The fair grounds and the inconsiderate WT that goes to it needs to be shut down. The noise shakes houses for miles, the traffic ruins the lives of those who live close, and every single person at these events are rude and unprofessional read more

This is no longer reasonable for a family to take their kids...unless you have ONE. ..you can spend $200 on one kid..now you pay for your concert seat, another $15 to get in the fair...oh let's not forget you have to pay to parking....hopefully everyone ate before they left home... Now, let's buy some tickets for the kids to ride and play a game. read more

To summarise this review.This shits ass. Overpriced as hell. I paid 14$ for lemonade . The only thing u can get for 4$ or less is a used kitkat bar. But the main thing of this one star review is the damn MAC N CHEESE FRIES. I have been wanting this since I was a child. When u got it, that shit was as hard as a rock. barley even started to eat it before my friends braces came off. Overall I would probably come here again but don't get the Macn cheese fries. Below are the pics on how much we finished the fries. Also I hate this dude who didn't go on a water ride this us. read more

It's a fairground so my expectations are quite low. The things that made the experience there so great, have little to do with the grounds, but the people who were assisting with parking. It's fine for what it is. The directions to enter were a bit funky for me, so I had to drive around a bit and ask for directions. Also, the people working there were unmasked which is strange during a pandemic. But I went, came back to my car, which was safe, so that was fine. I hope to not have to go there again because Pleasanton is kind of far away from where I live. But if I have to go there again, it will be good. read more

Where have I been? Apparently under a rock. You would think a girl obsessed w/ working out like me have done 5k's and/or 10k's but you are dead wrong. I workout daily and I push my limits at the gym each and every time however, I have never done an outdoors thing like the Dirty Girl Mud Run. First off, a big "thank you" to Yelp for waiving the registration fee ($75) And for gathering a wonderful activity to partake. Our South Bay Community Manager, Abby sent out confirmation and information prior to the event; great communication but she caught a cold so Emmalouise became the team lead and handed out Yelp t-shirts to other Yelpettes. This "run" was to benefit the breast cancer foundation. Women of all ages and shapes and sizes were out there to contribute to the cause, obtain a sense of fun and togetherness, and to challenge your mind and body. This is nowhere near Tough Mudder or Warrior Dash but this will definitely kick start your obstacle / running journey. I have never done anything like this. My lungs are damaged from an accident that happened 15 years ago, I am finally no longer obese. This morning I weighed in at 103.5! Through the 3-7 miles of running daily, the StairMaster, the stairs at Communication Hills, and various workouts I do at home, this event did put me out of my comfort zone. One thing I am learning is to maintain and be proud of myself (self-esteem) but I never thought I could do this let alone finish it. Parking was $8 but I parked across the street - free! I walked in w/ a backpack and an anxious smile. Then that anxiety turned into nervousness when I see endless ladies covered in mud... I did not want to get dirty. I knew there would be "mud" but had no idea this is literally a "mud" run. Oh my cupcakes. Registration was quick and easy. They check your ID and that is when you get your Dirty Girl Mud Run t-shirt, your # to pin onto your shirt, and a necklace or bracelet. I have not looked at it yet. We heard there were more than 6k participants. How incredible. The wave 1:30 started on time. You might assume the crowd would cause traffic and hectic-ness but everything was organized, safe, and just packed w/ fun. Team Yelp was awesome! We ran, jogged, walked, climbed, crawled, laughed, and seriously helped one another when we came across a difficult obstacle. I had a blast. I enjoyed meeting the 5 Yelpettes. The talk about food, how Emmalouise baked us cookies and about to house shop w/ her husband were all enlightening. Jackie completed Tough Mudder w/ her brother and boyfriend just a few months back so she was advising me what to do to prepare. Hayne and I talked about how dumb I was to go to the gym prior (haha). Isabelle (sorry for the incorrectness) and I were faced w/ height challenges... everyone was awesome; glad I did it! I still have mud underneath my nails. Blech. read more

See all

Three words: little piggy races. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/etzgJZG-GQOAFpL45vzwTw?select=xxCU2QTgdXKi6RjdCqbYWg More words: sweltering heat, kiddie rides, games where you can win glaringly ugly stuffed animals, old school photo booths, horse racing, roller derby, steer/goats/hairless sheep, baby chicks/ducks/hens for sale, unbelievably soft bunnies to pet, mechanical bull riding, funnel cakes, cotton candy, monster dogs, carmel apples, kid tractor pulls, hot tub vendors, and cheesy flea market to as-seen-on-tv hawkers. Final words: nostalgic fun! read more

