This review is for the Jurassic Quest event held at Santa Clara Fairgrounds, not the fairgrounds itself. I was really excited to take my toddler based on the website, promo videos, YouTube clips, and all the hype and media mentions. Unfortunately, the event was very underwhelming. It was held inside an expo hall and the space felt much smaller than expected. The dinosaur exhibit itself consisted of maybe five or six displays total, which was far less than what the videos and marketing led us to believe. There were a few additional activities, one dinosaur meet-and-greet, some LEGO stations, and a couple small activities, but overall it felt very minimal. My son is only two, so he was still excited to see the dinosaurs, but as a parent, I expected a lot more based on how this event is advertised. If you're managing expectations and just want a short outing for a very young child, it may be fine. But if you're expecting a large, immersive experience like what's shown online, this didn't live up to it. read more

IMHO I used to come here decades ago when the fairgrounds hosted the huge summer county fair. In the day, the county fair lasted for at least two weeks and was a big deal. These days, the county fair is back but only for three or four days... The fairgrounds still host events but on a smaller scale. Lately I've only attended the San Jose Harvest Festival, which moved from downtown San Jose to the fairground a few years ago. I like the fact that it is closer to my home, but the venue's parking fee of $20 is outrageous! When speaking to some of the vendors at the Harvest Festival, they were wondering if the lower attendance was due to the hefty parking fee, amongst other financial reasons. Plus, we are still paying an admission fee to the event... I still attend some fairground events but usually when there is free or low-cost admission fee. Continuing to pay $20 just to park will definitely give me pause to re-think my need to attend such events in the future. read more

I've been to many events here including Foodieland, Bay Area Pet Expo, Reptile Realms, Santa Clara County Fair, and most recently, TinyFest, this past weekend. I like the variety of events held here, but I'm not a big fan of the layout and how the space is utilized compared to other similar venues (I like Alameda County Fairgrounds much better). There are also hardly any trees so the place feels hot and dry with limited shade during warmer seasons. Pricey parking makes "free admission" events not so "free" especially as the price in the lot has gone up to $20... sheesh! read more

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This is specifically for COVID-19 Vaccine to health care personal provided by EMS/County fire . I'm apart of the phase 1 healthcare workers to receive the vaccine but my employer did not offer it so I had to do my own research. I'm thankful that the county was able to make it accessible. It's important to note that currently it's appointment only. So make sure to apply online (if your eligible to). The website was easy to navigate. Parking was Gate D and it's literally a dirt road to get to the parking lot. There was signage to keep driving but no signage where it states you can park here and being that it was my first time, I just parked closer to the exit at the last parking lot. Check in was quick and everyone was 6 feet apart. They ask for identification so make sure to bring that. And your required to sit and be observed for 15 minutes after the vaccination. read more

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This review is for the COVID testing site in parking lot A. I recently came by for a COVID test I needed completed. It was my first visit but the signage tells you what directions to go. The dirt road was full of potholes. I can only imagine holding a cup of skittles while driving this road they would be all over the place LOL. Drive slow. After what seemed like 100 potholes we made it to the lines where we were directed what line to get in. Once we parked our QR code was scanned and name & DOB confirmed and swab completed. We were told our results would be ready in 1-3 days. On our second visit the lines were longer but we still got in and out quickly. Have your QR ready to show upon entering. You will be directed what way to go based on how many tests are needed. All the lines lead to the same space. They staff is efficient and get the job done quickly. Took me longer to get to the through all the pot holes than to get the test completed. It's an efficient place to get a COVID test for Santa Clara County. You need an an appointment which can be easily done online. After answering several questions you get a link via email to schedule the appointment (date/time). Note that there may be delays to your appointments when it's busy. Just like any other COVID testing site. Prepare accordingly. read more

