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Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

2.5 (71 reviews)

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Khiet E.

Came here on opening night. I will not be coming here ever again. Here's why: Traffic to get here is insane and we came around 6:30pm. Parking across the fair was $10. admission to get in was $10 for adults (age 11yrs and up), we received a free youth ticket for my son so he was free other it would have been $5 for him. Ride price was ridiculous $1 for one ticket, the ride were all different, the kids ride started at 4 tickets, then you have the overpriced games, the basketball game was $10 for one ball, how crazy is that and the prize looks so cheap. As for the food expect it to be very expensive. An ice cream cone was $5. The farm animals was a total disappointment we only saw goats, rabbits, one horse, cows and chickens. I don't understand why people were selling stuff like it was a flea market. This whole experience was not what we expected, very sad for my kids.

Gumby!
Brianna J.

Admission for two adults: $10 x 2 = $20 The two kids were free. Parking for 2 vehicles $10 x 2 = $20 3 hots dogs and a warm lemonade ( yuck ) = $30 Plate of tacos = $10 Cotton candy = $8 2 books for the kids from a vendor = $30 Tickets for carnival rides = $25 2 toys from a vendor = $15 $20 spent on carnival games for paltry prizes. Strawberry smoothie = $8. $196.00 total!! A total money pit. But why did i give 5 stars? Because the kids had a great time! Lots of animals like sheep , lambs , chickens and bunnies. A guy on a horse singing. Police everywherebecause of what happened at the Gilroy festival made us feel secure. The kids loved all the carnival rides. A huge area of oversized kid's toys. A reptile area with turtles , snakes and lizards.

She burst my bubble
Glen N.

FAIR!!!!! (to POOR) Most likely my experience sucked because of two reasons. First, I've been going to the Orange County Fair (and less often, the Los Angeles) for years, so maybe I've been spoiled. I'm used to tons of international food options, but all I saw was BBQ and Mexican food ($11 for a flavorless burrito, with bad quality steak). Very difficult to find shows due to incomplete map, limited signage (where is Christopher Park?), no directories, and clueless workers (0:3 in helpful answers). [One parking attendant tried to con me out of $10]. The ground of the carnival area and the international* (Mexican) village was dusty, dirty gravel, so you'll need zapatos. The animals were far fewer than in OC's Centennial Farm)... no smallest horse or largest cow but maybe saddest rabbit (they were in cages marked Best Meat Category). The pygmy goats were a highlight...I had come for the goat races. My screenshot of the website listed goat races at 7, but they packed up early. Bah! Second, my timing may have been off since it was the last day of the fair. Vendors packed up early and the spaces were empty. It felt like "late at night, McDonald's ice cream machine is broken" in that regard. Because attendance was low they canceled both the Bird Man bird show and Hypnosis show. I had hoped he'd hypnotize me and make me believe something outrageous, like thinking the Santa Clara Fair was fun. Aside from a few photo ops, the whole experience was a big disappointment. It was less than fair.

Zip lining
Maleah M.

Tickets: General, $8. Senior/youth, $5. Children under 4, FREE. Food: your standard, overpriced fried arrangement of desserts (snickers, twinkies, etc) and delicious funnel cakes (bacon funnel cake is always the way to go!). Of the more interesting things served were alligator nuggets, frog legs, deep fried burritos, ribbon fries, and chocolate covered bacon. This year it was cool to see venders such as psycho donuts from downtown sj and bowl of heaven from mountain view! Attractions: not too much, they do have a schedule you can check out and they have various things that happen throughout the day, so try not to miss the more interesting ones such as the seal attraction and pig races! On top of the scheduled attractions, they do have some things that you can see any time of the day such as the barn yard of large animals (consist of just pigs, cows, goats, and sheep) and a barn yard of small animals. Other than that, not too much to see. Oh, but my favorite stand would be the one where they do leather bracelet engravings (like Disneyland) and can write your name on a grain of rice!! This little shop is my favorite because they have a huge arrangement of different bracelets/jewelry, dream catchers, and other crafty things. Games/rides: pretty expensive. There are two Ferris wheels, a two seater that's more open/feet dangling and then the 4 ppl seater that's enclosed and has the better view of the whole park. They have zip lining here! It's not high and not long so I definitely thing it's great if you haven't been zip lining before and want to start small before you grow yourself to try the higher/longer ones. It's 10$ for two zip line rides for one person. All in all, it's not the greatest fair and not something to come from far away to see. However, if you're local and have nothing to do, it's definitely great for an easy hangout with the family/friends for some good times.

