Square dancing at the Santa Clara County Fair

Thursday August 20, 2026

This web page has been updated on August 12 at 4:00 PM. 

 

The Fair has changed its mind again about ticketing and parking.  My apologies, but this is totally out of our control.

 

Only those people whose names are on the pre-registered list as of today (August 12) will get free admission to the fair (along with their spouse/partner, even if their spouse/partner's name isn't listed).   Non-dancers or people who have not pre-registered will need to pay for an admission ticket.  Senior tickets cost $14 and regular adult admission is $19.  Non-dancers can buy tickets ahead of time from the Fair website and save $2 per ticket over the at-the-gate price.   Admission covers all Fair activities except carnival rides, food and parking. 


People whose names are on the pre-registered list can park for free in the rear parking lot accessed via Gate F on the map below. 

 

If you are not on the pre-registered list, you can pay $20 to park in the lot marked Gate A and can enter through the main entrance under the blue arch on Tully Road at the corner of 7th Street.  The main parking lot entrance is north of the fairgrounds, on Tully Road between 7th Street and 10th Street, and is labeled Gate A.

 

Not sure if you are pre-registered?  Email Sue (kayton@alum.mit.edu) to ask, or check your email.  Sue has sent an email to everyone who is pre-registered.

 

We will be dancing on the slab which is on the main walkway through the center of the fair, about halfway between the main entrance and the carnival rides at the rear.  The slab has a large white tent to provide shade while we are dancing.  There are also bleachers where people can sit.  Portions of the bleachers are shaded. 

 

The Fair will be open from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM.  Dancing will run from 6:00 – 9:30 PM, with a mix of SSD and Plus tips, with occasional rounds between tips.  Thank you to our volunteer callers and cuer – Michael Levy, James Thompson, Cathy Villa, Kurt Gollhardt, Rich Gierman, and Arlene Scallon. 

 

Questions?  Contact Sue Kayton, kayton@alum.mit.edu, or 650-740-6774. 

 

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Directions for pre-registered participants who will be entering through the rear of the fairgrounds

 

From I-280, turn south onto 87, exit Curtner Road and head east.  Turn right on Monterey Road, then turn left onto Umbarger Road.  Turn left into Gate F.  Once inside the fairgrounds, turn right at the T intersection, then make your first left.  You will see the parking area ahead, then go to the gate area where they will check your name on the list of pre-registered dancers. 

 

From 87, exit Curtner Road and head east.  Turn right on Monterey Road, then turn left onto Umbarger Road.  Turn left into Gate F.  Once inside the fairgrounds, turn right at the T intersection, then make your first left.  You will see the parking area ahead, then go to the gate area where they will check your name on the list of pre-registered dancers. 

 

From 101, exit at Tully Road, head west.  Turn left on Senter Road.  Turn right on Umbarger Road.  Turn right into Gate F.  Once inside the fairgrounds, turn right at the T intersection, then make your first left.  You will see the parking area ahead, then go to the gate area where they will check your name on the list of pre-registered dancers. 

 

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Directions for people who are not pre-registered or who want to pay to park at Gate A.  Parking costs $20 per vehicle.

 

From I-280, take the 7th Street exit, head south, turn left onto Tully Road, make a U-turn at the traffic light at 10th Street, then turn right into the parking lot labeled Gate A. 

 

From 87, take the Curtner Road exit and head east. The road will curve and change its name to Tully Road. Drive past 7th Street, make a U-turn at the traffic light at 10th Street, then turn right into Gate A. 

 

From 101, exit at Tully Road, head west, pass 10th Street, then turn right into Gate A.

 

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Directions for handicap parking. 

 

The entrance for handicap parking is labeled Gate C on the map, and you enter from Old Tully Road, traveling in either direction. 

 

From I-280, take the 7th Street exit and head south. At the intersection with Tully Road, go straight.  The street curves and changes names to Old Tully Road.  Make your first left into Gate C.

 

From 87, take the Curtner Road exit and head east. Turn right on Monterey Road, then left onto Old Tully Road.  Then turn right into Gate C. 

 

From 101, exit at Tully Road, head west and continue straight.  At the traffic light at Seventh Street, turn left.  The road curves and changes names to Old Tully Road.  Make the first  left into Gate C.