Very disappointed today...Attempted to bring an elderly family member, who is disabled to an event today. Due to mobility restrictions, I pulled up to speak with the security officer at the gate to the left of the main entrance. I saw what appeared to be three open disabled parking spots and showed our disabled placard and advising of our situation. The security guard denied us to enter to either drop off my relative or park in a disabled spot. He told us the only option was to park across the street and walk to the event with no other options. I feel that the Security officer needs to learn about the ADA laws and accommodations and the Fairgrounds needs to be more ADA accommodating for the ones in need due to mobility issues. Very disappointed read more

This ground has become very popular in recent years. We have attended quite a few events in the 2018 and 2019 and I won't be surprised if more are organized here after everything goes back to normal. Huge ganesh festival and dussehra festival were celebrated here back in 2019. For both the festivals we had to buy the tix online. The ground itself is very big and has a lot of places for the main event, food trucks, and an indoor place for vendors selling different products. At the far end of the corner the main event takes place. Then the next area is occupied by people attending the event. On the left hand side in the middle of the ground is a covered area that is usually occupied by the vendors selling clothes, jewelry, shoes, and bags. On the right hand side usually food trucks stand. And there is ample of space for people to form lines for the food. There is a parking lot right across the grounds and it's paid. You can look around the neighborhood and might find parking and you might need to walk a bit in that case. read more

I attended the Santa Clara County Fair. The fairground were clean and organized. The food was amazing! Staff was so kind and helpful the shows were really fun and barely any lines! read more

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In line for drive thru COVID test. I had appointment so the actual testing for my 2 kids and myself took less than 5 min. However I was in a line with people who probably didn't have appointments, so the waiting was extremely long. The time arrived and got the marker 1:35pm, the time I pulled away was 2:30pm read more

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds - Two lines to get to the testing tents. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Jose, California

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It's good to support your local fair. The money goes to the city and the vendors and ride operators. Most of these people deserve the income; they travel from city to city. read more

Was traveling to India most of the covid center where charging 90-100$ for RT-PCR this one does it for free. If Incase you want to save money do get your test done here. Pretty professional and quick result. read more

This review is for COVID-19 testing in the D section. I have been trying for awhile to find a test site for the J&J second shot, and finally booked an appointment for today at 8:40 am at the fairgrounds site. I arrived very early, around 8 am, to be sure I could get a handicap parking spot (there are only two next to the entry door). I went inside with my rollator and sat while many workers showed up, then around 8:10 I asked someone where I should go. She called over a very kind woman named Hanna, who took my driver's license (she didn't need my insurance cards since I had used them for my first J&J shot at CVS last May). When she looked at my CDC vaccine card she noticed that CVS had not indicated the lot number for the vaccine I received, but said she could have them look it up at the registration area so it could be added. She came back a few minutes later with my driver's license and a new CDC card showing both doses. Then she brought me over to station 13, where a lovely woman named Crystal was waiting. She expertly administered the shot (it hurt a little, nothing like it did when I had the first shot at CVS from the pharmacist). She directed me to sit in an observation area for 15 minutes, where another lovely woman named Claudia was waiting, and observing me and others who had just received their shots as well. I had no issues, so after 15 minutes I went back to my car and left. I found out later that there was also the option of a walk-in with no appointment, and I could even have gotten the shot while seated in my car! Good information in case I need a third shot (I've been hearing about this in the news lately). I asked about restrooms and there is one on the end of the building nearest the exit on Tully, so that's good to know for future reference. Thank you to everyone on the COVID-19 Vaccine Team! You're doing an excellent job. read more

This place has seen better days. I haven't seen those days, but I would like to think that at one point this was a pleasant place to be. We've come here for various events, including the Santa Clara County Fair, and it always saddens me to see how worn out the grounds and buildings have become. If it weren't for that blue arch out front, you could drive by this place a hundred times and not realize that there something going on behind the buildings along Tully Road. Parking is not good here. You have to pay to park in the enormous lot across the street, and then make an awkward crossing at 7th or 10th. I personally am annoyed the fact that you have to pay to park for some of these low-attendance events, so sometimes I'll park down one of the side streets near the warehouses and make the stroll in. I don't think you're allowed to bring food onto the grounds, but then again I don't see anyone actively trying to enforce that rule. There are food vendors inside during some of the events, but their offerings are decidedly simple. read more

