A truly incomparable entertainment value, with so much to see, do and EAT, is the annual San Diego County Fair, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Its origin can be traced all the way back to 1880, when it was first established as an agricultural fair, to bring farmers together to share ideas, see who had the best citrus fruit, who baked the best pie and who had the fastest horse! Modern-day fairgoers eagerly await its annual arrival, and we enthusiastically return multiple days, year after year.
Fair themes began in 1980. This year’s immersive, storybook-inspired theme is “Once Upon a Fair.” It celebrates imaginative, inspiring and magical storytelling and books.
Competitive and other exhibits include agricultural displays, including livestock, floral, fruits and vegetables, gardens — including my favorite, the scale model trains diorama; original fine art, photography, crafts, woodworking, quilts, baked goods; gems, minerals and jewelry; craft brews, wine, collections, student showcases and much more.
Alice in Wonderland display helps illustrate the fair theme.
(Jan Wagner)
Another of my favorite things to see — and photograph — are several days of motorsports, including monster trucks (with the “Glow Show”), Junior Mini Sprints, Junior Outlaw, Lawn Mower Racing and — yes it is back — the free with fair admission Fire & Safety Expo, featuring the ever-popular Firefighter Demolition Derby on June 28. Be there!
As always, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to shop.
Fair food is a reason all by itself to visit the fair. Bring an appetite. You’ll need it! At the media preview for this year’s fair, I liked Chicken Charlie’s chicken Shawarma wrap so much that I had two.
The fair offers daily musical entertainment, much of it offered at no extra charge. The purchase of tickets for the 2026 Toyota Summer Concert Series tickets includes same-day fair admission. The wide variety of paid concerts include Chicago (June 10), Los Tucanes De Tijuana (June 14), Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (June 18) and Demi Lovato (June 24).
Daily concerts at no extra charge, presented by Chevrolet on the Chevrolet Paddock Stage, includes one at 8 p.m. on June 27 that I am extremely looking forward to. “Top of the World” is a tribute to the music of The Carpenters (1965 to 1983) — one of my all-time favorite groups, which sadly came to an end forever with Karen Carpenter’s tragic death on Feb. 4, 1983.
Chicken Charlie himself with a chicken Shawarma wrap.
(Jan Wagner)
I have the Top Of The World Carpenter Tribute Band’s signature CD. These talented professional musicians, with lead vocalist Debbie Taylor, absolutely nail The Carpenters’ sound. Together, they will take you back in time, to “Yesterday Once More” (1973). You will find me there taking photos and enjoying this entire concert.
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States with the Marine Band San Diego, followed with a fireworks spectacular on the Fourth of July.
Top Of The World Carpenters Tribute Band (Courtesy of Top of the World Carpenters Tribute Band)
Discounted tickets for the 2026 San Diego County Fair are available in advance at Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, other retailers and online at the fair’s website. Discounts are available for members of the military, first responders, teachers, government employees and other groups. In addition, there are Kids Days, Value Meal deals, Foodie Fridays; Pepsi Pay-One-Price Ride Days — unlimited rides for one single-day price on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (buy online before June 10 to save the most); BlastPass Early Bird Savings on rides and games, (save by purchasing online by June 9), Game On Fridays, as well as discounted bundles that include fair admission and Paddock Concert Series admission, Legoland 2-for-1 tickets on Fridays (while supplies last), the valuable Passport to Savings coupon book and more.
There are lots of discounts.
(Jan Wagner)
On Opening Day (June 10), admission is only $5 before 5 p.m. Parking is available for a fee nearby, or for free offsite, with complimentary transportation from there to the fair by shuttle buses. Also, the North County Transit District (NCTD) has partnered with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) to offer “Fair Tripper” combined ticket and round-trip transportation aboard the COASTER train, with free shuttle buses between the Solana Beach COASTER train station and the fairgrounds. For further information about the San Diego County Fair, visit: https://www.sdfair.com.
This year’s Fair runs from June 10 through July 5 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
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Copyright © 2026 by Jan Wagner – AutoMatters & More #931