If you’ve been looking for a reason to venture north to Roseville this weekend, the 2026 Placer County Fair just handed you about 22 of them—that’s how many carnival rides are waiting for you starting Thursday, June 25.
The fair runs through Sunday at the Grounds in Roseville, and it’s marking a major milestone: 88 years of the county fair tradition, plus 175 years of Placer County itself. But here’s what really matters—this isn’t one of those events that requires a second mortgage just to walk through the gates. Dave Karnes, the fair’s communications and marketing director, was clear about it: this is one of the most affordable family outings in the region.
So what’s actually happening? Fair hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, then noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission runs $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 13, with military members and seniors paying $8. Parking is $15. Inside, you’ll find 12 concerts lined up across the weekend, those 22 carnival rides, and what organizers are calling a“fair within a fair”at the indoor Roebbelen Center—which houses over 100 vendors, including 22 food vendors, so you won’t go hungry.
The real draw? Saturday’s ag tech expo is the first of its kind, introducing attendees to career paths happening right here in Placer County. And if you’re serious about barbecue, Sunday’s rib cookoff is where the action happens. But livestock shows run throughout, so if you want to see what the kids and their animals have been working toward all year, plan to stick around.
This isn’t complicated. It’s food, rides, music, and community all rolled into four days of actual entertainment without the tourist-trap pricing. For Sacramento-area families wanting to skip the drive to theme parks and just enjoy a solid county fair experience, this is your weekend.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