See all

After having a long convention, not letting vendors inside the gate to load resulting in many peoples stuff tipping over due to the slope. They said it was dangerous to let cars in, but that seemed more dangerous. Plus the security guard was very rude and she disappeared after a few minutes to not deal with the vendors. I doubt anyone from this day will be back. Not worth it will all the stupid rules and rude staff. Also paid for parking that was never checked so why did we even pay then. read more

This was early in the season that it's open but it wasn't crowded and everyone was civil. So many interesting exhibits or activities or shopping to try. Had fun at the horse track learning how to bet on horses. If you keep your bets low, then it's just fun entertainment and not serious gambling. Again people were civil and just having fun. read more

Alameda County Fairgrounds - Nice day to watch the horses - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

I've been there several times. The latest one, 2023 is just waste of time. Nothing new and half-empty. Save your time and money for something else read more

Covid testing tips. Every week, the county is only alotted 1200 sample collections at this location, which gives only a few hundred sample collections available a day. Given the surge and holiday season that just passed, you bet your behinds the line is going to be long. People generally keep to themselves. The police officers are helpful and friendly. The staff, professional and efficient. I'd recommend you come at 8 or earlier for a test. I arrived last week at 8:30 ( 1/2 hr before their start time) and the line was pretty long! They cut people off before the testing site even opened! I waited 2 hours to get my test done. Come earlier to avoid waiting as long and to not get cut off due to the daily limits. What to bring: 1) photo ID 2) face mask 3) charger/battery for your phone because y'all need things to do while you wait What to download: Stanford MyHealth app - this is how you'll get your results! When you register, they'll text you a link to which you have 45min to sign up and register your account. Turn around time for results is currently 5 days due to the surge (I received mine in 4). read more

I had such a good time at this fair! It was super hot for Fourth of July weekend which was perfect. The parking is suspect because you have to park in direct so I should have worn some sneakers instead of sandals. I enjoyed the corn dogs, chili fries, and beer! The beer was pretty expensive tho. There was also horse racing! All of my friends put money on the horse that was favored and won! Super neat. They of course had rides, and games that you had to buy tickets for and redeem. Did the ferris wheel and everything else looked.. kind of rickity and suspect. OH! and I love throwing darts and popping balloons. There was a guy trying to hustle me! I would win and he'd say give me more money and pop some more and I'll give you a bigger prize. I totally fell for it until I was like wait a minute.. he's building me up for the HUGE prize that I'm sure would have taken me 40 bucks to get. NO NO! I love fairs- I think Boyz II Men came one of the nights too. lol. You know your a has been when you start performing at county fair by the way! read more

Alameda County Fairgrounds - Horse races, corn dogs, rides, and beer! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

A co-worker invited me and my middle son David to attend the annual California Highway Patrol, 11-99 Foundation fundraiser. It was held on the evening of Saturday, February 6, 2010 at the Young California Hall at the Alameda County Fair Grounds in Pleasanton. The night started off with a vinaigrette salad for the table, followed by a large container of spinach fettuccine pasta. Around 8'ish, the guest of honor arrived, our ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Crab. Two types of crab were offered. The regular boiled crab and crabs boiled in a pesto garlic sauce. I never had this type, but if was off the chain. After dinner, they help an auction for some VERY nice sports memorabilia and lastly, they pulled our tickets for the raffle prizes. My son David won a new Snap Shot 10 mega pixel camera. This was a great time for a great cause. I can't wait for next years event. read more

See all

A nice day to be outside! Not too crowded, picnic tables are adequately spaced apart. Free admission and parking, food is not free lol. Temperatures are taken at the gate. Minus one star because fair food is just sooo greasy, makes me feel sick after. read more

See all

Came down here a few weekends ago for Rugged Maniac race, early in 2017. It's a nice park/venue that has the setup for a small state fair vibe, just with more grass for the ability to picnic or vendor areas. Because I was running a race here I didn't get to experience the entire fairgrounds like most people usually would. I was too busy trudging through mud, or swinging and jumping through obstacle to take in the scenic view of the fairgrounds. But getting to run the obstacle course race, I was able to see pretty much the entire area of the fairgrounds even if it was in passing. I did however bring my girlfriend and our boys, and they experienced the fairground in the visitor area while I waiting for me to finish. So they were able to walk around the non-racing locations, and see the and smell all of the food vendor locations. Those were pretty typical price wise (expensive), I think 3 corn dogs were like $12 or something like that. Overall: Nice location for the RM race, good venue, well kept, and a good around of parking for the particular event we were in attendance for. read more

