PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Discounted pre-sale tickets for the 2026 El Dorado County Fair are now available, offering residents a chance to secure lower admission prices ahead of the four-day event scheduled for June 18–21.
Fair organizers announced that advance ticket pricing will remain in effect through June 17, with general admission set at $11.39 for adults and $9.11 for juniors and seniors. Prices increase once the fair begins, rising to $14.80 for adults and $12.53 for juniors and seniors.
“Buying early not only saves money, but helps families plan their visit around some of our most popular events,” fair officials said in a public announcement.
Fair Schedule and Hours
The fair will open Thursday, June 18, at noon and run through Sunday evening, June 21. Gates will remain open until midnight on most days, with Sunday closing earlier at 10 p.m. Carnival hours align closely with gate times, beginning at noon daily.
Special Admission Days
Several promotional days are designed to increase accessibility for families and seniors:
- Kids’ Day (12 and under): Free admission until 6:30 p.m. on June 18
- Seniors’ Day (60+): Free admission until 6:30 p.m. on June 18
- Teen Day (ages 13–19): Free admission until 4 p.m. on June 19
- Children ages 6 and under receive free admission throughout the fair
- Active-duty military personnel are admitted free with valid ID
Parking will be available for $10 per vehicle, cash only, with limited capacity.
Featured Events and Attractions
The 2026 fair lineup includes a mix of traditional agricultural programming and crowd-favorite entertainment:
- Pee Wee Rodeo and Mutton Bustin’ at the Henningsen Arena on Friday
- Truck and Steamer Tractor Pulls Friday evening (separate ticket required)
- Junior Livestock Auction Saturday morning
- John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races Saturday evening
- Experience the Rubicon Challenge Sunday afternoon
Grandstand event tickets for the tractor pulls are priced at $11.39 in pre-sale and $17.08 during the fair.
Carnival and Ride Access
Carnival rides require separate tickets, with individual rides costing between four and eight tickets. Unlimited ride wristbands are available during pre-sale for $39.32 for a single day or $91.07 for a four-day “Golden Ticket” pass.
Fair officials note that ride access is subject to height and safety restrictions, with most rides requiring children to be at least 36 to 48 inches tall.
Packages and Season Passes
Season passes are also available through June 17, priced at $31.88 for adults and $26.19 for juniors and seniors. A special Father’s Day package, valid Sunday only, includes admission and ride access for a bundled rate of $52.78.
Community Tradition Continues
The El Dorado County Fair remains one of the region’s longest-standing summer traditions, drawing families, agricultural exhibitors, and visitors from across Northern California.
Organizers encourage early ticket purchases, particularly for families planning to attend multiple days or high-demand events.