Has so many great choices to have a big or small event. Just walking through it is a visit down memory lane for this San Jose native

Great venue, even though my first reaction when I heard my company post-holiday party was going to take place at this facility was like 'wth'. It was my first time so I did my research before going to make sure I will not die from cold weather in the open air. Luckily I noticed there were several pavilions and some walking distante between each of them, which was good to differentiate atmospheres and also to walk a bit in between drink and drink. I had no issue with parking as my friend and I shared an Uber, but looks like the main parking is across the street, which it can be seen as inconvenience. Overall, this location and facilities were better than I expected and I felt in a safe environment and not in the middle of nowhere as I initially thought I will be. read more

We went to see Cirque here a few months ago and had a wonderful time. Parking is right there and it was easy getting in and out.

I feel like reviews are not super accurate because people are just reviewing the events that occur in this location rather than the venue itself. Throughout my life, I've been to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds for so many events that I can't even remember all of them. From school graduations, to science fairs, to volunteer events, and most recently, to Boba Festival, never once had I had a bad experience with the location itself. Sure parking is $10 for the entire time and is in a separate lot all together, but there's so much space that you couldn't possibly complain. The fairground itself is ENORMOUS and very capable of holding a lot of people in building and out. Although most events tend to only take place in a certain area. The inside of the fairground is also fairly clean, in comparison to the Alameda County Fairground which literally has dust, dirt and mud everywhere from their parking lot all the way to the inside. At least the Fairground has a ton of trees for shade and building. read more

Came here for the Tet Festival earlier this year. Parking was confusing and I was so confused on where to turn and park. Luckily, if you drive down a few blocks, there is lots of residential parking. It seemed like a safe neighborhood to walk in. The facilities were very organized and made for a great event! Looking forward to coming back next year! =) read more

I came to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds to see the latest Cirque du Soleil performance, Volta. The show was fantastic (definitely go see it if you can while it's here) but this review is for the fairgrounds themselves. Parking is a little tricky; we weren't sure which side of the street it was going to be on, and there weren't any signs until about a block before the entrance to the parking lot. We made it work and got over three lanes in time, but it was definitely tricky. Parking was easy and was close to the venue we were attending. It cost $20 to park (not sure if that's set by the fairgrounds or by the show we were going to see). The only complaint I have about the fairgrounds is that the parking lot needs to be repaved BADLY! I'm glad we took our truck; I think my civic may have had some issues getting through some of the potholes. Walking out of the parking lot is also a little tricky as well, if you're wearing high heels, due to all of the cracks and holes. Overall, I enjoyed my time here, and would definitely return to an event at this venue. read more

Oh the poor poor fairgrounds! How you've lost your sparkle and love of yesteryear! I remember coming when they still had the "rainbow" arch.... anyhow. We just went for Hot San Jose Nights! We had a grand grand time! Over 500 cars on Saturday! we loved that the cars there weren't pigeon holed. Like, a 32 MG next to a 65 mustang! It was nice. The fairgrounds themselves are in a sad state and unfortunately, the gang bangers can overtake them at some "family" geared nights. But, we still try and support it. It would be REALLY sad to see the fairgrounds for Silicon Valley disappear. What would help the fairgrounds? Better marketing, a bit of sprucing up... PUTTING SAN JOSE SPEEDWAY BACK IN and some genuine TLC. Showing you love SCCF... I remember your glory days! read more

