San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Coming to Town - June 12

From carnival rides to live concerts and more, Del Mar’s kicking off the San Diego County Fair this June & July. See what’s in store plus how to buy tickets!
Jess Tucker
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
San Diego County Fair Coming to Town
Introducing the 2024 Fair
2024 Fair Details
Bundle & Save
Directions & Parking
Admission & More
Stay Nearby

Introduction to the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds

The Wave Swinger at the San Diego County FairBattered Potatoes at the San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair returns to San Diego in 2024 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds!

Watch live concerts, take the kids on exciting rides, and sample fair foods; fun in the sun awaits!

The fair is a time-honored tradition that dates all the way back to the 1880s. Since 1936, the fairgrounds in Del Mar have been the home of the County Fair, and that hasn’t changed in 2024.

This year, the fair will open its gates on June 12 and run through July 7th, excluding Mondays and Tuesdays when the fair is closed.

BBQ Food Vendor at the San Diego County Fair
BBQ Food Vendor at the San Diego County Fair

This Year’s Theme

It’s throwback time, as 2024’s theme is “Let’s Go Retro!”

Decorations will highlight the trends that defined decades from the 50s to the 90s, letting attendees from every generation experience that nostalgic vibe.

Lobby Bar at L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Lobby Bar at L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa

Save and Stay

We always recommend staying at a nearby hotel when attending events like the County Fair. Our pick in Del Mar is L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa, which overlooks the sea.

Sticking around for a few days? Consider a Go City San Diego pass to save on attraction admission and gear rentals around San Diego, from a day at SeaWorld San Diego to surfing lessons in La Jolla.

Plus, use our discount code GVSD5OFF at checkout to save even more on an Explorer or All-Inclusive pass!

Local Tips
Rides for Everybody!
The San Diego County Fair will have over 70 different games and rides in 2024, with rides for younger kids, teens, and adults.

Exploring the Fair (Activities, Food, Shopping and Entertainment Options)

Pony Ride at the San Diego County Fair
Pony Ride at the San Diego County Fair

No fair would be complete without rides, events, and of course, food! With hundreds of vendors and tons of fun activities, every day’s packed with things to do.

Mexican Food Vendor at the San Diego County Fair
Mexican Food Vendor at the San Diego County Fair

Vendors

Whether you’re hoping to shop a variety of goods or snack on fair favorites like funnel cakes and kettle corn, vendors at the San Diego County Fair have you covered.

There will be more than 250 vendors attending in 2024, so come prepared to shop!

Cyclone Fair Ride at the San Diego County Fair
Cyclone Fair Ride at the San Diego County Fair

Rides and Games

The San Diego County Fair will have over 70 different games and rides in 2024, with rides for younger kids, teens, and adults. Some fun options we’re looking forward to include:

  • Ferris Wheel
  • Dragon Wagon roller coaster
  • Mini Bumper Cars
  • Haunted House dark ride
  • Grand Carousel
  • Spinning Tea Cups
  • Wild River log flume

Pig Races at the San Diego County Fair
Pig Races at the San Diego County Fair

Special Events

The County Fair will also have live shows, performances, special guests, exhibitions, and more.

This year, the Corona Grandstand Stage will host live music performances during the The Toyota Summer Concert Series. See concerts by Old Dominion, Kolohe Kai, Little Big Town, TLC, Yung Gravy, Pepe Aguilar, and other famous musicians.

At the Kings of Late Night comedy show, laugh along with Arsenio Hall, Jay Leno, and Craig Ferguson.

Some other upcoming events our team can’t wait to see are:

  • Fireworks Show
  • Extreme Dogs
  • Swifty Swine Racing Pigs
  • Paul Ecke Jr. Flower and Garden Shows

Bundle and SAVE!
Kids looking at knight at LEGOLAND California
Visit LEGOLAND California!
Create family memories at LEGOLAND California! Admission is included with your All-Inclusive Go City pass - enjoy over 60 rides and attractions! Bundle admission with Birch Aquarium at Scripps or the Safari Park for the ultimate day of savings!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Getting There and Parking

The Del Mar Fairground is at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014.

Bus About to Cross Train Tracks
Bus About to Cross Train Tracks

Getting to the Fair

The easiest way to reach the Del Mar Fairgrounds is via I-5. From the Via de la Valle exit, continue west onto Jimmy Durante Boulevard.

For public transit, take the COASTER or bus to the Solana Beach COASTER Station. From there, a free shuttle will bring you to the fairgrounds.

The County Fair offers Fair Tripper tickets online for $13-$20, which bundle the cost of transportation with your fair admission.

Finding Parking

There is a paid parking lot right outside the gates. Prices are:

  • General parking: $15-$20
  • Preferred parking: $50
  • Off-site parking: $10

Costs are subject to change and may be higher at the gate.

Alternatively, we suggest parking for free at the Canyon Crest Academy lot and taking the free shuttle.

Popular Hotels
Popular Hotels
Price
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
$135
Learn More
Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
$136
Learn More
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
$349
Learn More
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
$144
Learn More

Admission and Tips for Visitors

Prepare for fun at the fair with these frequently asked questions.

Kid Eating An Ice Cream Cone at the San Diego County Fair
Kid Eating An Ice Cream Cone at the San Diego County Fair

How Much Are Tickets?

Tickets are already on sale for the 2024 San Diego County Fair! Prices are:

Adults (13-61)

  • Wednesday & Thursday: $16 advance, $20 day of event
  • Friday: $20 advance, $25 day of event
  • Saturday, Sunday, & July 4th: $20 advance, $25 day of event

Seniors (62+)

  • Wednesday & Thursday: $13 advance, $17 day of event
  • Friday: $17 advance, $22 day of event
  • Saturday, Sunday, & July 4th: $17 advance, $22 day of event

Youths (6-12)

  • Wednesday & Thursday: $13 advance, $17 day of event
  • Friday: FREE
  • Saturday, Sunday, & July 4th: $17 advance, $22 day of event

Kids 5 and under can attend for free with a paying adult.

You can buy tickets online leading up to the event. To buy admission tickets in-person at the gate, bring a credit or debit card, as cash or checks will not be accepted.

Are There Season Passes?

The fair will not offer season passes in 2024.

Bonus Tip from Experience: Wear Sunscreen

San Diego is sunny year-round, so make sure to wear sunscreen and to reapply regularly throughout the day so you avoid a painful sunburn.

Featured Hotel
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Pool with Ocean View of Del Mar at L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Beaches
Beaches
Boutique
Boutique
Couples
Couples
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa offers guest award-winning 4-star luxury with contemporary design, plush rooms and suites and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Prices Starting at $288
Check Availability

Popular Activities

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Discounts Available
Learn More
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Discounts Available
Learn More
SEA LIFE Aquarium Hopper Ticket
SEA LIFE Aquarium Hopper Ticket
$121 per person
Learn More
Looking to Save on Tickets?
Save on Tickets
Explore all that San Diego has to offer & save up to 55% on attractions
This Month's Forecast
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February
Mar
56°F / 69°F
Sunny in March

Stay Nearby

DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
from $135 / night
View Hotel
Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
from $136 / night
View Hotel
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Luxury Hotel
5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
from $349 / night
View Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Solana Beach
from $144 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>
Tours & Adventures
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Discounts Available
Learn More
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
Looking for Something Different?
More What's New >> Events & Activities