1. California State Fair, Sacramento


Dates: July 11–27, 2025
Known for: Various culinary challenges and contests and exhibits highlighting the Golden State
The California State Fair encompasses a variety of events, including culinary trivia contests, a candy maze, a kids outpost and an insect pavilion, plus many exhibitions on fine art and photography and works by students, California authors and lowrider culture. The Golden State’s agricultural bounty is front and center, with a flower exhibit, livestock show, petting zoo, cooking demos, beer and wine tastings, and fun competitions. The United States Postal Service will run a daily operating post office for mailing out a post card or letter postmarked with an official 2025 California State Fair Station cancellation stamp.
Other offerings include a plethora of performances. The Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage boasts acts including Ludracris, Poison lead singer Bret Michaels, Cypress Hill and En Vogue. The Community Stage’s schedule is packed with dance troupes, DJs, bands, solo acts and orchestras, or get into the groove at the Super Secret Silent Disco. And be sure to see the fair’s golden bear mascot, Poppy, and wish this lovable character a happy birthday at a party on July 22. Out at the Fair, a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity, falls on July 19.