Came here on Sunday for their Mixology festival and had a blast. From 2-5 they had 10 tables set up serving samples of unique cocktails for the 21 & over crowd. Some tables were making two different samples and let you try both. All unlimited tastings and let me tell you they were strong. My favorite was the apple pie moonshine with ginger beer. It seemed so simple to make and I liked how refreshing it was. The brand is American Born Moonshine and I have a picture of it's well. If the have this event again I definitely want to come back. This was also my first time seeing the horse races overall it was a great experience read more

See all

Very disappointed for our first corgicon. I wish the corgicon will resume back in SF ocean beach next year. This is a small fairground and just no where to relax and sit or enjoy the event. Will not return if next years corgicon will be here again. read more

This year Alameda County has you wear a mask indoors. Horse racing is understaffed. Very quick to take your money but long lines for everything. Food booths were plenty but expensive as hell and mandatory credit card purchases everywhere. I left early. Pets are prohibited but it looks like they just slap a service animal patch on which disrespectful to organizations that train animals. I watched a dog piss on some clothing for sale. The owner was oblivious. read more

Came here on the $2 Tuesday with a group of friends. I must say, this place is pretty huge. We went towards the evening, so the weather was bearable by that time. Food was alright, had the 18inch corn dog and some garlic fries and curly fries. The rides are a bit pricey $3-4 for a carousel ride. Wow... The wrist band for the unlimited rides were $25 and it's worth it if you ride more than 5 rides. + It's beautiful at night. The rides are all lit up. + Free parking couple a blocks away (residential area) + Discounts on entrance fees during certain days - The garlic fries we got were sitting out, but a friend of ours purchase a bit later and got a fresh batch - Where the livestock are kept looked depressing compared to the San Mateo County Fair. - Bunnies that were on sale look awfully sad and hot. read more

Alameda County Fairgrounds - View from the ferris wheel. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

See all

Came here for Mixology and horse racing. It was a fun time. When you arrive you are greeted immediately and handed a schedule for the races, a souvenir glass, and a passport that tells you were all the stations are serving drinks and what drinks are being served. It was nice because alot of them were prep right in front of you and everyone attending were nice and just having a great time. I do feel that it's probably best to eat before hand because the food prices were outrangeuous, $14.00 for NACHOS and that's my favorite but it's too much. I prefer the top level to the bottom just because I felt those drinks were more crafty. We started downstairs but stayed upstairs for the duration of the event. read more

Alameda County Fairgrounds - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

I like visiting the fairgrounds and I've been sadly only to a few events besides for the county fair. The place can be immense depending on venue or vice versus. The staff seem to be fairly friendly and helpful overall. Plus, it seems to be pretty clean overall when you know how many people can visit or be here at a time. I would give them 5 stars but the parking can be expensive in and around the place, minus the county fair which I try to find street parking to save a few dollars the parking is around $10 and that's not including tickets for your event, so it can add up fairly quick on just parking and driving in. Other than that, the events depending on your taste or interest vary from week or month to month! read more

One of our favorite annual family events to go to EVERY year. 5+ years ago, we thought that it was overly priced: food, games, etc. Then we started to find out about specials on Wednesdays before 5pm, Facebook online tickets, etc. And we usually purchase parking ticket online ($8 instead of $10) in advance. It has been a great event these past couple of years. We all enjoyed it a lot: food, games, shows, entertainment and easy to park. read more

I didn't come here for the Alameda County Fair like my ex-girlfriend always does after she dumped me but I did come here for a model train show. I must say it was so not nice of them to make us pay $8 dollars for parking. It's really discomforting having someone come up to a car window and ask for parking payment. That was really rude. Of course this was 15 years ago. It was not nice having my college student mother pay $8 for parking which for just about any student is still a lot. Now parking is over $10 dollars which is more terrible. For the county fair I hear they charge a lot of money for the admission which is not good for me because I have been broke since college graduation. During this pandemic I still have to give them props for getting as much people vaccinated as possible. Drive through vaccines are the only time where the rude parking jerks don't demand money from you. The fairground staff really needs to hold more free events here that don't suck people's money unless it's a spa sale. They should also not make the parking staff solicit patrons for money. read more

