Hits

Yeah, the rhythm feels good. This year’s Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage kicks off with Oakland-based R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné and doesn’t stop until Loverboy has you “Working for the Weekend.” In between you’ll be walking…

Party Like a Rock Star With Live Karaoke

Ever fantasize about fronting a rock band? You can make that dream a reality during the California State Fair with Rock On! Live Band Karaoke. Take center stage as thousands of fairgoers cheer you on. Here’s what founder Adam Donald…

Find Your Hangout at the Fair

By Kate Gonzales Do you long for a night in Baja, California, sipping margaritas? How about a downhome evening with friends, dancing to country music under the stars? Or maybe you want to see your favorite team beat their rival.…

Beers and Cheers

Living in the birthplace of the craft beer revolution, Californians enjoy numerous varieties of local beers — from Belgian dubbels and sours to Baltic porters and barleywine. In the Golden State, there are as many possible pours as there…

The Best Kept Secrets

Face painting and fine art. Guinea pigs and Ferris wheels. Cotton candy and Plain White T’s (July 9). However you do the Fair, you’re crushing it, California. For true Fair insiders, here’s a preview of the newest and most exciting…

Tomorrow’s Artists, Scientists, and Makers

STUDENT SHOWCASE HIGHLIGHTS THE DIVERSITY AND TALENT OF CALIFORNIA’S YOUTH by Anne Stokes California’s young people have a bright future, and the State Fair gives them the encouragement to keep chasing their dreams of being the best. The California State Fair…

Fair Pairing

By Mathew Craig If anyone can pair the perfect wine with a corn dog, it’s Mark Chandler. With close to 40 years in the wine industry, the chief judge of the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is one of more than…

The Best Fun Finder

THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR APP IS YOUR DIGITAL GUIDE TO THE BEST OF THE BEST With the California State Fair overflowing with the Golden State’s best art, food and innovation, finding the best of the best is only a click away. Yes, there’s an app…

Bringing the Best to Californians

By Matthew Craggs In preparing for the biggest party of the summer, the California State Fair (July 8–24) has curated creative artists, delicious food and electrifying entertainment from across the Golden State. The only thing left — the secret to…

Farm to Fair

By Matthew Craggs Bringing together California’s newest agricultural innovations, skilled professionals and home chefs, and great food from various cultures and regions, the Fair is Northern California’s biggest and best food festival. Sacramento’s reputation as America’s Farm-to-Fork capital is reflected…

Pack Like a Pro: Gear & amenities for maximum comfort

by Mathew Craggs Hot days and hot nights are the price we pay for California fun in the sun. With our Fair packing list and tips on how to be comfortable, you can indulge in all the Fair fun at…

Bye-bye Big Yellow Slide

A familiar fair icon is saying “Goodbye.” The Big Yellow Slide, found near the Coca-Cola Main Food Promenade during the California State Fair, will not be there this summer to make room for more shaded seating in that area. Deconstruction…

Wine Channel TV features a CSF Wine Competition winner

Wine Judges Corner host Jessica Altieri took a trip to Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, California and spoke with owner Dan Panella. Jessica asked about the prestige of the California State Fair Wine Competition and how winning top honors can transform a winery.…

10 Ways to Save Money at the California State Fair

One of the best ways to guarantee a good time at the California State Fair is by saving money. Check out the list below make the most of your money at the Fair. 1. Buy tickets early: This is winning…

10 Reasons Why The Farm is #TheBest Attraction

At its heart California really is all about agriculture. Yes, places like San Francisco and Los Angeles get a lot of attention and can be fun to visit (despite the traffic). Yosemite and old-growth redwood forests are downright magical. It…