If you’ve never been to the San Diego County Fair, get ready to enter a world where deep-fried everything meets carnival thrills, live music, barnyard charm, and that unbeatable San Diego sunshine. Held annually at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this beloved summer tradition has something for everyone—whether you’re a foodie, thrill-seeker, music lover, or family looking to make new memories.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about attending the 2025 San Diego County Fair, from what to eat and see, to insider tips for beating the crowds and making the most of your visit.
📅 When and Where
Dates: June 11 – July 6, 2025 (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds – 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Theme for 2025: “Summer Pet-acular” – Celebrate the special bond between humans and pets at theSummer Pet-acular – featuring themed exhibits and pet adoptions in partnership with the San Diego Humane Society. NO PETS POLICY : While this is a pet-themed celebration, PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE FAIRGROUNDS.
🎟️ Tickets and Admission
The San Diego Fair has multiple ticket options, including discounts for kids, seniors, and military personnel. It’s highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and secure better pricing.
General Pricing (2025 estimate):
- Adults (13–61): $20–25
- Seniors (62+): $17
- Kids (6–12): $14
- Kids 5 & under: FREE
- Parking: $15–20 depending on the lot. Fair insiders know parking at Canyon Crest Academy is a great way to save money, and have fun…by making the Fair shuttle your first “ride” of the day! Canyon Crest is located at 5951 Village Center Loop Rd. Free shuttles take guests to the Fair’s main entrance (O’Brien Gate).
Pro Tip: Check for $5 admission days or “Kids Free” Wednesdays—they change each year and are posted on the Fair’s official site.
🎢 Rides & Attractions
Nothing says “summer” like a spin on a Ferris wheel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Fun Zone is packed with heart-racing rides, carnival games, and Instagrammable moments.
Ride Highlights:
- OMG – Adrenaline junkies only!
- Sky Ride – A gentle ride with ocean and fairground views
- The Zipper – A classic crowd favorite
- Kiddie Land – Mini versions of the rides for little ones
Purchase a ride wristband if you plan to go all out—it’s more cost-effective than buying tickets individually.
🍔 Fair Food (aka: Come Hungry)
One of the biggest reasons people flock to the San Diego Fair? The food. From creative culinary mashups to nostalgic treats, every booth is a new adventure.
Must-Try 2025 Eats:
- Deep-Fried Watermelon Bites
- Chuckwagon – all your BBQ favorites
- Hot Cheeto Corn Dogs
- Flamin’ Mac & Cheese Cones
- Plant-based loaded nachos (vegan-friendly!)
- Giant turkey legs, funnel cakes, and classic corn dogs
Don’t forget dessert! The cinnamon roll stand, deep-fried Oreos, and churro sundaes are legendary.
Pro Tip: Share food with friends so you can try more dishes without getting full too fast.
Pet Events & Activities
The fair is partnering with the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) to bring daily programming filled with heartwarming moments and helpful tips on responsible pet ownership. You’ll even get to meet adoptable animals—like puppies, kittens, and small mammals—right at the Fair! Plus, check out a live feed of even more adorable pets available through SDHS.
Areas to Explore:
- Theme Exhibit: This year’s theme exhibit, called “Pets Rock: Live on Tour, presented by Kahoots,” takes guests through the world from a pet’s perspective. Seven Rock Band members will lead fairgoers on an adventure, through their animal eyes, where they might play with a giant ball of yarn, “swim” through an aquarium castle, or sit in a bird’s nest.
- Wiener dog and Corgi races: While these dogs have short legs, this event is big on fun. On June 14 in the Del Mar Arena, Dachsunds will race at noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. Corgis will race that night at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Bird Show: Join Oasis Camel Dairy’s Nancy Reigler and her flock of feathered pet starbirds — Raja, Rio, Koalabi and Lola. You’ll squawk in laughter while you learn about these amazing winged wonders! Shows daily at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the O’Brien Stage and at 7 p.m. in Family Funville.
These exhibits are educational, interactive, and a nice breather from the louder parts of the fair.
🎶 Live Entertainment & Concerts
Each year, the Fair brings an impressive lineup of live music, comedy, and stage shows, from local bands to big-name headliners.
2025 Headliners (Example lineup):
- Live & Collective Soul
- 2 Chainz & Lil Jon
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- Ziggy Marley
Many shows are included with fair admission if you sit in general seating, but you can upgrade to reserved grandstand seats for a fee.
Don’t miss the Summer Nights At The Sound, and the Paddock Concert Series.
🎨 Art, Shopping & Exhibits
Take a break from the excitement with a stroll through the exhibition halls:
- Home & Hobby Exhibit – From pies and quilts to photography and Lego masterpieces
- Student Art Show – Featuring the incredible work of local youth
- Shopping Pavilion – Vendors selling everything from handmade soaps to high-end blenders
You might go for the food and rides, but you’ll leave impressed by the creativity and culture too.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Fun
The San Diego Fair is very family-oriented and easy to navigate with kids.
Must-Do Activities with Kids:
- Kids’ Zone Rides
- Craft stations & play areas
- Daily animal encounters
- Magic shows and puppet theater
- LEGO® & Robotics zones
There are also plenty of stroller-friendly paths, nursing stations, and shaded seating.
Pro Tip: Check out KidsFest weekends for extra programming, giveaways, and even costumed character appearances.
🧭 Insider Tips to Maximize Your Visit
Want to skip the stress and make your day at the Fair awesome? Here are our best tips:
🕐 Timing is Everything:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and get good parking
- Weekdays are much less crowded than weekends
- Evenings have more energy and live music, but longer lines
🧴 Pack Smart:
- Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, hand sanitizer, and a hat
- Small bags or fanny packs are best (bags may be checked at the gate)
💳 Budget-Friendly Hacks:
- Buy tickets and ride wristbands online in advance
- Check the Fair website for promos and free admission days
- Share food and ride wristbands with friends to cut costs
📱 Tech Tip:
Download the San Diego County Fair app for an interactive map, showtimes, food vendors, and alerts.
🅿️ Parking & Transportation
Parking can get intense, especially on weekends. Here are your options:
- On-site parking: $15–20 (arrive early!)
- Preferred/Close-In Lots: $30+
- Free off-site parking with shuttle (check locations on the Fair’s website)
- Rideshare drop-off zones are available—Uber/Lyft is a smart choice if you plan to stay late
- Walk to the fair! – If you are visiting and would like to walk to the fair, check out these rentals.
🐾 Are Pets Allowed?
No pets allowed, except for service animals. But don’t worry—there are plenty of animal friends to see inside!
🧭 Nearby Attractions
Making a weekend out of it? Pair your Fair visit with these local gems:
- Del Mar Beach – 5 min away
- Carlsbad Village – 20 min drive for shops, cafes, and ocean views
- Legoland California – About 25 min north
- Torrey Pines State Reserve – 10 min south for scenic hiking
🌟 Why You Should Go
Whether it’s your first time or a yearly tradition, the San Diego County Fair is pure summer magic. It blends big-city entertainment with small-town charm, serving up nostalgia, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
Come for the funnel cake, stay for the memories.
📌 Plan Your Visit:
Check the official website: https://www.sdfair.com for real-time event schedules, performer updates, discounts, and more.
🎠 Final Thoughts
The San Diego County Fair isn’t just an event—it’s a season. It’s where grandparents compete in jam contests, teens win giant stuffed animals on dates, and toddlers pet goats for the first time. It’s California culture in one place, and it’s waiting for you.
So grab your shades, bring your appetite, and get ready to make summer memories that stick—like caramel corn on your fingers.
