Alameda County Fair

We had a work team event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds for Horse Racing. It was a Friday event, so the place was not as busy as it probably is on event dates and weekends. The property was HUGE, I got lost for awhile trying to find my way in. There are massive buildings everywhere, huge parking lots, a golf course and an RV park on 267 acres in Pleasanton, CA. Once I found the parking lot, there was a trek to make it to the Race Track. Be prepared to do a lot of walking around this facility. The company booked the Sky Lounge which included a really nice buffet lunch, my company also provided us with $50 in game money and an open bar. Unsure how much the tickets were, but the food was good and we had a great time. I don't gamble, but have tried before and picked it up pretty quickly. I lost and won, overall walked away with some of the money I was given. The fun was in competing with my coworkers and seeing who bet on which horse and how they placed their bets. It was a good time and would like to come back for one of the bigger festivals, fairs or events.

Food is wayyyy over priced for what it is but that's expected. The rides are fun. We opted to pay extra for the fast pass unlimited rides bracelets. They are $50+ each bracelet, plus add your general admission and parking fees. Some of the snack we got were as follows:Curly cheese fries $20 (they were cold af) 4/10 taste.Funnel cake $15 cooked pretty well 8/10 taste.Fresh squeezed lemonade cup $20 plus $5 refills. Pineapple drink $18+Corn in a cup with mayo and cheese $9 7/10 taste.Ribs bbq plate $30 comes with fries and coleslaw 10/10 (best thing at the fair).Water bottles $5 each but much needed. Overall it's an experience for the kids and come with a hefty bag to spend for eats and drinks ;)

Review of Corn Dogs at the Alameda County Fair - 2024The Alameda County Fair is divided into various zones, which can make finding the corn dog booths a bit easier if you refer to the fair map, even though there aren't any obvious wayfinding signs.OverviewI embarked on a fun and enlightening corn dog quest at the fair, sampling four out of the ten available booths. Most booths are independently owned, with a few leased out by the same company. Contrary to what you might think, not all corn dogs are the same; there are noticeable differences among them. I returned on a second visit and tried two more.Monster DogsDescription: The dog had thick, crisp breading with a flavorful hot dog. A traditional corn meal tasting corn dog.Price: $9.00 for a small size.Verdict: Best overall taste, would go back for more.Hand DippedOptions: Chicken, turkey, and veggie dogs available.Price:Regular dog: $9.00Jumbo corn dog: $12.00Veggie corn dog: $10.00Verdict: Least greasy option.J & K SweetiesDescription: The batter includes Sprite soda, giving it a unique taste. However, it wasn't very crisp, and the hot dog was just okay.Price:Regular size: $8.00Jumbo size: $12.00Verdict: Different but not particularly impressive.Butler's Fry WagonDescription: Uses Costco dogs with breading that is not too thick or too thin. They have a secret family recipe that has won the corn dog award at the Lodi County Fair.Dean's Dawg's The sign reads Corn DogsDescription: Uses Miller's hot dogs and has been making the same recipe for 50-plus years.Regular size $8.00Verdict: If you like a corn dog with a normal amount of breading, try Dean's. Their offering for a regular dog seems smaller than the average. West Coast WeeniesDescription: The offerings are mostly sausages. And a few of the new corn dog trends, flavorings, and coatings on the outside of the dog for $12.00 each. In addition to normal corn dogs, you will find a Dragon Cheese Dog, the Rocket Dog, and the Sweet Dragon Dog. I only tried the Shortie dog for $9.00.Verdict: This dog was nothing special. The breading was blandish, and it was the hot dog. This was my least favorite.ConclusionCorn dogs, like many other fair foods, have become quite pricey. Among the ones I tried, Monster Dogs stood out as the best, and I would definitely consider returning for another one.

First time at the county fair since I was a kid. Food: the portions are HUGE definitely recommend sharing. We got a bacon cheese fries and a burger. We shared the fries between three people and still couldn't finish. Rides: there are three total rides that kinds under 34inches can ride. Entertainment: there was great live music Seating: we went on a very hot day and there was limited seating in the shade. We stayed for about 4 hours and did not get to do it all. Next time will need to check out the animals!

It's been years since we've come here. Just come here all the time. Brings back. Memories is as good as ever rides animals great food.Carnival games and yes, I won something for my wife

Came here for the 2023 CorgiCon and loved the area! Even though there were a lot of people, there were several entrances which made it easier for everyone. The area was size wise enough to host 5,000 dogs and also all the people. I am looking forward to see what other events will be there.

All in all, pretty solid county Fair! This is probably one of the largest county fairs I've ever been to. There was a lot to do and plenty of programming from pig racing to arts and crafts to music. Things I would recommend are the turkey legs, the gondola ride which is a great way to get off your feet and see the entire Fair, and checking out all the different animals. The drone show was also fantastic and worth checking out. The only downside to the fair as with most fairs is the pricing. Everything was extremely expensive. You can't find any food for under $15. If you're ready to pay those high prices, definitely check it out.

This was my first time attending the Alameda County Fair in years, and it was so BIG and FUN I came 2 days in a row! The prices are decent with $15 general parking and $20 adult tickets (child and senior $17) and there are more than plenty options for food, drinks, games, and entertainment/rides. There are kiosks to buy wristbands for rides and carnival games. Before deciding on something to eat, I definitely suggest browsing all the vendors, because some of them will have the same product but priced differently. I also suggest bringing your own water to stay hydrated and to prevent yourself from buying a $5 water.

it was a perfect summery Sunday and occasion to celebrate Father's Day. Different lines for visitors with wheels ( strollers/ wheelchairs etc) and different one for on feet!Sunscreen station/ washing station, spic and span rest rooms. Biggest plus - Nursing room!!Loved the parking structure. Reach early if you have little ones. If you want to step outside you get a hand stamp and you may enter right in. Amazing lemonade. Disappointed with chicken kebob - dry as sand but equally liked cheetah corns. Didn't sit on any rides with baby less than one. Must visit farm animals. Lots of bunnies and fluffy chickens and pigeons. You can spend a day and May be more here. Won a toy for the baby and lost it too !!

Always a fun time at the Alameda County Fair. Today, July 14 is the opening day of the fair and I was able to snag a complimentary concert ticket in the bleachers for Johnny Gill. The concert was packed in the front and the middle which were paid seats. The bleachers were partially full. The concert was enjoyable and Johnny Gill brought his "A" game. I came for the fireworks and drone show, which happens opening day and Friday, June 28th. Their drone shows are nightly during the duration of the fair. The fireworks were colorful and festive and the drone show, my first time seeing was amazing.