Who doesn't love a county fair? Sonoma County Fair is just days from opening — it runs Friday, July 24 through Aug. 9 (closed Mondays) and it's held less than a mile and a half from Creekside Park. Pre-sale tickets, which come with heavy discounts, are available through Thursday, July 23, so head to the fair box office located in the fairgrounds' administration building or buy tickets online to save some money while you have a blast at the fair.

There's so much to see and do at the Sonoma County Fair that it's difficult to list everything, but some of the featured attractions include Sweet Lil's Farmery, where visitors can engage in hands-on learning about farm life; the 1880s variety show, a true throwback performance that captures the western-themed entertainment of a bygone era; a blacksmith show, which pairs storytelling with blacksmithing demos; and a Kids Area, where children can be part of a farm-themed show. And, of course, the fair will have plenty of amusement rides for all ages and everyone's favorite, fair food! Gobble up grilled corn, barbecue, giant pickles, funnel cakes, and ice cream.

Sonoma County Fair
July 24 through Aug. 9 (closed Mondays)
1350 Bennett Valley Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
www.sonomacountyfair.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr taylorandayumi