The San Diego County Fair returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds from June 10 through July 5, 2026, for 20 days of rides, concerts, food, and community celebration. This year's theme, "Once Upon A Fair," centers on the joy of reading, storytelling, and imagination, with interactive exhibits inviting fairgoers to explore the world of books through creative workshops and playful photo ops. The fair operates Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 AM to 11 PM, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Concerts, Rides, and Fair Food
The Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Corona Grandstand Stage features a full lineup of national acts, with every concert ticket including same-day fair admission at 7:30 PM showtime. The Fun Zone and Kids Zone pack more than 70 rides, while shopping halls, livestock shows, and competitive exhibits round out the experience. Then there's the food — from classic corn dogs and candied apples to the deep-fried culinary experiments that have become a San Diego County Fair tradition. The entertainment calendar runs the full length of the fair, giving visitors reason to return across the three-plus-week run.
Getting there without driving is smart. NCTD offers Fair Tripper tickets bundling COASTER or BREEZE transit with fair admission and a shuttle from the Solana Beach station — weekday adults $20, weekend adults $25. It's a meaningful discount and avoids the parking crush on Jimmy Durante Boulevard.
Planning Around the Fair in Del Mar
The County Fair is the single largest event in Del Mar each year, and its impact ripples through every corner of the community. Hotels fill up fast — L'Auberge Del Mar and the Del Mar Beach Hotel draw out-of-town visitors who want beach access after a day at the fair. Restaurants like Broken Yolk Cafe, Board & Brew, and Harry's Coffee Shop see increased traffic from fairgoers looking for a real meal outside the gates. The fair also overlaps with the start of the Del Mar Racing season in mid-July, creating a stretch where the fairgrounds district becomes the busiest destination in North County. Visitors from Coronado and La Jolla should build in extra travel time — the fair draws well over a million visitors across its run.
