Best Ways to Save Money at the California State Fair (2026 Guide)
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 summer bucket list for kids and is one of the top events in Sacramento for kids in July.
In 2026, the California State Fair will take place from July 17 to August 2 and is one of the can’t miss summer events for families in Sacramento.
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’s hard not to spend money on indulgent fair food, fun rides, carnival games, and maybe a monorail trip. 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.
Promotions Before the California State Fair Begins
1. Fun Packs
Fun packs are popular fair ticket packages that include four fair tickets, four carnival tickets, and one parking pass. In 2026, fun packs cost $54.99, and they tend to sell out. Like other money-saving options, Fun Packs are only available for purchase before the fair begins.
2. Costco Fair Packages
Each summer before the fair begins, select Sacramento area Costco locations sell California State Fair packages. In 2026, they are $32.99 and include two fair admissions, parking, and two $5 food vouchers. Only some 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.
➡️ If you have a family of four, then getting the Costco package to cover the adult admissions and parking, combined with attending on a Tuesday when kids under 12 are free and all carnival rides are $2, is the most affordable way to attend the California State Fair, in my opinion!
3. 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.
Promotions During the California State Fair
4. Family Discount Day
Mondays: July 20 & 27, 2026
Take advantage of admission at a discount of $2 every Monday during the fair from 4 – 6pm.
5. Kids Free Day & $2 Rides For All
Tuesdays: July 21 & 28, 2026
Tuesdays might be the best day for the California State Fair with kids 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 way to save money. Plus, guests of all ages can use the deal.
In addition to the $2 carnival rides on Tuesdays, kids ages 12 and under receive free fair admission. Weekdays tend to be less busy compared to weekends.
➡️ In my opinion, this is the best way to save the most money at the fair. For comparison, a carnival wristband (which excludes some rides) is $45 on weekdays and $50 on weekends in 2026. Some carnival rides require 6 to 8 tickets, whereas every ride is only $2 on Tuesdays. It will be a much more relaxing experience as well, compared to attending on a busy Saturday.
6. Ride & Save Day
Wednesdays: July 22 & 29, 2026
While I personally think the Tuesday $2 carnival ride discount is a better deal, if you can only attend the fair on Wednesday, Ride & Save Day gets you $10 off ride passes. This deal is only available on ride passes purchased in-person while at the fair.
7. SMUD Giving Friday
Fridays: July 17, 24, & 31, 2026
If you bring five or more non-expired, nonperishable items per person on Fridays 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
Ongoing California State Fair Promotions
8. 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. One report form per child per day may be redeemed and is available any day of the fair.
9. Sacramento Republic FC Match Nights at The Fair
Sacramento Republic FC will play a match at the California State Fair in 2026. Purchasing a ticket to the match includes same-day fair admission. It’s a win-win for soccer fans, as you 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.
The Sacramento Republic FC match is on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The match occurs at 8pm. You can attend the fair earlier in the day, before the game.
More Ways to Save Money at the California State Fair
10. Bring Your Own Food and Water
As enticing as fair food might be, you can save a lot of money by bringing your own food and water. Outside food is allowed. Plastic water bottles are permitted if sealed. Coolers are also allowed and must be attached to a wagon.
11. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest day to attend the California State Fair?
Tuesdays are the best day to visit the fair with kids, as children under 12 receive free admission. Kids will mostly want to spend the most time on the carnival rides, and these add up very quickly on a normal fair day. On Tuesdays, all carnival rides are only $2.
Are Costco passes worth it?
The Costco package isn’t a bad deal, but the Fun Pack is a better deal, as it includes 4 admission tickets, 4 carnival tickets, and parking for $54.99 versus 2 admission tickets, 2 $5 food vouchers, and parking for $32.99. Cost alone, the Fun Pack is a better deal as you receive 2 additional admissions and carnival tickets instead of food vouchers.
As a reminder, both the Fun Pack and the Costco packages are only available before the fair begins.
Can you bring your own food?
Yes! You may bring your own food, which will save you a lot of money. Sealed plastic water bottles are also permitted.
How much is parking?
In 2026, parking is $17 per vehicle at the California State Fair. The Fun Pack and Costco packages both include parking.
Where is the California State Fair?
The California State Fair is at Cal Expo at 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA.
Top photo courtesy of the California State Fair.
