The San Diego County Fair returns June 10 – July 5, 2026 at Del Mar Fairgrounds. "Once Upon a Fair" theme, 70+ rides, free concerts, and $65 season passes.
Overview
The 2026 San Diego County Fair returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for 20 days of summer celebration from Wednesday, June 10 through Sunday, July 5, 2026 — Southern California's biggest annual community event with rides, concerts, food, livestock, exhibits, and an inventive theme that turns one of the region's longest-running traditions into a fresh experience every year.
This year's theme: "Once Upon a Fair" — a celebration of reading, storytelling, and imagination, with interactive exhibits, photo ops, and creative workshops built around the magic of books.
What You Actually Need to Know
- Dates: Wednesday, June 10 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM, Wednesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
- Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds — 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014
- Theme: "Once Upon a Fair"
- Season Pass: $65 (unlimited admission to all 20 days)
- Kids 5 and under: Free every day
- Kids 12 and under: Free every Friday
2026 Fair Highlights
Themed Programming: "Once Upon a Fair"
The 2026 theme "Once Upon a Fair" centers on storytelling, reading, and imagination. The featured exhibits include:
- Tell Your Story — Workshops on writing, illustrating, and publishing your own fiction or biography
- Where the Wild Things Are — Petting Farm, livestock education, and animal edu-tainment shows
- Hunger Games — Classic and adventurous fair food (deep-fried surprises included)
- Goosebumps — 70+ rides across the Fun Zone and Kids Zone
- Lord of the Rings — Carnival games and "precious" prizes
- Treasure Island — Shopping halls of handcrafted goods and unique finds
- Playful photo ops, interactive exhibits, and hands-on programming throughout the Fairgrounds
Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series (Free with Admission)
Admission to the Fair includes nightly concerts at the Chevrolet Paddock Stage. The 2026 free concert lineup includes major national acts plus a variety of tribute bands:
- Hoobastank
- Los Lonely Boys
- Blue Oyster Cult
- Plus many more national acts and tribute bands
This is one of the best deals at the Fair — quality live music every single night, all included with your standard admission ticket.
Toyota Summer Concert Series (Corona Grandstand Stage)
For bigger headliners, the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Corona Grandstand Stage features ticketed shows that include same-day Fair admission. Confirmed 2026 lineup:
- June 12 — Koe Wetzel
- June 13 — GRiZ with Sippy
- June 14 — Los Tucanes de Tijuana
- June 19 — Marshmello
- June 20 — Good Charlotte
- Plus additional headliners announced throughout the run
All Grandstand shows typically start at 7:30 PM, and your ticket gets you into the Fair earlier that day. Two events for one price.
Tickets and Discounts
Season Pass
$65 for unlimited admission to all 20 days of the Fair. Best value for repeat visitors.
Daily Admission
Single-day general admission varies — check sdfair.com for current pricing.
Free Admission Days and Discounts
- Kids Days: Children 12 and under get free admission every Friday
- Kids 5 and under are free every day
- Military discounts for active-duty, reserve, and retired military through military ticket offices
- GovX discounts for first responders, teachers, government employees, and other eligible groups
Other Deals
- $15 Value Meals — Dozens of vendors offer specially priced meal combos (entrée + sides + drink)
- Foodie Fridays — 50% off Fair-tastic Food Competition finalist items from 11 AM – 4 PM
- Passport to Savings coupon book — Discounts on food, rides, games, and shopping throughout the Fairgrounds
When and Where
June 10 – July 5, 2026 — open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM – 11 PM
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds — 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014
What to Expect at the Fair
The San Diego County Fair has been a North County institution since 1880 — making it the region's longest-running annual community event. Here's what's actually on offer once you're inside:
- Hundreds of food vendors — from classic corn dogs and funnel cakes to wildly imaginative deep-fried creations
- 70+ carnival rides in the Fun Zone and Kids Zone
- Carnival games and prize redemption
- Petting Farm and livestock barns with daily competitions
- 4-H and agricultural exhibits showcasing local farms
- Art shows, photography, and creative competitions
- Shopping pavilions with handcrafted goods
- Free nightly concerts at the Chevrolet Paddock Stage
- Ticketed concerts at the Corona Grandstand Stage (Toyota Summer Concert Series)
- The Sound — additional performance venue with rotating programming
- Wine, beer, and cocktail tastings throughout the run
Getting to the Del Mar Fairgrounds
The Fair gets busy — especially on weekends, Toyota Concert Series nights, and during fireworks shows. A few tips:
- Driving: Multiple paid parking lots on-site. Arrive early on weekends and concert nights to avoid the worst traffic
- Rideshare: Designated pickup/drop-off zones around the Fairgrounds
- Coaster train: Stops at the Solana Beach station, with shuttles available to the Fair on event days
- Bike valet: Free bike parking is typically available — check sdfair.com for current details
What to Bring
- Cash and cards (most vendors are cashless, but bring both)
- Sunscreen and a hat — the Fair runs through peak summer
- Comfortable shoes — you'll walk miles
- Layers — Del Mar evenings cool off, especially with the ocean nearby
- Backpack or tote (check current bag policy)
- Patience for crowds (Saturdays are the busiest)
Good to Know
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays every week
- No outside food or drinks (with some exceptions for medical and infant needs)
- The Fair is dog-free (service animals welcome)
- Free WiFi throughout most of the grounds
- Lockers available for rent if you don't want to carry your stuff all day
- The Fair runs concurrent with the NASCAR San Diego Weekend at Naval Base Coronado (June 19–21) — expect heavy traffic in the area that weekend
For more events happening in San Diego this summer, check out our full June events calendar or browse our Del Mar neighborhood guide.