By Sarah Linn
A “powerhouse lineup” of classic rock and pop bands will perform at the California State Fair in 2025, organizers said.
Iconic pop-rockers The Turtles, legendary R&B band Tower of Power and other nostalgic acts will take the stage as part of the Toyota Concert Series in the summer, fair organizers announced Monday in news releases.
The 17-day event will also feature food, carnival rides and agriculture competitions.
The band behind hit songs “Happy Together” and “Elenore,” The Turtles will perform at the fair’s main stage on Tuesday, July 15, as part of the “Happy Together Tour,” a Monday news release said.
The Turtles will serve as “musical hosts” for the tour, known for its “feel-good energy and stellar lineup,” the release said.
Also performing is classic rock band Jay and the Americans, whose hits include “Come a Little Bit Closer” and “This Magic Moment.”
Filling out the bill are Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues and The Cowsills.
“This tour brings together a powerhouse lineup of unforgettable artists who helped shape an era,” Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo and the California State Fair, said in the release. “We’re happy to welcome The Happy Together Tour back to the Fair.”
Meanwhile, the fair will welcome Tower of Power to the main stage on Thursday, July 24, according to a Monday release.
Boasting a “brassy fusion of soul, funk and jazz music,” the band’s hits include “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip,” the fair said in a news release.
“Tower of Power’s unmistakable sound and incredible live energy will make for an unforgettable night at the fair,” Martinez said in the release. “We’re proud to bring such legendary talent to our summer lineup.”
When is California State Fair in 2025? Where is it?
The California State Fair begins Friday, July 11, and lasts until Sunday, July 27, with a different headliner performing each night.
The fair is at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento.
Who is playing at Sacramento fair in 2025?
The Turtles and their tourmates join a Toyota Concert Series lineup that includes eight previously announced artists.
Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor Ludacris will kick off the fair on opening day, Friday, July 11, with a performance on the main stage.
Poison frontman and reality show star Bret Michaels will perform on the fair’s main stage on Saturday, July 12.
Soft rock band Air Supply will perform on the fair’s main stage on Sunday, July 13.
Country singer-songwriter Dustin Lynch is set to perform on the main stage on Thursday, July 17.
Tesla, a hard rock band with Sacramento roots, will take the fair’s main stage on Friday, July 18.
Country star Joe Nichols will play the main stage on Wednesday, July 23.
Rock band O.A.R. will perform on the main stage on Friday, July 25.
Country music duo Brothers Osborne will play the main stage at the fair on Saturday, July 26
California State Fair spokesperson Darla Givens previously told The Sacramento Bee that fairgoers can expect performances by artists in a variety of genres, from country music to “old school soul and R&B.”
Givens said State Fair organizers will announce additional fair performers each Monday leading up to the start of the fair.
To stay updated, check out the fair’s newsletter.
What are ticket prices? Carnival wristband costs?
California State Fair concerts are free with fair admission and can be purchased online or at participating Save Mart locations.
However, fairgoers can reserve seats for the Toyota Concert Series at $45 a seat.
Fair tickets cost $16, or $12 for seniors ages 62 and up and $10 for youth ages 5 to 12.
Children ages 4 and under get in free.
Parking is $15.
Carnival tickets cost $1 apiece, or $10 to $15 for a fast pass.
Unlimited ride wristbands, which must be purchased in the carnival area, cost $39 to $44 depending on the day.
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This story was originally published April 7, 2025 at 8:32 AM.
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Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the California Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto and San Luis Obispo. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.
