San Mateo County Fair

The San Mateo County Fair is the classic summer fair closest to Palo Alto. For about ten days each June, the San Mateo County Event Center near Hillsdale fills with carnival rides, farm animals, judged exhibits, a makers marketplace and nightly concerts that come with your admission. It is smaller than the big state fairs, which suits families who want rides and corn dogs without a full day's commitment.

The fair's official website lists the 2027 fair from June 4 to June 13, 2027. On November 2, 2026, the dates were up but 2027 prices, hours and lineups were not. This guide uses the 2026 details as a guide to what to expect. For other summer outings, see our summer events guide.

What the fair is

The fair started small. According to the fair's history page, it began in 1926 as the "Little Flower Show", held at schools around the county by the Burlingame Garden and Flower Club. In 1935 the show moved to its present home next to the old Bay Meadows racetrack and grew into a county fair. Today its motto is "Where Tradition Meets Innovation". The program mixes the traditional with the modern.

• Fair Farm and livestock. 4-H and FFA members show animals and a junior livestock auction is held during the fair.
• Exhibits. Judged competitions in agriculture, fine arts, floral arts, home arts, culinary arts and a Department of Innovation.
• Carnival midway. Rides and games, with a kiddie carnival area.
• Concerts. Main stage concerts are included with admission. In 2026 the fair also sold a two-day Bayside 101 Music Festival bundle for June 5 and 6 at $35.
• Food and shopping. Classic fair food, local vendors and a makers marketplace.

Dates and hours

The 2027 dates follow the same Friday to Sunday shape as 2026. The fair has closed for two weekdays in the middle in recent years, so check the schedule before you plan a Monday or Tuesday visit.

Tickets and costs

The 2027 prices were not posted when we checked. In 2026, buying early online saved a few dollars per person:

The 2026 fair also had discount days. Wednesday admission was much cheaper ($6 presale to $10 at the gate), seniors got in free on Thursday and children under 12 were free on Friday of the second week. An unlimited ride wristband cost $38.50 in the presale or $44 during the fair. It did not include admission. Parking was $20 with no in and out privileges. All tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are sold through Etix and the fair says gate sales are not guaranteed if it reaches capacity, so buy online. Check the admission page in spring for 2027 prices.

Getting there from Palo Alto

By Caltrain

The fair is one of the few big events you can reach almost door to door by train. The fair gives walking directions from both Hillsdale and Hayward Park stations. Hillsdale is the better choice if your train skips Hayward Park. Palo Alto to either station is a two-zone fare, $6.25 in October 2026 and $6.50 from January 1, 2027. Our Caltrain guide covers schedules and our Clipper guide explains how to pay. Check the late evening timetable if you plan to stay for a concert.

By car

The event center is about 15 miles north of Palo Alto off US 101 and Highway 92. In recent years the main public parking entrance has been at 1346 Saratoga Drive, with a second gate at 2701 S. Delaware Street on weekends. Parking was $20 and leaving meant paying again. The pick-up and drop-off point is at 2544 S. Delaware Street at 25th Avenue.

By bike

Bike parking is at Gates 1 and 7. Bikes, scooters and skateboards are not allowed inside the fairgrounds.

With kids

This is a good first fair for young children. Admission is free for 5 and under, the animals are close and the kiddie carnival sits inside Gate 1. Wheelchairs and strollers can be rented. The fair also lists baby changing stations, a mother's tent, a lost child center and first aid. Go on a weekday afternoon early in the run for shorter ride lines. If your children are 6 to 12, watch for the children's free day, which was Friday of the second week in 2026. Our Palo Alto with kids guide has more family outings.

Weather and what to wear

June on the bay side of San Mateo is usually mild. Afternoons are often sunny and in the 70s, while evenings cool off quickly once the wind picks up from the west. Wear sunscreen and a hat for the midway. Carry a sweater or light jacket for the evening concerts. Comfortable shoes matter, since you will walk on pavement most of the day. Our weather guide explains why the Peninsula can feel so different from one town to the next.

Where to eat

Inside the fair, food is part of the fun and cannot be brought in from outside. For a meal before or after, downtown San Mateo is a short drive or one Caltrain stop north of Hayward Park. Taishoken at 47 East 4th Avenue is a popular ramen shop and Pausa serves Italian food made from scratch. Hillsdale Shopping Center, near the Hillsdale station, has many casual options. Our San Mateo food guide lists more.

Planning tips

1. Buy in the presale. Presale tickets are the cheapest and the fair cannot promise gate tickets on busy days.
2. Pick your day. Discount days save money but draw crowds. Weekday afternoons are calmest.
3. Check the concert lineup. Main stage shows are included and some draw big crowds in the evening.
4. Take the train home. It avoids the parking fee and the parking exit line after a late concert.

The fair is also a good excuse to explore San Mateo itself. If you come from out of town for a June weekend, you can compare hotels in San Mateo near the fairgrounds. Our food festivals guide lists other June events, including the Taste of Mountain View.

Frequently asked questions