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FAQ Page

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS

Are BBQ Pits allowed at the Fairgrounds?

  • Grills or cooking equipment of any kind are not permitted

Can I bring food and drinks into the Fair?

Yes, the following are premitted items (per person):

  • Pre-prepared or packaged food items
  • 1 soft-sided cooler/insulated bag (16” x 16” x 8” or smaller)
  • 1 backpack or backpack-sized tote
  • Folding chair
  • Blanket
  • Camel packs or non-breakable H20 containers

The following items are NOT permitted:

  • Cooking equipment of any kind
  • Loose food or food contained in large, catering-style pans, trays, bowls, etc.
  • Hard shell coolers/ice chests (plastic, metal, etc.)
  • Charcoal or flammable liquids
  • Tents
  • Tables
  • Large shade umbrellas (small umbrellas/parasols are fine)
  • Knives, metal utensils, or any item that could be considered or used as weapon
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Cans or glass containers

What else is NOT permitted inside the Fairgrounds or anywhere on the property?

  • Comfort animals or pets
  • Firearms, knives or any type of weapon
  • Mace or pepper spray
  • Illegal drugs or narcotics
  • Cannabis products of any kind
  • Bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, Segways
  • Fireworks/firecrackers
  • Drones

For a complete list of rules on the Fairgrounds, click here

What kinds of events are held at the Fairgrounds?

  • Alameda County Fairgrounds is a year-round event center. Besides the annual Fair, we host a variety of indoor and outdoor events (corporate events, competitions, festivals, weddings and more).

I am a vendor. How can I apply to sell at upcoming events?

  • Commercial and food vendors please contact the event promoter directly. Promoter websites are included in the Events Calendar.

Where can I find more information on a particular event?

  • Our Events Calendar provides details for all upcoming events. Individual event postings also contain a link to the promoter’s website.

I would like to have an event at the Fairgrounds, where do I start?

  • Please submit an inquiry to the Events Team by calling 925-426-7586 or email events@alamedacountyfair.com.
  • Please be prepared to provide the following information:
    Type of event
    Size
    Date & time
    Preferred location.
  • Considerations:
    • All food, beverage and alcohol must be purchased through our catering partner, OVG Food Service. You may contact them directly at 925-426-7630.
    • Besides the rental fee, additional costs such as insurance, security, cleaning and equipment may also apply.
    • We are unable to place a “hold” on any of the facilities.
  • Booking procedure:
    • If we are able to accommodate the event, a proposal will be submitted to you.
    • Upon your acceptance of the proposal, a formal contract will then be drawn up.
    • A deposit will be required after all parties have signed the contract.
    • The booking will be officially secured once the deposit has cleared.
I am hosting an event at the Fairgrounds, where do I send my shipments?
  • All shipments must be sent to the Fair’s administrative office at 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 (at the Gate). No shipments will be accepted more than 7 days prior to the first move-in day of an event.

  • Shipments should be clearly marked with event name, recipient name, company name, building, booth number and phone number.
    • Delivery specifications:
      • Small shipments scheduled to arrive prior to show dates will be delivered to the Administration Building. Our Event Ops department will store packages in Building G. Packages may be subject to drayage fees.
      • Large shipments (i.e. pallets, etc.) scheduled to arrive prior to show dates will be delivered directly to Building G at the Event Ops yard. Shipments sent before the date of the show will be subject to drayage charges.
      • Smaller shipments scheduled to arrive during show set up will be delivered to the promoter’s office.
      • Large shipments received during the show’s set up time will be delivered to the building the promoter is occupying during the event, or to Building G.
      • To access Building G, enter Gate 12 off Valley Avenue, continue through the tunnel, stay to the right.

When is the next Alameda County Fair?

Where is the Fairgrounds located?

  • In Pleasanton on Bernal Avenue at Valley Avenue, off I-680. The main entrances are at Gates 8 and 12, off of Valley Avenue. Visit the Getting Here page for more info and maps.

Where do I enter/park the Fairgrounds?

  • Visitors should enter through Gate 12 off of Valley Avenue. You will be directed to the parking area for a specific event. Note, the Yellow Gate off Pleasanton Avenue is not open to all events. Visit the Getting Here page for more info and maps.

Where can I find more information on a particular event?

  • The Events Calendar lists upcoming events open to the public. Hundreds of events are held at the fairgrounds each year. These events and shows are managed by outside promoters. For detailed information on an event’s admission, parking and policies, visit their website. A link to the promoter’s website may be found on the Fairgrounds’ Events Calendar.

Is smoking permitted on the property?

  • No, smoking is not permitted on the property.

Are dogs or pets allowed into the Fairgrounds?

  • Pets are not permitted on the Fairgrounds.

Is ADA parking available at events?

  • Yes, all events offer ADA parking areas. Please ask upon arriving at the Parking Gate.

Where is the stop for BART buses?

  • The bus stops at Gate 8 on Valley Avenue. 
  • During Fair time, the BART Fair Shuttle drops and picks up riders at the Yellow Gate entrance on Pleasanton Avenue. All BART buses & shuttles dispatch from the Dublin/Pleasanton station.
  • BART schedule: bart.gov
  • WHEELS bus & shuttle schedules: wheels.com

Where is the Lyft and Uber Drop-Off area?

  • The Lyft/Uber drop-off area is located near the Yellow Gate entrance on Pleasanton Avenue. View Drop Off maps here. 

Where are the restrooms located?

  • Click here to see the Year Round Events layout map. Please note each event has designated restrooms during its operating hours based upon event location.

Do restrooms have diaper-changing stations?

  • Yes, all restrooms on the property, including the men’s rooms, have diaper changing stations.

Where can I refill my reusable water bottle?

  • Alameda County Fairgrounds offers multiple water refill stations throughout the Fairgrounds. Click here to find refill stations and fountains. Availability subject to event location.

Can I fly my drone at the Fairgrounds?

  • In order to ensure the safety, security, privacy and property interests of the Alameda County Fairgrounds, the use of drones is strictly prohibited within the Fairgrounds property and/or air space without prior written consent. Violators may be subject to removal and/or arrest.

How can I find an item lost at the Fairgrounds?

For additional information, visit Safety & Rules or email us here or call 925-426-7600.

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