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Alameda County Fairgrounds
Categories: Active Life Amusement Parks Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Amusement Parks, Venues & Event Spaces
4501 Pleasanton Ave(between Rose Ave & Angela St)
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 426-7600
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
101 reviews for Alameda County Fairgrounds
Review Highlights
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"I loved the cute little pig races though." In 12 reviews -
"Oh, and don't forget to try the funnel cake." In 13 reviews -
"Lots of cool farm animals you can see, touch and SMELL." In 9 reviews
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101 reviews in English
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Review from Michael N.
San Jose, CA
3/7/2012
This is another review that is a long time and coming. I am just trying to catch up on some of my review and make sure that I am fair to the places I am reviewing and here is another place that we do enjoy coming to. We generally only come to the Fairgrounds during the Fair time, but it is nice to know with the size of the fairgrounds, they have plenty of room to do another of fun activities. We have enjoyed ourselves here may time, but this last time we had a great time especially with the County Fair being in town, we used ever attraction that they had planed for the day.
We found that the fairgrounds were very clean and well maintained. Yes the bathrooms could be updated, but then again as many people as these restrooms see in a year, they are in great conditions. All the facilities are in good shape and the exhibits halls are a great way to cool down and see some fun stuff.
If you are planing a trip here you will enjoy yourselves, but again if you are expecting a state of the art place then you will be disappointed, but if you are looking for a place where there are some fun and interesting activities, you have come to the right place. -
Review from Rebecca H.
Dublin, CA
5/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went to the Hawaii festival. The entrance was a little hard to find but we eventually got there. There aren't a lot of markers for finding your car, so make sure you generally know where you parked. The bathroom in the exhibition center was so gross, the lady was cleaning it so it wasn't filthy, it just smelled horribly like pee. It was a hot day and the bathroom, despite the air conditioned building, remained humid and dank. There are places to get some shade as you amble among the food vendors. Overall it was ok, but having come from Kern county, with an awesome fairground, this place was dinky and just ok.
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Review from Ray T.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/17/2012
Super rip off. If they think 10 boats constitutes a "show", they better find a lawyer.
The RV and Boat show was anything but. Not only expensive to park, get in but wasted my time. -
Review from Tito Y.
Emeryville, CA
10/28/2011 2 photos
Alameda County Fairgrounds.. Its a huge place, has lots of surrounding expensive parking but worth if if you don't want to walk a mile or two in. Never the less, it might be worth doing so.
Facilities. up the yin-yan.. bathrooms, halls, open fields, animals, amphitheater, railroad society building, on and on. If you have never seen a pig or cow up close, comedown in your poop-kickers. If you show up during a fair (recommended) you get the added benefit of getting to eat fried Twinkies and foot long hotdogs and then go on the twirl a wheel for like unlimited times till you hurl.
The are lots of halls during fairs you can also walk and see. Great way to get out of the blazing heat. Suggest maybe that also wear a sombero if you come out too. Halls during some of the fair times will include magic cleaning supplies and other snake oil accoutrements that might or might not work when you bring it home, like the "drill through anything drillbit", "magnetic wristband" and "microfiber glass cleaners".
This can be fun.. so if you go, bring your little ropers, they will have blast too. -
Review from Shannon F.
Brentwood, CA
7/5/2011
It's that time of the year!!! Fairs, fairs and more fairs!!!! This review is based upon the 2011 County Fair.
It's literally been a good 10 years since I have been to the Alameda fair so, being a fair fanatic, I was anxious to have some good old fair fun.
Off the bat, one thing I love about the fairs....The Food!!!!! Yes, one of the highlights of these wonderful festivals is my chance to be able to splurge on some food that you just don't find in the reg world (least not mine) and this fair has fantastic options to choose from for days! Hot dogs/ corn dogs that our huge enough to make you full just by looking at it and of course that taste sinfully delicious! Funnel cakes, gelato, cotton candy, and my favorite swirly ice cream...Mmmmm
Yes, the overall fair. I love how there are so many different things to check out. Exhibits, art, decor, all the little vendors. I was really impressed with all the animal petting zoos they had and have to say, I spent a good majority of my time chillen with just about every type animal you can think of and what was great is, they have a little booth to wash your hands after petting all the cuties.
I was also impressed with how well they kept up the grounds and just the overall extensive selection of rides/vendors/food ect to choose from.
Being as hot as it was this day, I couldn't quite hang to long however, I was able to check out a majority of what the fair had to offer.
Looken forward to next year! -
Review from Kristine G.
Dublin, CA
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
On this trip I was going to the Food Truck Festival. Alameda County Fairgrounds hosts a lot of events all year round. It's a decent sized venue, but getting into the parking lot can be difficult when it's a large event.
There is plenty of parking, but spaces aren't marked and you are walking on a dirt/gravel surface. Not good for any woman wearing heels. The parking lot can get confusing, so make sure you take note of where your car is.
I was disappointed that for this event, we had to pay an $8 parking fee. Come on, i'm coming here to pay to eat from food trucks. That was just an added expense that could have bought me a belgian waffle. -
Review from Rachel S.
9/1/2011
I guess I'm biased when I write about the ACF because I grew up in Pleasanton and have attended the fair every year of my life. Yes, I said it...every year of my life. If I wasn't dancing for my studio there, then I was running around with friends going on rides all day and night. Now that I have kids, it's what they look forward to at the beginning of every summer.
