The Yolo County Fair just got a major makeover, and it’s not your typical county fair expansion. For the first time in its history, the fair is stretching from five days to eight—but here’s the twist: they’re not consecutive. Smart scheduling meets summer fun.
Here’s the breakdown: August 7 through August 9 kicks things off, then the fair takes a breather before reopening Wednesday, August 12 and running through Sunday, August 16. The Yolo County Fair organizers made this call specifically so kids who head back to school the following week could still catch the action. It’s a thoughtful move that acknowledges the back-to-school rush without sacrificing the fair experience.
But the expanded calendar isn’t the only reason to mark your August calendar. The Yolo County Fair is introducing two new attractions that have serious cuteness factor: corgi racing on August 8 and chihuahua racing on August 9. If you’ve ever wanted to watch pint-sized pups barrel down a track, this is your moment. The destruction derby—a fair staple—returns on August 14 and 15 for those who prefer their entertainment with a little more metal-crunching drama. And naturally, there’ll be all the farm animals on display.
As the largest and oldest fair with free entry in California, the Yolo County Fair has long been an accessible summer destination for families across the region. Free admission is a huge deal; parking is just $10. That accessibility, combined with these new attractions and the extended schedule, makes this year feel like a reset for the fair as it looks to draw bigger crowds and give more families a real shot at attending.
The question now is simple: with corgi racing, chihuahuas stealing the show, and more days to choose from, will August be Sacramento-area summer at its finest?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