Cute bunnies
Helen W.

This was my first year hearing about the Santa Clara County Fair, but I guess it has been going on for quite some time already. Whatever the case, I decided to bring my family along with me to check it out. Instead of paying $8/adult, we were able to get a Groupon deal of $16/4 adults. Still had to pay for parking though. We came on Saturday around noon. The place seems quite small from the outside/when you first step inside, but it is actually decently large. Of course, this is no big county fair, but for what you pay, this is a great experience. There is a building for small animals, and they are so cute! Lots of goats, bunnies, chickens, and even some cats! I spent a long time here just awwwing over the adorableness of many of the animals. My favorites--the velveteen rabbit that I got to pet (so incredibly soft) and the little kittens up for adoption! There is also another building for large animals, including lots of sheep, pigs, and cows. Other interesting things going on are the auction, a reptile exhibit, and a sea lion show. There is lots of typical fair food (think fried and unhealthy, yum!), but quite overpriced. In the very back there are amusement rides and games--I didn't play any, but it did seem like many people won prizes. One booth of interest was the spin the wheel by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Lots of people lined up for a chance to win 4 free tickets to the aquarium. We tried twice and were so close. Overall it was a great experience, especially for that price we got! We spent around 3 hours there. It seemed like more people were coming in on our way out, so possibly there were more activities at night.

Not enough to go around.
Louis H.

The price is right and the weather is ideal at the Santa Clara County Fair. Parking is $5.00 Entrance is $8.00 Seniors. $5.00 Most of the food located in middle aisle as you enter from the front. Samples: Garlic Fries: excellent crispness on the outside Puffy light creamy center Garlic seasoning is subtle but present Chicken Kabob: Tasty teriyaki flavoring Moist inside Charred marks outside Feeds 2 if snacking RIdes selection is small Livestock barn is mostly sheep, goats, pigs, cows. Poultry examples limited. Baked goods display was small but interesting. This years fair did not have corn on the cob. They did have corn in a cup. Solid afternoon of eats and entertainment.

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11 months ago

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11 months ago

county fair, very expensive and event area a little dated. Lack luster and not worth the $ of parking or entrance fee.

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Ask the Community - Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

Review Highlights - Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

As with any county fair, 4H and FFA are a huge part of it and I enjoy watching teens compete and show their hard work.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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Willow Glen Holiday Lights - Willow Glen Holiday Lights

Willow Glen Holiday Lights

4.8(117 reviews)
3.1 miWillow Glen

I've been coming to the Willow Glen Holiday lights for almost 10 years now, and it is pure…read moremagic...minus the crowds. It's amazing to see how all-out so many of the houses go, just about every single one has some sort of Christmas or Hanukkah display, light, or decoration. It's also amazing how much more crowded it gets every year. I used to drive it, but now I don't dare try. I'll typically park near one of the main streets and get out and walk. This is usually much more enjoyable since you aren't having to fight nonstop car and foot traffic. This year I went a little late in the season and even walking it wasn't all that enjoyable because of the groups of 15+ people together and the people running around doing a scavenger hunt, so lesson learned. This past year we parked a bit further and got to see some displays that I either haven't seen in the past or are newer, but it was nice to stroll the less crowded streets and still enjoy the holiday magic. Unlike in years past, there were even street dog vendors out this time around. Felt like I was leaving a concert or a sporting event!

We visited the Willow Glen Christmas lights after dinner to walk off our meal, and it quickly…read morebecame more than just a walk. What we thought would be a short stroll turned into a full holiday experience, one of those nights where Christmas feels alive. We have seen many decorated streets and cul de sacs before, but Willow Glen surprised us. Multiple neighborhoods followed shared themes, with streets labeled things like Candy Cane Lane and Santa's Sleigh and Reindeer. It felt like walking through a storybook, where each street had its own chapter. The decorations were beautiful and thoughtful. Some areas felt like a small festival, with trains, horse carriages, brews on bicycles, and families everywhere enjoying the moment. Vendors selling churros, hot chocolate, hot dogs, and light up toys added to the fun. These streets truly embody Christmas, warm, joyful, and full of wonder. The highlight of the night was meeting Mrs. Santa Claus of Willow Glen. She was kind, welcoming, and full of heart. She hosted the churro truck and clearly gives so much back to the community. She felt like the soul of the neighborhood, a reminder that Christmas magic often comes from people, not just lights. Bring your family and friends and take your time walking around, or enjoy it from your car. There is so much to see and feel here. This is the kind of place that turns a simple evening into a memory, and it will definitely be an annual Christmas tradition for us.

