🎡 County Fair · June 10–July 5, 2026 · Del Mar Fairgrounds
San Diego County Fair 2026
Once Upon A Fair — Opens June 10
The biggest annual event in San Diego County is back. The 2026 San Diego County Fair opens June 10 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and runs through July 5 — four weeks of rides, food, concerts, animals, and whatever deep-fried thing they came up with this year. This year's theme is “Once Upon A Fair,” leaning into books and storytelling, and there's a 20,000-square-foot Dr. Seuss exhibit that both kids and nostalgic adults will love. Open 11 AM to 11 PM on Wednesdays through Sundays — closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
📅 2026 San Diego County Fair — Dates & Hours
| Opening Day | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 |
| Closing Day | Sunday, July 5, 2026 |
| Hours | 11 AM – 11 PM |
| Days Open | Wed–Sun (closed Mon & Tue) |
| Venue | Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014 |
📚 “Once Upon A Fair” — This Year's Theme
The 2026 theme celebrates books, stories, and the power of reading. The centerpiece is a 20,000-square-foot exhibit developed in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises — immersive displays, photo ops, and educational components that work for ages 5 to 75. Beyond Dr. Seuss, the theme runs through four exhibit areas:
- • Tell Your Story — workshops on writing, illustrating, and publishing your own book
- • Golden Books — revisiting classic children's literature through immersive displays
- • Color & Comics — graphic novels and comics as a storytelling medium
- • Library Love — the historical and community role of public libraries
🍟 San Diego County Fair Food 2026
The fair's food program is one of its biggest draws. The 2026 edition has 100+ food vendors spread across the grounds. The classics are always there: corn dogs, funnel cake, turkey legs, and nachos. But the headlines go to the new and outrageous items that debut each year — deep-fried everything, fair-exclusive items from local San Diego restaurants, and returning crowd favorites including bacon-wrapped hot dogs and loaded mac & cheese.
The food vendors are clustered throughout the fairgrounds — the main food drag near the grandstand is the busiest, so walking slightly off the main path usually means shorter lines.
🎢 Rides & the Fun Zone
More than 70 rides spread across the Fun Zone and Kids Zone. The offerings range from thrill rides and roller coasters for adults and teens down to gentle spinning rides for young kids. The Petting Farm and livestock areas are separate from the ride zones and are always a hit with families — sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and more up close.
Ride wristbands are usually available for unlimited access throughout the day. Check sdfair.com for current wristband pricing.
🎵 Concerts at the 2026 San Diego County Fair
Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series (Free with Admission)
A nightly concert series included in your general admission ticket. Features well-known acts and tribute bands performing in the Paddock area. No separate ticket needed — the hardest part is finding a good spot early enough.
Toyota Summer Concert Series (Ticketed)
Performances on the grandstand stage — separate tickets required, in addition to fair admission. Major acts confirmed for 2026 include Chicago, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Good Charlotte, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Nelly, Demi Lovato, and Marshmello. These shows typically sell out. Book early via sdfair.com.
🌏 Cultural Events — Opening Weekend (June 13–14)
Two major cultural events happen during the fair's first full weekend:
- Asian & Pacific Islander Festival — Saturday, June 13: A celebration of API culture with food, performances, and community programming. One of the fair's most anticipated cultural days of the year.
- Native American Heritage Day — Sunday, June 14: Traditional dancers, artisans, foods, and cultural displays honoring Native American heritage. Family-friendly and free with fair admission.
- Later in the run: Out at the Fair (June 20) · K-Pop Festival (June 28) · Black and Brown Festival Showcase (July 5)
🎟️ San Diego County Fair 2026 Tickets
General admission is available at the gate or online at sdfair.com. Buying online in advance avoids gate lines and often offers discounts.
Midweek (Wed–Thu) attendance is typically lighter than weekends. July 4 weekend is the busiest of the run — buy tickets well in advance for those dates.
🚗 Del Mar Fairgrounds — Parking & Getting There
- Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
- Driving: Right off I-5 at Via de la Valle (Exit 36). Onsite parking is available but fills on weekends. Plan 20–30 extra minutes on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Coaster (best option on weekends): The NCTD Coaster train runs a Fair shuttle from Solana Beach station directly to the fairgrounds. Check gonctd.com for schedules. Highly recommended on weekends — no parking stress at all.
- From Downtown San Diego: About 20 minutes via I-5 north on weekday afternoons. Add buffer time on weekends.
💡 Insider Tips for the San Diego County Fair
- • Arrive at opening (11 AM) to hit the most popular food items before lines get long.
- • The Dr. Seuss theme exhibit is likely to be a chokepoint — visit it early in the day before crowds build.
- • The Coaster from Solana Beach is the best way to go on Saturdays — no parking headaches.
- • For Toyota Concert Series shows: arrive 60–90 minutes before the show for a good spot, even with assigned seating.
- • Opening week (June 10–14) includes the Asian & Pacific Islander Festival (Sat June 13) and Native American Heritage Day (Sun June 14).