I always park back at Gate 8 (where the driving range is) because I can usually park closer to the gate than Gate 10. If it's not sold out, then I usually park at the lot next to the ACE Train station, across from the Main Gate. Yes, it is like $20...but it's worth it, since we end the night with rides in the kids area, it's a short walk across the street. The last thing I want to be doing at 11PM after walking the fair all day is walk across the fair and halfway through the parking lot with three exhausted kids. So I spend the extra ten dollars for convenience.
The two big exhibition halls are filled with items to be sold. They are usually the same vendors, but me and the boyfriend still walk through them every year. And we always find things to buy. This year it was nail polish pens and sand art pictures for our girls.
This year inside the main gate area, they had a bunch of BBQ food booths. Great if you didn't want to go wandering around for food. But we chose to eat at the same place we always do, the food court by the gardens. The kids and daddy always get corn dogs and french fries, I always get the teriyaki chicken bowl and a round of lemonades. It's pretty easy to find a table to sit at. If not, you can go and sit on the grass with your food.
During the evening is when the kids get to run around and go on the rides. It's more cost efficient to buy the wristbands for our three daughters because they want to go on the rides over and over again.
They didn't have any musical performances that I wanted to see. I've been to a few different fairs and this one by far has been the best one. The staff is really good about keeping the grounds clean. I haven't been to the horse races in awhile, but they're always a popular event. They seemed to be open longer this year too, almost three weeks.
If you "like" their page on facebook, then they have a lot of contests to win tickets while it's open. You just have to be a member of the page and they draw them randomly. Also, if you buy pre-sale tickets, you'll save more money.
They have events all year round, from craft fairs to cat and dog shows to the Goodguys Show and the Scottish Festivals. I haven't been to too many other events during the year here, but I know that we will continue to visit the fair in the summertime. -
Review from Eric B.
5/12/2011
The Alameda County Fairgrounds is a 270-acre facility that is home to the annual Alameda County Fair, as well as numerous trade shows and community events. Its racetrack was built in 1858, making it the oldest one-mile horse racing track in America. There is also a 3,000 seat amphitheater, as well as a 9-hole golf course located within the track's infield. The Alameda County Central Railroad Society has also maintained a model train exhibit at the fairgrounds since 1959 (O and HO scale).
I grew up in Iowa and I'm a huge County and State Fair goer. So by my Midwest standards, 3 Stars for a California Fair is as good as it gets. Heck, the Clay County Fair in Spencer Iowa is bigger than the California State Fair. Plus driving to Pleasanton isn't my idea of going to the country. And the collection of farm animals here? Please.
At the same time, the grounds are nice, the people watching has never disappointed, and it is a fun time out with the family. And it does leave me a wee bit homesick. -
Review from Ashlee J.
7/14/2011
The good:
It's a fair! Fairs are always fun! I like that the kids section is separate from the older kids rides. This made it a little easier to navigate through the chaos. Some of Michael Jackson's Neverland rides were showcased. The music tent & science tent were so fascinating to my son we spent 1 hour in each. The clown show: Jest in Time was a hoot! I like that they didn't over do it with the makeup & hair cause that would scare some little ones. Overall, good for a County Fair. Not as good as the State Fair.
The bad:
$8 to park. $10 per adult to get in. $3 small lemonade (mostly ice). $6 ice cream in a cup. Geez! Talk about mark up! The kid rides all require adults to accompany them. I am not arguing that, but I don't like that adults & kids are both charged. A 4 ticket ride becomes 8 tickets per ride if you have a kid with you. WHAT! Adults should ride free with their young ones. We packed our lunches & still spent $100 easy without doing any games & going on a few rides. -
Review from Connie C.
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here last weekend-- this is a very well organized fair. There's something for everyone-- food for the hungry, games, small rollercoasters for kids, and other random rides.
Not fond of rides? Go and check out the farm animals- cows, pigs, birds, rabbits, goats...and their babies! That was my favorite part, seeing the lil piglets.
There's a decent about of sitting and shade area, for those who get hot and tired. I went on a VERY hot day-- scorching 102 degrees...but managed to cool off by watching the horse races! Yup, there's an actual horse track in the fair...free admission too!
Parking isn't too bad, there's parking you can pay for, and if you drive a lil further out, you'll be able to find parking on the street.
A fun place for families, teens, and couples!
Oh, and don't forget to try the funnel cake! -
Review from Jessamyn W.
Monterey, CA
7/9/2011 9 photos
This is a perfect size for fairgrounds! There is plenty of indoor and outdoor areas. I mainly go here to come to the Alameda County Fair.
The county fair is great! Reasonably priced admission as well. It has the overpriced yet crappy fair food, but that's expected at any fair. There's a LOT of it too.
There's much to do here at the fair, including a lot of kid friendly things. -
Review from Elaine N.
Good good memories. I think this was perhaps the only place I've seen live fireworks. A man gave me some firecrackers and sparklers two years ago for Christmas, but I never got to use them because I can't seem to find any place to legally set them off. Sadface.
