San Mateo County Fair returns with drone shows, cultural events, concerts

The popular San Mateo County Fair is back in full-swing this summer, ushering in a week of entertainment for community members of all ages.

More than 2,500 people attended the fair’s opening night on Friday, according to fair Marketing Director Milla Khano. The fair will run until June 8 at the San Mateo County Event Center, located at 1346 Saratoga Drive.

“Everyone was just really excited to kick off summer with the beautiful weather, music and barbecue smell in the air,” Khano said.

For 2025, the fair is rolling out new events, including a drone show that will take place every evening.

This first weekend features a debut from Bayside 101 Music Festival, a high-energy event that brings back-to-back performances on the fair’s three stages. Headliners include the band Better Than Ezra, Hoobastank and Everclear, with support from local performers and DJs.

Several new fair treats will be available for local foodies, including Boba King, Lobster Shack, Brian’s Baked Potatoes, Rick’s Pizza and Wetzel’s Pretzels.

Community members will also get to experience the fair’s first Asian Cultural Day, a Sunday celebration that highlights traditions, arts and communities across Asia. Participants can enjoy cultural showcases, culinary experiences and a headline performance by YouTube sensation and Taiwanese-American singer Jason Chen.

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Several new attractions are also on display, including the Popnology exhibit—an immersive experience that takes people “Back to the Future” with innovations from pop culture and technology.

At the Fair Farm, children and adults alike can witness the debut of Mademoiselle Crème de la Crème, an interactive milking cow experience. A colt was also born Thursday night before the fair, Khano said, and named Mateo in honor of the event.

Tickets, schedules: https://sanmateocountyfair.com

Upcoming fair events include:

Black History Museum I Everyday
Asian Cultural Day I Sunday, June 1
Senior Day I Thursday, June 5
Honoring Our Veterans I Thursday, June 5
Family Pride Day I Friday, June 6
Pacific Islands Day I Saturday, June 7
Dia de la Feria I Sunday, June 8