PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA – First held in 1859, the El Dorado County Fair is celebrating its 166th year this week at the Placerville Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive—still on the same hilltop that welcomed miners and farmers more than a century and a half ago.
Theme & hours
The 2025 motto is “Moovin’ n’ Groovin’”, and the gates stay open into the night:
| Day | Hours | Special focus |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 6/12 | Noon – Midnight | Kids’ Day & Senior Day (free admission ≤ 12 and 60+ until 6:30 p.m.) |
| Fri 6/13 | Noon – Midnight | Teens’ Day; evening grandstand show* |
| Sat 6/14 | 10 a.m. – Midnight | Full carnival & concerts |
| Sun 6/15 | Noon – 10 p.m. | Father’s Day; Rubicon Challenge rock race* |
*Grandstand events require an extra ticket.
What’s new & notable in 2025
- 70+ musical acts across four stages, plus circus performers and roving clowns each day.
- Rubicon Challenge off-road rock race (Sun., 2 p.m.) presented by Jeepers Jamboree.
- Livestock restrictions: no poultry or egg entries this year because of statewide avian-influenza precautions.
- Carnival bargains: $35 pre-sale unlimited-ride wristbands (prices rise to $45 at the gate).
- Military tickets: active-duty service members enter free with ID; kids 6 and under always free.
Tickets & parking
General admission at the gate is $13; online pre-sale discounts ended June 11. Parking on site costs $10 cash.
How to get there
The fairgrounds sit just off U.S. 50 in Placerville. Drivers should expect congestion at the Placerville Drive exit after 5 p.m.; El Dorado Transit is running a special shuttle loop every 30 minutes from downtown lots.
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