This was an absolutely pathetic showing of what you can do with animatronic dinosaurs. If you are going to come make sure to bring dw40 because the dinosaurs are squeaky and poorly built. Furthermore, they play extremely loud and annoying sounds that don't match the dinosaurs at all! The child section of the exhibit is some how worse than a run down McDonald's playground. Do not come expecting to be probably entertained, but do expect to be charged up the ass for a dinosaur shit show. I would say the highlight of the trip is the extinction of my Anus from the bacon wrapped hot dogs sold outside Ps. All the dinosaurs have vagagnas read more

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Jose, California

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For vaccines, great. It's a bit of a walk in but they provide such friendly and organized service

Attended "Muddy Dash" today at the fairgrounds. Parking was easy and not to far from the fairgrounds. Im not sure how other event here have been in the past but today the event was very organized and was very enjoyable. read more

I had appointment for Covid test at the fairgrounds, and they denied me .. even tho I had all my appointment information on my phone to show them .. no help from them . Also, if you have a nice new car .. don't come here . They made an off road go kart track for you. so all the rock, chips and dirt can get on your car . Hopefully no flat tires . Smh read more

I sell here at the Toy Show 3 times a year. If you know what you're doing it's pretty easy to get around this place. If you don't it can be tough to wind your way back to the parking. Sometimes they have people on 'work detail' directing parking, sometimes not. The buildings are pretty run down but fine for the purposes of a collectibles show. It is a good idea to bring your own food as well as the concession stands may not always be open, and the quality of food served is pretty bad. There was rumors of the fairgrounds being torn down and condos put up, but that died in 2009 after the recession was in full swing. Here's to many more years of the fairgrounds.....I'll be back! read more

Metropolis, Spring 2000, Cyberfest. Do you know any of those names? If so you might have partied at the Santa Clara County fairgrounds as a raver over a decade ago. I loved the fairgrounds at the time. They seemed so much cleaner than the San Joaquin County fairgrounds in Stockton where I grew up. Then again everywhere seems cleaner than the San Joaquin County fairgrounds. The two things I hated were the long waits to get searched before entry and the traffic getting there off the 101 freeway. Oh man the traffic was horrible! I guess when you get 20,000 people together in one place at one time you are going to have some pretty horrible traffic. The only connection I ever had to the Santa Clara County fairgrounds was at parties...they were fun...good memories. Would I go back here today? Eh. I guess. I am sure the traffic is much better. :0) read more

I've been coming to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds since I was a wee child. Back then it seemed so amazing. So big. So full of adventure. Now, as an adult, it's just the county fairgrounds. It's a great place to have certain events. Like the county fair, expos and even dog training. The problem is, it's old. I mean, let's be honest here. It hasn't really changed much since 1986. That's when I entered a few art projects in the county fair. We came down and saw all the animals... there were rides, and food, and fun to be had by everyone. The bathrooms are old. The buildings are old. The pavement is old. But it's a great place to hold the county fair because it's so big. 3 solid stars for you Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. -1 star for being run down. and -1 star for your scary gangs. read more

Came here over the weekend for Snow Bomb. We didn't realize general parking was on the other side of the Fairgrounds, and of course it was pouring as we crossed the street and made our way to the event. This place is fairly large, but Snow Bomb only occupied 2 of the buildings. Older space, but lots of room for us to look at all the goodies. Overall, good event, and parking was only $5. read more

Jurassic Quest... So much chaos, so little fun. We spent more time waiting around to do things then actually doing things. Too many people, could not enjoy the dinosaurs viewings, the ride a Dino was a waste of time- more meant for kids under 4. The price was way over priced, especially for adults. I would not recommend seeing this again. The fair grounds are a large area and everything was just thrown together in a small space.. I had high hopes for his venue, but I have learned that if it is at the SCC fairgrounds, I most likely won't partake in the venue. I used to love doing tongs there growing up, it sure has fallen apart over the years. read more

