Friday highlights include everything from, llama limbo to racing pigs, and headlining music from platinum-selling band O.A.R.
Friday kicks off the weekend with a full day of action at the California State Fair, and music takes center stage as platinum-certified rockersO.A.R.headline the Toyota Concert Series at 8 p.m. on the Sky River Casino Stage.
Known for their passionate fanbase, high-energy shows, and anthemic sound,O.A.R.(short for Of A Revolution) might just be one of the music world’s best-kept secrets. The Maryland-based band has quietly sold out Madison Square Garden multiple times, packed Red Rocks Amphitheater, performed live on New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
The band has amassed a following through decades of touring and hit-making. Tonight’s concert is expected to be a highlight of the fair’s entertainment calendar.
In addition to O.A.R., Friday’s schedule includes a strong lineup of live performances across the fairgrounds. The ICanGoToCollege.com Promenade Stage features a full slate of music and dance acts throughout the day, beginning withM. Swans Dance Instituteat 11 a.m., followed by theForever Dancerettes LLCat noon, andCre8tive Collectiveat 1 p.m.Precision Dance Centerperforms at 2:30 p.m., with music fromZAYWAVSat 3:30 p.m. and a spoken word showcase byPoetic Cultureat 4:30 p.m. Evening sets includeRockOn! Alex Chaat 6 p.m., and the night closes out with two funk-filled sets from Sacramento favoriteIdeateam, performing from 9 to 10:50 p.m.
Singer-songwriterJimmy Ashleybrings a soulful acoustic performance to the Don Julio Outlaw Bar & Stage from 5 to 7 p.m., adding a laid-back vibe for fans looking to unwind with a drink and some tunes.
Today is alsoSMUD Giving Fridayat Cal Expo, offering free admission to guests who bring five non-expired canned goods between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the full-day schedule features entertainment, exhibits, and experiences for all ages.
At the Big Barn, animal lovers can enjoy a full lineup of livestock showcases, includingllama and alpaca showmanshipat 8:30 a.m.,halter classesat 10 a.m., and goat competitions beginning at 4 p.m. The evening includes interactive events like allama demonstrationat 6 p.m., followed by the fan-favoritellama limboat 6:30 p.m., and awalk-a-llama/alpacasession open to the public at 7 p.m.
Culinary programming is in full swing at the SaveMart California Kitchen Cooking Theater. The day begins withCooking Triviasign-ups at 10 a.m. and competition at 11 a.m., followed by featured demonstrations fromBohm Bakes(noon),Gypsy Cowgirl(2 p.m.),Dumpling House(3 p.m.), aSMUD-sponsored demo(4:30 p.m.), andNosh by Joshat 6 p.m. The Taste of California Classroom will highlight California-grownwines from 1 to 2 p.m.andolive oils from 2 to 4 p.m.
For thrill-seekers,Dodge Ram Trucksreturns with two popular experiences: free rides in the“Ramdemption” monster truckand atest drive coursefeaturing the Ram 1500. Younger fairgoers will find plenty to enjoy with camel rides, a petting zoo, and therock climbing wall, all open throughout the day.
Live entertainment continues across multiple stages. TheAll-Alaskan Racing Pigshit the track at 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30 p.m.Funkanometryperforms at 7 and 9 p.m. at the Kids Adventure Outpost, whileThe Drumheadsbring their beats to the Adventure Stage at 2, 4, and 6 p.m. At the Olive Grove,Sea Lion Splashperforms at 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30 p.m.
Back at the Expo Center, guests can catch a mix of comedy and action with thehypnotistat 5, 7, and 9 p.m., and theTanzanite African Acrobatsat 4, 6, and 8 p.m.Captain Jack Spareribsreturns to the Pirate Stage in Building D at 3, 5, and 7 p.m.
Inside the Expo buildings, guests can explore immersive exhibits throughout the day.Building 1hosts the always-popularSuper Secret Silent Disco, where guests grab wireless headphones and dance in sync.Building 2features the colorfulCandy Maze Selfie Exhibit, perfect for sweet-toothed visitors and Instagram-worthy shots. InBuilding 3, the interactivePOPnology Exhibitintroduces futuristic technology including 3D printing, robotics, and virtual reality.
Building 4’s Wild World Adventureintroduces visitors to rescued animals from around the globe, whileBuilding 5houses theCaLOWfornia Love lowrider exhibit, celebrating custom car culture with vibrant style and community pride. Vintage goods and handmade décor are featured inBuilding 6’s Rustic Charm Market, whileBuilding 7showcases theFine Art & Photography Exhibit, highlighting visual work from across California.
Building 8is home to theStudent Showcase & California Crafts, presenting outstanding youth projects and handcrafted items from local artists. Over inBuilding A, visitors can relax in the beach-themedCalifornia Authors Booth, explore theCalifornia Fresh Exhibit, and pick up travel inspiration fromAmador and Mono County tourism displays. Other highlights includeLife’s Big Ag-Venture, theNorthern California Pigeon Fanciersexhibit, and theU.S. Postal Service booth, where guests can learn about stamp collecting and pick up postal-themed souvenirs.
Building Bis the hub for food and agriculture programming with theTaste of California Classroom, SaveMart Kitchen demonstrations,Tasters’ Row, theBest of California Pavilion, theFriends of the Fair Bakery, and exhibits by theCalifornia Floral Society,Tree Circus, and theUC Master Food Preservation Center.
More Weekend Entertainment Headliners to Come
The weekend lineup continues with more big-name performances.Brothers Osbornehit the stage on Saturday, July 26, bringing their award-winning country rock sound to Cal Expo. On Sunday, July 27, the California State Fair wraps up its concert series with R&B legendsEn Vogue, closing out 17 days of music and entertainment in unforgettable style.
For full schedule details and ticket information, visitwww.calexpostatefair.com.
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