Country Fairs in California
California operates 78 certified fairs spanning all 58 counties, managed through the California Fairs Alliance and the Department of Food & Agriculture. From the Los Angeles County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona — the fourth-largest county fair in the nation — to small agricultural fairs in rural Sierra Nevada and Central Valley communities, the state's fair circuit covers a wider range than any other in the West.
The California State Fair has roots dating to 1854, originally held in San Francisco before settling permanently in Sacramento. Today it runs 17 days each summer at Cal Expo, drawing visitors from across the state with livestock competitions, fine arts exhibitions, and hundreds of craft and artisan vendor booths. County fairs generally run from late spring through September, with the heaviest concentration in July and August.
Top Country Fair Events in California
- California State Fair — Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento. Runs 17 days mid-July through early August. Livestock, rodeo, fine arts exhibitions, craft vendor booths, and agricultural displays representing all 58 counties.
- Los Angeles County Fair — Fairplex, Pomona. The fourth-largest county fair in the United States. Agriculture, livestock, handmade craft exhibits, carnival, and live entertainment over multiple weeks in September.
- Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival — Half Moon Bay, October. A regional arts and crafts event tied to the annual pumpkin harvest, blending agricultural tradition with artisan vendors along the coastline.
- Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival — Sebastopol, April. Sonoma County's agricultural heritage on display with arts, crafts, and food vendors celebrating the spring apple blossom season.
What to Expect
California country fairs blend traditional agricultural programming — livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, FFA competitions, and home arts judging — with craft vendor areas, live entertainment, and carnival rides. Larger fairs like the LA County Fair and the California State Fair attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and feature dedicated handmade craft halls alongside commercial vendors.
Smaller county fairs in the Central Valley, Gold Country, and rural coastal communities tend to be more intimate, with local craft vendors, bake sales, and agricultural heritage demonstrations. Wine country fairs in Napa and Sonoma often incorporate local winery tastings and artisan food producers alongside traditional fair programming. Admission varies from free at smaller events to paid entry at the state and large county fairs.
Popular Cities for Country Fairs in California
- Sacramento — Home of the California State Fair at Cal Expo, the anchor of the state's agricultural fair circuit
- Los Angeles — The LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona is one of the largest county fairs in the country
- San Diego — San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds runs through June and July with craft exhibits and agricultural competitions
- Fresno — The Big Fresno Fair is one of the Central Valley's largest agricultural events with handmade arts and crafts displays
For a full overview of craft events across the state, visit our California craft shows page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the California State Fair?
The California State Fair typically runs 17 days from mid-July through early August at Cal Expo in Sacramento. County fairs across the state generally run from late spring through September, with peak activity in July and August.
Do California country fairs have craft vendors?
Yes. The California State Fair features fine arts exhibitions and craft vendor booths. The LA County Fair includes dedicated handmade craft exhibit halls. Most county fairs across the state include home arts competitions and some level of artisan vendor participation, ranging from a handful of local makers at small fairs to hundreds of vendors at the larger events.
How many county fairs does California have?
California has 78 certified fairs spanning all 58 counties, coordinated through the California Fairs Alliance. These range from the massive Los Angeles County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona to small agricultural fairs in rural counties. The California Department of Food & Agriculture oversees the statewide network.