The Big Wheel. The high-flying entertainment. The wild, fried fare. The summer concerts on the Grandstand Stage. The San Diego County Fair is coming, y’all — returning to the Del Mar Fairgrounds Wednesday, June 7-Tuesday, July 4.

The summertime staple began as an agricultural fair in 1880 and moved to its current seaside location in 1936. Today, it’s one of the largest county fairs in the US. We’ve put together a guide to help you make the most of your visit — let's get out there.

The fair's midway has it all — performers, food, rides, and more. | Photo via Fred Greaves + San Diego County Fair

Hours, tickets, parking

The 2023 fair is open Wednesdays-Sundays, beginning at 11 a.m. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except Monday, July 3, and the Fourth of July.
Get tickets online; kids age 12 and younger get in free every Friday, and kids age 5 and younger get in free every day. Pro tip: Peep these admission deals.
Buy parking ahead of time to save $5, or park for free at Torrey Pines High School and take a free shuttle to the fairgrounds.
Try using the Fair Tripper deal, which includes fair admission and a ride to the fairgrounds via MTS Trolley or Bus services, or NCTD's trains.

Who's the fairest of them all? | Photo via Fred Greaves + San Diego County Fair

The food

This year, the fair’s midway will offer 100+ food vendors including:

Funnel Cake Express
Pink’s Hot Dogs
Olde Tyme Ice Cream
Northgate Guacamole
Tasti Chips
Dole Whip
Wood Pit BBQ
Bacon A-Fair
Linda’s Pizza
Fried A Fair
Ricky’s California Corn Dog
Australian Battered Potatoes

Of course, fair favorite Chicken Charlie’s will be there, offering its fair menu featuring Deep-Fried Oreos, Fried Avocados, the Maui Chicken Pineapple Bowl, the Krispy Kreme Triple Cheeseburger, and more.

Pro tip: Look for the Secret ‘Stache Speakeasy — it’s not on the map — you mustache a bartender for hints to the secret spot.

Oh, and for even more fun fair food, check out this year’s Fair-tastic Food Competition.

The concerts are a big draw at the San Diego County Fair. | Photo via Fred Greaves + San Diego County Fair

The concerts

Big names are headlining the Toyota Summer Concert Series. All shows include same-day fair admission and most start at 7:30 p.m.

Train | Wednesday, June 7
Kevin Hart | Friday, June 9
La Adictiva | Sunday, June 11
Carly Pearce | Wednesday, June 14
Lynyrd Skynyrd | Saturday, June 17
Grupo Bronco | Sunday, June 18
Boyz II Men | Thursday, June 22
Stephen Marley with Hirie | Saturday, June 24
Los Tigres del Norte | Sunday, June 25
Nelly | Wednesday, June 28
Elle King + Randy Houser | Thursday, June 29
Alabama | Saturday, July 1
Switchfoot | Monday, July 3

There are dozens of rides and games at the fair. | Photo via Fred Greaves + San Diego County Fair

The rides

The fair boasts dozens of rides and games. For the kids, try the Bumper Boats, Little Dipper, or Flying Jumbo. For the thrill-seekers, try the Crazy Mouse, Slingshot, Searay, Storm, or Mega Drop. If you’re looking for great views of Del Mar, try the Big Wheel or Sky Ride.

The theme

This year’s theme is “Get Out There!” — a call to explore the great outdoors. Pro tip: Join the “Get Out There!” Challenge by taking and sharing photos of yourself enjoying time outside and you could win some green.

We're fairly certain, this is gonna be good. | Photo via Fred Greaves + San Diego County Fair

The festivals

Festivals are a big part of the San Diego County Fair. Pencil these in:

Out at the Fair | Saturday, June 10
Toast of the Coast Wine Festival | Saturday, June 17 | Buy tickets
Asian & Pacific Islander Festival | Saturday, June 17
Gospel Festival | Saturday, June 24
San Diego International Beer Festival | Saturday, July 1 | Buy tickets

The San Diego County Fair in all its glory in June 2022. | Photo via Fred Greaves + San Diego County Fair

The exhibits

The fair is known for its many competitive exhibits spanning all kinds of interests. Head to the halls, Mission Tower, or Grandstand East or West to explore student artwork, fine art, woodworking, photography, homemade crafts, and gems and minerals. Find your way around with this map.

Pro tip: The Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show features gorgeous plant displays and inspiration for your own garden projects — don’t miss this one.