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Willow Glen Holiday Lights - Willow Glen Holiday Lights

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Willow Glen Holiday Lights - Willow Glen Holiday Lights

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Willow Glen Holiday Lights

Imaginarium 360 - Sunflower Room

Imaginarium 360

3.9(46 reviews)
8.2 mi

Took my niece and nephew here and my nephew kept screaming "best day ever" while running around, so…read moreI'd say this place is a resounding success! We went at around 9 pm on July 4th and there was still a lot of people but not enough to dampen the experience thankfully. Tickets are easy to grab online and there is ample parking available because it's in the great mall. When we first walked in we were greeted with lots and lots of foam. Foam in the air like its snowing, and foam on the ground. My nephew was so excited and kept running through it excitedly which was cute. We were also told the last show of the day was about to start so we luckily caught it. Loved watching all 3 performers - aerial, juggling, and hoops. From there we just walked around and saw as much as we could. The little rooms they have with different decorations and aesthetics are great for pictures and selfies. There are so many good photo ops that I basically spent an hour being the munchkins personal photographer :) was a great time

Saw this event on my feed on Facebook and brought my daughters over. They both absolutely love it!…read more There is so much magic on this exhibit! It was just beautiful! It is so fun to see them laughing and skipping and jumping around. It really melts my heart. Yeah. Lots of photo ops for all of us. The exhibit also had a small acrobatic performance and a show that a transformer changed into the robot from the car. This was not communicated. We figured out when it was too late. Wish these timeline were either on their website for informed when people checked in. The flowers are beautiful to look at but it had the plastic smell. Also there are some rooms that we just can't breathe with so much chemicals..: hence one star off

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Imaginarium 360 - Decor

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Water Lantern Festival - Food truck

Water Lantern Festival

4.2(32 reviews)
4.7 mi

Cute event and opportunity to launch water lanterns and reflect. Check in is smooth and there are a…read moregood number of food vendors for the event. Things that can be improved are: More guidance towards timing of when to decorate your lantern and a provided template. They bring people on stage to share, but maybe there should be an anonymous reading as well. I personally think the event is better in fall because the crowds in summer were too noisy for the performances and meditation. Bring your own picnic blanket and water!

This was my first year to attend. There were so many people that I must have been the only one…read morethat didn't know about this event before!! We got there later in the evening and the place was packed, couldn't find a place to park and had to walk a bit of a distance. We found the place to check in and got a small package with everything we needed to make our water lantern. All the grassy areas were full, so we found a place to sit and draw on the embankment in front of the fence that lines the water. We loved the games that were in the kit, my partner was called as he was a winner of the scavenger hunt! We joined everyone to put our lantern into the water. We were one of the first. When we returned to our vantage point, we could view a current of people and lights heading to the water, melodic music was playing in the background, and the beauty of the night sky created the perfect setting. It was a lovely event for couples, families, friends and groups to enjoy a delightful evening in a very large community. Things to note: ~Get there early for easy parking and a good seat on the grass ~Bring a blanket to sit on ~Bring extra markers as they only give you one color in your kit ~Meet your neighbors and enter the scavenger hunt! You may win a fun prize

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Water Lantern Festival - Shops

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Water Lantern Festival - Food truck

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San Jose Greek Festival - Vegan stuffed vegetables

San Jose Greek Festival

4.2(122 reviews)
4.8 miRose Garden

Love it! Great lots of Greek food, atmosphere. Greek program was great with singing, dancing!read more

