PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA – The Alameda County Fair is back for 2025, and they’ve got some awesome new stuff planned!
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at the fair, which will be at the fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
Opening Night Lights Up the Sky
The 2025 Alameda County Fair launches Friday, June 13 with a combined fireworks-and-drone spectacular at 9:30 p.m., setting the tone for nearly a month of summer fun.
Big O Tires Concert Series
Music fans can catch nightly shows at the Cuervo Amphitheater, starting opening weekend with WAR (June 13), Gym Class Heroes (June 14). The series runs through July 6 with acts ranging from Tower of Power to TESLA and Clint Black.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Qualifier
The West Coast regional of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest hits the O’Reilly Auto Parts Grandstand on Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. Winners advance to Coney Island for the July 4 finals.
First-Ever Hot Air Balloon Rides
Tethered balloon trips debut June 14-22 from the Michelob Ultra Grandstand, lifting riders 100 feet above Pleasanton (first-come, first-served).
New Foodie’s Choice Awards
Fair-goers can vote for favorites like Cheeseburger Egg Rolls, Hot Honey Chicken Fries, Cajun Octopus on a Stick and the red-white-and-blue Star Spangled Sundae in two categories: Crazy New Item and Red, White & Blue.
High-Flying Action Sports
Daily FMX motocross, Off Axis stunts (June 13-15), tractor pulls (June 20-22), a three-day rodeo (June 27-29) and the “Monsters of Destruction” monster-truck show (July 4-6) keep adrenaline levels high.
Safeway Barn Grand Opening
Phase One of the new Farm project debuts this year: a state-of-the-art Safeway Barn designed to give kids and adults hands-on lessons in local agriculture.
Classic Fair Favorites
Expect midway rides, carnival games, All Alaskan Racing Pigs, camel rides, Movies on the Lawn and a nightly 9:30 p.m. drone show (no show July 4).
Key Dates & Hours
- Fair runs: June 13 – July 6 (Wed–Sun)
- Gates: Noon–11 p.m. (July 4: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.)
- Carnival: 1 p.m. to close (July 4: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.)
Ticket Deals
Buy by June 12 for $17.60 adult admission and $38.50 unlimited-ride wristbands. Regular gate prices start at $19.80. Look for $1 Ride Wednesdays (until 5 p.m.), Throwback Thursday $11 admission, and free entry for kids 5-and-under and military ID holders every day.
The absolute best way to support our free, independent, local journalism is to share one of our stories on your Nextdoor or Facebook. Will you help us out and share this story with our community today?
