Alameda County Fair Opens

With the Santa Clara County Fair scheduled in August, it's good to know that the Alameda County Fair opens today and lasts for three weeks.

More than 400,000 people from Northern California and beyond will make the trek to the fairgrounds in Pleasanton, a family-friendly suburb of 70,000 nestled at the crossroads of Interstates 580 and 680, and a bus ride away from the Pleasanton BART.

Whether you’re a regular fairgoer or a first-timer, Patch wants to help you make the most of your fair experience. Here's some need-to-know info. And feel free to share your tips in the comments below.

Fair 101: This year marks the  of the fair, which opens Wednesday and runs six days a week (closed Tuesdays) through July 10, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays (opens 10 a.m. July 4) and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Horse racing starts Thursday and runs through July 10 except for June 27-29 and July 5-6. Races begin at 1:15 p.m. Make sure to read longtime handicapper Dennis Miller's daily picks on Pleasanton Patch. 

Tickets: Admission is $10 for adults; discounted rates and special sale days offered for seniors, children and veterans; ages 6 and younger get in free. Click here for details.

Getting There: The fairgrounds are off the Bernal Avenue exit of I-680, about 25 minutes from Oakland and Fremont. Parking is $8 to $20 per car. The closest entrance to I-680 is the Green Gate. This gate is also near the main carnival and exhibition buildings. There is limited street parking in the residential neighborhoods around the fair, mainly near the Yellow Gate on Pleasanton Avenue, but spots go quickly and it's about a 10- or 15-minute walk to the gate. Click here for directions.

If you’re taking BART, get off at the main Dublin/Pleasanton station and take the Wheels No. 8 bus to the fairgrounds. Wheels will expand its service so buses will run every day the fair is open.

Free Concerts: Music fans line up by the dozens to get first dibs on a good seat at the free concerts, which are at 6 and 8 p.m. daily. Click here for the lineup. 

Hungry? If you're not in the mood to eat deep-fried butter or turkey legs at the fair, there are several restaurants across from the fairgrounds, including a Jack in the Box, a Starbucks,  (a casual sit-down family restaurant),  (casual),  and s. At the fair, you can bring in outside food and coolers but not glass containers, cans or alcohol.

Weather: Expect hot weather — in the 80s or higher. While there are a few shady picnic areas, much of the fair is in the sun. Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water. Sundresses, tank tops and shorts are recommended.

Side trips: Historic downtown Pleasanton is worth a visit. It’s home to museums, many fine dining and casual restaurants, a winery, independent clothing boutiques, a candy shop and gift shops. Main Street is about a 15-minute walk from the fairgrounds or a short drive, and parking is free. Click here to look up Main Street restaurants in our Pleasanton Patch business directory. (If you like Italian, you’ll be especially happy. There are at least five restaurants serving this fare.)

Need help? Pleasanton Police: 925-931-5100 or 9-1-1. There is a  medical center right off the I-680 Stoneridge Drive exit and , a full-service hospital, is on Santa Rita Drive near I-580.