Greek Flavor and Hospitality Done Right…read more The 2025 San Jose Greek Festival at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church once again proves why it's one of the Bay Area's most anticipated annual events. This isn't just a church fundraiser--it's a cultural celebration packed with unforgettable food, warm hospitality, and a sense of joyful community you can't fake. Let's talk about the food, which was firing on all cylinders this year. YiaYia's Kitchen, located inside the church's basketball arena, brought a full-court press of Greek comfort food. The lamb shank with orzo was fall-off-the-bone fantastic, the Pastitsio and Mousaka hit every creamy, cinnamon-laced note, and the vegetarian stuffed tomatoes and bell peppers were fragrant, filling, and a welcome lighter option. Whether you dined solo or at a communal table, there was no shortage of generous portions and smiling faces. And, of course, FABULOUS DESERTS! But the biggest buzz this year? The new Saganaki stand--and let me just say: OPA! This was more than just flaming cheese (which was fantastic, by the way--crispy edges, gooey center, splash of lemon). What made it truly special was the assortment of pita dips served alongside. There was a spicy feta (tirokafteri), a cool eggplant melitzanosalata, and a robust hummus that balanced the richness of the cheese. The dips elevated the stand from snack stop to gourmet tasting corner. Unfortunately, by late Sunday, the dips had sold out--a testament to their popularity--but thankfully, festival organizers had enough extra tzatziki on hand to keep everyone happy. And that tzatziki deserves its own round of applause. It's been hit or miss in past years, especially on the final day--but not this year! Creamy, garlicky, and fully stocked all weekend long. It paired beautifully with everything: dolmathes, souvlaki, or just scooped up with a corner of warm pita. Service across the board was efficient and friendly, even with a few long lines. Credit goes to the army of volunteers--young and old--who make this three-day marathon hum. Whether it was someone clearing trays, pouring Greek wine in the tent, or dancing in costume for the crowd, every person seemed genuinely proud to be there. That kind of hospitality is what sets this festival apart. The best in the Bay Area! Opa! Also worth noting: desserts were excellent (get the galaktoboureko early before it disappears), the beer and wine locations were lively without being chaotic. And, the air-conditioned and shaded dining areas were a welcome addition during peak sun. Especially on Saturday, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees F. By the time the last bouzouki strummed its notes Sunday night, the festival had once again fed thousands--body and soul. If you missed it, put it on your calendar now. The weekend after Memorial Day. The San Jose Greek Festival isn't just a great event. It's an embrace from a community that knows how to cook, how to host, and how to share its culture with open arms.

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San Jose Greek Festival - Loukoumades

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Christmas In The Park - The unspoken rule of needing to get at least one churro & the snowman hot chocolate. I don't make the rules...

Christmas In The Park

4.0(817 reviews)
2.8 miDowntown

TLDR: Nice stroll for adults, good rides for kids. Overall worth checking out at least once…read more Good for an hour distraction, plus lots of restaurants nearby. Ambiance (4/5): * Lots of lit and decorated Xmas trees. * Heavier on the high schoolers than I expected, mostly around the churro vendor at the end. * Overall a pleasant setup. This is my second time going. I'll likely go back again in future seasons. Service (2/5): * Website and/or phone number given says you can text and get a reply with an answer to a question. I never received a reply. Offerings: * Lots of rides for kids 3 ft or taller. Four rides for kids under 3 ft. * Alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages available. Good looking churros for sale.

It was nice to get out and get some fresh air and hang out with family. Unfortunately, the…read moreambiance wasn't up to normal par. The big tree was a little disappointing and the trees on the outside weren't lit up, so they were difficult to see. My next opinion carries two thoughts. I was so happy to share Christmas in the Park with my 7-year-old nephew and my sister who lives in Southern CA. We were all super excited. Then at once we came upon a tree with a photo of the cutest child. Then I noticed wings on the tree. Actually, I noticed the wings first and then the child's photo. Initially I was like, oh, that's cool to put angel wings on the tree. Then I saw the photo and my heart sank. My niece who was closer was able to read that the child had passed away. It totally ruined my vibe. Was this appropriate for a festive park? That entire section had photos of people who had passed away. So, here's the other thought on my opinion. I saw a picture of an adult female and then I thought, "What a wonderful way to memorialize her for the season." I had missed emotions, but I would have preferred to overlook this section altogether. For years we would come and my small child would get this plastic Rudolph that would be on a stick. I probably got him that thing 3-years in a row. I was hoping to grab one for my nephew this year...ha ha, it's been over twenty years, and they didn't have any of the plastic blow ups for sale, but they did have hot chocolate. I'm not sure if the vendor now is the same as the one over twenty years ago, but this hot chocolate was clearly Swiss Miss or Nestle. It was basic, but the exciting part were the toppings... we had whipped cream, sprinkles, a candy cane and a little plastic snowman's head. We got the large, which was totally unnecessary and not just because of the $11 cost. Noticeably missing were the snow machines throughout the park, but my nephew was probably too young to enjoy it anyway. Also parking around the perimeter is impossible because they block all the parking. You can circle around to find a park or do what we did and just park in the lot next to the skating rink, which is across the street. I believe it was $2 per 20 minutes. Here's What I Think... If you've never been, check it out. It's nice to see the efforts the children and organizations put into decorating their trees. For me, it'll be another few years before I go back.

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Christmas In The Park - Animatronics

Animatronics

Christmas In The Park - Animatronics

Animatronics

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Santa Clara County Fairgrounds - festivals - Updated May 2026

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