Every year, I come to see the bunnies. My favorite ones are the obese, and babies. For the longest time, my iPhone's wallpaper was the fat pillow bunny I found at the fair. I had also uploaded it onto Myspace. Unfortunately, Myspace deleted all its comments. Ever since I saw the episode of Dewey's rabbit on "Malcolm in the Middle", I have wanted a fat bunny to feed bacon to. It's on the bucket list, holla.
The little boutique shacks are always nice to look at, people always make and sell interesting things. I remember trying to bargain for a Stitch lanyard one year. It was me vs. Asian man. My friend stopped me by telling me that bargaining was illegal. She did not seem to understand that bargaining was a must in Asian cultures, who in the world pays $6 for a lanyard imported from China? My friend did not cooperate with me, so we ended up having to pay $6 for lanyards... Sighs, White peoples... Her lanyard broke soon after, so which my reply was, "Told you we shouldda bargained!"
Another fond memory of mine is going to the petting zoo. You see, I never had the childhood most children have, riding ponies and annual trips to the zoo. The closest encounter I've had to farm animals were seeing horse tails in carriers on the freeway. Feeding the goats brought an unexplainable feeling.. Happiness, I suppose? I enjoyed teasing them with the hay, poking their ears, and making faces at them. I did learn that goats were jealous creatures. While I was poking at a baby goat, a little boy behind me started pulling on my shirt and saying, "M'am, he's eating your shirt..." I turned around and found a goat chewing on the back of my shirt. After I finally escaped, my shirt was half-covered with slobber. Animals, such civilized creatures..
Other than that, I spend most of my time wandering around the carnival area and eating cotton candy. It's pretty and bright at night.
I saw the Jonas Brothers live here once. I still have their poster! 4 hour wait in line was totally worth it. Eeeeeeeeeekkk!!!
Oh yes, they have lots of goodies to eat (: However, if the fare keeps going up, I might end up having to live my childhood when I'm thirty and have a job. Just imagine that.Listed in: Makeout Spots!
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Review from Ivy R.
There was an interesting opportunity for me to assist my mom set up for a little mini trade show at this years KidsFaire.
I am a professional trade show-er so she had me come out to help her company with their booth set up.
I love the Fairgrounds and really enjoy when we come to car shows but my new experience from the other side gave me a different view.
The set up didn't include an extra option for carpeting, padding, even a in booth garbage can. The only extras you could get and pay for was a table.
Luckily I told my mom to bring her own carpet and wear comfortable shoes. She also brought her own small trash can.
You are also not allowed to pin anything to the back drop material because of tearing. They do provide for S hooks to use. The material is very flimsy and while colorful, not the best for what they're using it for.
I don't remember what hall we were in but it was sweltering and there was no air movement. I don't know if there were any fans or if any would be available the day of the event.
You really have to do most of the leg work yourself in regards to set up. Most of the things listed above are basic things at trade shows that you can pay extra for and my mom said that none of those things were even offered.
Usually you can do this through a separate company who comes in and sets up for the booth patron.
It was an interesting take from the other side that I don't think most people get to see or care about.
But you never know because one day you may be in business for yourself one day and I want to make your life easier.Listed in: Event Spaces, Beer & Wine Only, Carny Food
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/31/2009
Came here for the Good Guys Car show. We go at least once a year to this show.
As to the Fairgrounds… Read more »
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Review from Jeremy V.
Hayward, CA
3/12/2011
This is a review for the racetrack. I enjoy horse racing fair circuit, even though it isn't your top of the line GI and GII races you will see on a seemingly weekly basis in either Hollywood Park or Santa Anita Park in Southern California. There is a certain flare of going to the racetrack during the fair. Nothing wrong with having a delicious corn dog, lemonade, and watching the races throughout the day.
The race track is a dirt track of one mile and has a smaller-sized grandstand. They have box seats and general seating area.
I usually opt for the box seats, and the reservations for each box seat is $7.50. I recommend making box seat reservations in advance. What is nice about the box seats here is that the boxes are roomy. Unlike Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita, the chairs are roomy in the boxes at P-Town. The boxes had enough room for 8 people.
A downside to visiting the P-Town racetrack is the cost for entrance, particularly parking. Generally parking is between $8.00-$20.00 (from what I remember) and it is quite a hike from the parking lot. They do not have valet parking.
They will have plenty of betting stations. Make sure you bring large bills when you are gambling. The voucher stations only take $20 and higher bills. I have seen Santa Anita, Golden Gate, and Hollywood park betting stations take bills as small as $1 and $5. Play the $.10 superfecta bets.
Be aware that the California Fair Racing circuit tends to not yield very elite horses. Therefore, betting the horses here for a profit is very difficult. I have had trouble handicapping the races here. I have resorted to taking a look at the horses in the paddock before they are sent off for the post parade and betting on the one I feel looks the best or prettiest, without letting the betting public try to sway me. It is a difficult thing. You may want to handicap races based on the jockey riding the horse.
I do enjoy the fact that the track is open during the summer and the weather is generally warm, which is a nice change of pace from a day at the track at Golden Gate Fields, where the weather is usually cooler. -
Review from Grace L.
7/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been here twice this year: once for a home & garden show and the other for the fair.
The home & garden show was a dud in my opinion because for 1) I don't own a home nor a garden, but was an enthusiastic tag-a-long with people that own both. They have really good ideas if you're looking to pep up your home or yard, but I didn't think it was worth the price of admission.
