Alameda County Fair Opens Friday: What To Know Before You Go

PLEASANTON, CA — It’s almost time! Starting Friday, the Alameda County Fair will offer everything from a 100-foot roller coaster to a demolition derby to World Cup watch parties to the Beach Boys. The iconic fair offers a full carnival, food and drink everywhere in sight, nightly drone shows, and numerous concerts, competitions, festivals, and a fireworks spectacular on July 4 and the opening night. This year, the fair is also offering a new 9/11 Memorial Exhibit and a Time Capsule dedication ceremony in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary.

There’s just one more day to buy tickets at discounted rates. Here’s a rundown of some of the top events and attractions. Visit alamedacountyfair.com for all information.

Animals: Enjoy a full petting zoo with goats, llamas and pigs; small animals like rabbits and chickens, pony rides, and pig races.

Action Sports: Enjoy a Demolition Derby (June 20-21), Monster Trucks (June 26-28), and the Arena Cross Nationals high-speed racing (July 3 and 5).

Carnival: Carnival rides include the famous 100-foot Vertigo circular spin, a superfast freefall on the Supershot, four powerful rotating twirling arms on The Orbiter, or The Invader, a fast-rotating alien invasion simulation. Advance sales for saver tickets end June 19.

Concerts: The Big O Tires Concert series features a different act each night. Headliners this year include The Beach Boys, Flo Rida, Boyz II Men, Hoobstack, En Vogue, Collective Soul, and the Twist on Taylor Taylor Swift tribute. “Full House” heartthrob John Stamos will perform with the Beach Boys this year.

Nightly Drone Show and July 4 celebration: The fair will kick off Friday with a fireworks display. Drone shows will take place every night except July 4 over the Michelob Ultra Grandstand. On July 4, enjoy a massive fireworks display celebrating America’s 250th birthday. See here for more information about July 4’s unique schedule.

Movies on the Lawn: As part of fair admission, visitors can enjoy family-friendly movies each night on the Jumbotron screen in front of the concert. Click on the link for a schedule. The schedule is subject to change due to soccer watch parties running late.

World Cup Watch Parties: Catch the latest World Cup action with live viewings at the Michelob Concert Lawn, the Crafted Cocktails & Beer Bar, and the Farmhouse. The kick-off Friday match is U.S. vs. Australia.

Competitions: Whether you specialize in goats, rabbits, pigs, wine growing, crafting, baking, making jewelry, gardening, or painting, there’s a chance to show off your mettle and win some money.

Time Capsule: On June 26 at 1 p.m., visitors can witness the installation of the Time Capsule, which will feature memories, stories and contributions from fair staff, volunteers, vendors, and community partners. The capsule will remain sealed until 2076.

9/11 Memorial Exhibit: The new exhibit marks 25 years since 9/11, and 250 years since America’s founding. The exhibit features an original steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center following its collapse, and a Survivor Tree tribute, inspired by the Callery pear tree discovered in the rubble. Visitors are invited to write a wish, message, or promise for the future to the tree.

Tickets and Parking

Tickets cost $17.60 for general admission until midnight Thursday, after which they will rise to $19.80. Children and seniors cost $14.30 ($16.50 starting Friday), while children under 5 and active military members get in for free. A carnival and Sky Ride wristband costs $39.60 until Thursday, and starting Friday, $40 for Wednesday and Thursday and $45 Friday through Sunday. Season passes cost $52.80. General parking costs $15 a day. See here for more information.

Hours

The fair is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, and admission gates close at 9:15 a.m. On July 4, parking closes at 4:30 p.m., and admission gates close at 5 p.m. See here for more information.

SEE ALSO:

Beach Boys To Play Alameda County Fair 2026

Alameda County Fair Broadcasting World Cup Matches

Boyz II Men Playing Alameda County Fair