Top 20 Things to See and Do at the Sonoma County Fair

15 days of fun for the whole family begins July 24

Ya’ll come now, cuz we’re havin’ a party “Down on the Farm” and everyone’s welcome! Gates open Thursday, July 24th for the Sonoma County Fair featuring 15 days of wholesome, farm-style family fun. With this year’s Fair theme, you’ll get in touch with the agricultural traditions that made Sonoma County what it is today and experience first-hand how country boys and girls like to have fun. Travel the back roads of our famous farmland in the Hall of Flowers themed “Barnyard Blossoms,” get in on the action at the horse races, stomp your boots to live music, play in the hay with the farm animals, or enter a free contest. Whatever is your favorite, you’ll find a bounty of delicious Fair food, a giant carnival and all kinds of farm-themed shows to keep you entertained. From July 24 to August 9, the Sonoma County Fair offers so many things to see and do; it helps to hatch a plan to get the most out of your time at the Fair. Here’s our list of Top 20 ideas to get you started.

Top 20 at the Sonoma County Fair

20. Create a farm fresh biscuit basket for the Old Fashioned Bake-Off walk-in contest on Sunday, July 26. Entries are received 11:00 – 11:30 am.

19. Visit the barnyard where you can learn about life on the farm at Sweet Lil’s, pet furry animals, see livestock raised by young farmers and watch an auctioneer in action.

18. Tap your toes, kick up your heels or just prop up your boots and grove to some live music nearly all day and night long at Park Stage, Around the Grounds, Backdoor Stage, Community Theater and the Mexican Village.

17. Catch free family entertainment with jugglers Scotty & Trink, Sourdough Slim, Godfrey the Magician, The Gypsy Time Travelers, 1880’s Variety Show, Crazy Animal Races, and the Fair parade every day at 5:00 pm (you can join us!).

16. Experience the power of Bryan Tedrick’s amazing larger than life Bull sculpture. You’ll be amazed it’s made out of wood.

15. Make sure to ride the newest thrill-seeking carnival attraction, the Big Splash. This pirate themed water ride is a portable version of the infamous theme park splash rides.

14. Take a hay wagon ride through the Livestock Area between noon and 6:00 pm.

13. Get to shopping in the Grace Pavilion and peruse items such as jewelry, accessories, clothing, sunglasses and specialty products. You can always find something new for your home too.

12. Visit the gigantic “OINK” light-up sculpture, and don’t forget to take a picture. You might be looking for it if you participate in our Social Media Scavenger Hunt. Shhh!

11. Discover outstanding local talent of all kinds in the exhibit buildings, and then stop by an “Inspiration Station” where you can Listen, Learn and Do activities such as letterpress printing, rug hooking, working with fused glass, fly tying and more.

10. Take a run through the Barnyard Scramble obstacle course.

9. Cheer on horses and riders competing in the Barrel Racing on July 31 at 5:30 pm.

8. Dress up like a famous wizard and win prizes on Harry Potter Day at the Fair (August 1).

7. Enter an on-the-spot Contest, a few to pick from include Bubblegum Bubble Blowing, Longest Weed, Prune Picking and Watermelon Seed Spitting.

6. Learn how to whip up healthy and quick new dishes with celebrity chef Laurie Figone and get introduced to local producers and growers.

5. Stroll through the Mercado and bring your dancing zapatos for the Fiesta at 4:00 pm on July 26.

4. Learn to live Green with Sonoma County Fair’s award-winning “Greentivities” exhibition. Join the Eco-Carnival and check out the beautiful high fashion of Avant Garbage.

3. Enjoy the thrill of live horse racing July 30 – August 2, August 6 – 9 and a bonus week after Fair August 14 – 16. In between races on August 2, 9 and 14-16, check out those dashing derby dogs!

2. Join us for Farmers Day on Sunday, July 26th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Chris Beck Arena. With cows to milk and sheep to ride, we can all be farm kids and kids at heart for the day.

1. Visit the Hall of Flowers and take a leisurely stroll through the back roads of Sonoma County with “Barnyard Blossoms”.

Join us “Down on the Farm” during the 2015 Sonoma County Fair from July 24 – August 9, closed on Mondays. Enjoy the thrill of live horse racing, a giant carnival, the exquisite Hall of Flowers show themed “Barnyard Blossoms,” headlining concerts, live entertainment, fun contests, games and more! For details, visit SonomaCountyFair.com or call (707) 545-4200. Like us on Facebook to keep up with all the fun “Down on the Farm.”