The fair, on the other hand, was a different story! I've been to this fair once before, actually performing a singing competition during one of the days in high school. This time around, it was fun with Lovie's Fam Bam again. It was a sweltering hot Sunday, but we braved the heat to check out the faire.
For the most part, we hung out in the beer & wine garden (yes, it exists!) It consisted of a nice shady area with lots of tables and chairs. A corner of this garden had a booth that poured out Sierra Nevada Summer Ales and different red and white wines. All of which were kinda overpriced, but it's expected from a faire. On the other side of the garden was a blues band of 50 somethings playing on a stage. They were aiight.
The coolest part: the farm animals! Lovie's cousin's little 16 month old enjoyed all the little bunnies, baby ducks, roosters, hens, peacocks that were in cages. They were actually for sale.
Not so cool part (literally): the heat, which yeah. They couldn't help. But again, I wasn't too thrilled at the fact that I had to pay 5 bucks for a vanilla froyo in a waffle cone. -
Review from Nicole G.
Danville, CA
2/25/2012
Man do I love me some Alameda county fair. Just do not eat before the rides!! You will feel like shit. The fair is a great place for dates, hangin with friends or a family outing with the kids. "Steer" clear of the 4-H auctions. Personal bias included, I find 4-H to be a deceitful organization. In addition to the fair, they have great home shows that give away free stuff. Back in the day I used to get so much free shit from the home shows, nowadays I'm lucky to get a spare the air pencil. Still worth coming out for! Forever faithful to the fairgrounds
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Review from Anne T.
7/5/2009 ROTD 8/3/2009
How can you not love the fair? If you don't, consider yourself a soulless killjoy. :)
We parked free in downtown Pleasanton and walked. Saved some cash that way. We also bought the newspaper at the front gate for .50 and got the coupons with all sorts of discounts on food.
Our firsts today included:
*Eating mini dougnuts while watching the horses race and hearing new words that I don't want the kids to repeat!
*Watching piggie racing
*Seeing a pig get shaved by a teenager with an Ipod
*Riding a mechanical bull
*More white hats and belt buckles than you can shake a stick it (it was la dia de famalia today!)
*Seeing the joy on my kids' faces as they came down the giant slide
Nobody cried, puked or got lost, so it was a good, good day. -
Review from Sunny J.
Berkeley, CA
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
You can bet on horse racing here. Which I kind of think is weird since there is no race track here and gambling is supposedly illegal, but I still got to bet on the Kentucky derby :-)
$5 entrance fee seems unnecessary as I know they make money on the wagers. I made my bet and went home to watch the derby, plenty of people were hanging out, I find the place a bit depressing...even on derby day. -
Review from wendella a.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2008
Ah - a beautiful day at the county fair. Great opportunity for urban dwellers to be immersed in some Midwestern type fun. Classic carnival rides including sky-soaring Ferris wheels and stomach-scrambling twirly thingamajigs. Loads of good bad-for-you food; cotton candy, funnel cakes, ice cream and shave ice in all its incarnations, smoky mounds of barbecued delights, cheese on a stick, overpriced beer and watered down margaritas that you'll happily fork over too much money for to keep hydrated in the glowing sun.
4H exhibits, furry animals to pet, scaly reptiles, snakes and tarantulas to pretend to be afraid of, some random technology exhibits (watching people publicly giving the Wii-fit a go was a cruel schadenfreude blast), awful karaoke to laugh at and run from, thoroughbred horses, mini-golf, hypnotist acts, daily concerts (Los Lobos when I went)...the hi jinks go on and on.
Today is the last day for the fair this year. The sun is shining and the air is clear. If you can make it to Pleasanton and have $10 to shell out for admission, go and treat yourself to some simple, pure fun.
Side note 1: Don't miss the mini-cupcake stand. Cutest food booth ever.
Side note 2: Behold the gargantuan smoked turkey leg at the barbecue booth. It will bring you back to Medieval times. You can easily share one with three people. CHOMP! -
Review from Eric W.
6/6/2007
The fair is coming!
6/22 - 7/8
Other than Chinese new year, the Alameda County Fair has got to be my most anticipated continuous two week span marked on the calendar. I remember my parents used to take me when I was a wee little lad, and I've been hooked ever since.
The Alameda County Fair is the last of the Bay Area incarnations to capture the essence of what county fairs are all about. The other ones held in San Mateo and San Jose are set in the middle of the urban jungle, and don't really retain any of the characteristics of the original events from back in the days of yore, which were meant to showcase farming and agriculture mixed in with some good old family fun.
Pleasanton itself isn't necessarily unaltered, rustic countryside, but the location of the fairgrounds, in a wide open, flat setting, decorated with ample greenery, gives the impression that you are actually somewhere in the Midwest, where county fairs seem to have taken root.
In addition to getting up close and personal with the award winning livestock, swine, steer, and cattle, how about dropping a dime or two on legendary jockey Russell Baze at the racetrack; sampling the most classic of fair cuisine - funnel cake, chocolate dipped banana, and cotton candy; or browsing many of the "infomercial" booths peddling some of the newest, innovative products to hit the market?
Furthermore, there is plenty of live entertainment, including local rap and rock artists, pig racing, a nationally recognized hypnotist, ever so daring Chinese acrobats, BMX and skateboard tricksters, and of course, the main pavilion for the headlining superstars.
