The Del Mar Fairgrounds are calling. Our 2026 dossier covers the San Diego County Fair dates, concert lineups and the best ways to travel there from La Jolla.
The San Diego County Fair is in town! Now through Sunday, July 5, you can experience this San Diego rite of passage and gorge on rides and games, try the new and quirky fair foods and discover animal cuteness, all within sight of the glittering ocean.
Once called the Del Mar Fair (and still referred to that way by diehard locals), the San Diego County Fair is on every summer bucket list, and we’ve got the perfect plan to blend a trip to the fair with your other bucket list visit: La Jolla.
Why La Jolla is the perfect, upscale basecamp for the fair
Once you’ve called it a day at the San Diego County Fair, heading back to one of La Jolla’s luxury hotels will feel like a secret summer hack.
Maybe you’ve chosen a room at The Lodge at Torrey Pines for the views over the golf course, Estancia La Jolla Hotel for its garden escape or Orli La Jolla for its well-appointed concierge service. Maybe you’re at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club or La Valencia Hotel for premium beach access or glamorous history.
Wherever you are, you’ve granted yourself the keys to a coastal kingdom, a perfect paradise to relax after the fair’s energy and enjoy a life of leisure.
How to get to the San Diego County Fair from La Jolla
Getting to the San Diego County Fair from La Jolla can be an adventure in itself. Take northbound Interstate 5, exit Via de la Valle, and follow the signs. Bring your patience; you’ll have plenty of company along for the ride.
If you’re driving to the Fairgrounds, save $5 by buying parking online 24 hours in advance.
A local insider secret to save time, especially on busy fair weekends: Take a rideshare from La Jolla to the Solana Beach Coaster Station and utilize the free Fair Shuttle.
2026 San Diego County Fair essentials
Themed “Once Upon a Fair,” this year’s fair aims to be the greatest story over told, inspiring joyful memories over the course of almost four weeks.
The San Diego County Fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, ending Sunday, July 5.
Image via San Diego County Fair/Facebook
Tickets are available onsite, day of admission, though your best bet is to purchase tickets ahead of time, either online with a discount or for a further reduction at Vons, Albertsons or Pavilions grocery stores.
Kids 12 and under are free every Friday; kids 5 and under are always free.
Included in general admission: Themed exhibits, live music in the Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series and other stages, livestock barns, garden shows and other agriculture areas, monster truck, dog and equestrian show, strolling entertainers, cultural celebrations and marketplace shopping.
The rides are extra – you’ll need to purchase a reloadable Blast Pass for those. Unlimited ride passes are available Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Navigating the Del Mar Fairgrounds
Once on the Fairgrounds, orient yourself with the provided maps and check out the agriculture shopping, food and ride clusters, though many food vendors and a few premium rides are scattered throughout.
The Grandstand Concert Series highlights
The Corona Grandstand Stage features the Toyota Summer Concerts Series, a lineup with something for everyone.
The Grandstand Concerts are a separate ticket that includes same-day fair admission. Ensure the best seats by purchasing tickets early. Upcoming highlights include:
- Demi Lovato, 7:30 pm Wednesday, June 24
- Nelly, 7:30 pm Thursday, June 25
- America 250 Fireworks Spectacular, 7:30 pm Saturday, July 4
Deep-fried everything: The food scene
Krispy Kreme donut-encased honey chicken sandwiches, tres leches cinnamon rolls, fried artichokes and a kimchi quesadilla: The San Diego County Fair’s food frenzy is well-deserved hype. A pickle juice and Dr Pepper concoction? We’ll try it. Cheetos wontons? Crispy. From inventive treats to expected indulgences, the fair’s food map is a journey through culinary extravagance.
The escape plan: Returning to coastal quiet
Once you’ve had your fill of the bright lights and nonstop carnival sounds, it’s time to head back to La Jolla for ocean-based serenity. Park the car using our La Jolla parking playbook and head for a dinner spot with a view that relaxes you while you dine.
A La Jolla sunset is the perfect endcap to a day at the Fairgrounds. Post up at Windansea, drive up to Mount Soledad Memorial Park or choose another of our favorite La Jolla sunset spots to reset your soul.
Not yet ready for silence? We’ve got you covered with our definitive list of the best La Jolla cocktail bars and live music joints to keep the entertainment going until you call it a night.
Make it a La Jolla weekend
Staying overnight in La Jolla means you’ll have time the next day to explore the best of this coastal hamlet.
Start your day at Blue Whale or another of La Jolla’s 10 best coffee shops before heading to hike the Guy Fleming Trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Settle in for breakfast using our La Jolla breakfast edit and then spread out at Cuvier Park or one of La Jolla’s best beaches to soak up the sunny vibes.
For the family, head to Birch Aquarium to explore the immersive exhibits, and be sure to look through our La Jolla with Kids playbook.
San Diego County Fair FAQ:
When does the Del Mar Fair open in 2026?
- The San Diego County Fair opened June 10 and is open through Sunday, July 5 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
How much are tickets to the San Diego County Fair?
- $20, with discount for online purchases, seniors 62 and up and children under 13.
What is the best way to get to the Del Mar Fairgrounds?
- Take Interstate 5, exit Via de la Valle and follow the signs.
Who is playing at the San Diego County Fair concerts?
Are there discounts for kids at the fair?
- Kids under 5 are always free; kids 5-12 are discounted.
