Concert headliner Joe Nichols, first responder appreciation, pig races, silent disco and more set for tonight at Cal Expo
With high temperatures forecast to hover in the mid to high 70s, Wednesday marks a perfect midweek outing as the California State Fair enters its 13th day of festivities.
The fair rolls into its final week with a packed day of entertainment, exhibits, and special programming today, Wednesday, July 23. With gates open from 4 to 10 p.m., fairgoers can expect everything from national music acts to pig races and firefighter chili cook-offs as the Cal Expo grounds transform into a vibrant showcase of California culture and summer fun.
Country music star Joe Nichols headlines tonight’s Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage with an 8 p.m. performance. The award-winning artist brings his signature sound to one of the fair’s most anticipated music nights. All concerts are free with fair admission.
In addition to Nichols, a number of performers are slated for Wednesday appearances on the fair’s various stages, adding even more energy to the evening.
Folsom’s own Cynthia Renee Band brings their high-energy country and heartfelt originals to the ICanGoToCollege.com Promenade Stage for two sets, from 8:30 to 9:20 p.m. and again from 9:30 to 10:20 p.m. Over at the Kona Brewing Tiki Bar Stage, the Jam Addicts Band performs two sets from 8 to 8:50 p.m. and 9 to 9:50 p.m., offering upbeat covers and crowd-pleasing favorites.
Another local favorite, singer-songwriter Jimmy Ashley kicks things off at the Don Julio Outlaw Bar & Stage from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a mellow mix perfect for late afternoon relaxation. The Kennedy High School Cheer Team takes the Promenade Stage from 7 to 7:45 p.m., showcasing athletic choreography and school spirit.
On the 805 Blues & Brews Stage, Slack Cats deliver two funky, feel-good sets from 6 to 6:50 p.m. and again from 7 to 7:50 p.m., while The Crown Jewels Bellydance troupe adds international flair with a colorful 6 p.m. performance on the Promenade Stage.
Looking ahead to Thursday, July 24, Elana Jane is set to take the Don Julio Outlaw Bar & Stage from 6 to 7 p.m., bringing soulful vocals and acoustic stylings to kick off another evening of fair fun.
In honor of Appreciation Day, sponsored by AT&T, veterans, military personnel, and first responders who present valid ID will receive free admission. The day’s festivities begin at 5 p.m. on the I Can Go to College Community Stage with opening ceremonies and a special parade to honor veterans, followed by educational exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Among these are K9 police dog showcases, fire safety programming, and community outreach booths.
One of today’s marquee events is the HERO Act Firefighters Chili Cook-Off inside the SaveMart California Kitchen Cooking Theater, sponsored by Congressman Ami Bera. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., six teams of local firefighters will go head-to-head in a flavorful showdown, offering samples to the public while raising awareness about first responder mental health. Attendees can vote for their favorite chili in the People’s Choice category.
Entertainment is in full swing throughout the evening, with the Tanzanite African Acrobats performing twice at the PG&E Center Stage at 6 and 8 p.m., while The Drumheads and Captain Jack Spareribs bring musical and comedic flair to the Adventure Stage and Building D Pirate Stage, respectively. Families can also catch Funkanometry dancing through the fairgrounds or enjoy the laugh-inducing tricks of a hypnotist at 5, 7, and 9 p.m. The adorable All-Alaskan Racing Pigs remain a crowd favorite with shows at 5:30, 6:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m., and Sea Lion Splash returns to the Olive Grove at 7 and 9 p.m.
Inside the Expo Center, guests can explore a wide range of themed exhibits. Expo Building 1 hosts the Super Secret Silent Disco, where visitors don wireless headphones and dance to their favorite beats. Expo Building 2 is home to the colorful and photo-ready Candy Maze Selfie Exhibit, and Expo Building 3 features the interactive POPnology display, highlighting futuristic tech like robots, virtual reality, and 3D printing.
In Building 4, Wild World Adventure introduces guests to rescued animals from five continents, while Building 5 brings automotive artistry to life with CaLOWfornia Love, a curated exhibit of classic and custom lowrider cars, sponsored by Xfinity. For those with a passion for shopping, Building 6’s Rustic Charm Market offers vintage and handmade treasures, and Building 7 showcases the Fine Art & Photography Exhibit, spotlighting creative works from California artists.
In Building 8, visitors can browse the Student Showcase & California Crafts exhibit, featuring impressive student projects and artisan crafts from across the state.
The Big Barn, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, hosts the FFA and 4-H youth competitions, where young agriculturalists display their skills in large and small animal showmanship. Throughout the day, judging and awards will highlight top entries in categories like cattle, goats, rabbits, and poultry.
Building A features the California Authors Beach-Themed Booth, inviting readers to meet local writers and discover new works. Additional highlights include the California Fresh Exhibit, which explores the state’s agriculture and produce; travel exhibits spotlighting Amador and Mono counties; Life’s Big Ag-Venture, a hands-on farming education exhibit for kids; the Northern California Pigeon Fanciers bird displays; and the U.S. Postal Service booth, complete with stamp-collecting insights and souvenirs.
Building B continues to be a culinary hub, with the Taste of California Classroom, SaveMart California Kitchendemonstrations, Tasters’ Row food sampling, the Best of California Pavilion, Friends of the Fair Bakery, Olive Oil Exhibit, UC Master Food Preservation Center, and floral displays presented by the California Floral Society. The Tree Circus adds a touch of whimsy with its live performances.
This Week’s Entertainment Headliners to Come
As the fair heads into its final weekend, several major headliners are set to take the Sky River Casino Stage in the days ahead. On Thursday, July 24, legendary funk and soul group Tower of Power brings their iconic sound to the stage. Friday, July 25, alternative rock favorites O.A.R. will energize the crowd with their signature live jam-band style. Country stars Brothers Osborne take over on Saturday, July 26, with their chart-topping hits and powerhouse guitar work. Closing out the concert series on Sunday, July 27, is the timeless R&B group En Vogue, delivering their unmistakable harmonies to end the fair on a high note.
With a mix of music, food, art, education, and family fun, Wednesday at the State Fair offers something for everyone as the celebration of California continues toward its grand finale.
For full schedule details and ticket information, visit www.calexpostatefair.com.
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