I was blessed with the opportunity to work at the fair two years ago, and was able to view practically every single concert. Some of the performance highlights included the star studded likes of Jaci Velasquez (I even got a hug from her!), Diana DeGarmo, ConFunkshun, Starship, Tracy Lawrence, and *gasp* Raven Simone. This year's lineup promises to be just as great, if not better.
Also, big ups to my boys, Suave, the illest R&B accapella group west of the Mississippi. They were one of the daily acts, and my booth was literally a stone's throw from their stage. Although I probably heard them croon over a hundred times, I never got sick of their shows, and even copped the album after it was all said and done. Hopefully, they will be re-signed to give it another go this year. They are definitely my "must-see" recommendation to everyone.
And what would a county fair be without the carnival and midway? Based on my observation, it can be a very romantic place at night. For the fellas, the tried and true Ferris wheel can do no wrong, but what better way to win over a girl's heart than to show off your prowess on the games of skill? Young and old alike, every single female I have seen walking around the premises with her arms full of stuffed animals has nothing but a fat grin from ear to ear, bragging to everyone out there, "Yeah, that's right! My man loves me!" Since I used to work the games section at Great America, I know many of the dirty, secret techniques on how to beat the system, but unfortunately, I haven't had anyone to pass on my winnings to all these years other than my baby sister. Needless to say, by now, her room would just about put Noah's Ark to shame.
Although I would have loved to work the fair again this year, I don't think my company will be sponsoring a booth, so I guess I'll have to pay my way in just like all the common folk, which is just as well. For the measly cost of admission, I can't think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon, being whisked away to a distant land without ever having to leave the Bay Area. -
Review from Nate R.
6/28/2010
I've been coming here almost every year since my early childhood! The Alameda County Fair is like the land where time stood still, and that's one of the things I like about it so much.
Highlights from this year's fair:
Smoke on a stick - basically a corn dog but round and filled with smoked sausage instead of a hot dog.
Funnel Cake - Fried Dough! Powdered Sugar! Whipped cream!
Fried Artichoke Hearts - They stay moist inside and are quite delicious when dipped in some kind of viscous goo. (ranch? flavored mayo? I dunno what that stuff is..)
Giant smoked BBQ turkey leg - This thing is almost as big as your head, best when shared with another person.
I also saw that chocolate covered bacon was available this year. Sounds foul, yet kind of tempting. I dunno, maybe I'll hit that next year.
I ended up at the fair on Saturday and Sunday this year, and saw all that I needed to see - from horse racing to baby piglets. Bring some sunscreen, your fried food appetite and enjoy! -
Review from Erika G.
Updated - 7/5/2009 1 Check-in Here
BUY TICKETS ONLINE!
Skipped the long line to buy at the booths and walked right up to the metal detectors!! NICE!
-Got in early enough to get third row parking!
-Saw piglets that were hours old!
-Saw calf that was born earlier that morning!
-Smelled that smell you smell out in Stockton/Tracy.
-Saw the Michael Jackson Neverland ride.
-Ate cake made by the 4-H group ($1.50 a slice YUM)
-Ate tamales at by the WInner that was picked AFTER I ordered them!
-Ate or shared a brick of fries.
-Ate Deep fried Snickers
-Ate Corn on the Cob
(Can you hear Tempelton singing in the background SMORGABORG ORGABORG?)
-Contimplated or dreamed of buying a Swim/Spa!
-Saw the crafts made by local people that inspire me to enter my goods next year!
All in All had a great day and am looking forward to going again Friday!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2007
"The Fair is a Virtual Smorgasbord, Orgasbord."
Tempelton Charolett's Web
That's why I go to Fairs.… Read more »
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Review from Peg S.
7/15/2009 4 photos
Three words: little piggy races. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
More words: sweltering heat, kiddie rides, games where you can win glaringly ugly stuffed animals, old school photo booths, horse racing, roller derby, steer/goats/hairless sheep, baby chicks/ducks/hens for sale, unbelievably soft bunnies to pet, mechanical bull riding, funnel cakes, cotton candy, monster dogs, carmel apples, kid tractor pulls, hot tub vendors, and cheesy flea market to as-seen-on-tv hawkers.
Final words: nostalgic fun! -
Review from kim w.
San Francisco, CA
7/12/2011
3.5
fried foods fried foods and more fried foods! almost everything cost money but its all in good fun. rides make you so sick. if you want to ride one ride, you might as well get an all day pass for $25 because one ride is already $5. -
Review from Kelly B.
San Jose, CA
7/4/2009 6 photos
Another great Alameda County Fair!!!
Ok, just so that you know, Wednesday Senior Citizens get in for free!!
Here are some of the delights of this year's fair:
Charlie Daniels Band played "Devil Went Down To Georgia
Fantastic photos in the art displays
love the collection building
at least seven booths want to sell you waterless cookware
1.50 cake slices from the 4-H booth
pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw from Bubba's
Hawaiian Wings from the Bud Light booth
corn dog on a stick slathered with mustard
a 4.00 diet pepsi worth every penny
pink cotton candy brought home to Dr. R.
taking a photo in the photo booth with mom and dad
strolling through the fiber arts building to look at the quilts
place setting contest at the Fiber Arts building
the lit-up rides on the long walk back to the car
driving home with a happy heart
Hey! Your childhood and a sh**load of fairfood is calling your name,
better get to the fair!
