It's officially summer and you want to get your family to an old-fashioned country fair with fun carnival rides, food, and live entertainment. Me too! County fairs are an iconic piece of Americana with a rich history highlighting a regions individual specialties. Fortunately, the Bay Area hosts a number of great county fairs creating an experience that is unquestionably unique to the area, while at the same time timeless and familiar. So this summer, get swept away by our local county fairs.

Marin County Fair, "What a Ride!"

Date: June 30 - July 4
Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, (415) 473-6400

The 75th Marin County Fair continues to be healthy and green while at the same time celebrating our community and offering first-caliber everything from the arts, technology, facilities, learning, exhibits and unique programs found nowhere else in the nation. Featuring long-time Fair favorites alongside brand new attractions, highlighting what Marin County residents love most about their local fair. For years, the Marin County Fair has reflected the county in all of its colorful traditions and innovations; its farm animals, family activities, popular concerts, thrilling rides, leading-edge exhibits, and spectacular fireworks displays each night have made the Fair one of the Bay Area’s favorite and anticipated summer events.

Sonoma-Marin County Fair, ‘Goes Local'

Date: June 22-26
Location: 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, (707) 283-3247

The Sonoma-Marin Fair promotes and showcases agriculture, while displaying the diverse talents, interests and accomplishments of the citizens of California, especially the youth of Sonoma and Marin counties. This is achieved by providing education, entertainment and recreational opportunities for the general public, while continually striving towards enhancing the promotion and preservation of California’s agricultural heritage.

Contra Costa County Fair

Date: June 2-5
Location: Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, Antioch, (925) 757-4400

Check out all the fun and happenings including live music, entertaining shows, fantastic fair food, traditional exhibits, youth livestock, our NEW AND FREE Family Fun Zone, and much more!

San Mateo County Fair, ‘Where Tradition Meets Innovation’

Date: June 11-19
Location: San Mateo County Event Center, San Mateo

Celebrating 80 years of unique, modern ideas as the community to continue the tradition of the Fair experience for generations to come. Come to the Fair and see what is in store!

Alameda County Fair, 'The Spirit of Summer'

Date: June 15-July 4
Location: 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton, CA (925) 426-7600

The Spirit of Summer will sizzle a bit longer as Alameda County Fair celebrates the 4th of July on a rare, open Monday for an extended 18-day run. The Fair plans to rock the 4th in customary grand style with the Red, White & Blues Festival, food, fun and the Fireworks Spectacular featuring the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Fair Favorites will be back including horseracing, exhibits, animals, food, rides, games, pig races, Kids’ Park & STEAM Weekends, special event days and more.

Napa County Fair & Fireworks

Date: July 4th
Location: 1435 North Oak Street, Calistoga

Fireworks, karaoke, pony rides, a 4th of July parade and an olive oil competition (this IS Napa after all) are all part of this wine country favorite fair. You won’t want to miss the BBQ competition and a myriad of kid-friendly activities, not to mention an awesome display of antique tractors.

Sonoma County Fair, ‘Lights, Camera, Fair'

Date: July 22 - August 7 (closed Mondays)
Location: 1350 Bennet Valley Road, Santa Rosa

Enjoy the thrill of live horse racing on both a dirt and turf track, a giant carnival, one of the largest floral shows in the west in our Hall of Flowers, an incredible display of livestock and agricultural eduction, live entertainment, delicious food, fun contests and more during the 80th celebration.

Solano County Fair, ‘Play It Again, Solano'

Date: July 27-31
Location: 900 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo (707) 551-2006

Five days of fun, food, music, animals, culture, shopping and more focusing on highlighting popular attractions from past years and bringing them back to the Fair again by bringing back many of the popular bands, attractions and activities.

Santa Clara County Fair, ‘Full Steam Ahead'

Date: August 4-7
Location: 344 Tully Rd., San Jose, (408) 494-3100

This years Fair is a blend all the traditional events plus hands on activities under the banner of S. T. E. A. M. There is no better place to excite young students about the possibility of developing a love for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Agriculture and Math than the Fair. Woven in with rides on the Ferris Wheel and enjoying funnel cakes will be learning wrapped in all the fun. Fair goers from 5 to 95 will find that learning something new is a joyful experience at the annual Fair.

* All information is subject to change. Check the websites for details.