I dig the classic Santa Clara fairgrounds. I have been here for a bunch of different events from Crossfit regionals to The Special Olympics to the Cat show which we attended this weekend. It's a little run down and dusty in places and the people who work there and take your parking money are pretty salty but its nostalgic and I don't have any big complaints about it being a little outdated. Sometimes the events are held at the same time the flea market is and on Saturday there was a second event ON the fairgrounds, so that made for a nightmarish parking and commute situation so we just left and came back Sunday. The Cat Show was nice and the Cat people were not but it was an experience all in its own! read more

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds - Perfect little face! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Jose, California

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Quaint little fairgrounds. RIGHT next to a high school, plenty of parking but my goodness the front of this place needs some help. BADLY. Looks like no one's gave a fuck since 1973. nice facilities but man fix your image problem. looks like at best a place to have shit tastic flea markets. read more

Came here for the Pet Expo. Parking sucked. It seemed as if the only open spots were in another zip code. We ended up parking next to a hobo sprawled out on the side walk somewhere far, far away from the fairground just to avoid the $8 parking fee. Yep, we're that cheap. Anyway, the facility itself is a bit rundown but serviceable. The venue is spacious enough to accommodate a large crowd and countless pooches. And there are plenty of grassy patches for Fido to run around and, if the mood is right, drop a deuce or two. read more

Came here to volunteer for the Ridiculous Obstacles Challenge Race (ROC Race) back in August. It was actually my first time being here. I didn't have much to expect because it was just a huge fairground with lots of empty spaces to set up for the event. The parking (for the event at least) was across the street and it wasn't bad at all. There were plenty of space (for us volunteers) and the parking lot itself was huge. It was just a huge place to set up for events. It is a little rundown since I know it's been here for a long time. It also gets really dusty as well while the event is being held. Overall, it's a good place to hold a huge event in the Santa Clara County. read more

I lost my girlfriend at the Fairgrounds. 3 of them. But when I went last weekend, I did manage to get something back. When I got to the archway entrance, it was a window in time moment as I mentally leaped to the mid 80's *blue lightning* There are times when I wish my hologram pal from today could tell me what to do back then. Things could potentially be "better," but how would my Nevada adventures been affected, if not eliminated? Hot San Jose Nights is all about thinking about the (American) past. I remember the archway in it's original colors. Was it repainted from the other meaning of rainbow from the 80's-90's? Wow, there were a lot of cars. That's a dumbass statement. But to see them all around, full eye shot was a welcome relief. Hearing the roar of engines, live music from the performance stage and the smell of BBQ relaxed me. I don't get too many happies, so I wanted to soak in it til my fingers pruned. All kinds of local groups promoting themselves to my appreciation. F Big Business. Occasionally, you'll hear the chirp of tires as everyone looks, waiting for the eventual moment when the vehicle spins just a little out of control justifying an a-hole stare reply over sunglasses. There was so much to do, check out www.hotsanjosenights.com to look at the busy schedules. There were so many cool displays. This was my first time and I knew in 15 minutes I'd go next year. I spent so much of my early 20's running around the fairgrounds, I never took the time to examine the grounds itself. Looks like they painted the expo hall inside. Holy crap, where's the grandstand?? That was one of the biggest things to define the grounds. It was mostly cement, I can't imagine it was rotting. Blew my mind to see a huge empty space between the 2 flagpoles still there. There were carnie rides in place of it's former entrance. My last summer before college I met a girl, really from Canada and we spent the day together. It was one of my first successful theme park scores ever. The next summer, I worked there and started a legendary reputation. I had all her information on a piece of paper and I knew that in a month the fair had a "free long distance call" booth (waaay before cell unlimited). I replayed the day over for months, I appeared to have lost the paper on the bumper boats or a spin and barf ride. I found 2 of the 3 women online, each with big family picture folders. I loved all the cars. They had some cool vintage military terrain vehicles. Some guy built a huge motorcycle 2 stories tall and you sit inside of what would be the gas tank in scale. "training wheels" balance the massive construction grade tires. There weren't many if at all rat rods or heavily modified cars, I wondered why a lot. Mostly refurbishments with some alterations. Surely there was enough room for them in the county's only summer (yearly?) car event. I didn't see the car club I was looking for, the guys that bring the huge tiki bar (literally) at Viva Las Vegas rockabilly Weekend every April. I had a tri-tip sandwich and the guy asked me if I wanted grilled onis. "Is there any other way???" Hog, heaven, I rarely eat beef and when I do, it's grilled and not ground. I had a lemonade and not, NOT, not? a beer. Very strange I didn't even realize it at the time. "I'm dry at an event" is something no one that that has ever known me has EVER heard. Over 90% of pictures taken of me has me with booze in my hand. The other 10%, no comment. I remember when the grounds were densely packed with vendor booths (pre net "ease") and the county fair lasted over 3 weeks. The nighttime "element" ruined it with drunk, macho brawls. Somehow THAT continues on some downtown streets, with the same component setups. The organizers at least could have had a daytime fair and it might be a lot better than the reputation it dragged to this day. A lot of people drive out to other neighboring fairs. Back in the day, I dated 2 consecutive Miss Santa Clara counties and knew most of the performers. That may say something about my Vegas friends. I wanted there to be more people at HSJN, that's a rare statement from me. I plan most of my dining/ shopping outside of peak times. I gave myself so much shit about being "stuck" in this area, but I realize I spend more time going to community events more than I had before or most of my friends have in the past few months alone. Everyone at these events are the true pillar citizens, locally responsible. And uh, the Fair is next month for 4 whole days. Free admission, I may be going more than once. read more

