NHD-CA State Finals
This year's California state contest will take place at Sacramento State on May 1-3, 2026. The winners from each county competition are eligible to advance to the state contest. Over 1,600 students compete at the state contest each year. California champions will advance to the national competition that takes place in Maryland in June.
Special Thanks to the College of Arts & Letters for their sponsorship of NHD-CA
2026 Contest Information
Dates:
Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd
Jr./Sr. Division Awards will take place the morning of Sunday, May 3rd
Elem. Division Awards will take place Saturday May 2nd at 3:00 PM
Location:
Sacramento State University
6000 Jed Smith Street
Sacramento, CA 95826
Quick Links
FINALISTS
SPECIAL AWARDS
CHAMPIONS & RUNNERS UP
Entry Information
Click below for specific information about your project category.
Don't miss out on all the fun happening outside of your competition! From the Project Showcase to games and activities on Serna Plaza, planetarium shows, a State Parks virtual presentation, and free admission to Sacramento historical sites.
there is something for everyone this weekend. Check out the full lineup of activities on our – Student Activities page.
Directions | Parking | Maps
Parking is free from Thursday - Sunday as long as you park in one of the designated Parking Structures (PS):
- Thursday, April 30th: PS-3 (Floors 4, 5, or 6)
- Friday, May 1st: PS-3 (Floors 4, 5, or 6)
- Saturday, May 2nd: PS-2 (All Floors)
- Sunday, May 3rd: PS-2 (All Floors)
NHD-CA Gear
Looking to show off your History Day CA spirit? Visit our Gear Hub on the 2nd floor of the University Union in the Cottonwood Room to grab official NHD-CA swag! From t-shirts and hoodies to stickers and more.
COMING SOON
Stay current on what's happening at NHD-CA, check the schedule of events, view social media posts on
the activities feed, and get important announcements.
The app can be downloaded from the Apple and Google Play stores.
The app will GO LIVE LATER THIS WEEK.
Sacramento County Office of Education
NHD-CA
P.O. Box 269003
Sacramento, CA 95826
Contact Us
