Opening weekend for Alameda County Fair!

 

The Alameda County Fair, kicking off Friday June 13, will literally open with a bang, featuring a spectacular fireworks and drone show that evening at 9:30pm.

Opening weekend will showcase star-studded musical performances at the Cuervo Amphitheater for the Big O Tires Concert Series, including WAR on June 13, Gym Class Heroes on June 14 and The Romantics on June 15. 

On Saturday June 14, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Grandstand Stage will once again feature the West Coast Regional Qualifiers of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at 1pm. This popular contest will showcase the best competitive eaters, with the winners advancing to the finals in Coney Island on July 4th. 

Saturday will also feature the kick-off for the first ever Hot Air Balloon rides at the Fair. The hot air balloon, which will be located at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand, will be tethered to the ground but still will float up to 100 feet above the Fairgrounds. Rides will take place June 14-June 22 starting at 8pm and they are first come, first serve.

In addition to the traditional Fair food staples such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, and turkey legs, the Fair will also feature some new, unusual items. 

Food lovers will delight in the new, delicious culinary treats spotlighted at the Foodie’s Choice Awards, an interactive contest which will allow Fair-goers to vote on their favorite new Fair food or beverage item in two categories: Crazy New Item and Red, White, and Blue. The Cheeseburger Egg Roll, Hot Honey Chicken Fries, Cajun Octopus on a Stick, the Gansito (Mexican Twinkie) and the Star Spangled Sundae are just a few of the new menu offerings. 

There will also be a multitude of thrilling new action sports shows this year, including the Off Axis Stunt Show June 13-15, a Rodeo on June 27-29, and the “Monsters of Destruction” Monster Trucks show on July 4-6. Guests can take in daily entertainment like high flying trapeze shows, FMX Motocross, camel rides, and much more. 

Plenty of educational and community resources will be on display, including the new Safeway Barn, a state-of-the-art agricultural educational facility. 

The Safeway Barn is Phase One of the The Farm project, which was designed as a dynamic educational destination and future field trip hub, centrally located on the Fairgrounds. Developed to inspire curiosity and foster learning, The Farm will offer the community a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of local agriculture and its essential role in daily life.

All of the fan favorite features will return, including rides and games at the Midway and Carnival, All Alaskan Racing Pigs, drone shows, Movies on the Lawn, Petting Zoo, and an expansive array of exhibits and shopping. 

“The Fair is a cherished annual tradition for so many, celebrating the culture and community of Alameda County,” said Angel Moore, COO of the Alameda County Fairgrounds. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our guests back for a truly amazing summer.”

For a full list of activities, schedules, and links to tickets, visit alamedacountyfair.com.

2025 Alameda County Fair Information
Dates: June 13-July 6 (Open Wednesday-Sunday)  
Hours: 12pm-11pm daily (except July 4, 10am-8pm)
Carnival Hours: Wed-Sun 1pm to closing (July 4, 10am-8pm)
Concerts: 8pm-9:15pm nightly (except July 4)

  • Friday, June 13 – WAR  
  • Saturday, June 14 – Gym Class Heroes  
  • Sunday, June 15 – The Romantics
  • Wednesday, June 18 – Sawyer Brown
  • Thursday, June 19 – Air Supply
  • Friday, June 20 – Sugar Ray 
  • Saturday, June 21 – Twist on Taylor 
  • Sunday, June 22 – Mi Banda El Mexicano
  • Wednesday, June 25 – Too $hort 
  • Thursday, June 26 – Tower of Power
  • Friday, June 27 – Colbie Caillat
  • Saturday, June 28 – Elton John The Early Years Tribute 
  • Sunday, June 29 – Journey Former Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri  
  • Wednesday, July 2 -TESLA  
  • Thursday, July 3 – Clint Black  
  • Friday, July 4 – NO CONCERT 
  • Saturday, July 5 – Revisiting Creedence
  • Sunday, July 6 – La Original Banda El Limón  

Drone Show: 9:30pm nightly (except July 4)
Movies on the Lawn: Every night at 6pm, including July 4 (see movie list
Wine Fest: June 28, 2pm-5pm in the Professional Gardens and Court-Of-Four Seasons  
Action Sports: Located in Michelob Ultra Grandstand  

  • FMX: Shows Daily (4 shows Wed-Thurs; 3 shows Fri-Sun)
  • Camel Rides in the Paddock Daily
  • NASCAR Simulator in Grandstand Daily 
  • Off Axis Stunt Show (June 13-15, starting at 6pm)
  • NEW Hot Air Balloon Rides (June 14-22, starting at 8pm)  
  • Motorsport Tractor Pulls (June 20-22, starting at 6pm) 
  • Rodeo (June 27-29, starting at 6pm) 
  • Monsters of Destruction Monster Truck Show (July 4-6, starting at 6pm)

Tickets
Advance Sale Pricing (valid through June 12, 2025; all pricing includes fees):

  • General (13-61) – $17.60
  • Seniors (62+) – $14.30
  • Kids (6-12) – $14.30
  • General Parking – $13
  • Unlimited Carnival + Sky Ride wristbands – $38.50 (Valid any one day of the Fair)
    • Carnival tickets may only purchase on site at a Carnival Kiosk starting June 13, 2025
  • Season Pass (admission for all 18 days) – $52.80
  • Fair Premium Season Pass (admission for all 18 days with PARKING) – $99.55

Regular Gate Admission* (Starting June 13 – July 6):

  • General (13-61) – $19.80
  • Seniors (62+) – $16.50
  • Kids (6-12) – $16.50
  • Children 5 and Under – FREE
  • General Parking – $15
  • Unlimited Carnival + Sky Ride wristbands – Wed-Thurs $37, Fri-Sun & July 4, $42 – valid any one day of Fair – may only be purchased in at a Butler Kiosk inside the Fair starting June 13

Promotions and Special Days

  • Pint for a Pass February 1 through June 1 – Give blood at a Red Cross Location in Alameda County and receive a FREE general admission ticket valid any single day of Fair in June
  • Feed the Need Food Drive and $1 Ride Day Wednesday, June 18 – One FREE general admission for June 18 until 5pm with the donation of 4 non-perishable food items to benefit the Alameda County Community Food Bank and $1 rides until 5pm
  • Pet Food Drive and $1 Ride Day Wednesday, June 25 – Bring new, unopened pet food items to benefit Valley Humane Society and receive FREE one general admission for June 25 & $1 rides, until 5pm
  • $1 Ride Wednesdays (Wednesdays, June 18, June 25, July 2 – until 5pm) – $1 rides until 5pm
  • Throwback Thursdays (TBT) –  Every Thursday of Fair, general admission is $11 until 5pm
  • $3 Fair Food Bites (Every Thursday — June 19, June 26, July 3 — until 5pm) – Select fun-sized Fair treats just $3 each
  • $5 Wednesday: July 2 – $5.50 admission ticket, online only, until 9pm
  • First Responder’s Day: July 4 – Free general Fair admission with ID Until 3pm  
  • Children 5 and Under: FREE general admission ALL DAY, EVERYDAY
  • Military Appreciation: One FREE general Fair admission with valid Military ID, ALL DAY, EVERYDAY

*Subject to change.