After 2 years, the California State Fair returns to Sacramento. Here’s what you need to know.

Sacramento will see fair weather the rest of July, as the California State Fair returns to Cal Expo after 2 years of cancellation due to the pandemic.

This year, the 166-year-old event includes a first-ever exhibit dedicated to cannabis, modified security policies and a concert line-up with Chaka Khan, KC & the Sunshine Band, Neon Trees and more.

CapRadio put together a guide to help you plan your fair trip if you’re up for the trip in the summer heat.

How much do tickets cost?

For adults, a single daily admission ticket is $14. For seniors (those above 62), daily admission is $12, while daily admission tickets for children between 5-12 are $8.

Children 4 and under can enter for free.

With the exception of the Quebradita Time concert on the festival’s last day, concert admission is included in the cost of a fair ticket. However, separate concert tickets can be purchased through this site, which also has the full list of performers.

Parking is a separate cost from tickets and is $15 per day.

There are also ways to save money on tickets, including one of the two season pass options: the State Fair Season Pass ($35.99) or the Blue Ribbon Season Pass ($45.99), which also includes unlimited monorail rides and reserved horse race seating.

Tuesdays at the fair (July 19 and 26) are free for kids under 12 and all rides are $2, regardless of a rider’s age.

The fair’s page on ticket costs has more information about ways to save.

What accommodations does the fair offer for those with disabilities?

Strollers ($12), wheelchairs ($25) and scooters ($65; $45 after 6 p.m.) will be available to rent at the fair on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made ahead of time by calling 877-588-4782 or, for scooters only, the Vista Mobility site.

For people with service animals — specifically service dogs and mini horses — will have to be on a leash at all times and cannot be left unattended. However, emotional support, comfort and therapy animals aren’t permitted.

Parking spaces for people with disabilities are on a first-come, first-served basis and are all clearly marked in each lot. People who use Regional or Para-Transit should contact their provider.

The California State Fair website has an Equal Access Guide on their website that details more of these policies, including general accessibility, concert accessibility and ride access.

How is the fair addressing safety concerns related to mass shootings and COVID-19?

For starters, there’s a clear bag policy, which is as straightforward as it sounds. If you bring a bag, it has to be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and it cannot be larger than 12”x12”x12”. You could use a gallon bag or a small clutch. For more info, click here.

For coronavirus safety, the fair is following guidance from California Department of Public Health for outdoor venues and mega events. As of now, that means strong recommendations  For more information, click here.

What’s new at the fair this year?

This year, the California State Fair will have a cannabis awards program to celebrate the state’s cannabis industry.

The state has so far issued 7,500 cultivation licenses since legalization.

“So the awards program is really about the cultivators and the live plants in the ground, and really teaching about that foundation knowledge set about what is a cannabis plan,” said Brian Applegarth, Co-Founder of Cultivar Brands. “That was really kind of the focus this year.”

Applegarth stressed that there will be no sale or consumption of any of the products on site since it’s an educational exhibit and not a cannabis event.

But for those looking to take something home from the cannabis exhibit, there will be a gift shop with t-shirts.
You can find out more about this exhibit and the rest of the events here.