And this year’s Santa Cruz County Fair (September 11th-15th) is extra special… because it involves time travel!
From Pioneer Days to Modern Ways, the 2024 Fair will be full of fantastic futuristic and old-fashioned experiences for fairgoers. The fairgrounds will host Tractor Parades and Drone Shows. Monster Trucks and Magic Shows. Live Concerts and Livestock. Carnival Rides and Camel Rides. Fried Artichokes and Funnel Cakes.
In addition to live stage shows (including Michael Mezmer TranceNosis and The Magic of Frank Thurston) families will love encountering all the Fair’s roving acts (including Wagon of Whimsy and Karen Quest Cowgirl Tricks). They’ll keep kids entertained at every turn. But there’s also a new education destination that will make kids love learning.
It’s called “Ed Camp.” Curious young learners can head to the Ball Park, behind the Carnival Midway. There, they’ll find the sights and sounds of exciting educational opportunities. Kids can experience hands-on learning with circuits, forensics activities, robotics, nature journaling, sticker making, math and more.
Educators from throughout Monterey Bay are contributing to the many live and interactive activities at Ed Camp, including Dr. Heather Wygant, Science Coordinator with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and Kimi Sakamoto Steidl, Associate Faculty Member in the Early Childhood Education Department at Cabrillo College.
Music lovers will love our concert lineup! We have Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours. RED – A Tribute to Taylor Swift. Lola Montes and Los Tiranos Del Norte.
At the heart of the Fair is the Junior Livestock Auction. It’s happening Saturday, September 14th at 10:00am.
There will also be a multi-day Horse Show happening on the fairgrounds.
Here are plenty of ways to save at this year’s fair:
- Carpool with five or more people to get free parking.
- Buy pre-sale Carnival Midway wristbands to save $5.
- Get pre-sale ticket packages for Monster Truck and Motocross shows.
- Take the Metro bus for free, and receive a $5 voucher off your Fair ticket upon arrival.
- Purchase the Metro Discount Package for $15 adult admission and $5 children’s tickets for ages 6-12.
Please visit santacruzcountyfair.com to purchase pre-sale tickets. Pre-sale ticket deals end Tuesday, September 10th at 11:59pm.
Opening Day of the 2024 Santa Cruz Cunty Fair is Wednesday, September 11th.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 11:30am, gates open at noon.
Opening Day is Senior Day! Fairgoers 62+ pay only $10 at the gate. Seniors are then invited to participate in a Senior Contest and Ice Cream Social at 1:15pm at the Amphitheater Stage.
Opening Day is also Veterans Day! Veterans and Active-Duty Military (with ID) are admitted for FREE!
We’ll see you at the Santa Cruz County Fair!
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