Shift to September–October Aims to Enhance Guest Experience and Reduce Heat Impacts
(Sacramento, CA) - The California Exposition & State Fair Board has voted to change the time of year for the California State Fair beginning with the 2027 season. The Fair will move from its traditional mid-summer schedule to new dates from September 17 through October 3, 2027.
The decision follows several years of analysis and planning by California State Fair staff. The change is designed to improve the guest experience, reduce the impact of extreme summer temperatures, and support better overall operating conditions for vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
“For years, our team has been evaluating the best way to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable Fair for everyone,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of California Exposition and State Fair. “With rising summer temperatures, shifting to the fall season allows us to create a more pleasant environment while maintaining the traditions Californians love.”
“We’ve spoken extensively with our vendors, community partners, concessionaires, and key stakeholders and everyone understands the need for the date shift,” said Martinez. “The move also aligns with several other State Fairs that operate during the fall.”
The upcoming 2026 California State Fair will proceed as scheduled, running July 17 through August 2, 2026.
About the California State Fair
Cal Expo is home of the California State Fair, an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs worldwide. For the past two years, the Fair was ranked the best State Fair in the nation. Established in 1854, the California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.
