All’s Fair at the Showgrounds

The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo goes totally tubular for two weekends of wonder. The annual springtime event will be bursting with entertainment, a full carnival of 30-plus rides and games, fun fair food (funnel cakes!), exhibits and other favorite traditions while embracing ‘80s Flashback as its theme for 2025. Accordingly, the stages have been renamed Arcade Mania and Totally Gnarly for the April 24-27 and May 2-4 weekends – the new tradition for the formerly five-day event started last year – with other activities including visits with farm animals, agricultural and community exhibits, and a local art show. Check the website (http://earlwarren.com) for details and tickets, including special free-admission Senior Days, info on free off-site parking and trolley rides, and the new Fast Pass, a limited quantity add-on that allows guests to skip the regular ride lines.