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A cattle drive down Pleasanton’s Main Street on Friday will kick off one of the Bay Area’s biggest and best county fairs.
Alameda County Fair organizers have been highlighting the Tri-Valley’s Old West roots in recent years while adding trendsetting events to appeal to new fairgoers. But the timeless traditions — carnival rides, homey arts exhibits and fair-food-on-a-stick — endure.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s fair run, June 15-July 8, including new policies on concert seating and shorter holiday hours.
CATTLE DRIVE: For the second year, a cattle drive will kick off the opening day festivities. The procession of Corrientes cattle — and maybe some Longhorns — should arrive on Main Street between 10:30 and 11 a.m. Friday, June 15. Streets will close at 9:30.
CONCERT TICKETS: Big changes here. A regular, full-price fair admission will get you into the nightly concert — but a discounted ticket won’t. Also, you must buy your fair ticket and reserve your concert seat ahead of time via the ETIX concert page on the fair’s website. Only those with advance seat reservations will be admitted into the amphitheater for the 8 p.m. show.
However, lawn seating is free. And, if seats are available at showtime, guests may claim them while supplies last (free with admission). Also, the fair will live-stream all concerts right outside the amphitheater.
BEST MUSIC: According to our music critic, Jim Harrington, the top names on the bill include hard-rockers Blue Oyster Cult, hip-hop legend Sir Mix-a-Lot, country great LeAnn Rimes and local R&B heroes En Vogue. Read his full recommendations here.
HORSE RACING: The Pleasanton fair is one of the few in California to offer live horse-racing on select dates. Admission to the action at the track is free with fair admission. Dates are June 15-17, June 21-24, June 28-30, July 1, July 4 and July 6-8. Post time is 1:45 p.m., 2:15 on Fridays.
CONTESTS: You can enter your dog in the Derby Dog Dash (June 23), your kids in the Hippity Hop Contest (several dates) and you and your hat in the Hat Contest (June 30). Other fun events include a Cell Phone Photo Scavenger Hunt for kids and teens, with a June 29 deadline for online submission of photos.
FIREWORKS: A fireworks and video show will get under way nightly at 9:30 — but NOT on the Fourth of July. On the holiday, the fair will close before dark, with hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 3).
TASTING FESTIVALS: Three fests for lovers of wine, beer or cocktails have been scheduled for the racetrack infield. The Red, White and Brew Craft Fest will be June 23; the Sip, Savor and Wager Wine Festival is June 30; and the Craft Cocktail Festival is July 7. Tickets, $40-$50.
SNACKDOWN FRYDAY: For the fifth year, the fair’s vendors will put their best — and maybe wackiest — dishes into competition. The June 22 event runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and is free with fair admission.
PIG RACES: Yep, the speedy little porkers will be back. Look for them in the AgVenture area in the fair’s Red Zone.
DISCOUNTS, DEALS: Dads get in free on Father’s Day (arrive before 5 p.m.); kids 12 and under get in free on three Thursdays, June 21, 28 and July 5 (arrive before 5 p.m.); and Boomers get in free on three Fridays, June 22, 29 and July 6 (arrive before 5 p.m.).
On Opening Day, admission is $1 for everyone and rides cost $1, until 5 p.m.
Veterans and active members of the military get free admission every day.
Find more discounts on the fair website.
ADMISSION, PARKING: Go online before June 15 for early bird pricing on admission and parking (but keep in mind you may have to pony up more for the nighttime concert). Parking costs $10 in the regular lots off Valley Avenue or $20 for VIP parking at Pleasanton Avenue.
HOURS: The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with shorter hours on the Fourth of July. Will call opens at 10 a.m. Details: www.alamedacountyfair.com.
