MAIN Travel USA California California State Fair

The California State Fair, which is held annually in Sacramento, is an amazingly popular event that brings in just shy of a million people each year, with attendance records generally going up from year to year.

Like many other state fairs, the first in California premiered in San Francisco in 1854, when the state was looking to promote its farming and industry. For the next few years the fair moved from city to city, eventually settling in Sacramento in 1859 where it remains to this day.

Today, the fair is a truly massive event that brings in an estimated one hundred and fifty million dollars or more to the Sacramento area and the state of California.

To further attract visitors, and to take advantage of the annual peak summer vacation and travel periods, starting in 2010 the fair changed its regular mid-August dates to reschedule in mid-July.

What to see and do at the California State Fair

Some of the entertainment that fair-goers are treated to includes food and livestock competitions, thoroughbred horse racing, and talent shows for adults and children. Visitors can also take in a variety of extreme sports competitions and demonstrations, including freestyle motocross.

There are also a huge a number of exhibitors, and of course, live music concerts. Entertainment lineups in the past have included such star performers as Smash Mouth, REO Speedwagon, the All American Rejects, Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Hudgens, among many others.

In 2011, concert acts included Blue Oyster Cult, Air Supply, Neon Trees, Lee Greenwood, War, Choo Choo Soul, Three Dog Night and Starship with Mickey Thomas. This year, watch for the announcement of the California State Fair concert lineup being announced in late March or early April 2012.

Anyone looking to get out and enjoy a great state fair would undoubtedly not want to miss the California State Fair, one of the biggest and best of them. With so much to do and see, it's end-of-summer excitement and memorable fun for all ages.

More about the 2012 California State Fair around the Web:

California State Fair - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, fair highlights including rides, concerts, entertainment, and attractions with directions, map, photos.

California State Fair - More than two dozen star-rated reviews from the Yelp community with information on food, attractions and fun.

California State Fair Virtual Tour - Interactive 360-degree views of various pavilions and exhibits, the petting zoo, and other attractions.

also see -> Christmas in California | California Lakes & Beaches

California Wineries | California Fall Foliage | Moving to California