Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

Visited for a pet expo, there is parking directly across the street for $ 10. If you walk 2 blocks, you can park on the street, it was free and no time limit for us on a Saturday afternoon.
The Fairgrounds itself was not as large as I had expected but it was pretty clean. The expo was in two large auditorium like buildings, fairgrounds was clean, not much else to say.

Stay as far away from this place as you possibly can. This place has the plague. It is a dump with rude tellers, rude management, and horrible facilities with bacteria growing on the chairs that all over 40s old from Del Mar. If someone steals your money or ticket, they will not cooperate and help you find the culprit, even though they have video tape.
In today’s day and age, you are much better off betting online from companies such as Twinspires, TVG, Express Bet, etc.
Trust me, you don’t want to risk your money and life by frequenting this place. It is not safe or sound.

The Santa Clara Fairgrounds is kind of desolate. From what I saw, it’s a whole bunch of dirt surrounded by more dirt. Sure, there was an awesome dirt bike track nearby, but there is a distinct lack of shade and, well, character.

I was at The Fair yesterday, and was having a great time. Was surprised to see that it was more of the Fair that I remembered. Tons of people, also enjoying themselves. Families. Boyfriends/​girlfriends. Groups of teenagers horsing around.
Had my Kettle Corn take-​home bag, hubby and daughter in tow, and one of the items in a booth caught my eye. It was a flyer with famous names on it. Not just ANY names. BIG names. Big Brother & the Holding Company with Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Santana, Muddy Waters, The Grateful Dead, to name some (see my pic for more). I wondered why the flyer had their names on it, and how they could be associated with the Fairgrounds.
The Fairgrounds aren’t exactly what I’d call a hip place to be. It’s old (In fact, this year is its 75^th). The facilities are outdated. Things are in need of repair. The events aren’t exactly what I’d call groundbreaking. According to their website (the
), the Fairgrounds are: «A flexible facility perfect for Trade Shows, Home Shows, RV Shows and Sales, Corporate Meetings, Team Building, Weddings, Quinceañeras, Concerts and Festivals, Auto Shows & Sales, Fund Raisers, and any indoor or outdoor event.» Most venues aren’t exactly offering mind-​blowing entertainment, but the space is obviously available to be used for these events (plus, it’s affordable, too). So to find out that legends once walked or played here was particularly fascinating to me. I had no idea. It’s like a hidden secret. A gem of a secret, at that.
Sure, some may say, «This place is over. The Fair is pathetic –it’s not what it used to be. Let the city do something else with the land». The sad thing about that is, they will. Again, according to the website, «The Fairgrounds offers 167,000 square feet under roof, 20 acres of lawn and paved outdoor space, plus 40 acres of parking.» They’ll find a use for the land alright, and suddenly it will be gone. I’ve seen it happen too often: a building pops up and people are taken by surprise because they didn’t see it coming. Do people really want that? I choose not to believe that’s what anyone who really cares about the SJ Fairgrounds (or a part of San Jose/​Valley history) really wants.
I was born and raised in San Jose, and while I never saw any big acts here, I came to the Fair and also visited numerous trade and animal shows. We found our cat at one of the cat shows here in the 90s (her daughter is still with us, and is a 17 year old vintage kitty). I had a lot of fun here. My favorite memories were of the times I spent with friends as a teenager, giggling at the boys and wandering around. Now that I’m older, I appreciate the space –just the fact that it’s there and it can be used by so many. The large number of people I saw at the Fair this year seemed happy to be there. Outdated as it may be, the Fairgrounds can still draw a crowd.
Did you know that there’s a foundation that’s currently in its infancy stage called The Fairgrounds Heritage Foundation of Santa Clara County? This was the booth that started my 500^th review. I’m grateful that someone cared enough to begin this movement to save the Fairgrounds from extinction. I told the ladies in the booth, «Thank you for caring», and I genuinely meant it. I wrote down my email address so I can find out what I can do to help, whether it’s through donation or action, or both. I’m a resident of Sunnyvale now, but I’m genuinely interested in finding out what I can do.
It will take time, it will take money, it will take work, but I really think that the Fairgrounds can be great again, so five stars. I have real hope now. It’s up to the people to care enough to donate their time, their money, or their talent to make it happen, though. Will the threat of the land being used for something else (housing, corporation, etc.) always be there? I think so, especially as time goes on. But if the bulldozers come, at least I’ll know I did something, that I cared, and that I’ll have good reason to complain about it.
For more information:

