The California State Fair offers big fun

The first week of the California State Fair, which starts Thursday, July 12, promises some stellar entertainment with world records, high flying talents and musical powerhouses.

The Golden1 Stage Concert Series will feature the Fab Four at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 12. Tickets are $13, Gold Circle reserved.

The Happy Together Tour performs at 8 p.m. on  Friday, July 13, tickets are $19, Gold Circle reserved, and Coco Jones is a free concert at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17.

Cody Simpson performs on Wednesday, July 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $19 for Gold Circle reserved.

For fairgoers without reserved Gold Circle tickets, free concert-viewing spots are located in the grassy area near the lagoon and the perimeter of the reserved-seating area.

On Friday, July 13, on Palm Avenue, entrepreneur Nick Nicora of Ovations Food Services will attempt to break the Guinness world record for the largest cocktail. Solidify your place in history by purchasing a Calarita — a 16-ounce souvenir cup for $10 and a 16-ounce souvenir shaker for $15.

During Calarita Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the California State Fair’s signature margarita is just $5, available only at the World’s Largest Cocktail Shaker on Palm Avenue, across from Hussongs Cantina.

On Wednesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. skateboarding legend Tony Hawk plus Kevin Staab, Neal Hendrix, Elliot Sloan, Lincoln Ueda and Mitchie Brusco will be showing off their talents at the Miller Lite Grandstand. This event is free with fair admission.

The 2012 California State Fair is July 12 to 29 at 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento.

Fair hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Admission is $12 general, $10 ages 62-plus, $8 children 5-12. Children under 4 are free. Discount tickets are on sale until July 11. Parking is $10.

For more information visit bigfun.org.