On the fair’s last day this Sunday, Corgis are set to race at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand. (Photo courtesy Alameda County Fair) 
This weekend is the last chance to experience beloved carnival rides and treats at the Alameda County Fair. (Photo by Riya Upadhyaya) 
FIFA World Cup watch parties will continue this weekend during the fair’s final days. (Photo courtesy Alameda County Fair) 
Cultural dancers pose together as they prepare to perform for Fiesta at the Fair on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Riya Upadhyaya) 
Fiesta at the Fair featured classic lowrider displays on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Riya Upadhyaya) 
The “Rising Together” exhibit at the fair this year paid homage to the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as well as the 250th anniversary of the U.S. (Photo by Riya Upadhyaya) 
The fair’s Firework Spectacular was extra patriotic this year to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. (Photo by Riya Upadhyaya) 
Fairgoers this weekend can dine on classic treats like corndogs and funnel cakes as well as specialty treats, including this year’s Foodie’s Choice winners. (Photo by Riya Upadhyaya)
Fair season in Pleasanton is coming to a close as the Alameda County Fair’s last day approaches this Sunday. But there is plenty of fun still to be had with the annual livestock auction, Corgi races and truck and tractor pulls set for this weekend in addition to the thrilling rides, nightly drone shows and a dynamic concert lineup for the final days.
Among the events the fair is hosting this weekend is the America’s Strongest Teen competition in the Grandstands on Saturday. With divisions by weight and age, teens will compete in physical challenges from sandbag carrying to vehicle pulls until winners are crowned.
On the fair’s last day, Corgi races are scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand. These races serve as an early preview of what’s to come in September when the fairgrounds hosts its annual Corgi Con event.
Those attending the fair this weekend can also watch the FIFA World Cup on one of the many big screens across the fairgrounds. Matches are broadcasted at the Michelob Ultra Concert Lawn, the Crafted Cocktail & Beer Bar, The Farmhouse, and Cantina Hussongs. These free designated viewing areas allow the fair’s visitors to gather for watch parties and cheer on their favorite teams.
The Big O Tires Concert Series’ final performances kick off Friday night with Boyz II Men, followed by Metallica tribute band Damage Inc. on Saturday and electronic dance music group Cheat Codes will take the stage on Sunday. All shows begin at 8 p.m.
As part of the fair’s efforts to promote local food vendors, visitors had the opportunity to vote for the winners of the third annual “Foodie’s Choice Awards” and honor their favorite fair foods of the season.
From classics like funnel cakes and corndogs to more innovative creations like deep-fried pickles and strawberry pistachio Dubai chocolate cups, the contest encouraged all food vendors to experiment with their menu and win visitors over.
This year’s award recipients included The Main Squeeze – Strawberry Lemonade Cookie from The Dough Show in first place, the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Tornado Potato from Potato! in second place and the Pineapple Grill’s Deep Fried Hawaiian Rolls coming in at third.
Visitors to the fair can still enjoy the winning treats this weekend before the fair closes.
“I love eating all the different foods here. If you come to the fair hungry, the first thing you should do is maybe enjoy a fair favorite, like a corndog or some cotton candy. The Persian kebabs are great… It’s also worth trying the deep-fried Oreos,” said Karen Boyd, a spokesperson for the fair.
The Alameda County Fair draws nearly half a million visitors each year, featuring a variety of activities, exhibits and food options that celebrate local heritages and agriculture and foster community spirit.
Despite the absence of horse racing, the Pleasanton track has featured a different attraction each weekend, including monster truck rallies and motocross races.
Since its debut in 1912, the fair has grown into “one of the Bay Area’s largest and longest-running summer traditions”, according to the Alameda County Fair website.
This year, the fair added eight new rides as part of its 2026 lineup. Fast-spinning thrill rides like the Viper and even the slower, family-friendly rides like the Bear Affair offer options for riders of all experience levels. Traditional rides including the Giant Wheel, Grand Carousel and the White Water Flume also returned.
“My favorite thing about the fair is by far the rides. I would recommend that everyone go on the biggest, scariest rides. It’s amazing that our town hosts such a special event every year, and as a Pleasanton resident, I try and do my best to take advantage of it,” Harini Parasaram told the Pleasanton Weekly.
The fair also brought special celebrations to town to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
On Independence Day, the fair hosted a Fireworks Spectacular Show with added patriotic flare to commemorate the country’s special milestone. Despite entry closing early for event preparations, the Michelob Ultra Grandstand was packed with a full house eager to watch the show.
“There’s a very community oriented atmosphere (at the fair). On the 4th, everyone was so excited and looking forward to the fireworks. It was the type of energy you can only get at a place like this,” fairgoer Naomi Song told the Weekly.
The fair also invited the community to be part of history with a time capsule that captured sights, sounds and memories of the fair. It was sealed and lowered into the ground during a special ceremony at the fairgrounds, where it will remain until 2076, when it will be opened during America’s 300th anniversary celebration.
With this year marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the fair hosted the “Rising Together” exhibit featuring fragments from the Twin Towers, which fell in 2001. The exhibit remains on display through the final day of the fair.
Free Movies on the Lawn is another fair tradition that continues this weekend where families can gather in front of the concert lawn to watch films on the jumbo screen. This fair season’s final movie set for Sunday at 6 p.m. is Disney and Pixar’s “Coco”. However, fair officials noted that movie schedules are subject to change due to soccer watch parties.
“I think the thing that’s really fun about the Alameda County Fair is that there really is something for everyone,” Boyd said. “Every age group, whatever you like to do, there’s something fun here for you. You can even just hang out in a shady spot and join one of the World Cup watch parties.”
For more information about the fair and this weekend’s activities, visit annual.alamedacountyfair.com.
