The Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton is a traditional fair with carnival rides and games; award-winning quilts and pigs; and booths offering treats like funnel cakes and deep-fried pickles.
In 2026, the Alameda County Fair runs from Wednesday to Sunday from June 19 through July 12. Hours are 12 pm to 11 pm on Wednesday through Sunday (Closed Monday and Tuesday).
Family-friendly highlights of the Alameda County Fair daily schedule:
- Carnival games open at 1 pm, one hour after the gates open and run the entire time.
- The carnival rides are for children 36″ and taller. Slides and rides do get HOT.
- Petting zoos and animal encounters to meet goats, pigs, sheep, and other farm animals, plus bees, snakes, and maybe an alpaca or kangaroo.
- Pig races are scheduled throughout the day and are super entertaining for kids and parents alike.
- Nightly starting on June 20, a different kid-friendly movie is scheduled at 6 pm on the concert lawn. It won’t be dark yet, but there are plenty of chairs and space to watch the film. Check the schedule here >
- There’s a concert on the lawn at 8 pm after the movie, every night except July 4.
- Go to the Grandstand for lively motorcycle tricks, monster trucks, and more action sports.
- Find a calm space in the AgVenture Park’s Wizard Challenge Zone for bubbles, building blocks, puzzles, and other activities under multiple tents.
- At 9:30 pm, once the kids are good and exhausted, there’s a nighttime drone light show over the grandstand, every night except July 4.
- This year, there’s a special fireworks show for America’s 250th on opening night and on July 4th.
Plan your visit to the 2026 Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton
Admission and Ride Fees
While pre-purchase isn’t required, it will simplify your day. Purchase admission tickets separately or add on wristband access (rides) or concert tickets at the same time. Pre-buy your tickets to sorta save $2 or $3 at the gate. By and large, much of the fair runs on a credit card-only basis.
Admission
Children 5 and under – Free
Children 6 – 12 – $16.50/day
Teens & Adults – $19.80/day
Parking $15 – ugh!
Wristband for rides – $40-$46/day
Save a few bucks if you pre-buy tickets in advance.
Admission prices get you through the gate, but you’ll need tickets or wristbands to get on the rides. Double-check prices here and pre-book if you can.
If your family would prefer to skip the rides, it’s easy to enjoy the free entertainment, such as a dog stunt or trapeze show included in fair admission. Many options are in the AgVenture Park and Red Zone; see the free offerings. Pro Tip: Enter in the Red Gate to bypass the carnival. View a map >
Alameda County Fair Discounts & Deals
Going to the Fair is not cheap for a family! Single-day tickets are about $20 for adults and $17 for children. However, a Fair Fun Pack for $84.72 will get you 4 general admission tickets and parking. If you will go more than three times, consider a season pass: $52.80 to go every day that the Fair is open.
- Every day, CHILDREN 5 & UNDER ARE FREE to enter, but will still need to pay for rides. A wristband entitling you to all-you-can-ride is $37-$47.
- Wednesday, July 8, is $6Â day from noon to 9 pm. (Rides and parking are still extra)
- All three Thursdays are Throwback Thursdays with $11 admission from noon to 9 pm. (Rides and parking are still extra)
- Military FREE admission daily before 5 pm and first responders FREE on July 4 until 3 pm.
- Alameda County elementary school students may have received complimentary tickets at school. Shake those backpacks!
- Find all the deals by day >
Getting to the Alameda County Fair
Location: 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton
To BART: Take BART to the Dublin/Pleasanton Station then catch the WHEELS Fair Shuttle (Route 52) to the Fairgrounds — all day, every day of the Fair, until closing.
Parking fees: General Parking starts at $15 (credit card only).
There are reptile shows, a younger kids area, and a sophisticated model train set-up. My 6-year-old and I enjoyed browsing a room full of bunnies and learning their breeds.
Carnival lovers might want to see our round-up of more summer fairs and festivals for Bay Area families!
