What time does the SD Fair start?

The 2026 San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds opens daily at 11:00 AM, running from June 10 through July 5 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). The fair typically closes at 11:00 PM, with gates, exhibits, and shopping halls closing at 10:00 PM.

What time does the SD fair open?

The Fair is open from 11am to 11pm each day.

Many activities — like rides and games — stay open later, depending on crowd size.

What is the best time to go to a fair?

Visit during the weekdays: weekends can and will get crowded. The best time to go to the fair is during the weekdays!

Can you bring a water bottle into the Del Mar fair?

Drink water. Avoid extra calories from sodas or drinks, and bring your own water bottles (but make sure they are factory sealed to be allowed into the fair). Bring your own food or snacks!

When did the Del Mar fair start?

Going strong since 1880, the Fair is the largest and longest running event in the county. The Del Mar Fairgrounds has hosted the annual Fair since 1936. Learn more about the Fair — and how you can have a great time while saving some money — at the links below.

Why Essential Workers Are Going Extinct

What day does the Del Mar Fair start in 2025?

Every week from June 11, 2025 until July 6, 2025. Tickets are sold by date. Click on the day you want to attend the Fair to purchase admission.

Can I bring my vape to the Del Mar Fair?

Smoking Areas: Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, is only allowed in designated smoking areas.

Do they accept cash at Del Mar fair?

The parking, admission, and carnival experiences for the San Diego County Fair are cashless. Cash will not be accepted for parking, admission tickets, or carnival rides & games at the San Diego County Fair. Convenient Cash-to-Credit ATM machines are available in select locations to exchange cash for a debit card.

What time are doors at the Sound del Mar?

Doors to The Sound - Del Mar typically open between 90 minutes to 2 hours before event time.

Should I eat before going to the fair?

Don't Arrive Hungry

Make sure to eat before you go. The smells of the fair foods cooking can quickly derail any hopes of control.

What do you do when you are at a fair?

At a fair:

1. Enjoy rides and games.
2. Visit stalls and try different foods.
3. Watch shows or performances.
4. Buy toys, sweets, or souvenirs.

Which state fair is considered the best?

Minnesota, The Minnesota State Fair is the top state fair by daily attendance, averaging close to 200,000 visitors per day. The State Fair of Texas has the highest total attendance, with 2.2–2.5 million visitors over its 24-day run, but its daily average is around 100,000.

What's the cost of living in Del Mar?

Del Mar's housing expenses are 555% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 50% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 41% higher than the national average. Del Mar has grocery prices that are 11% higher than the national average.

What should I wear to a fair?

Wear whatever you're comfortable with. And sunscreen -- reapply often. If you want to wear a costume, go for it! If you want to wear your favorite jeans and tee, also great!

What days are wristbands at the Del Mar Fair?

Pay-One-Price Ride Wristband

Wednesdays and Thursdays are Pepsi Pay-One-Price Ride Days! Ride unlimited rides from 11am-8pm with a Pay-One-Price wristband. Wristbands are valid on Wednesdays & Thursdays only for unlimited rides between 11am–8pm.

Where to park for free in Del Mar?

Free parking is located throughout the neighborhoods in the majority of the North Beach area including on both the east and west sides of Camino Del Mar from 22nd Street north to 29th Street and the east and west sides of Coast Boulevard between 17th and 22nd Streets.

Is Del Mar fair worth it?

The Del Mar Fair was so much fun! There was so much to do; we got to see the monster trucks (which were awesome!), pet some adorable animals, play games, go on rides, and of course, eat some seriously good fair food. The energy was great, and there was something for everyone; kids, adults, and everyone in between.

Is there a shuttle from Solana Beach to the fair?

Free Fair shuttles are available for Fair Trippers between the Solana Beach COASTER Station and the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Shuttles will run continuously and should arrive approximately every 30 minutes. Fair shuttles are ADA accessible. Please show your shuttle driver the Fair Tripper prior to boarding.

Can I bring a water bottle to Del Mar fair?

One of the main attractions of the fair is the food" While you'll definitely want to taste a few of those fun treats, you can save some money by bringing in your own snacks and reusable water bottle. Just remember: No alcohol is allowed, and any beverages must be factory-sealed.

Does Costco sell Del Mar fair tickets?

We bought the family/group pack from Costco. If you have four people it is a good deal for tickets, parking, and some ride credits. You also can pick up a coupon book for stands around the fair. If you are just buying individual tickets you can buy online and download to your Apple wallet.

Can you bring water into the Del Mar race?

Personal food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome to the racetrack, except in trackside restaurant table seating, suites, and skyrooms.

Can you smoke cigars at Del Mar Race Track?

In the interest of accommodating the safety and comfort of all patrons, smokers will be asked to refrain from smoking (including electronic cigarettes) in all indoor areas, outdoor seating, and aprons, concert area during concerts, and eating areas including all restaurants.

Are there metal detectors at the Del Mar Fair?

DEL MAR — Think of the San Diego County Fair as a small citywith a heck of a lot of visitors, and everybody has to pass througha metal detector to get in.