Cows Move Out As Alameda County Fair Kicks Off

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — The days of herding cows through downtown Pleasanton are over. Friday was the "Last Ride" down Main Street—a cattle drive that kicked off this year's Alameda County Fair, which runs through July 7. The drive that began at 10:30 a.m. reportedly went off without a hitch, but the event is forever over.

"In terms of the cattle drive, we have loved doing it but just felt is was time to move on from this event. The Alameda County Fair is always reinventing itself and wants to make way for fun, new ideas that will keep our attendees excited about returning year after year," said Liz Rosinski, Alameda County Fair spokesperson.

So what else is on tap during this year's fair? For starters, homage is being paid to the Bay Area's deep multicultural roots through several new cultural festivals:

• Fiesta a la Feria – June 16
• Out at the Fair (celebrating LGBTQ pride) – June 22
• Asian Pacific Celebration at the Fair – June 23
• Bollywood at the Fair – June 30

"The Alameda County Fair prides itself on community and inclusiveness," said Angel Moore, vice resident of business development. "We are excited to introduce these new festivals to recognize the importance that diversity plays in all communities throughout the Bay Area."

• Enter To Win Free Tickets To The 2019 Alameda County Fair

The fair will also feature live musical performances as part of the 2019 Big O Tires Concert Series that runs nightly 8-9:15 p.m.:

• June 14: WAR
• June 15: Ashanti
• June 16: Ramon Ayala (with opening artist Yolanda Del Rio)
• June 19: Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin - Roots & Boots Tour, a 90's Electric Throwdown
• June 20: Earth to Mars (Bruno Mars tribute)
• June 21: Loverboy
• June 22: Aly & AJ
• June 23: Lifehouse
• June 26: Sheila E.
• June 27: KISS Revisited (KISS tribute)
• June 28: Gin Blossoms
• June 29: BB King Blues Band featuring Michael Lee (from The Voice)
• June 30: James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash
• July 3: Trace Adkins
• July 4: NO CONCERT
• July 5: Aja Vu (Steely Dan tribute)
• July 6: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers – Killin' It Live Record Release Tour
• July 7: Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe

Horse racing (free with fair admission) is also part of the experience. Race days are: June 14-16, 20-23, 27-30, July 4-7.

• Alameda County Fair 2019: Deep Discounts, Festivals, Concerts

The fair is also bringing back several popular events, including the Brew Fest, Wine Fest, and Cocktail Fest. Tickets for those events may be purchased online up to the day before the event and include admission or purchased separate from admission and can be purchased at the door.

And don't forget about the rides, games, exhibits, and of course, food.

Fair dates and hours: Located at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, the fair runs Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. On July 4, hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Dads get in free on Father's Day. First responders enjoy free admission to the fair on July 4. Check the fair's website to learn more about how to give back to the community and get into the fair for free