(omg, I didn't even see the pig races, I guess I have to go back!) -
Review from Chris K.
7/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
It has been YEARS since I've been to the fair! We came on $2 Tuesday as soon as they opened. It was super-hot, but a lot of folks were out because of the $2 tickets.
My goodness, the parking is steep, $8 per car! Great reason to carpool :)
My daughter and I both loved the petting zoo, there were pygmy goats, pigs and deer to name a few. One of the deer had a penchant for eating clothing, not sure why! We had lots of fun here and only wished it opened before noon!
The fairgrounds are well-equipped with real bathrooms, plenty of shady areas (there are even trees in the parking area).
The biggest laugh for me was all the kiddie rides that claimed to be from MJ's Neverland Ranch...hmm not exactly a statement that made me want to hop on! -
Review from Jeff P.
Dublin, CA
7/20/2009 1 photo
Things that I saw, experienced and ate on my trip to the fair this year.
18 inch corn dog (And yes, I did eat one.)
Mullets
Delicious Funnel Cakes
"Homies Forever" Banner
Everything is retarded expensive
The Old Gyro stand where I got my first job that only lasted for 2 days
Working replica model of The Top Gun Ride at Great America
Delicious jams and jellies
Hot model railroad set up with working drive in movie theater -
Review from Eric C.
Hayward, CA
1/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
NUMMI career fair, my only time there and the place is huge. Really good for a career fair, but it was A-OK.
Staff aren't really informative of where to park at the last minute -
Review from sarah l.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2006
OMG. this was seriously the best day of my life after my wedding.
i had just gotten the news that my beloved, shitty hometown amusement park, libertyland, got closed down and memories of midsouth county fairs were flooding back. riding the "zippin pippin" (elvis's favorite rollercoaster, FYI) over and over again. paddle boating with my brother. my first funnel cake. oh and the time my best friend and i got stuck on a double decker farris wheel for 45 minutes while a carny with a ladder and a wrench went to work. ok, that one wasn't such a good memory....
still, it left me with a serious hankering. I *begged* my husband to take me to the alameda county fair on our day off work. he did and it was FANTASTIC.
fair disclosure: i am a southern girl who loves a good county fair. that said, i'm not a redneck, i don't say "y'all" or walk around with a hayseed hanging out of my mouth, nor have i ever known anyone in four H so don't get the wrong idea about my county fair dedication. i just like fun rides and bad food. my husband says "it's not for everyone" but i think it is.
here were some highlights, judge for yourself (photos to be added, don't worry)
- i got an airbrushed tank top ("sarahcuda" with flames)
- rode some crazy-ass upside-down rides. after one, my finger tips were tingling. maybe i had a stroke? i don't know but it was fun.
- i ate a turkey leg, a funnel cake, two cheese-on-a-sticks, and drank a gallon of lemonade
-we saw a pig race. yes, a pig race. highlight were the "rookies." six month old pigs running around on a track with smocks on, jumping hurdles then chowing down in a trough at the end of the track. i yelled "I WANT TO SEE BACON FLY!"
-i rode a mechanical bull (and kicked ass at it!)
there was also some chick doing a carrie underwood "tribute" (including some of her "sassier work") in the middle of the place and KC and the Sunshine band played (we skipped it). we were seriously trying to leave for two hrs when we kept running into awesome, fun, white trash things to do! (russel s.- i think you'd LOVE it given your trailer park roots!!!)
it didn't take that long to drive there and it wasn't even crowded! seriously, why would you NOT go??? -
Review from Harry P.
Martinez, CA
7/14/2009
Took my daughter to the fair mainly for the petting zoo and the animal attractions as she already is a huge animal lover. Never have I seen a young child so infatuated with cows, pigs, goats, hell they even had a baby kangaroo which was pretty awesome. The only downside is somewhere down the line I am going to be asked for a pony. I know its gonna happen and there is no stopping it. Either that or a kangaroo actually.
The rest of the fair was pretty fun as well. The food and drinks were good(and expensive of course). The other attractions were fun and entertaining along with some of the other exhibits. Obviously, most of the fair was a money vacuum with an assortment of useless garbage you never thought in a million years you would need and still never need yet they tried to sell it to you anyways.
I will be back next year for sure. -
Review from Abi U.
9/8/2008
Ok so my review is for the Fairgrounds NOT for the actual Fair since I haven't been. They hold various events here and usually I'm here two times out of the year to work Hot Import Days and Hot Import Nights. So my review will be based on those experiences.
There's plenty of parking here. I think they charge $5 to park but I've never had to pay. The people direct you into the spot you'll be parking in which I suppose is a good thing because first come first serve to the closest spots only the last time I went THEY MADE ME PARK IN THE GRASS!!!!!!!!!! My poor front end... SCRAPED going over this hump between the road and the lawn. Why do I need to park in the grass when there are empty spaces RIGHT THERE?! Sigh.... Scratched up front end. Thanks.
Security is great. They check your bags quickly and thoroughly before you enter and don't give you a hard time about what you pack. I brought a suitcase and they didn't pull anything out or be all perverted about anything. When people got rowdy they managed to tame the crowd and overall give a safe feel to everyone waiting in line. Yes, lines are long!
