The annual Alameda County Fair will be held from June 13 to July 6 this year. While some may associate the Fairgrounds in Pleasanton with the County Fair only, the 267-acre institution plays a vital role in the community and the county throughout the year. Other events at the Fairgrounds include the 626 Night Market in May and July; Goodguys Car Show in March, August, and November; the Scottish Games, the largest held in North America, on Labor Day Weekend; Pirates of Emerson Haunted Houses; the new Fuel Fest car show; and the Harvest Festival.

The nonprofit Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association (ACAFA) manages the Fairgrounds on behalf of Alameda County and oversees nearly 200 events each year. Officials say all revenues generated there are used to maintain and enhance the facilities. Additionally, the Fairgrounds property is designated as a lead Disaster Recovery Facility for the East Bay, and staff members participate on the Alameda County Disaster Council.

Economic Powerhouse

"The Alameda County Fairgrounds creates California jobs through an economic ripple effect of Fairgrounds patron spending and the business activity required in support of Fairgrounds activities and events," according to the 2024 Economic Impact Study: California's Fairgrounds. "The Alameda County Fairgrounds also generates business tax revenue through the collection of state and local sales taxes, transient occupancy and fees. These revenues stimulate further economic activity by providing for programs that benefit the local community."

The report notes that as a result of spending by the Fairgrounds, the equivalent of 2,200 jobs were created, part of the "wealth of tangible benefits" generated by the property. "In 2024, over 1 million visitors enjoyed the Alameda County Fair and all other events held at the Fairgrounds. These attendees spent over $12,365,383 on food and beverage. Over 2,200 hotel nights were booked by Fair and Interim event attendees. Sales tax spent by Fair time and interim vendors contributed to both the local and state revenues."

Moreover, "the Alameda County Fairgrounds also generates business tax revenue through transient occupancy taxes, possessory interest taxes, and other taxes and fees. These revenues stimulate further economic activity by providing for programs that benefit the local communities. Together, direct and indirect ripple effect spending represents a significant economic impact. The Alameda County Fairgrounds events create a total spending impact of approximately $110 million on the local economy."

Another nonprofit, the Alameda County Fair Foundation, works to improve the Fairgrounds and supports projects to enhance the land. "Its mission is to expand opportunities for youth engagement, create educational programs, and fund capital projects that will strengthen the viability and relevancy of the Fair for future generations," officials note. The Fair Foundation is fundraising to build a working exhibition farm at the County Fairgrounds. Once completed, officials say The Farm will offer interactive agricultural education to school children and community visitors. 

"Our mission includes working to ensure the long-term viability of the Fair and celebrating the heritage of Alameda County," according to Carissa Rivers, the Executive Director of the Alameda County Fair Foundation. "The Farm directly aligns with the deep agricultural roots of our community and will for generations to come. The Farm will provide interactive agricultural education opportunities for the public in a beautiful, centrally located setting accessible for school field trips and community events. We are very excited for Phase I of The Farm to be open during the Alameda County Fair from June 13 to July 6. This project has come to fruition through the generous support of local businesses, families, and individuals we are proud to call partners."

The first facility completed at The Farm, the innovative Safeway Barn, is a state-of-the-art structure that showcases sustainable building practices. Fairgoers this year will be able to tour the barn and admire its features, which include bifacial solar panels. According to officials, "these unique panels harness energy from both sides–capturing direct sunlight from above and reflected light from below. The water-shedding glass design has slanted panels that overlap like shingles, allowing rainwater to flow efficiently into collection troughs on either end. A rainwater harvesting system collects water, which will be recycled and reused to support the Safeway Barn's irrigation needs, promoting a self-sustaining ecosystem."

New Attractions Coming to Fair

Touring the Safeway Barn is only one of many activities for Fair attendees this year. New action sports and attractions include the Monsters of Destruction Monster Trucks, a rodeo, the Flying Royals Trapeze Show, an Off the Wall stunt show, camel rides, and a new thrill ride at the midway called The Invader. There will also be Motorsport Tractor Pulls and Freestyle Motocross shows. Officials say several fan favorites will return, including the All Alaskan Pig Races, nightly drone shows, Movies on the Lawn, and a Spectacular Drone and Fireworks show on June 13 and July 3.

"We are so excited to be offering thrilling new rides, entertainment, exhibits, food and fun to the Fair this year," said Angel Moore, COO of the Alameda County Fairgrounds. "Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience that will provide lasting memories for years to come."

The Fair will feature a host of community displays and competitions, including fine arts, gardening, hobbies, cooking, and more. Earlier this month, the winners of the annual Alameda County Fair Wine Competition were chosen from a total of 444 submissions. The Gold Medal and Best of Show wines will be available for purchase by the glass in the Wine Garden during the Alameda County Fair.

The Foodie's Choice Awards competition is returning as well. This food contest for Fair vendors is determined by their customers, who vote for their favorite food, drink, or dessert by scanning a code found on the booths of participating vendors. New food items available at the Fair this year include Cheeseburger Egg Roll, Cajun Octopus on a Stick, Bacon Pickle Pizza, Strawberry Shortcake Puffle Sundae, Sandia Slush, and Hot Honey Chicken Fries.

There are a variety of special offers and events during the Fair. The Fair joined forces with the Red Cross for the Pint for a Pass promotion. Those who donate blood before June 1, 2025 at Red Cross sites in Alameda County can receive a free general admission ticket to any day of the Fair in June. Fair officials have also partnered with the Alameda County Community Food Bank to offer free admission and $1 rides until 5 pm on June 18 to anyone who brings in four non-perishable food donations. On June 25, the nonprofit will support the Valley Humane Society by providing free admission and $1 rides until 5 pm to anyone who brings new, unopened pet food items. Finally, there is a special discount for fairgoers on Wednesday, July 2, when General Admission tickets will be offered for only $5.50 until 5 pm. 

After the 2025 Fair closes, there will still be reasons to visit the Fairgrounds. In addition to the many events scheduled, the Pleasanton Golf Center and Stable Cafe are open for business all year round. Moreover, work on The Farm will also continue. As funds are raised, a central pavilion, outdoor kitchen, water storage tank, and potential additions such as an orchard or vineyard are expected to eventually join the Safeway Barn to deepen the educational and environmental impact of this project. The Alameda County Fairgrounds has more than a fascinating history within the Tri-Valley. It also plays a strong economic role in the region, a role that is expected to continue for many years to come.

For more information about the Alameda County Fair, please visit annual.alamedacountyfair.com.

For more information about the Alameda County Fairgrounds, please visit alamedacountyfair.com/home.

For more information about the Alameda County Fair Foundation and The Farm, please visit alamedacountyfair.com/foundation.