The scent of cotton candy in the air, the sizzle of funnel cakes, the rumble of livestock, and the joyful shrieks from the carnival midway it must be fair time in Placerville. The El Dorado County Fair returns June 12–15 to the Placerville Fairgrounds, bringing with it all the charm of a classic county fair wrapped in this year’s spirited theme, “Moovin’ n’ Groovin.”
From live music to livestock shows, grandstand spectacles to hands-on exhibits, this year’s fair offers an immersion into some of the best traditions known as rural Americana, all with a modern twist in the heart of the town this author proudly grew up in.
This year, organizers of the El Dorado County Fair have curated a four-day extravaganza that will feature more than 70 musical acts, circus performances, grandstand events, family shows, contests, interactive games, and more across multiple stages and venues throughout the fairgrounds.
Each day has been carefully crafted to include live music across four major stages, as well as special appearances, heritage events, and high-octane spectacles in the grandstands.
Thursday opens with Kids’ Day and Senior Day, offering free admission for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and up until 6:30 p.m. The day features performances by The BlowBacks, The Last Call, Keep On Truckin’, The Tritones, Rhonda Lynn & Edgewood Station, Brisco County, Gene Barnett, and Jimmy & the Deadlies. Circus Imagination and Clown School perform at 1, 3, and 6 p.m. on the Main Lawn.
Clown College is open eight hours daily offering juggling, hula hoops, soap bubbles, and more. Game Shows with Hannah Not Vannah are held in the theater at 2 and 5 p.m. Jeremy the Juggler and Trixie the Magical Clown perform roving shows daily at set times. Buddy Bull Northwest hosts mechanical bull riding all day near the Beer Tree. Other features include the Freckle Farms Petting Zoo, the Live Shark Encounter, and the return of the Rubicon Trail Experience near the El Dorado Disposal Home Arts Building. That exhibit offers daily educational demonstrations and an up-close look at off-road trail capabilities and conservation.
Inside the exhibit halls, guests can vote on their favorite quilts, needlework, floral niches, fine art, and minerals. Educational booths like Master Gardeners, Master Food Preservers, and home arts demonstrations fill the halls with interactive displays. Livestock events on Thursday include rabbit agility and costume contests, the llama and alpaca show, and goat and dairy showcases.
Friday is Teen Day and features Michelle Lambert, Brodie Stewart Band, Island of Black and White, Red Dirt Ruckus, Love & Honey, Heirloom, FBI Band, Rhythm Vandals, Incognito, Shauna Lea & the Hired Guns, Sugarplum the Band, Chasing Anthems, and Encore. The Hot Rod Truck & Tractor Pulls take place at 6 p.m. in the grandstands, presented by L&L Productions, featuring competitive power classes and crowd-pleasing spectacle. The Pee Wee Rodeo and Mutton Bustin’ events kick off in the Henningsen Arena beginning at 2 p.m., showcasing little buckaroos taking their turn at rodeo thrills.
A Big Wheel Race takes place near the Organ Room Lawn. Martial arts and dance groups such as West Coast Dance, Boot Scootin’ Babes, and Vahana and the Jewels of the North perform throughout the day. Family attractions like game shows, Big Wheel Races, funnel cake eating contests, live shark encounters, the Clown College, and the ongoing educational exhibits return as well. The Rubicon Trail Experience is also open daily near the El Dorado Disposal Home Arts Building, offering guests an up-close look at the trail’s rugged terrain and the mission of the Rubicon Trail Foundation.
Saturday brings the most expansive slate of activities to the fair. Musical highlights include performances by Group Therapy, Austin Mo Xperience, Matt Rainey and the Dippin’ Sauce, Random Strangers, Foxtrot Mary, The Count, Half Moon, Cali Rewind, The Sunset River Band, Highway Vagabonds, Key West Coast, Locked N’ Loaded, Southbound, Dream & the Dreamer, The Fabulous Liars, Fools Gold, Tony Quinn, and Grupo Tropical. Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers, cultural dance troupes, and martial arts exhibitions fill the day with energy.
Livestock lovers can attend the Junior Livestock Auction, and craftspeople of all ages can engage in weaving, food preserving, and needle arts demos. A fan-favorite, the John M. Studebaker International Wheelbarrow Races begin at 5 p.m. in the grandstands, where competitors tackle sandbags, water hazards, and ramps in honor of Placerville’s historic innovator.
Sunday is Father’s Day and families gather to celebrate with music from Cynthia Renee, June Clivas & The Ditty Boys, Colton Mountain, The Cartunes, Time and Time Again, Island of Black and White, Love & Honey, Maya, The EDC Pops Band, The Fabulous Liars, and Tony Quinn. The grandstand hosts the Experience the Rubicon Challenge at 2 p.m., a thrilling off-road competition presented by Jeepers Jamboree and the Rubicon Trail Foundation. Featuring UTVs, rock crawlers, and trailer skills courses, the challenge draws serious enthusiasts and first-time fans alike.
Other Sunday highlights include the Miss El Dorado Little Royals Pageant, Family Look-Alike Contest, educational demonstrations, a full day of entertainment on every stage, and the final round of contests and interactive zones. Craft awards ceremonies will also take place.
Every day of the fair offers hands-on learning and entertainment for kids and adults alike. Needle arts demonstrations, weaving, spinning, home food preserving, gardening, and educational booths fill the Corker and Home Arts buildings. Fairgoers can explore the museum and tour historic displays. They can participate in voting for People’s Choice awards in various crafts and arts, or just soak in the shade of the exhibit halls while enjoying cold treats and live music. The Willamette Valley Express train ride operates daily. The carnival offers rides from open to close. Roving entertainers like Trixie the Clown and Jeremy the Juggler remain fair staples. Contests such as the funnel cake eating and bubblegum blowing competitions offer guests a chance to participate in the fun.
Ticket prices are family-friendly. Free admission is offered on select days for kids, teens, and seniors during designated hours. Daily general admission and wristbands for unlimited carnival rides are available, along with online discounts and presale bundles including Father’s Day specials.
Parking and entry gate hours vary by day and can be reviewed in full on the fair’s official website. For full ticket information, event schedule, and updates, visit www.eldoradocountyfair.org — or browse the complete daily fair schedule HERE. The El Dorado County Fair is located at 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA 95667.
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