How hot will it get at California State Fair? Here’s the weather forecast for opening weekend

Headed to the California State Fair this weekend? You can expect triple-digit temperatures and clear skies, according to the latest weather forecast.

The fair kicks off Friday at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento, and runs through Sunday, July 28.

Some of the attractions in store include free concerts, classic carnival games, rides and deep-fried food.

Rides and concessions cast light for visitors on the ground and riding the Sky Ride tram, left, after sunset at Cal Expo during the California State Fair on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Sacramento. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Rides and concessions cast light for visitors on the ground and riding the Sky Ride tram, left, after sunset at Cal Expo during the California State Fair on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Sacramento. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.

What’s in the weather forecast for California State Fair?

Friday, the first day of the 2024 California State Fair, will be sunny and hot, according to the National Weather Service’s seven-day forecast.

The high temperature will hover near 109 degrees with west-southwest winds up to 7 mph in the afternoon, the weather service said.

At night, the temperature is expected to dip to 71 degrees with winds up to 9 mph.

Triple-digit heat continues into Saturday, which could see a high of 102 degrees and The low may fall to 67 at night.

Guests laugh as the Hawaiian Express ride speeds up at the California State Fair on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Cal Expo. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Guests laugh as the Hawaiian Express ride speeds up at the California State Fair on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Cal Expo. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.

There will be a slight cool-down on Sunday, according to the forecast.

Wrapping up the weekend, Sunday will see a slight cool-down, according to the forecast.

The high that day is expected to be near 97 degrees, with a low near 62.

Heading into next week, Monday will be sunny in Sacramento with a high near 95 and a low around 62, the weather service said.

More clear skies are expect Tuesday and Wednesday, when highs will be near 94 and 95 degrees, respectively.

Carmelo Haskins, 9, screams as he descends on the Super Shot Drop Tower ride with his father Deandre Haskins, center, of Elk Grove, at the California State Fair on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Cal Expo. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Carmelo Haskins, 9, screams as he descends on the Super Shot Drop Tower ride with his father Deandre Haskins, center, of Elk Grove, at the California State Fair on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Cal Expo. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.

How to stay cool at Cal Expo in Sacramento

According to the state fair website, four cooling stations will be around the venue.

The stations are located at the following spots:

  • Behind Expo Center Building 6, near Heart Health Park

  • West of the Rodeo Arena

  • In the Spa area in front of Building A

  • At the Main Entrance next to the Water Park

Singer LeAnn Rimes performs at the Golden 1 Stage inside the California State Fair on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Sacramento as part of the Toyota Concert Series. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Singer LeAnn Rimes performs at the Golden 1 Stage inside the California State Fair on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Sacramento as part of the Toyota Concert Series. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.

How much are fair tickets?

You can save money at the California State Fair if you buy your tickets online in advance. Here’s how much admission costs:

Advance ticket prices

  • Adults: $14

  • Seniors (age 62 and older): $10

  • Youth (ages 5 to 12): $8

  • Children (age 4 and under): Free

Regular ticket prices

  • Adults: $16

  • Seniors (age 62 and older): $12

  • Youth (ages 5 to 12): $10

  • Children (age 4 and under): Free

A Sacramento Bee reporter plays a carnival game at the California State Fair in 2023. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.
A Sacramento Bee reporter plays a carnival game at the California State Fair in 2023. The fair kicks off at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Friday, July 12, 2024.

What are carnival ride prices?

Carnival fast passes cost between $10 and $15, depending on the rides. Carnival tickets are $1 per ticket.

Unlimited ride wristbands cost $39 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday. The price increases to $44 on Fridays and weekends.

All carnival tickets and fast passes must be purchased inside the carnival. Fairgoers can bundle costs with packages and season passes.

These packages and passes are available:

Fun Pack: For $54.49, you get four one-day general admission tickets, four ride tickets and one parking pass.

State Fair season pass: For $39.49, you get daily admission into the fair.

Blue Ribbon season pass: For $49.49, you get daily admission into the fair, unlimited monorail rides and a seat at the horse races.

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