California's County Fairs: Guide To 2022

CALIFORNIA — They're back!

Throughout California, county fairs are returning for the 2022 season, meaning a return of corn dogs, cotton candy, concerts, contests, critters and carnival rides.

Fair season kicks off in May statewide, and runs through early fall.

After a one- or two-year hiatus due to COVID fallout, most fair operations are back to normal, but with several requiring admission only via advance ticket purchases. So read the fine print.

Peruse Patch's annual guide to these community extravaganzas. Find ones near you, or plan a road trip to check out others, and enjoy the season!

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ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIR: June 17-July 10, Pleasanton. All the expected fair fun & delights, plus fireworks on July 1.

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BUTTE COUNTY FAIR: Aug. 25-28, Gridley. "Creating memories for 75 years."

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CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR: July 20-31, Paso Robles. With theme of "Full Steam Ahead," this year's fair promises steampunk vibe & top-notch entertainment.

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CALIFORNIA MID-WINTER FAIR: Imperial. The 2022 fair was March 4-13. No dates yet announced for 2023.

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CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR: July 15-31, Sacramento. Discounted admission & season passes sold online prior to opening day. Also, "Out at the Fair" returns July 30.

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CALAVERAS COUNTY FAIR & JUMPING FROG JUBILEE: May 19-22, Angels Camp. "This piece of Americana will have you 'leaping' to return year after year."

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CLOVERDALE CITRUS FAIR: April 21-24, Cloverdale. Celebrating its 130th year. The downtown parade is April 23.

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CONTRA COSTA COUTY FAIR: May 12-15, Antioch. The midway carnival, concerts, livestock, agriculture & art are back for 2022.

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DIXON MAY FAIR: May 5-8, Dixon. After two-year hiatus, farm animals, carnival rides, entertainment & more fit the event's "Super Fun" theme.

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EL DORADO COUNTY FAIR: June 16-19, Placerville. This year's theme: "The Magic is Back!" Four days of fun.

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FRESNO COUNTY FAIR: Oct. 5-16, Fresno. "The Big Fresno Fair" is set for fall.

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HUMBOLDT COUNTY FAIR: Aug. 18-28, Ferndale. Mark your calendars for a fun send-off to summer.

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KERN COUNTY FAIR: Sept. 21-Oct. 2, Bakersfield. Follow link for latest updates.

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L.A. COUNTY FAIR: May 5-30, Pomona. Los Angeles County Fair celebrates 100th anniversary with rides, food & concert line-up including Beach Boys, KC & The Sunshine Band, Kansas & ZZ Top.

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LAKE COUNTY FAIR: Sept. 1-4, Lakeport. Plans are in the works.

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MARIN COUNTY FAIR: June 30-July 4, San Rafael. An "outdoor-only" event with rides, fair food, concerts & fireworks.

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MENDOCINO COUNTY FAIR & APPLE SHOW: Sept. 23-25, Boonville. Planning is underway!

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MERCED COUNTY FAIR, June 8-12, Merced. "Kick-off summer with five days of fair fun."

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MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR: Sept. 1-5, Monterey. "Wool meet ewe at the fair." (Cute slogan, right?)
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NAPA COUNTY FAIR & FIESTA: Calistoga. Not planned for 2022.

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NAPA VALLEY EXPO TOWN & COUNTRY FAIR: Napa. Dates and details not yet available.

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ORANGE COUNTY FAIR: July 15- Aug. 14, Costa Mesa. Advance ticket purchase required this year. And don't delay, as most dates in 2021 sold out.

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PLACER COUNTY FAIR: June 23-26, Roseville. All fair faves return, along with the Second Annual Placer Valley Rib Cook-Off.

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PLUMAS SIERRA COUNTY FAIR: July 28-31, Quincy. Carnival, livestock show and auction & more planned for 2022.

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RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR: July 29-31, Ramona. Sponsored by Ramona Chamber of Commerce. Save the dates!

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR & NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL: Indio. A modified "Thrillville" fair event was Feb. 18-27. No dates or info yet announced for 2023.

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SACRAMENTO COUNTY FAIR: May 26-30, Cal Expo, Sacramento. With monster trucks, bull riding, demolition derby, free nightly concerts, new dinosaur event & carnival rides.

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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FAIR: May 28-30 & June 3-5, Victorville. "It's 75th anniversary of family, food, farm and fun."

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR: June 8- July 4, Del Mar. Admission & parking tickets must be purchased online in advance. Concert tickets on sale via Ticketmaster.

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY FAIR: June 3-5, Stockton. With new food, boutique shopping experience & fun for all ages.

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SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR: June 4-12, San Mateo. Consider buying tickets online in advance. Last year, most days sold out.

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FAIR: July 13-17, Santa Maria. Featuring carnival rides, animals, petting zoos, pony rides, fair food & free concerts.

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SANTA CLARA COUNTY FAIR: July 23-30, San Jose. No carnival, traditional vendors or fair food this year. The focus, instead, will be on livestock, Jr. Livestock Auction & home arts exhibits.

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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR: Sept. 14-18, Watsonville. This year's theme: "A Country Fair with Ocean Air."

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SHASTA COUNTY FAIR: June 22-25, Anderson. Stay tuned for details.

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SILVER DOLLAR FAIR: May 26-30, Chico. Fireworks follow the May 28 tractor pull.

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SOLANO COUNTY FAIR: June 16-19, Vallejo. "Bales of Fun" is theme for 2022, as traditional fair fun returns.

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SONOMA COUNTY FAIR: Aug. 4-14, Santa Rosa. "Tropical Fairadise" is the theme, and tickets go on sale online May 21.

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SONOMA-MARIN FAIR: June 22-26, Petaluma. It's "Everybody's Fair," with rides, entertainment, livestock exhibits, two car shows, plus hot dog- and funnel cake-eating contests.

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STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIR: July 8-17, Turlock. "The fun is back." Concession stands, carnival rides, concerts, exhibitions, arena events & more returning for 2022.

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UPLAND LEMON FESTIVAL: June 10-12, Upland. Rides, concerts & contests to return, and the planning process is underway!

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VENTURA COUNTY FAIR: Aug. 3-14, Ventura. The VC Fair rides again!

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WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Watsonville. Check link for 2022 updates.

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YOLO COUNTY FAIR: Aug. 17-21, Woodland. "How Sweet It Is!" Follow link for info.