10 Money-Saving Tips for the California State Fair (2025 Edition) 

The California State Fair is one of the top things to do with kids in Sacramento. While it’s always in the thick of the summertime heat, going to Cal Expo for the State Fair is a tradition for so many families. That’s also why it’s on my ultimate Sacramento bucket list for kids and is one of the cant-miss events in July. 

In 2025, the California State Fair will take place from July 11 to July 27. 

The California State Fair is not a cheap outing. There is an admission fee for entry to the fair. Admission tickets do not include parking, which is an additional cost. While there are some free activities for children, it would be hard not to spend money on fun, fair food, rides, carnival games, and maybe take a trip on the monorail. Fair costs can easily add up. 

There are several ways to save money to make this annual tradition a more cost-efficient outing. Keep reading below to learn some money-saving tips when bringing kids to the California State Fair. 

How to Save Money at the California State Fair 

1. Costco Fair Packages

Each summer before the fair begins, Costco sells California State Fair packages. In the past, these have been $32, which has included two fair admissions, parking, and $10 in fair food. Only select Costco stores in the Sacramento area carry this package, and they can be hard to find. This package is only available at Costco before the start of the fair. 

2. Family Discount Day

Take advantage of admission at a discount of $2 every Monday from 4-6pm.  

3. Go Safely Kids Day on Tuesdays

Tuesdays are probably the best day for the fair if you can swing a weekday, as you’ll save the most money. It’s $2 per carnival ride, which is a huge savings! When our family goes to the fair, $35 spread across a few rides goes quickly, so it’s a fantastic money-saving deal and applies to guests of all ages. 

In addition to the $2 carnival rides on Tuesdays, kids ages 12 and under receive free fair admission on Tuesdays. Weekdays tend to be less busy compared to weekends. 

4. Read to Ride Program

Kids in grades TK through 8th grade can participate in the fair’s Read to Ride Program. Students can read two books, write a summary, and take a completed form to the California State Fair Guest Services office. 

Students redeem the form for two free rides and a monorail ticket. One report form per child per day can be redeemed. This program is available any day of the fair. 

5. SMUD Giving Friday

If you bring 5 or more non-expired, nonperishable items per person on Fridays (July 11, 18, and 25) to donate during the fair, you’ll receive a free same-day admission ticket. Items must be donated to the fair between 10am and 2pm. Redeem tickets by 3pm on the same day. 

Food items will be donated to the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Suggested donations to bring include: 

• Peanut Butter 
• Canned Meat (tuna, chicken, etc) 
• Canned Beans 
• Canned Fruit 
• Canned Vegetables 
• Soups and Stews

6. Bring Your Own Food and Water

If you don’t care about fair food, you can save money by bringing food and beverages. Outside food is allowed. Plastic water bottles are permitted if sealed. Coolers are also allowed and must be attached to a wagon. 

7. Fun Packs

Fun packs are popular fair ticket packages that include four fair tickets, four monorail tickets, and one parking pass. These are so popular that they are all sold out for 2025. It’s best to act on these packages fast if your summer plans include attending the California State Fair. Like many other money-saving options, Fun Packs are only available before the start of the fair. 

8. Buying Tickets Online in Advance 

To save a little money, purchase tickets online before the fair starts. Online admission tickets are available at a discounted rate before the first day of the fair.  

9. Children Ages 4 & Under 

Children 4 and under receive free fair admission, so when you have younger kids, this is another way to save money.

10. Sacramento Republic FC Match Nights at The Fair

Sacramento Republic FC will play a few matches at the California State Fair this year. Purchasing a ticket to one of these matches includes same-day fair admission. It’s a win-win for soccer fans, as they receive free fair admission and also get tickets to a sporting event. This isn’t the cheapest way to save money at the fair, since you still have to pay for tickets to a game. However, if you plan on attending a match, then you might as well enter the fair for free.

Sacramento Republic FC games are on Friday, July 12, and Friday, July 19, 2025. Both matches occur at 8pm. Fridays are also SMUD Giving Fridays, so if soccer isn’t your thing, you can donate five food items and get into the fair for free on the same days without needing to shell out money on a sporting event.

Top photo courtesy of the California State Fair.