The fairgrounds have restrooms located all over. They have a good number of stalls so you're not waiting forever to go. The maintenance is pretty good too, always clean and always stocked. Hoorah for that because I would hate to throw a b*tch fit in the bathroom from stepping in something or seeing something gross.
You can't run from the heat here so bring lots of sunblock! It's all wide open space....! -
Review from Linda C.
6/27/2007
Alameda County Fair
Location: Midwest.
Cost: 2 dollah tuesdays! :) (but add $8 for parking ...total sadface)
Phrase to sum up the night: A Night of "Firsts"
1. First Funnel Cake - mmmm, strawberries, whipped cream, and powdered sugar! Waaaay sweet but it was alright shared with someone else and my new stuffed animal brady :D. Still, next time I think I'll skip the MOUNTAIN of whipped cream and powdered sugar and just get strawberries and cake :)
2. First Mechanical Bull Ride - Whoa there nelly! I guess I'm just a rootin' toootin' cowgirl now! :) My hands totally hurt afterwards, probably because I'm a 'tard and didn't put on a glove, but at least the man controlling the bull was nice to me and didn't throw me off immediately. This was probably the highlight of the night! Glad I did it! :)
3. First Hypnotist Show - Funny, but got old a little bit quickly. I was more interested in the Ferris Wheel halfway through the show. :)
And now, for the other fun things available at the fair! :)
1. Ferris Wheel - hehe, cheesy and all, but a nice relaxing way to round out the "fair" experience - especially my first one! (see the running theme of this review?)
2. B&W Photobooths! :) - I love these things soooo much! For some reason when I think fair, i think photobooths, ferris wheel and cotton candy! :)
3. Animals - nice to see all the farm animals and cool gadgety mechanics - the apple peeler! But really, the smell kinda threw me off :)
4. Food - yes, I had a gajillion calorie way overpriced corndog, but I was schmungry, and it was satisfying enough! :) Missed out on my cotton candy, but I guess the funnel cake more than made up for my sugar rush! :)
Last but not least:
Theres a whole bunch of things to do at the fair, and its a nice way to spend some time with friends and family, I guess its a great way to "experience" a bit of the heartland in the middle of the big city! -
Review from Andi T.
7/14/2008
This county fair has everything you want in a county fair:
* Free admission for kids 5 and under
* More farm animals than your city mind can comprehend: cows, pigs, goats, sheep, bunnies, fancy roosters, and more.
* Model train room for the child that is not interested in farm animals.
* Pony rides
* All the midway rides you want: merry go-round, ferris wheel, roller coaster, tea cups, etc.
* Your standard toss-the-ball, pop-the-balloon midway games
* Beer and wine garden
* Horse racing
* Overpriced food galore, including soft-serve ice cream cones taller than your child's face. Bonus: lots of picnic tables in the shade!
* Country music playing on multiple stages
* Semi-retired musical acts
* Surprisingly clean restrooms!
It was everything I promised the kids it would be. Thanks! -
Review from Anya R.
2/25/2010 1 photo
I had such a good time at this fair!
It was super hot for Fourth of July weekend which was perfect.
The parking is suspect because you have to park in direct so I should have worn some sneakers instead of sandals.
I enjoyed the corn dogs, chili fries, and beer! The beer was pretty expensive tho.
There was also horse racing! All of my friends put money on the horse that was favored and won! Super neat.
They of course had rides, and games that you had to buy tickets for and redeem. Did the ferris wheel and everything else looked.. kind of rickity and suspect.
OH! and I love throwing darts and popping balloons. There was a guy trying to hustle me! I would win and he'd say give me more money and pop some more and I'll give you a bigger prize. I totally fell for it until I was like wait a minute.. he's building me up for the HUGE prize that I'm sure would have taken me 40 bucks to get. NO NO!
I love fairs- I think Boyz II Men came one of the nights too. lol. You know your a has been when you start performing at county fair by the way! -
Review from Black K.
Oakland, CA
7/11/2009
For all you "snobs" that are too scared to leave your la-la land known as San Francisco, listen up. The Alameda County Fair is the BEST summertime event in the Bay Area.
A simple $10 ticket will get you access to some of the most offbeat entertainment that your imagination can think of.
I mean, where else can you go take a picture of some live pigs then step about 20 feet away and order a pork corn dog! lol
Although I'm getting a little tired of the Roller derby, the Pig Races are quickly becoming the hit of the fair. The baby chicks, ducks, and piglets will always be a hit.
So, if you're willing to get out of your comfort zone, I'm sure you will have a pleasant surprise at the fair.
Also, the musical act EN VOGUE rocked the house!
The only downside to the fair is you have to be aware of the weather before you go. The fair is located in the city of Pleasenton,CA and it can get EXTREMELY HOT in the summer months. So get prepare!
ALSO, if you decide to go see one of the free musical acts be aware that the lines form early and if you decide to go at the last minute... You may not get in. You've been warned.Listed in: Best Events To Meet Single…
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Review from Henry S.
Dublin, CA
7/9/2009
Went to the Fair tonight with just my wife and I and we had a great time! It was not busy at all and the smells and sound just brought back great memories. Although its some what pricey, its great to come to the county fair. Adult tickets were $10 a piece and parking was $8 per car.
