Free Fair Entertainment

2023 COMMUNITY PERFORMERS

Do you belong to a theater troupe, a community band, dance group, a choir or other performing group? *Would you like to appear at the Sonoma County Fair, and share your talents with your neighbors? If the answer is yes, submit a Community Performance Application and we will try to find a place for you at the 2023 Sonoma County Fair. You won't be paid for your performance, but those who perform will receive free admission, a participant ribbon and a chance to perform for an appreciative audience.
*Unfortunately, in most cases we can't accommodate some small bands, but please contact the Fair if you are interested.

Download a Community Performance Application here.

ELVIS IMPERSONATION SINGING CONTEST FIRST PRIZE: $1,500

If you are a professional Elvis impersonator, or just someone who sounds a lot like Elvis, this may be the contest for you! This is a musical impersonation contest for solo vocal performers. All contestants should be prepared to perform two songs originally performed by Elvis Presley. The Fair will provide a professional back-up band. All contestants will perform with the band. Although the musical presentation is critical, contestants should remember that the full picture is important, including stage presence, costume, and audience reaction.
The Elvis Impersonation Contest will be held on Friday, August 11.
First place is $1,500, second place: $500, third place: $250. All other performers will receive $100.
To enter, send your name, singing sample, photograph (informal photo ok) and contact information (name, address, phone number, email address) to SpecialEvents@SonomaCountyFair.com no later than July 15. The entry deadline may be extended if ten contestants have not yet been accepted.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT AROUND THE FAIRGROUNDS

Fairgoers can enjoy free entertainment all day long. On stages around the grounds, you will find lots of fun acts, including magic, juggling, ventriloquism, reptiles, racing animals and more! Plan carefully... you won't want to miss a single show! For up-to-date information, pick up a daily schedule at the Information Booth when you arrive at the Fair. The Schedule of Events will be available online after May 1.

 

BRAD'S WORLD REPTILES' CREATURE FEATURE EXTREME!

Take a walk on the wild side as you enter Brad's World Reptiles' interactive exhibit. Cold blooded fun at its finest, Creature Feature Extreme! showcases a variety of animals from around the world. Allowing fairgoers to Interact with some of the world's most fascinating and unusual creatures. Unfortunately, you won't meet any living dinosaurs, but you can come close by checking out some descendants of dinosaurs! See, touch and learn about captive-raised reptiles, amphibians and arthropods from the near and far places of our world. Science artifacts, nature videos, hatching snake eggs, parrots, and even an alligator are included in this unique educational exhibit. This isn't a case of "keep your hands to yourself" -- animal educators share the experience in a safe hands-on environment.
Brad's World Reptiles' comes from one of the largest reptile and amphibian breeding and rescue facilities on the West Coast. Home for Brad's World Reptiles' nature preserve is in Corvallis, Oregon. Aug. 3 to Aug. 13 in the Garden Building. Free with Fair admission.

CRAZY ANIMAL RACES

It's CRAZY racing time at the Sonoma County Fair! Jennifer's All Creatures brings their pigs to Santa Rosa to dispel for once and for all the myth that pigs just lay around all day. These speedy swine will be put to the test as they race against lambs & goats. The goats will add to the fun by wearing dinosaur costumes during one race at each show! Watch these animals race around the track for the joy of victory (and treats!). Choose your favorite and cheer your pig, goat, lamb (or dino-goat) on to victory! Aug. 3 to Aug. 13 at the Jurassic Racetrack.

WALLY & OLLIE, THE FRIENDLY DINOSAURS - VENTRILOQUIST SHOW

Ventriloquist Steve Chaney and his partner Cornelius Crowe bring their friends Wally & Ollie the friendly dinosaurs to the Kids Area every day of the Fair. You never know who's going to be talking, as this hilarious ventriloquist makes voices come from everyone and everywhere! This show is fun for all ages, but it's one of those rare acts that will make the preschoolers in your family laugh out loud. Aug. 3 to Aug. 13 on the Kids Area Stage.

GODFREY THE MAGICIAN

Godfrey specializes in audience participation and close-up magic. You won't see disappearing elephants or exploding fire, but you will simultaneously laugh and be amazed by his spellbinding magic. Card tricks, appearing & disappearing coins and that old classic, pulling something out of his hat make for a fantastic show. This is a small-scale magic show, and the audience will be seated close to the stage so they can try to figure out 'how did he do that?' Even if you are not a life-long magic lover like Godfrey (he started when he was 7) you will become a real fan after a few minutes watching Godfrey the Magician. Aug. 3 to Aug. 6 on the Family Fun Stage.

HENRIK BOTHE - FUNNY GUY

Danish born Henrik Bothe specializes in physical comedy. That means he doesn't just sound funny, or tell jokes, he shows you what funny looks like! He spins plates, walks on ladders, juggles without using his hands, spins ropes, manipulates fancy hats, and rides a giant unicycle. He walks with 4 legs, escapes from a straitjacket, and so much more! As a bonus for this year's dinosaur-themed fair, he's bringing his dinosaur costume! So come to Henrik's shows prepared to laugh! Aug. 3 to Aug. 13 on the Jurassic Stage.

ARTY LOON - MAGICAL VARIETY SHOW

Be amazed by the one-man circus that is Arty Loon! With laugh out loud comedy magic, amazing illusions, spectacular juggling, fantastic balloon sculptures, and superb puppetry, magician Arty Loon has created the ultimate family show. Members of the audience will be invited up on stage to help with every show. A member of the newer generation of performers, Arty has developed a show with a little bit of everything to make a truly entertaining magical variety show! Aug. 7 to Aug. 13 on the Family Fun Stage.

DINOSAURS ON STILTS!

Animal Cracker Conspiracy is sending their stilt walking dinosaurs to the Fair. They will be roaming the fairgrounds with bubbles and music, having a roaring good time. If you can't find them, try watching the daily Fair parade at 5 p.m.

BOURBON STREET BRASS BAND

Direct from the New Orleans French Quarter to the Sonoma County Fair, The Bourbon Street Brass Band will be playing Funky New Orleans street music made famous by legendary groups such as The Meters, Dr. John, Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Bourbon Street Brass Band brings real Mardi Gras parade revelry and fun to the Fair Parade each day at 5 p.m.

PAID ENTERTAINMENT BOOKING PROCEDURES

To be considered as a paid performer at the 2023 Sonoma County Fair, please send promotional material to: jane@sonomacountyfair.com Include EPKs, links and any other material you have available. Please do not add us to your mailing list, just send your info or links. While we prefer that you send your info via email, if that is not possible, you can mail it to The Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

You don't need to send promotional materials if you performed at the 2022 Sonoma County Fair. Just send a message to: jane@sonomacountyfair.com saying you'd like to be considered again. All acts expressing an interest in appearing at the Fair will be contacted as soon as possible.