As the sun shines over San Diego, pet lovers and fair enthusiasts alike are gearing up for an event dedicated to our beloved furry, feathery, and scaly friends: the 2025 San Diego County Fair, uniquely themed “Summer Pet-tacular.” From June 11 to July 6, the Del Mar Fairgrounds will be transformed into a pet paradise, featuring an array of events and experiences in collaboration with the San Diego Humane Society. With exhilarating rides, live music performances, and culinary delights, this year’s fair promises to be a memorable celebration for the community.
The History and Significance of the Fair
The San Diego County Fair has been a cherished part of local culture since its inception in 1880, establishing its roots firmly at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in 1936. The fair has withstood the test of time, only pausing operations during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a symbol of resilience in the San Diego community.
Fair Schedule and Hours
The fair opens its gates daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from June 11 to July 6, excluding Mondays and Tuesdays. Although the gates close at 10 p.m., attendees should note that some exhibit halls and bar areas shut down before the final hour. The diverse schedule caters to families and friends, ensuring a happy occasion for all visitors.
Pet Policies and Special Events
Pet enthusiasts can rejoice on July 5, when attendees are invited to bring their pets for an exciting day filled with contests and a grand pet parade. For other days, however, the fair advises guests to leave their pets at home, with the exception of ADA service animals, ensuring a comfortable environment for all.
Parking Information
Fairgoers have several parking options to choose from. The main lot at the Del Mar Fairgrounds charges $20 for general parking, though it’s reduced to $16 if purchased online in advance. For those seeking preferred parking, it costs $55 ($50 when bought online). An economical choice is available at the Del Mar Horse Park, located two miles away, offering parking for $10 and a shuttle service to the fair entrances.
For a free parking option, attendees can utilize the Canyon Crest Academy lot and ride a shuttle to the fair. Importantly, cash will not be accepted at any of the parking facilities, and advanced reservations must align with specific dates. All parking lots will open at 10 a.m. and close one hour after the fair’s conclusion.
Ticket Pricing
Admission prices vary based on age demographics and specific days, generally organized as follows:
- Adults (ages 13 and up)
Wednesday and Thursday (except July 4): $16 in advance; $20 at the gate.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (including July 4): $20 in advance; $25 at the gate. - Seniors (ages 62 and up)
Wednesday and Thursday (except July 4): $13 in advance; $17 at the gate.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (including July 4): $17 in advance; $22 at the gate. - Children (ages 6-12)
Weekdays: $13 in advance; $17 at the gate.
Fridays: Free!
Weekends: $17 in advance; $22 at the gate. - Kiddos 5 and under: Admission is always free!
The San Diego County Fair also offers season tickets and special packages, ideal for families or groups, enhancing the experience with ride tickets, food, and beverage deals. Local grocery stores and partners provide coupons and discounts, making attendance affordable and inviting.
Gastronomic Delights at the Fair
Food lovers will find their paradise with over 100 food stalls serving a fascinating array of deep-fried delicacies. From Chicken Charlie’s famous creations to creamy soft-serve at Fruit Caboose and succulent Texas-style BBQ, there’s something for everyone’s palate.
The “Fair-Tastic” food competition will showcase 18 final dishes, narrowing down options to reveal ultimate fair treasures on June 13. Expect wild culinary innovations like “drowning taquitos,” loaded plantains, banana cold foam matcha drinks, and ramen tacos. Moreover, visitors can revel in “meals on a budget,” with various vendors providing an entrée, side, and drink for just $15. Specials will also be available on Fridays, where finalists will offer their prized dishes at half price from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Games, Rides, and Adventure Await
Fairgoers can look forward to an immersive carnival experience featuring over 70 thrilling rides and engaging games. To partake in the fun, visitors will require a BlastPass, a specialized card that allows access to rides and games by loading credits. Each ride and game will demand a range of 6-10 credits, with purchasing options varying based on demand.
This year, attendees can purchase an all-you-can-ride “pay-one-price” wristband for $50, allowing unlimited access to rides on Wednesdays and Thursdays (except July 4) between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. The entire fair operates cashless, simplifying transactions using debit or credit cards for all purchases.
Engaging Activities At the Fair
In addition to rides and food, the fair will feature engaging interactive exhibits where families can enjoy activities like playing with a giant ball of yarn or “swimming” through an aquarium castle. Educational experiences await, featuring unique animal facts, adoption events, and even “pet pairing” quizzes to help potential pet owners find their ideal furry companions.
The spotlight will shine on animal races with the GASCAR (Great American Speedway Crazy Animal Races) showcasing goats, pigs, and sheep racing for exciting prizes daily. Dog shows will also captivate audiences throughout the fair.
Concert Lineup for This Year’s Fair
Concert-goers can enjoy a vibrant array of performances at the Corona Grandstand Stage as part of the renowned Toyota Summer Concert Series. A concert ticket serves as your admission pass to the fair on that day, so attendees can experience both music and festivities. Scheduled performances include:
- June 12: Foreigner
- June 15: Los Tigres del Norte
- June 20: 2 Chainz and Lil Jon
- June 26: Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- July 2: Third Eye Blind
- July 3: Jeff Dunham
- July 5: Ziggy Marley
- July 6: Los Tucanes de Tijuana
Additionally, the free Paddock Concert Series will return, showcasing local bands, tribute groups, and emerging artists. Guests can also enjoy various events at the Sound music venue featuring electronic music, comedy, laser light shows, and even performances by Cesar Millan, the “Dog Whisperer.”
Daily Events and Themed Days
The San Diego County Fair promises numerous unique events each day, from exhilarating pig races to captivating acrobatic performances. A diverse lineup of special themed days will further enrich the experience over the fair’s nearly month-long existence, featuring:
- Asian and Pacific Islander Festival: June 14
- Native American Heritage Day: June 21
- Out at the Fair: June 21
- Gospel Day: June 28
- K-Pop Festival: July 5
- Bluegrass Day: July 5
These celebrations and activities ensure a delightful experience for all attendees, solidifying the fair’s place as an essential summer destination in San Diego. For updated event details, fairgoers can check the official San Diego County Fair website.
Contributions from CNS included in this report.