At The Alameda County Fairgrounds
- Next Race:
October 19
- First Post:
12:45pm
- # Of Races:
8
Special Events
Every Sunday!
$5 Beer and $5 Hotdogs
Oktoberfest
October 19, 1-4pm
More Information
Kick off the opening day of Golden State Racing in Pleasanton with an Oktoberfest! Guests 21 years and older can taste from a selection of 5 pours included in their ticket with a take home beer stein. Plus, purchase German food and desserts like sausages and pretzels. It’s the perfect way to watch and wager on the Bart Heller Stakes with 75,000 in prize money! Post time is 12:45pm.
Admission:
General (must be ages 21+): $49.50 (with fees)
Entering the Stella Artois Grandstand is free so if you come anyone who isn’t a ticketed participant in the event they can still enjoy the live racing fun.
*Save 10% on tickets when you buy in advance with discount code OKTOBER24 (valid through 10/18)
Parking: $15 – Credit Card Only Online and at the Gate
Hours:
1pm – 4pm (check in begins at 12:30pm)
Location:
Enter Gate 12 off Valley Avenue
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Interested in group or corporate events, email groupsales@alamedacountyfair.com
Breeders’ Cup Wine Fest
November 2, 1-4pm
More Information
Celebrate Breeders’ Cup, the Superbowl of racing, with a Wine Fest at the Stella Artois Grandstand on November 2! Guests 21 years and older can taste from unlimited pours included in their admission ticket with a take home tasting glass. Plus, enjoy other fun Breeders’ themed food, drink and special activities. Races and wagering will begin early, post-time is 10:10am on one of the biggest races in horse racing besides the Kentucky Derby, right here in Pleasanton!
Admission:
General (must be ages 21+): $40
*Save 10% on tickets when you buy in advance with discount code BREEDERS24 (Valid thru 11/1)
Parking: $15 – Credit Card Only Online and at the Gate
Hours:
1pm – 4pm (check in begins at 12:30pm)
Location:
Enter Gate 8 off Valley Avenue
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Pleasanton, CA 94566
To learn more, please visit: goldenstateracing.com
*Please note, some vendors may be CARD ONLY while others take cash, please come prepared. For the event admission policy, please visit their website.
Goodguys Autumn Get-Together
November 9 & 10
More Information
America’s Favorite Car Show returns to its roots for a celebration of Cool Cars, Cool People and Good Times at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California, on November 9 & 10 for the Goodguys 34th Fuel Curve Autumn Get-Together! The penultimate show of the Goodguys 2024 season will bring over 2,500 American Made or Powered Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks of all years!
Don’t miss Goodguys Classic Performance Products AutoCross racing series action featuring the “Fall” Shootout, experience an earth-shaking Nitro Thunderfest, Veterans Day celebrations all weekend long, shop the huge swap meet, Cars 4 Sale Corral and vendor midway, enjoy live music, Smash 4 Cash Demo Derby – Hayward Firefighters Local 1909 Charity Demolition Derby, and so much more!
Admission:
General (Age 13 and up): $28.00
Children (Ages 7-12): $11.00
Children (Ages 6 & under): FREE
* pricing does not include fees
Parking: $15 – Credit Card Only
Hours:
November 9: 8am – 4pm
November 10: 8am – 4pm
Location:
2005 Valley Avenue, Gate 8 or 12
Alameda County Fairgrounds & Event Center
Pleasanton, CA 94566
To learn more, please visit: Goodguys 34th Fuel Curve Autumn Get-Together
FAQ's
Horse Racing
When is racing?
Racing is every Friday-Sunday October 19-December 15.
(Subject to change due to weather and racing schedule)
What time do gates open?
The Stella Artois Grandstands opens for check-in at noon.
What time is the first race?
Post time is at 12:45pm, the last race will vary based on the racing schedule. The Fairgrounds will close immediately following the last race.
Where are open box seats?
Open Box Seats are located on the second (upper and lower level) of the Stella Artois Grandstand. The lower level has green seats that are open to the public, all red seats are reserved for Season Box Holders and require check-in to access. The upper bleacher section l is open to the public to enjoy (Look for free seating signs).
What identification is needed?
Admission to the Grandstand is free. Guests will go through security to enter.
For dining tickets and boxes – upon check-in to Trackside Terrace, Sky Lounge or Box Seats (pre-purchased or on-site) you will be given credentials for your respective area. You must present these credentials every time you wish to re-enter your reserved location. Failure to show proof of reservation will result in denial of entry.
General Parking and Admissions
Do I need to purchase parking for each day that I attend the races?
Yes, parking must be purchased for each day. Buy online or at Parking Gate, online purchase only. Parking is $15 with Credit, Debit or Apple Pay.
Do I need to purchase admission to attend the races?
Horse racing is FREE to enter and watch with viewing areas on the ground level as well as open seating on the third level of the Stella Artois Grandstands
Do I need to purchase admission?
Admission to the races is FREE. Parking is $15. If there is an all-grounds event occurring on a race day, you must purchase an admission ticket for the event to enter the Grandstand. This includes the Goodguys’ shows. Events within the Grandstand might have admission fees, but are optional (Oktoberfest, Wine Fest).
What events are happening at the track this fall?
- Breeders Cup World Championships Wine Fest on Saturday, November 2, 2024
- Oktoberfest on Opening Day of Golden State Racing Saturday, October 19, 2024
- $5 Hotdogs and $5 Beer (Any beer on tap) every SUNDAY
How do I buy tickets for the upcoming events?
- You can buy your tickets to upcoming Golden State Racing events online. *All ticket sales are digital* This includes Oktoberfest on October 19 and the Wine Fest on November 2.
- To purchase your tickets online and save time onsite, visit the Alameda County Fair website under “Events” or you can click Here.
Food & Beverage
What kind of food options are available to the public during racing days?
Food and Beverage are available for purchase in the Grandstand and specialty food vendors will be on grounds during event dates. Dining at Sky Lounge is available with a pre-purchased reservation.
Are outside food and drink permitted?
- Yes, the following items are permitted per person:
- Individual 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 bottles
- Items 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 and parasols are fine)
- Knives, metal utensils, or any item that be considered or used as a weapon
- Alcoholic beverages
- Cans or glass containers
What items are not permitted?
- Pets or animals
- 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
Accessibility
What kind of options are available to guests with disabilities?
We have designated accessible parking spaces for guests with disabilities in all of our parking lots that are available on a first come, first serve basis. You must present a disabled plate or placard to access. Additional courtesy parking is reserved during larger events for disabled guests as well. Our standard parking fee is charged for all parking.
Are wheelchair ramps available?
Yes, there is a ramp to enter the Grandstand as well as an elevator to upper floors.
General
Is smoking permitted on the property?
No, smoking is permitted throughout the property. There are designated smoking tents at the track.
Where are the Fairgrounds located?
In Pleasanton on Bernal Ave and Valley Avenue, off I-680. The main entrances are at Gates 8 and 12, off of Valley Avenue.
Where do I enter/park?
Visitors should enter Gate 12 off 2100 Valley Avenue. You will be directed to the open parking area based on your event. Note, the Yellow Gate off Pleasanton Avenue is not open to Golden State Racing.
Where can I find more information on a particular event?
The Events page 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.