California State Fair July 17–Aug 2

The 2026 California State Fair will run from July 17 through August 2 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, according to a guide published July 8 by KCRA and the official Cal Expo and California State Fair website. The annual event is scheduled to include concerts, food, rides and other ticketed attractions over 17 days. (kcra.com) Fair organizers are also posting daily schedules and ticket links online ahead of opening day. (calexpostatefair.com) January reporting by KCRA said 2026 would be the last summer-timed edition before the fair shifts to a fall schedule in 2027. That leaves this year’s run on its usual mid-July to early August calendar. (kcra.com) ### When does the fair open, and where is it happening? July 17 is the opening day for the California State Fair at the Cal Expo grounds in Sacramento, and August 2 is the closing day, according to the fair guide and Cal Expo listings. The official Cal Expo site identifies itself as the home of the California State Fair. (kcra.com) KCRA’s July 8 guide said the fair returns with the usual mix of food, rides, concerts and other attractions. The station said visitors can check the fair website for updated daily session information and event schedules. (kcra.com) ### What kinds of tickets are already on sale? General admission tickets, concert add-ons and ride wristbands are available through the fair’s ticket page, KCRA reported in its July 8 guide. The Cal Expo links page also promotes ticket offers including season passes and children’s ticket specials. (kcra.com) March coverage from KCRA said concerts are included with fair admission, while reserved seating is sold separately for people who want closer views of the stage. That same report said general sales for some concert seats opened at 9 a.m. after artist announcements. (kcra.com) ### Which concert acts have been listed? The official Cal Expo links page lists a full Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage, beginning with Babyface on July 17 and ending with Yacht Rock Revue on August 2. Other listed acts include Wyclef Jean on July 18, Midland on July 21, Lee Brice on July 23, Ja Rule on July 24, KC and the Sunshine Band on July 25, Keith Sweat on July 28, Trace Adkins on July 29, Dark Star Orchestra on July 30, Boyz II Men on July 31 and WAR on August 1. (kcra.com) March reporting by KCRA said Wyclef Jean and Midland were among the early additions announced for the 2026 lineup, following earlier announcements for Babyface and KC and the Sunshine Band. (kcra.com) Separate KCRA coverage later added Lee Brice and Ja Rule to the published roster. ### Are all of the shows reserved-ticket events? The Cal Expo links page marks some concerts as free shows, including Struggle Jennings on July 20 and Queen Nation on July 27. Other nights are listed without that label, while reserved seating options have been sold as add-ons through the fair’s ticket system. (calexpostatefair.com) KCRA previously reported that fair admission gets visitors into the concerts generally, with paid reserved seats offered for guaranteed closer seating. That pricing structure has been used in past fair concert promotions as well. (kcra.com) ### Where should people check before they go? The California State Fair website and Cal Expo links page are the main places organizers are using to post schedules, concert listings and ticket options. KCRA’s July 8 guide said those pages are being updated with daily session and concert information as the opening date approaches. (calexpostatefair.com) July 17 is the next key date: that is when Babyface is listed to open the Toyota Concert Series as the fair begins its 17-day run in Sacramento. (calexpostatefair.com) (kcra.com 1) (kcra.com 2)