We're at an event for Amazon right now. The staff at the fairgrounds Rock. The whole experience has been amazing and I love Valerie, Ashley & Taylor! What a great party easy and thanks for making such a great memory. read more

The once glorious and popular SC Fairgrounds have seen better days. I used to love coming to this location for the 2+ week long annual fair. Now that it's way past its prime, I really wish the fairgrounds would seriously just close up shop for good and have the city of SJ do something useful with all that land. Too bad the budgeting, caring and will is no longer there. I think it's a combination of the recession that they never recovered from. Part of me thinks it's the underage clientele that brought trouble with them while visiting the fairgrounds. Either way, I think there's no reliving the glory days of this once peak performer of the area. Sad that in Silicon Valley the SC Fairgrounds is very pathetic when compared to neighboring county fairgrounds. "uh cogh cough... Alameda County Fairgrounds... cough cough" read more

The Fairgrounds has events throughout the year. They have the Santa Clara County fair during the summer where they showcase farm animals, reptiles, has a carnival and food stands. During the month of January and February they fair celebrates with the Tet Festival which is the new year in Asian culture. There are dance performances, singing performances, magician, boutique shops and food stands. There is also a carnival. read more

By Far the worst Fairground I been to very ugly the event they just had there 2 days ago by Streetlow was the worst Carshow I been to There was no Police a lot of drama I almost got shot .Very un organize .Seen so many fights broke out not kid friendly for my kids people driveing there car well people are walking .Very unsafe will not come back to this Event read more

This review is based on the ColorRad 5K race I attended here last year. All I have to say is GROSS! During this 5K there was old food dumped on the side of the dirt road all which put off a fowl odor and attracted swarms of flies as you can imagine. The food was shrimp and a combination of other items. This was super gross and unsanitary and I wonder how anyone would this is okay. It really was a huge disappointment and disgusting to see the fairground in such bad shape. There was so much debris and garbage everywhere and I will definitely think twice before attending another event here. read more

We came here for the Snowbomb (Ski & Snowboard Fest) Pre-Season Blowout Sale. In concurrence with other reviewers, this place definitely looked its age, but the venue was decent for the event and the restrooms were surprisingly clean. The parking lot is across the street from the entrance and for this particular event cost $5 per vehicle for the day. Overall the event was a success. I ended up purchasing quite a bit of ski gear for awesome prices. read more