I paid 330$ just for 9 people we have to wait for so long just to get in one bouncy house don't like it and waste of my money

Went to the fair on Thursday. Be aware, the food cost too much. $16.98 for nachos, corndogs, chinese chicken on a stick w/rice, All not worth it and the food was not good. Don't spend your money! The only thing is if you like rides, then you will probably enjoy the fair. The San Diego County Fair serves much better food but probably costly there too. It is a big rip off to take advantage of people who want to enjoy the fair with high costs. Change your food vendors also! read more

OLDEST ONE MILE HORSE RACETRACK: A SUITABLE REPLACEMENT FOR BAY MEADOWS Ever since Bay Meadows sadly closed in 2008 the only major horse racetrack is Golden Gate Fields. There was a discussion that a racetrack in Dixon, CA could be suitable replacement for Bay Meadows but that's too far for those horse race bettors such myself to drive to a place heading to Sacramento. The only horse racetrack in the Bay Area that can be a suitable replacement for Bay Meadows is the racetrack at the Fairgrounds. Why? It's the oldest one mile racetrack in America as it was built in 1858. Therefore the facility has the infrastructure to make the transition. The grandstand though not as broad as the grandstand at Bay Meadows provides an intimate view to watch how races. The racetrack is about the midpoint between Golden Gate Fields Racetrack and the former Bay Meadows Racetrack so horse handicappers who used to bet at Bay Meadows can still drive to the racetrack at the Fairgrounds to place a bet. All this racetrack needs to be a suitable replacement for Bay Meadows is to transform the inland field into a grass course for turf races. If that happens not only will the racetrack at the Fairgrounds be a great replacement for Bay Meadows but also it'll preserve a great opportunity for thoroughbred racing in the Bay Area. read more

See all

The fair is coming! 6/22 - 7/8 Other than Chinese new year, the Alameda County Fair has got to be my most anticipated continuous two week span marked on the calendar. I remember my parents used to take me when I was a wee little lad, and I've been hooked ever since. The Alameda County Fair is the last of the Bay Area incarnations to capture the essence of what county fairs are all about. The other ones held in San Mateo and San Jose are set in the middle of the urban jungle, and don't really retain any of the characteristics of the original events from back in the days of yore, which were meant to showcase farming and agriculture mixed in with some good old family fun. Pleasanton itself isn't necessarily unaltered, rustic countryside, but the location of the fairgrounds, in a wide open, flat setting, decorated with ample greenery, gives the impression that you are actually somewhere in the Midwest, where county fairs seem to have taken root. In addition to getting up close and personal with the award winning livestock, swine, steer, and cattle, how about dropping a dime or two on legendary jockey Russell Baze at the racetrack; sampling the most classic of fair cuisine - funnel cake, chocolate dipped banana, and cotton candy; or browsing many of the "infomercial" booths peddling some of the newest, innovative products to hit the market? Furthermore, there is plenty of live entertainment, including local rap and rock artists, pig racing, a nationally recognized hypnotist, ever so daring Chinese acrobats, BMX and skateboard tricksters, and of course, the main pavilion for the headlining superstars. I was blessed with the opportunity to work at the fair two years ago, and was able to view practically every single concert. Some of the performance highlights included the star studded likes of Jaci Velasquez (I even got a hug from her!), Diana DeGarmo, ConFunkshun, Starship, Tracy Lawrence, and *gasp* Raven Simone. This year's lineup promises to be just as great, if not better. Also, big ups to my boys, Suave, the illest R&B accapella group west of the Mississippi. They were one of the daily acts, and my booth was literally a stone's throw from their stage. Although I probably heard them croon over a hundred times, I never got sick of their shows, and even copped the album after it was all said and done. Hopefully, they will be re-signed to give it another go this year. They are definitely my "must-see" recommendation to everyone. And what would a county fair be without the carnival and midway? Based on my observation, it can be a very romantic place at night. For the fellas, the tried and true Ferris wheel can do no wrong, but what better way to win over a girl's heart than to show off your prowess on the games of skill? Young and old alike, every single female I have seen walking around the premises with her arms full of stuffed animals has nothing but a fat grin from ear to ear, bragging to everyone out there, "Yeah, that's right! My man loves me!" Since I used to work the games section at Great America, I know many of the dirty, secret techniques on how to beat the system, but unfortunately, I haven't had anyone to pass on my winnings to all these years other than my baby sister. Needless to say, by now, her room would just about put Noah's Ark to shame. Although I would have loved to work the fair again this year, I don't think my company will be sponsoring a booth, so I guess I'll have to pay my way in just like all the common folk, which is just as well. For the measly cost of admission, I can't think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon, being whisked away to a distant land without ever having to leave the Bay Area. read more

