Community Corner
Alameda County Fair Kicks Off Friday
From dueling knights to horses to roller coasters to fireworks to drone shows, the Alameda County Fair has it all. Here are some highlights.
PLEASANTON, CA — It’s finally here. For the first time in three years, the Alameda County Fair is back in person, and they’re making up for lost time.
From Friday, June 17 until Sunday, July 10, the fair will feature everything from horse racing to people racing to concerts to movies to medieval jousting to a unique display of optical illusions. And of course, there are rides, food, and drinks for days.
Find out what's happening in Pleasantonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Here are some highlights to look forward to:
Free admission Friday and Father’s Day
Find out what's happening in Pleasantonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Everyone will get in for free until 3 p.m. on Friday. On Father’s Day, dads get in free until 3 p.m. Discounted tickets for every other day can be purchased online until Thursday afternoon. See here for pricing, passes, purchase and promotions.
Concerts
A different concert will take place nearly every night at 8 p.m. Concert tickets include fair admission if purchased up to the day before the show. Purchase tickets and learn more about each of the acts here.
- June 17: Ginuwine
- June 18: Neon Trees
- June 19: L.A.vation
- June 22: 38 Special
- June 23: Stealin’ Chicago
- June 24: Clay Walker
- June 25: Mustache Harbor
- June 26: Purple Reign (Prince tribute show)
- June 29: Ezra Ray Hart with Sugar Ray
- June 30: Sheila E.
- July 1: Everlast
- July 2: Blanco Brown
- July 3: The B.B. King Experience
- July 6: Great White
- July 7: Blue Oyster Cult
- July 8: ConFunShun
- July 9: Bonfire Tribute to AC/DC
- July 10: Banda Machos
Contests and races
The fair is offering contests and prizes for just about every skill set.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: On Saturday at 3:30, the contest will hold its only West Coast regional qualifier. The top three male and female winners will be invited to compete in the national finals on July 4th at New York’s Coney Island. Participants must pre-register here.
If hot dog gorging isn’t your thing, you can try showing off your:
See here for a full list of competitions and scholarships. Horse racing comes free with fair admission. Horse races take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as July 4th, at 1:45. If you want to run, join the Fun Run or Walk Saturday, June 18 at 9 a.m.
Light shows and movies
Every night, head down to the race track to see the Nightly Drone Show, a new addition to the fair. The skies over Pleasanton will be illuminated with colorful, magical displays.
Every night at 6 p.m., bring a picnic blanket and folding chair to the concert lawn for a different kids’ movie, from “Frozen” to “Shrek” to “The Incredibles.” See a full schedule here.
That’s just a tiny fraction of the free entertainment available: learn more here.
To learn more about the fair, visit alamedacountyfair.com.
Related:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
