Top 20 Things To Do at the Sonoma County Fair
Get ready for 10 days of fair magic.
The Sonoma County Fair is just around the corner, with 10 days of fair magic starting Thursday, August 3 and running through Sunday, August 13. This year’s theme is “Holidaze." Click through the gallery for a top 20 list of old favorites and new attractions at this year’s fair. And be sure to get your ticket early, pre-sale discounts are available until August 2. The fair takes places at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Have Some Holiday Themed Fair Fun
Each day of this year’s fair marks the arrival of a new holiday. Celebrate New Years, Easter, Independence Day, St Patricks Day, Valentine’s Day, Halloween & Thanksgiving - you can have all four seasons in one fair! And with each holiday follows fun themed events: paint Easter eggs, create Valentine cards, meet the Pumpkin Fairy Godmother, listen to Christmas carols, dress up in your Halloween costume for trick or treat, make a Leprechaun trap…
Behold a Monster Truck Show
On August 10, 11, 12, watch monster trucks do stunts and race on a course full of jumps and sharp turns. Each Monster Truck day features a different theme: Quad Wars on August 10, Freestyle Motocross on August 11, and Tuff Truck Racing on August 12. Join in on the Pit Party: see the trucks up close and meet the drivers, get autographs, take pictures - you can even ride in one of the Monster Trucks during the party and intermission. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Take a Carnival Ride
From whimsical rides for the little ones and big thrill rides for teens and adults, you will be sure to have a spinning good time at this year’s Fair. The fair fun is provided by Butler Amusements traveling carnival company, which has been in business for 47 years. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
Tour the Hall of Flowers
Witness one of the largest flower shows on the West Coast - this year’s Hall of Flowers theme is Holidays in Bloom, an exhibit that will showcase each holiday. See it first at the preview party on August 2, paired with champagne, wine and appetizers. In addition to the Hall of Flowers, visit the Garden Building for more arrangements and displays. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Cheer on Your Favorite Horse and Jockey
Enjoy the thrill of live horse racing at the dirt tracks of the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Take a chance on your favorite horse, or bet on one of the fastest sprinters, then check out the cute canine competition at the Derby Dog Dash. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Catch a Community Concert
The Fair kicks off its Community Concert Series on August 3 with southern rockers The Marshall Tucker Band. All concerts are free with fair admission. Catch other headliners Lauren Aliana, Trent Harmon, Foghat and Eagles and Beatles tributes. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Get Up Close with Farm Animals
Drive a tractor, participate in a hay-maze, or visit and play with cute animals - there’s plenty of opportunity to experience life on the farm at the Fair. Visit the Great American Petting Zoo or one of the barns with cattle, chicken and pigs, learn about the basics of agriculture and discover new fact about your favorite animals. (Photo by John Burgess)
Pair Painting with a Glass of Wine
For the first time at the Fair, the E.C Kraft Building will be hosting four special events, August 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th where ticket holders can create works of art, with a glass of wine in hand. Starting at 7:00pm, local artist Joanie Springer will guide aspiring artists. All painting materials will be provided. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Ooh and Ahh over Local Talent
It's the local community that makes the Sonoma County Fair special. Visit the exhibit buildings to discover real local talent – from kids to grandparents - showcasing fine arts, photography, baked and preserved goods. Want to get involved? Stop by an "Inspiration Station" for workshops. (Photo by John Burgess)
Compete in a Fair Contest
Participate in contests that capture this year’s theme, “Holidaze;” there’s a series of contests for every holiday. In addition to holiday-themed contests, you can also try to blow the biggest bubblegum bubble or let out your loudest scream. (Photo by John Burgess)
Feast on Fair Food
Fair time is yum time at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Satisfy your taste buds and get your fill of corn dogs, caramel apples, waffle cones, cotton candy, cinnamon rolls, funnel cake and so much more. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Yeehaw Y’all at the Wine Country Rodeo
On Saturday, August 5, watch the rough and tumble action of the PRCA Rodeo as professional cowboys compete for top dollar in saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding and more.
Watch the Junior Livestock Auction
Agriculture is at the heart of the Sonoma County Fair, and their Junior Livestock Auction is one of the largest in the state. Sale days are August 5 for lambs, rabbits and goats; August 10 for hog and poultry; and August 11 for Ag Mechanics and beef. Support local kids and buy locally-raised, top-quality meat for your table at the auction. (Photo by Conner Jay)
Take a Beer Break at the Sports Bar and the Brews & Blues Lounge
For adults wanting to kick back and relax, take a seat at the Sliders Gastro Pub & Sports Bar or the Brews & Blues Lounge. Enjoy craft beer, live music, and major sporting events on big screen TVs. There’ll be even more fun on tap at the Sports Bar with Comedy Night, August 4th and 11th at 8:00pm, and at the Brews & Blues Lounge with live music by The Terry Hanck Band between 5:30 - 8:00pm, Thursday through Sunday.
Bring the Little Ones to the Kids Area
The theme at the Fair’s Kid Area is “Holiday Adventures.” From noon to 6:30 young children will participate and celebrate the holidays. Kids ages 10 and under get to join in on games, craft activities, hands-on projects and shows. The Kids Area not only benefits little ones, but also parents, who can enjoy a well deserved break at the Parent’s Rest Station. (Photo by John Burgess)
Dance Your Feet Off to Free, Live Music
All around the grounds, you can hear the sound of music. From folk, latin and blues, to country and rock, enjoy free live music all afternoon and well into the evening every day of the Fair. Dance and sing in true Sonoma style as local bands play on four different stages: the Community Theater, Park Stage, Brews and Blues Lounge and Mexican Village. (Photo by Chad Surmick)
Stroll Trough the Mercado in the Mexican Village
For south of the border textures, colors and tastes head to Mexican Village where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage or taco while strolling through the many shops. There will be Latin and World Music performances in the village, as well as in the community theater and on the family fun stage. (Photo by Scott Manchester)
Ride a Sheep and Catch a Pig
On Farmer’s Day, August 6, celebrate the agricultural heritage of Sonoma County with an afternoon of barnyard events for all ages. The festivities, held at the Chris Beck Arena between 1:00-3:00pm, include a Hide Race and Pig Scramble. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Go Shopping, Fair-Style
At the Grace Pavillion, check out local arts, crafts, goods and appliances from different vendors. Pick up a souvenir, like an old-fashioned photo or your name carved in wood, then continue to the Mexican Village for unique latin finds. (Photo by Kent Porter)