The once glorious and popular SC Fairgrounds have seen better days.
I used to love coming to this location for the 2+ week long annual fair. Now that it’s way past its prime, I really wish the fairgrounds would seriously just close up shop for good and have the city of SJ do something useful with all that land. Too bad the budgeting, caring and will is no longer there. I think it’s a combination of the recession that they never recovered from. Part of me thinks it’s the underage clientele that brought trouble with them while visiting the fairgrounds. Either way, I think there’s no reliving the glory days of this once peak performer of the area.
Sad that in Silicon Valley the SC Fairgrounds is very pathetic when compared to neighboring county fairgrounds. «uh cogh cough… Alameda County Fairgrounds… cough cough»

I sell here at the Toy Show 3 times a year. If you know what you’re doing it’s pretty easy to get around this place. If you don’t it can be tough to wind your way back to the parking. Sometimes they have people on ‘work detail’ directing parking, sometimes not. The buildings are pretty run down but fine for the purposes of a collectibles show. It is a good idea to bring your own food as well as the concession stands may not always be open, and the quality of food served is pretty bad. There was rumors of the fairgrounds being torn down and condos put up, but that died in 2009 after the recession was in full swing.
Here’s to many more years of the fairgrounds… I’ll be back!

Came here to volunteer for the Ridiculous Obstacles Challenge Race (ROC Race) back in August. It was actually my first time being here. I didn’t have much to expect because it was just a huge fairground with lots of empty spaces to set up for the event.
The parking (for the event at least) was across the street and it wasn’t bad at all. There were plenty of space (for us volunteers) and the parking lot itself was huge.
It was just a huge place to set up for events. It is a little rundown since I know it’s been here for a long time. It also gets really dusty as well while the event is being held. Overall, it’s a good place to hold a huge event in the Santa Clara County.

Came here for the Tet Festival earlier this year.
Parking was confusing and I was so confused on where to turn and park. Luckily, if you drive down a few blocks, there is lots of residential parking. It seemed like a safe neighborhood to walk in.
The facilities were very organized and made for a great event! Looking forward to coming back next year! =)

Jurassic Quest… So much chaos, so little fun. We spent more time waiting around to do things then actually doing things. Too many people, could not enjoy the dinosaurs viewings, the ride a Dino was a waste of time– more meant for kids under 4. The price was way over priced, especially for adults. I would not recommend seeing this again. The fair grounds are a large area and everything was just thrown together in a small space.
I had high hopes for his venue, but I have learned that if it is at the SCC fairgrounds, I most likely won’t partake in the venue. I used to love doing tongs there growing up, it sure has fallen apart over the years.

if u have a problem with Santa Clara fairgrounds, you’re gonna have to get past me first! place is a very useful resource for events, shows, and expos and gets crowded when everyones in the mood. nice environment to take a stroll around while whistling and snapping for either farmers market or a relaxing weekend outing. check the calendar for details. =)))

Attempting to park here reminded me of the ugly side of the Bay Area. People honking, yelling, blaming each other for not moving, wasting gas, etc. We ended up parking on some side street behind the gas station nearby and just walking 5 – 10 min.
We went to the Rave Run and it was dusty as hell, a lot of people couldn’t breathe actually. I would recommend sneaking in because they don’t even check for registration, a bib, anything! You can just walk in — we should’ve done that. The fact that they had 20k paid registrants reminds me that there is dead money out there to be collected from suckers!

Came here for the Pet Expo. Parking sucked. It seemed as if the only open spots were in another zip code. We ended up parking next to a hobo sprawled out on the side walk somewhere far, far away from the fairground just to avoid the $ 8 parking fee. Yep, we’re that cheap.
Anyway, the facility itself is a bit rundown but serviceable. The venue is spacious enough to accommodate a large crowd and countless pooches. And there are plenty of grassy patches for Fido to run around and, if the mood is right, drop a deuce or two.

Quaint little fairgrounds. RIGHT next to a high school, plenty of parking but my goodness the front of this place needs some help. BADLY. Looks like no one’s gave a fuck since 1973.
nice facilities but man fix your image problem. looks like at best a place to have shit tastic flea markets.

We came here for the Snowbomb (Ski & Snowboard Fest) Pre-​Season Blowout Sale. In concurrence with other reviewers, this place definitely looked its age, but the venue was decent for the event and the restrooms were surprisingly clean.
The parking lot is across the street from the entrance and for this particular event cost $ 5 per vehicle for the day.
Overall the event was a success. I ended up purchasing quite a bit of ski gear for awesome prices.

