Santa Clara County Fair returns Aug. 19-23 with rides, food and live entertainment

The 82nd Santa Clara County Fair runs Aug. 19-23 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose, bringing back carnival rides, livestock competitions, live music and family attractions. Organizers are also offering opening-day discounts, free admission for young children and a slate of new and returning events.

Why it matters: - The 82nd Santa Clara County Fair is a five-day community event that mixes agriculture, local culture and family entertainment. - The fair is a major annual draw for San Jose and the surrounding region, with food, rides, exhibits and live performances across four stages. - Discount days and free admission for young children make the event more accessible for families.

What happened: - The Santa Clara County Fair runs Aug. 19-23, 2026, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose. - The fair opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, with “Wacky Wednesday” admission priced at $20 and unlimited free carnival rides included. - Thursday, Aug. 20, is “BOGO Thursday,” with buy-one-get-one-free admission and carnival ride passes. - Children 5 and under get free admission Aug. 20-23. - Fair hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The details: - Returning attractions include Pony Rides, the Petting Zoo, Camel Rides, Pig Races, The Reptile Show, Balloonacy, Puzzlemania, The Umbrella Ship, DJ Brotha Reese, Chuy Gomez, the 1Culture Art Battle and Freestyle Friday. - The fair is bringing back a black-and-white photo booth. - Live entertainment will be free across four stages, with music spanning multiple genres and eras. - Food options include BBQ, corn dogs, strawberry shortcake, international cuisine and specialty drinks, including fruit-flavored baby bottles. - Visitors can see livestock, agricultural competitions, home arts displays, educational demonstrations, local flora and fauna, gems and minerals, reptiles, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, cows and horses. - The Junior Livestock Auction is scheduled for the morning of Aug. 22. - Silent auction items will be on display in the Home Arts building Wednesday through Friday and in Expo Hall on Saturday. - Parking is $20 in Lot A. - Handicapped parking is $20 in Lot C, and regular parking is $30 in Lot C. - Both parking lots accept credit cards only. - Tickets are available online at ticketing and at the Main Entrance. - More information is available at thefair.org.

Between the lines: - The fair is leaning on a mix of nostalgia and new programming to draw repeat visitors and families. - Salene Duarte, executive director of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation, said the fairgrounds have been revitalized with new events and activities aimed at making the venue more inclusive. - The event lineup suggests the fair is trying to serve both traditional county-fair audiences and visitors looking for concerts, food festivals and interactive exhibits. - The Bernal Scream Haunted House signals a push to add seasonal attractions beyond the fair itself.

What's next: - Pro-wrestling shows, line dancing, a butterfly exhibit and a barbecue competition will run during the fair. - Line dancing is set for Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Pavilion Patio area. - The Pitmasters Showdown runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 21-23, in the Arena area next to International Park. - Public tasting tickets will be available for the barbecue competition, with attendees voting for People’s Choice – Best BBQ of the Fair. - Judges will name the grand prize winner on Sunday, Aug. 23. - The Bernal Scream Haunted House will return Sept. 18-Nov. 8 in Gateway Hall. - Community Heroes Day on Aug. 22 offers $14 admission for first responders, union members and city and county employees with valid ID, and tickets must be bought onsite.

The bottom line: - The Santa Clara County Fair is pitching a full-scale return with discounts, headline entertainment and classic fair attractions designed to pull in families across five days.