I rolled with my Uncle to the Fairgrounds. He was rolling his Pickup . It cost $10 to park . We were there for the Good Guys Hot Rod Show. There were a lot of nice Classic Cars on Display . Also in the Car Corral there were a lot of Classic Cars and Motorcycles for sale. The fun Part is watching the Autocross Track and people burning tires as they try to roll fast thru the turns. I like the Swap Meet they have cool odd items and parts and tools you can peruse.or buy. read more

Alameda County Fairgrounds means only one thing to me: someone is gonna stick their hand in my pocket for fees, goods sold, attendance fee. as a youngun i enjoyed coming here.for the county fair. it was a chance to get out of the house. and i didn't have to pay. when i was a parent, brought my kids here only once or twice. really expensive for foods, rides. there wasn't much to do. kids didn't enjoy it. preferred Great America more. or the swimming hole on Stanley. haven't been here for a long time. not even for the food trucks. $10 parking, forgetabout it. read more

I don't know why I always skipped going to the fair but I swear i've always wanted too, I just never found the time...until yesterday. Coming here was not in our plan. I just happen to see one of my YELP friends check in and saw that it's actually close by from where we were at and so off we went... Parking is plenty just be ready to pay $10. There is a FREE Tram ride going from the parking to the gate if you happen to park way too far from it. ENTRANCE FEE: $10 - Adult $8 - Senior Citizen $6 - 6 to up Children up to 5 years old are FREE There's a lot of food vendors (try the sausages http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=JMuOpUeohLqtV-IkftUlNQ&userid=BDHDu2gEcRS6d4qz8yf7zg - they're huge and delish! and the Strawberry Funnel Cake http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=TGPuZaTAgtYSz_cBACMc7Q&userid=BDHDu2gEcRS6d4qz8yf7zg - good for your diet! Lol), rides, shows, and stores that sells pretty much everything even those jacuzzis as big as-your-standard-size-swimming-pool. There's petting zoo for the kids and kids at heart if you like to get close and personal with these well behaved animals. You will also find different kinds and sizes of Rabbits and Chickens. From the tiniest to the biggest. One rabbit is as big as an obese cat! Cuties! The highlights of our day was watching those UBER CUTE Alaskan Racing pigs http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=KWtZKlgFh7ztQs6KXbqvdQ&userid=BDHDu2gEcRS6d4qz8yf7zg. Like seriously, these pigs are soooo fun to watch! Racing and jumping over hurdles as tall as them? Some talented bacon right there. Lol And because of this me and my son will no longer eat the piggies! :) We didn't get to try any rides at all or watch the Fireworks or the band America perform (we left before 7pm when show usually starts) but still we had fun just walking around, looking and exploring. Come and check it out! It's so festive!!! read more

See all

There was an interesting opportunity for me to assist my mom set up for a little mini trade show at this years KidsFaire. I am a professional trade show-er so she had me come out to help her company with their booth set up. I love the Fairgrounds and really enjoy when we come to car shows but my new experience from the other side gave me a different view. The set up didn't include an extra option for carpeting, padding, even a in booth garbage can. The only extras you could get and pay for was a table. Luckily I told my mom to bring her own carpet and wear comfortable shoes. She also brought her own small trash can. You are also not allowed to pin anything to the back drop material because of tearing. They do provide for S hooks to use. The material is very flimsy and while colorful, not the best for what they're using it for. I don't remember what hall we were in but it was sweltering and there was no air movement. I don't know if there were any fans or if any would be available the day of the event. You really have to do most of the leg work yourself in regards to set up. Most of the things listed above are basic things at trade shows that you can pay extra for and my mom said that none of those things were even offered. Usually you can do this through a separate company who comes in and sets up for the booth patron. It was an interesting take from the other side that I don't think most people get to see or care about. But you never know because one day you may be in business for yourself one day and I want to make your life easier. read more

It's a fun place for friends and families to come in summer! One tip for you about buying their parking pass! I bought the parking at $10 that's valid for any day visit. However, there were many people on the day I went there, even though I have parking pass, they don't have a spot to park at all. You only can wait when someone leave and then you park. So it turned out that I parked very far away (20 min walk), I walked back to the place. And the parking pass was not used at all. Their performance, food and other things are good though. read more

