Alameda County Fair Opening Week Is Here | New

The Alameda County Fair returns for its first summer appearance in Pleasanton since 2019 starting this Friday at the fairgrounds.

Lasting 19 days through July 10, the 2022 fair – themed “Road to Summer” – will be highlighted by many favorite activities that draw people from across the Bay Area to the fields of fair year after year outings: carnival rides, vendor stalls, horse races, exhibitions, entertainment shows and, of course, food and drink.

The opening week of the fair, which runs from this Friday to Sunday, then Wednesday and Thursday (the fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except for Independence Day), will also feature a series of special events and specials.

For the opening day of Friday, June 17, until 3 p.m., entry inside the doors will be free; the same goes for all dads on Sunday until 3 p.m. for Father’s Day.

R&B star Ginuwine will kick off the Big O Tires concert series inside the Lucky Amphitheater Friday night from 8-9:15 p.m. Special on Wednesday and Stealin’ Chicago (tribute to Chicago) on Thursday.

The first Saturday of the fair will be packed with special features, starting with the Sun’s Out Fun’s Out Run to benefit local nonprofit Sunflower Hill. The event starts at 9 a.m. and is open to runners of all skill levels.

Then, from 2-5pm that day, the fair will feature its popular Brew Fest tasting event with over 15 brews scheduled.

At 3:30 p.m., the fairgrounds will host the West Coast’s only regional qualifier for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest — the top three men and women earning invites to the National Finals on July 4 at Coney Island.

In addition to Father’s Day, Sunday will also celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with its Out at the Fair festival for Pride Month.

Later in the week, the annual pet food drive will take place on Wednesday, with attendees eligible for free admission and $1 rides until 5 p.m. by bringing new pet food and unopened for the benefit of the Valley Humane Society. Senior Day, with free admission until 5 p.m. for people aged 62 and over, is set for next Friday.

The fairgrounds also host the John Madden Memorial Bus, which will be on site in honor of the late Pleasanton resident and professional football icon.

Each evening, the fair will host a special drone light show at the Stella Artois grandstand. And Movies at the Fair will show a different family movie each night on the concert lawn at 6 p.m.

For tickets, full schedules and other information, visit alamedacountyfair.com.