California State Fair Shifts Dates to Avoid the Summer Heat

After years of battling Sacramento’s intense summer heat, the California State Fair is officially shifting seasons. Fair organizers announced this week that starting in 2027, the annual event will move from mid-summer to early fall.

Under the new schedule, the State Fair will run from September 17 through October 3, a change aimed at creating a more comfortable experience for fairgoers, vendors, and staff. Historically, the fair was held in late August before moving into July in 2010 to avoid conflicts with the start of the school year.

The move to fall is expected to bring cooler temperatures. Average high temperatures during the new fall window typically range from the mid-80s to high-80s—noticeably lower than the mid-90s often seen during the current July dates. Organizers say last year’s unusually mild weather helped drive an 8% increase in attendance, reinforcing the idea that heat plays a major role in turnout.

California Exposition and State Fair officials say the decision followed years of evaluation and conversations with vendors and community partners. The shift also aligns California with a growing number of state fairs across the country that are moving away from peak summer.

There is one more hot summer fair on the calendar. The 2026 California State Fair will still run from July 17 through August 2, meaning visitors should prepare for typical Sacramento heat at least one last time.

Beginning in 2027, however, fairgoers can expect cooler days, more comfortable evenings, and a fall backdrop for one of California’s longest-running traditions.