I had to have my standard GIANT corn dog and a Turkey Leg. Both were awesome but I just couldn't get myself to finish my turkey leg (I'm getting old)!!! My wife had grilled corn which was delicious and dipp'n dots (yes, what a nutritious dinner) but what the heck...we're at the fair! The rides look like a lot of fun but we didn't partake. The vendors had a lot of cool gadgets and inventions to sell along with your standard crap as well.
I thought the lay out of the fair was much better than last year. There wasn't as many "crap" vendors and things were spread out a bit more. There was a large police presence and I definitely felt safe while I was there.
My favorite part was the live stock area. Lots of cool farm animals you can see, touch and SMELL!!!
Definitely will be back for En Vogue and the Journey Tribute Band! -
Review from Rox M.
San Lorenzo, CA
7/2/2007
Fair dork here!
$8.00 for parking. $9.00 adult entrance fee ($5.00 if you have a discount ticket), and I think it's even cheaper on Tuesdays.
I went with one other adult and my tot. We had a blast!! I had one of those personalized license plate frames made, tot had photo taken, tot had a pink heart balloon painted on her arm, we looked at the exhibits, the paintings that were hanging outdoors (and some poetry too!), people-watched, let tot go on some kiddie rides, watched the All Alaskan pig race, and pigged out (yeah, we pigged out at the right place!). I'm serious, we totally pigged out, now we have all the more reason to hit the gym. Here's what we had: 2 Root Beer Floats, 1 Corndog, 1 Large Thai Ice Tea, 1 "Fair Special" Thai Plate, 2 plates of not-so-good Chinese food, 2 little Hamburgers (damn plain for $4.75 each, no lettuce, tomato, nothing other than meat & bun) and lots of water!! Bring enough money b/c you'll find nothing cheap here!! But you'll have fun spending all that money.... -
Review from Kevin P.
2/9/2009
I may be a little bias because I spent the majority of my youth here working. Not to say it comes with bad memories but a lot of great memories (about 4 summers). The Alameda Fairgrounds is where they have the Alameda County Fair, the Good Guys Car Shows, The Scottish Games (which are REALLY cool!) and a number of other events.
It's large, easily accessible, tons of parking and there is always something to do. I hear of auctions and dances that on here too, and they even have an amphitheater that can house about 3000 people or so which you could have your graduation there, like I did :D
So events to go to here:
Alameda County Fair
Scottish Games
Good Guys Car Show
Enjoy!Listed in: Music and Entertainment, Need a place to make a scene?
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Review from Trumom R.
CA
6/22/2007
Maybe I am easily entertained... maybe I am a sucker for lemonade, corn dogs, and carnies... maybe I am just one of those parents who LOVES to see her kids so crazy happy...
Whatever it is, the Alameda County Fair is a BLAST...
DO NOT
(repeat)
DO NOT MISS IT!
This is a huge fair on sprawling grounds. There is the traditional stuff like old tractors and 4-H displays. Then there is the traditional with a twist... stuff like kid tractor pulls (the pedal kind of tractors pulling sleds much like the real thing- next time you see me, ask me how I know about the real thing) and a tent FULL of pregnant sheep (about one a day gives birth and we arrived just after one) and newborn farm animals. (OMG- the CUTEST thing EVER is an itty-bitty piglet- I'm giving up bacon, I swear.) There is also a good sized Midway (you know, rides and games) and a huge kid area with kid rides and games (the best is the pick a duck game- $5 INSURES that your kid is a winner!)
The Things (1 and 2) were BESIDE THEMSELVES with joy :)
NOTE: You do have to buy tickets for the rides. Hubby and I HIGHLY SUGGEST spending $25 per kid for the unlimited rides wristband, even if your kid is only 36" tall. Trust me, you'll get your money's worth.
There is also plenty of fair food- lemonade, corn dogs, funnel cake (OMG! OMG! OMG!), curly fries, barbecue, and, best of all, you can drink beer just walking around (you are not confined to a goofy beer garden area that is decorated to look like some hofbrau from hell.)
We were there for the FAB fireworks... I think they're only happening on the first night. A plus: we heard the Bay City Rollers singing "Saturday Night" (remember? S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!) during the Original Idols (a/k/a Washed Up One-Hit Wonders) show (which also included Leif Garrett.)
Pacify your inner (or outer) Midwesterner and
DO NOT
(repeat)
DO NOT MISS IT! -
Review from Dunnet G.
Daly City, CA
9/28/2009
I took my daughter last year at the Alameda County Kids Faire and it was really, really hot. I told my myself that I will bring her again this year and guess what.... the weather is hot again (max is a 103 deg). I just wish that they will change the date when the weather is cooler like around 1st week of October. They are doing this fair for the kids anyway, why don't they think about the kids and their welfare. How can the kids enjoy the shows, their favorites cartoon characters if it's awfully hot. Like my daughter last year, she got sick because it was too hot.
That's why this year I just told my husband that we are going to pass and maybe try going next year, hoping and praying that they will change the date.
I like to give them 5 stars because i don't have any complaint regarding the food, rides, etc. The only complain that I have is THE DATE OF THE EVENT!!!!! That's why I just gave them 1 star. If they care about the kids and it's for the kids anyway THINK ABOUT THEM AND CHANGE THE DATE!!!!!