Came here over the weekend for Snow Bomb. We didn’t realize general parking was on the other side of the Fairgrounds, and of course it was pouring as we crossed the street and made our way to the event. This place is fairly large, but Snow Bomb only occupied 2 of the buildings. Older space, but lots of room for us to look at all the goodies. Overall, good event, and parking was only $ 5.

What a disappointment. There is nothing there. Most of the halls are empty. The mid-​way only had a couple of booths and there were only a couple of kiddy rides.
The hall where the merchants go to sell their goods had more vacancies than they had merchants.
The fair of yesteryear is gone. Go enjoy a good meal and perhaps a movie somewhere else, you will enjoy it more.

Today I went to the Santa Clara County Fairground for the Adidas Clearance Sales.
I will have to say this place looks it’s age, no wonder that the Santa Clara County Fair is only 3 days worth events. This place is ruined down and in need of many improvements. If you want to see the fair ground they way they looked in the 70’s and 80’s then all you have to do is step under the blue arch way and you will be transported to another time. I can honestly say I am disappointed in the way this place has been kept up with time, we live in the Heart of Silicon Valley and we can not have a start of the art event area or County Fair Ground where we can be proud of for everybody to visit. I do not think I would want my horse to be here, and I do not even own a horse.
Now, with all that said. I will talk about the event I went to this afternoon and the one center this event was located at. It was well organized, when you drove up to gate C and the security guard asked which event you were they for, when you said the Adidas event, they directed you to the area you need to park in, of course which is very nice and free parking, always a plus in my book. I fond the parking area very easy, as it was clearly mark where to park. I entered the hall which the event was being held, it was very large and looked maintained inside, of course if you are looking at how old the building is, then you are happy it is still standing. The event was well throughout and everything was in a place. One of the event staff greeted us at the door and told us a basic layout of the merchandise, so we started to shop, and we found some good deal. Yes they have shoes, and let me tell you if you are looking for some great deal on shoes you need to come here. We walked out with about 180.00 worth of Adidas merchandise for under 80.00 dollars, so we came out with some and we all enjoyed our experience.
I will not say this is the greatest place to hold an event, but let me tell you if you know how to organize an event like this, then the place it is at is OK, because the deals you are offering are well worth it.

I’ve been coming to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds since I was a wee child. Back then it seemed so amazing. So big. So full of adventure. Now, as an adult, it’s just the county fairgrounds.
It’s a great place to have certain events. Like the county fair, expos and even dog training.
The problem is, it’s old. I mean, let’s be honest here. It hasn’t really changed much since 1986. That’s when I entered a few art projects in the county fair. We came down and saw all the animals… there were rides, and food, and fun to be had by everyone.
The bathrooms are old. The buildings are old. The pavement is old. But it’s a great place to hold the county fair because it’s so big. 3 solid stars for you Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. –1 star for being run down. and –1 star for your scary gangs.

Oh the poor poor fairgrounds! How you’ve lost your sparkle and love of yesteryear! I remember coming when they still had the «rainbow» arch… anyhow. We just went for Hot San Jose Nights! We had a grand grand time! Over 500 cars on Saturday! we loved that the cars there weren’t pigeon holed. Like, a 32 MG next to a 65 mustang! It was nice. The fairgrounds themselves are in a sad state and unfortunately, the gang bangers can overtake them at some «family» geared nights. But, we still try and support it. It would be REALLY sad to see the fairgrounds for Silicon Valley disappear.
What would help the fairgrounds? Better marketing, a bit of sprucing up… PUTTING SAN JOSE SPEEDWAY BACK IN and some genuine TLC. Showing you love SCCF… I remember your glory days!

Metropolis, Spring 2000, Cyberfest.
Do you know any of those names? If so you might have partied at the Santa Clara County fairgrounds as a raver over a decade ago.
I loved the fairgrounds at the time. They seemed so much cleaner than the San Joaquin County fairgrounds in Stockton where I grew up. Then again everywhere seems cleaner than the San Joaquin County fairgrounds.
The two things I hated were the long waits to get searched before entry and the traffic getting there off the 101 freeway. Oh man the traffic was horrible! I guess when you get 20,000 people together in one place at one time you are going to have some pretty horrible traffic.
The only connection I ever had to the Santa Clara County fairgrounds was at parties… they were fun… good memories.
Would I go back here today?
Eh. I guess.
I am sure the traffic is much better.
:0)