Going to the State Fair? What you need to know about Cal Expo’s clear bag policy ahead of time

Vincent Medina

July 11, 2024 at 1:17 p.m.·2 min read

The California State Fair has returned to Sacramento for its 170th season and, for the third year, officials are once again enforcing a clear bag policy for all guests.

All bags entering the expo must not exceed 12 inches by 12 inches by 2 inches and fair officials require the bag be see-through plastic, a one-gallon clear kitchen plastic bag or a small clutch, as outlined in the fair’s FAQ webpage. The only two exceptions stated on the website are clutches with a waist or shoulder strap no larger than five inches by eight inches.

While parental need bags were allowed last year, it is unclear if the fair will continue to show the same leniency.

State Fair officials said they are “not responsible for and assumes no liability arising from fire, theft, damage to or loss of vehicle or any article left inside the vehicle for persons parked at CE&SF. Please lock your car,” the state fair said.

The California State Fair is will continue enforcing a clear bag policy for its 170th season in 2024. The only exceptions are clutches with a waist or shoulder strap.

Officials say the policy, similar to those at sporting venues like Golden 1 Center downtown or at NFL games, is aimed at making entry into the fairgrounds faster. All guests are screened for prohibited items before allowed through the turnstile.

While the bag policy may be limiting for some, officials said that guests can bring a wagon to cart children and merchandise around the grounds.

“Guests are allowed to bring single wagons and may not connect multiple wagons to each other,” Cal Expo’s rules page says, adding that coolers attached to such wagons can’t exceed 12-by-18-inch dimensions.

What else is prohibited at the State Fair?

According to Cal Expo’s website, several other items should stay at home and won’t be allowed at the fairgrounds.

Weapons or “objects that appear to be weapons (including toy blasters, squirt guns, etc.)”
Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, roller skates or recreational scooters
Alcoholic beverages, narcotics or any illegal substances
Drones, selfie sticks or tripods
Pets and emotional-support animals
“Items that obscure the face,” such as bandanas and other clothing, that is not for medical or health reasons
Signs, posters and banners, “except in designated areas as defined (by Cal Expo’s) Freedom of Expression Policy

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What else is prohibited at the State Fair?

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