Another great Alameda County Fair!!! Ok, just so that you know, Wednesday Senior Citizens get in for free!! Here are some of the delights of this year's fair: Charlie Daniels Band played "Devil Went Down To Georgia Fantastic photos in the art displays love the collection building at least seven booths want to sell you waterless cookware 1.50 cake slices from the 4-H booth pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw from Bubba's Hawaiian Wings from the Bud Light booth corn dog on a stick slathered with mustard a 4.00 diet pepsi worth every penny pink cotton candy brought home to Dr. R. taking a photo in the photo booth with mom and dad strolling through the fiber arts building to look at the quilts place setting contest at the Fiber Arts building the lit-up rides on the long walk back to the car driving home with a happy heart Hey! Your childhood and a sh**load of fairfood is calling your name, better get to the fair! (omg, I didn't even see the pig races, I guess I have to go back!) read more

See all

The Alameda County Fairgrounds is a 270-acre facility that is home to the annual Alameda County Fair, as well as numerous trade shows and community events. Its racetrack was built in 1858, making it the oldest one-mile horse racing track in America. There is also a 3,000 seat amphitheater, as well as a 9-hole golf course located within the track's infield. The Alameda County Central Railroad Society has also maintained a model train exhibit at the fairgrounds since 1959 (O and HO scale). I grew up in Iowa and I'm a huge County and State Fair goer. So by my Midwest standards, 3 Stars for a California Fair is as good as it gets. Heck, the Clay County Fair in Spencer Iowa is bigger than the California State Fair. Plus driving to Pleasanton isn't my idea of going to the country. And the collection of farm animals here? Please. At the same time, the grounds are nice, the people watching has never disappointed, and it is a fun time out with the family. And it does leave me a wee bit homesick. read more

Here for the Alameda county fair. The fairgrounds are great. Big, open and spacious. Lots of grassy areas to lay around on. I loooove fair food. The one time I can truly pig out on funky fried foods. As well as different, you don't see everyday foods. Alligator on a stick for one, is something I normally wouldn't have somewhere else. It's delish! Honestly tastes like chicken. Deep fried pineapple upside down cake! A funky delicious dessert. Giant corndogs, foot long hot dogs, Mac n cheese stuffed baked potato, Mac n cheese stuffed bacon burger, the list goes on and on! It's a great time to spend here at the fair. The horse racing is also great. They also have great deals. Like $2 Tuesdays. Fair admission is only $2! That's a big savings if you have a big family. read more

See all

4.0 fairgrounds and exhibits 2.0 fairgrounds food Hubby and I enjoy going to the various county fairs for the shopping pavilions. Vendors who offer unique and not so unique products and snack goodies. The Alameda County Fair is one of the larger county fairs in the nine Bay Area counties. There's a huge amusement ride area. And a horse race track. We were going to check it out but decided not to since we don't know the first thing about how to pick a horse. The food prices and the type of food for sale is enough to clog anyone's arteries. I love corn dogs but was unwilling to pay $6 for a medium size one or $8 for a jumbo size dog. So I went over to the American Grill vendor. I wish I hadn't. I order a grilled chicken sandwich for $8. The order taker takes my money and then says it'll be a couple of minutes. I look over to the grill area and two guys are yakking and unloading the food inventory. There's no one in the kitchen preparing food. At this point I say I'll switch to a burger if it'll be quicker. Still I have to wait. What terrible service. And the beef patty was questionable. It's a good thing I've taken my hepatitis A booster shot. I get the burger and the onions and lettuce look suspicious. I toss both in the trash. Bottom line - don't have lunch there. Or any place at the fair. Highway robbery prices. Hubby had a hot pastrami sandwich elsewhere. $10. Not the kind of deli pastrami meat but looked like package lunch meat. $10 parking. read more

Things that I saw, experienced and ate on my trip to the fair this year. 18 inch corn dog (And yes, I did eat one.) Mullets Delicious Funnel Cakes "Homies Forever" Banner Everything is retarded expensive The Old Gyro stand where I got my first job that only lasted for 2 days Working replica model of The Top Gun Ride at Great America Delicious jams and jellies Hot model railroad set up with working drive in movie theater read more

Alameda County Fairgrounds - 18 inches of excellence - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

