By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

The State Fair returns July 12, and runs through Sunday, July 28, promising an unforgettable experience filled with competitions, live concert series, lively walking acts, food from across the state, carnival rides and much more. 

Entertainment and performers include the Toyota Concert Series, a variety of stage performances, trivia, horse racing, competitions and challenges, motocross and other special events.

Various exhibits include fine art and photography, a student showcase, cannabis, our nation’s first high-speed rail, an animation academy, a California author’s booth, climbing, petting zoos and more.

Each Tuesday during the fair, guests pay only $2 per carnival ride and have more than 50 to choose from, ranging from roller coasters to mazes and even some water rides.

RELATED: State Fair Stage Is Black Powered 

This year the fair presents “Read to Ride.” For every two books read, program participants receive two rides free and a monorail ticket – a $15 value.

Read to Ride is open to students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. Students must read two books, write a summary, and then bring the completed form to the fair’s guest services office located inside the main gate to receive two free rides and one monorail ticket. Read to Ride redemption is valid any day of the fair. Only one report form per child per day will be accepted.

A variety of tickets are available, including single-day admissions, season passes, ride tickets, concert tickets and parking passes, which can be purchased at etix.com/ticket/v/14615/california-state-fair. Admission prices may vary. Below are hours for the State Fair (subject to change).

  • Main gate and blue gate: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.
  • Green gate: Opens at 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Carnival and Skyride: 2-11 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Kids park: 1-11 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Exhibit building: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays
  • Monorail: Opens at 11 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 10 a.m. Fridays-Sundays.
  • Box office: 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 12-14 (opening weekend); 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 15-18; 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 19-21; 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 22-25; 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 26-28.
  • Closing night hours Sunday, July 28: No hand stamps after 6:30 p.m.; no re-entry after 7 p.m.; parking gates close at 7 p.m.; no automobile access at main gate loop after 7 p.m.; no admission after 8 p.m.; box office closes at 8 p.m.; Uber and Lyft pick-up at lot B.