By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

Summer in Sacramento is back and what better way to celebrate than getting some sweet treats, feeling the wind on some carnival rides or jammin’ out to a summer concert. July 11-27, Cal Expo hosts the California State Fair, which will feature the beloved Toyota Concert Series and dozens of other competitions, vendors, food and drink choices, carnival rides and games, exhibits, petting zoos and more. Fair general admission tickets are $16.

All Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage shows are free with a State Fair admission ticket. Fairgoers are welcome to line up at the back of the venue starting at 5 p.m. for first-come, first-served seating in the free area behind general-admission seating. Please note that the free seating area is limited to 700 guests.

The OBSERVER has compiled a list of featured Black events including: 

The Toyota Concert Series

(all concerts start at 8 p.m.)

En Vogue. Courtesy of CA State Fair
  • Ludacris – Friday, July 11
  • Dirty Heads – Wednesday, July 16
  • Cypress Hill – Tuesday, July 22
  • Tower of Power – Thursday, July 24
  • En Vogue – Sunday, July 27

Exhibits

Courtesy of CA State Fair
  • SSS Disco – Text “SSS Disco” to 844-621-1544 for access to H.E.R.E.’s Super Secret Silent Disco with a fully air conditioned bar and lounge, located in Expo Building 1. 
  • Popnology Exhibit – This interactive exhibit provides an immersive and educational experience that bridges the gap between the imaginative world of pop culture and the tangible advancements of technology, located in Expo Building 3.
  • CaLOWfornia Love: A Low Rider Culture Exhibit – This groundbreaking exhibition invites fairgoers to dive into the rich history and cultural significance of lowriding, spotlighting its iconic design elements, artistic expression, and community-driven spirit, located in Expo Building 5. 
  • The California Cannabis Exhibit and Experience – This exhibit aims to celebrate the history and culture of California cannabis through a blend of educational and interactive displays, awards and recognitions, presentations, commerce and on-site consumption (21+ only), located in Expo Building 6.

Special Events

Courtesy of CA State Fair
  • Family Discount Day Mondays – 4-6 p.m each Monday of the fair; admission is $2.
  • SMUD Giving Fridays – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each Friday of the fair. Bring five or more non-expired, nonperishable items per person and receive a free same-day admission ticket. Items that are particularly helpful to those in need are canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), canned beans, peanut butter, soups and stews, canned fruit and canned vegetables. 
  • The Multicultural Gospel Celebration – Sunday, July 20, experience a spiritually uplifting event with choirs, groups, ensembles and more. Information on time and location to be provided at a later date via the State Fair website.
  • Military, Veteran and First Responder Appreciation Day – Wednesday, July 23, guests will enjoy a Dinner 911 Cooking Challenge at Save Mart California’s Kitchen, while representatives from military and first responder organizations will provide valuable resources and special displays. This day focuses on paying gratitude and celebrating the individuals and organizations that keep our country and communities safe. Veterans, military personnel and first responders may present valid military ID, proof of service or ID showing active first responder status at the admission gates for free entry.
  • Sacramento Republic FC Match Nights at the Fair – 8 p.m. Saturday, July 12 and 19, at Heart Health Park. Experience the excitement of professional soccer during the fair. Your match tickets include same-day fair admission, so come early for rides and food, then cap off your night cheering on Sacramento’s home team.