A great fair, and hands down the best garden displays of all the fairs around the bay. How they keep the flowers looking so good in the 95 degree heat is amazing, but the cut flower displays fare as well. After I drool over the gardens, the fine art and photography show is the next must see; the variety of art is always interesting. I would suggest the next stop would be the collections display. The variety of what people collect is mind boggling. Then there is the midway, commercial displays, foods stands, livestock displays, free concerts, and all the hokey things that make fairs so much fun. There were masses of people, from young children, to oldsters in their motorized scooters there seems to be something for everyone. What is nice about the Alameda fairgrounds is that there are mature trees that give some shade. Also if you like to enter the many contests at the fair you can do it easily on line. And how could I forget, there are fireworks, I not sure how good their show is, the last time I saw them here I was 17, in a car on the top of a stopped Ferris Wheel looking over the midway as the fireworks exploded all around me. That memory is etched in my mind and it could never be equaled at this fair, and besides I had to rush off to the Marin county fair read more

Alameda County Fairgrounds.. Its a huge place, has lots of surrounding expensive parking but worth if if you don't want to walk a mile or two in. Never the less, it might be worth doing so. Facilities. up the yin-yan.. bathrooms, halls, open fields, animals, amphitheater, railroad society building, on and on. If you have never seen a pig or cow up close, comedown in your poop-kickers. If you show up during a fair (recommended) you get the added benefit of getting to eat fried Twinkies and foot long hotdogs and then go on the twirl a wheel for like unlimited times till you hurl. The are lots of halls during fairs you can also walk and see. Great way to get out of the blazing heat. Suggest maybe that also wear a sombero if you come out too. Halls during some of the fair times will include magic cleaning supplies and other snake oil accoutrements that might or might not work when you bring it home, like the "drill through anything drillbit", "magnetic wristband" and "microfiber glass cleaners". This can be fun.. so if you go, bring your little ropers, they will have blast too. read more

Spa Show 2022: I wish there was a "ZERO" stars. After $15. to park. Four to 5 cars parked in front of a small pavilion. It consisted of 1 high end dealer that had their line up of spa's. Prices started at $20K. Talked to a sales person for about 8 min's, went to the bathroom, and left. The cars parked outside were from the dealer staff. Ninety minute round trip and $15. for nothing. read more

Good good memories. I think this was perhaps the only place I've seen live fireworks. A man gave me some firecrackers and sparklers two years ago for Christmas, but I never got to use them because I can't seem to find any place to legally set them off. Sadface. Every year, I come to see the bunnies. My favorite ones are the obese, and babies. For the longest time, my iPhone's wallpaper was the fat pillow bunny I found at the fair. I had also uploaded it onto Myspace. Unfortunately, Myspace deleted all its comments. Ever since I saw the episode of Dewey's rabbit on "Malcolm in the Middle", I have wanted a fat bunny to feed bacon to. It's on the bucket list, holla. The little boutique shacks are always nice to look at, people always make and sell interesting things. I remember trying to bargain for a Stitch lanyard one year. It was me vs. Asian man. My friend stopped me by telling me that bargaining was illegal. She did not seem to understand that bargaining was a must in Asian cultures, who in the world pays $6 for a lanyard imported from China? My friend did not cooperate with me, so we ended up having to pay $6 for lanyards... Sighs, White peoples... Her lanyard broke soon after, so which my reply was, "Told you we shouldda bargained!" Another fond memory of mine is going to the petting zoo. You see, I never had the childhood most children have, riding ponies and annual trips to the zoo. The closest encounter I've had to farm animals were seeing horse tails in carriers on the freeway. Feeding the goats brought an unexplainable feeling.. Happiness, I suppose? I enjoyed teasing them with the hay, poking their ears, and making faces at them. I did learn that goats were jealous creatures. While I was poking at a baby goat, a little boy behind me started pulling on my shirt and saying, "M'am, he's eating your shirt..." I turned around and found a goat chewing on the back of my shirt. After I finally escaped, my shirt was half-covered with slobber. Animals, such civilized creatures.. Other than that, I spend most of my time wandering around the carnival area and eating cotton candy. It's pretty and bright at night. I saw the Jonas Brothers live here once. I still have their poster! 4 hour wait in line was totally worth it. Eeeeeeeeeekkk!!! Oh yes, they have lots of goodies to eat (: However, if the fare keeps going up, I might end up having to live my childhood when I'm thirty and have a job. Just imagine that. read more

See all