DEL MAR — Anticipation is building throughout the region for the return of the San Diego County Fair, with less than two weeks to go until the Del Mar Fairgrounds are filled with rides, carnival games, delicious treats, live entertainment and numerous activities.
This year’s 20-day run takes place from June 11 to July 6. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Visitors will be able to enjoy several activities related to this year’s theme, Summer Pet-tacular, which celebrates the unique bond between humans and pets.
Fair organizers have partnered with the San Diego Humane Society to implement programming at the fair that focuses on shelter animals. Every day at the fair, SDHS will be exhibiting dogs, cats, and rabbits of various ages that are available for adoption. Visitors will be able to put a hold on animals and follow up with a visit to the shelter.
San Diego Humane spokesperson Nina Thompson said this is an opportunity to educate residents about the critical work they do for over 40,000 animals, and about how they can help.
“This is a great opportunity for us to meet San Diegans who may not know about us, because there are so many animals in the shelter that are looking for second chances,” Thompson said. “There are people who think that the only way to get a pet is through a breeder. That education piece is important.”
This year’s 20,000-square-foot theme exhibit will be a celebration of all pets, said Fairgrounds Chief Operating Officer Katie Mueller, offering a glimpse into the perspectives of various animals. There will also be various pet rescue groups and canine organizations providing presentations and educational opportunities throughout the fair.
“You’ll be able to interact with a lot of different kinds of pets,” Mueller said.
Despite the pet-focused theme, Fairgrounds leaders are reminding visitors that pets are still not allowed at the fair. The only exception is on July 5, when pets and owners are invited to a Pooch Fun Run in the morning on the grounds before the fair opens.
Online registration is required for the Pooch Fun Run, which will feature various contests, photo opportunities, and a scenic walk of either half a mile or one mile for pets and their owners.
In addition to traditional favorites like the pig races, lemonade, and the Ferris wheel, this year’s fair features several new additions, including new rides and the San Diego Marketplace, which will offer a selection of handmade and consignment goods.
Here are the need-to-know details about this year’s fair:
Tickets
Tickets for the fair are available online at sdfair.com, including single-day tickets and season passes, which start at $65. General admission starts at $16 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $20 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays when purchased in advance. Ticket prices increase when purchased on the day of the event.
Ticket prices also vary for youth and seniors, and entry is always free for ages five and under.
Rides and games
The Fun Zone will feature dozens of rides, including two Ferris wheels, a carousel, roller coasters, and carnival games with big prizes to win.
Ride and game credits can be purchased online with entry tickets or purchased on the day of the event at Fun Zone kiosks. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, visitors can enjoy unlimited rides for $50 with the Pepsi Pay-One-Price wristband, also available online.
Food
There will be over 100 food vendors at the 2025 fair, offering a variety of classic fare, including hot dogs, cotton candy, kettle corn, and ice cream, as well as more adventurous fair foods. Forty-five different sweet and savory dishes from various vendors are also competing in this year’s Fair-Tastic Foods Competition.
Visitors can sample the best of the best including the Tres Leches Cinnamon Roll from Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls, Ramen Tacos from Taco Ramen, Super Volcano Fries with bulgogi beef and Kalua pork from Farmer in the Del, Hot Honey Goat Cheese Pistachio Pizza from Pat’s Pizza, Dole Whip with Tajin from Candy Me Up, and much more.
“You will end your day at the fair with a full heart and a very satisfied tummy,” said Fairgrounds Board Member Frederick Schenk.
Find a complete list of food and drink vendors at sdfair.com/businesses/food-drink.
Entertainment and activities
There will be free entertainment options throughout the fair, including free concerts at the Paddock, festivals such as the Asian and Pacific Islander Festival on June 14 and Out at the Fair on June 21, and more.
Visitors can also check out free exhibits every day, including Farm2U, the Fairview Farm, the Garden Show, Flower Show, Design in Wood, Home Arts and Hobbies, and of course, the livestock barns.
Tickets are also available for live entertainment during the Toyota Summer Concert Series and Summer Nights at The Sound. There will be 20 musical and comedy performances on the Grandstand stage, featuring nationally recognized acts such as 2 Chainz and Lil Jon, Jeff Dunham, Third Eye Blind and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, in addition to the Fourth of July Fireworks show.
Summer Nights at The Sound features unique acts, including laser shows, hypnosis improv, comedy, and an event hosted by star dog trainer Cesar Millan. Performances by “Saturday Night Live” cast member Marcello Hernández on July 2 and 3 have been canceled.
Tickets to Grandstand shows and shows at The Sound are available online and also include same-day fair admission.
For a full calendar of entertainment at the fair, visit sdfair.com/events.
Transportation and parking
General parking at the Fairgrounds main lot starts at $16 per vehicle. Visitors can also park at the Del Mar Horsepark for $10 or Crest Canyon Academy at no cost, with a free shuttle providing transportation from both locations to the Fairgrounds.
Attendees can also avoid parking altogether by utilizing the Fair Tripper on the NCTD Coaster, Sprinter, or the MTS Trolley. This includes a round-trip ride to the Solana Beach station in addition to a one-day fair entry for as low as $20 for adults.
A free shuttle will run between the Solana Beach station and the Fairgrounds every 30 minutes. Visitors can also utilize the Fair Tripper option to take the Breeze Bus Route 308 to Via de la Valle and Valley Avenue, and then walk approximately half a mile to the main fair entrance.
To reduce fair traffic on the Juneteenth holiday, the Fair Tripper will offer decreased fares on June 19. For more information, visit gonctd.com/fairtripper and sdmts.com/fair-tripper. Read past coverage of the San Diego County Fair here.
