It is a good family event to go to with the kids and enjoy the shows. But not much enjoyable for little ones. read more

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Note that this is a review from my wife's and my personal perspectives. 1) We went there and back via Coaster and shuttle, using Fair Tripper tickets. Highly recommended, and far easier and less stressful than driving there and parking! There was almost no queue at the Solana Gate security checkpoint. 2) To us, as health-conscious mostly vegetarians, by far the best food at the Fair is Roxy's Falafel Burger. I had one at the San Diego Electronics show in April, and my wife and I had them again at the Fair on 18 June, 2025, and we were not disappointed, even given our high expectations. 3) My wife is a rose grower and professional artist, and those two exhibits were great, as usual. read more

Thearoe at bouy pitch was so so amazing!! He was very kind and very funny!! Would def come back!

This was our first time to the fair and did not know how the entrance worked. So you need to go online to San Diego fair pay choose the day and time entering and pay for the tickets online. You'll have to do the same for parking. If not, you'll be able to pay for the parking with a credit card when you drive in. No lines for food, clean abundance of bathrooms throughout. I love the bacon wrapped everything, the nick-nack vendors and the shows. What a great way to come together without a mask outdoor after being isolated for long. Thank you! read more

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I purchased tickets for a concert at the fairgrounds. I could not access tickets through my email. I called the box office. My issue was not able to be resolved. The lady took down my information and said I would get a call back. I received a call within the hour by a supervisor. My issue was resolved. The customer service was excellent. I am very pleased. read more

Though the fair isn't official open for 2020 due to COVID-19, a few food vendors are present and serving up the same delicious food! The drive up dining concept is organized and safe. The place is clean and easy to get in and out of. Come on out and enjoy the for food! They are open until July 5th. No free concerts, carnival games or boardwalk games but that's fine. They'll be back next year I'm sure. Support the businesses by visiting at least once before they leave! You can thank me later. read more

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I've been here many times before but it was only for the Fair that usually happens from June to July 4. Today I attended the Foodieland event. It was fun. Filled with lots of food/drink vendors, merchandise etc. They have a small play area, nothing special. I just come for the food. Bathrooms are everywhere, they have plenty of benches and picnic style table. I will return next year for this event. A bit overpriced but its expected They are sold out of tickets. They do not sale the tickets on site! They do have brew if anyone is wondering. read more

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This year the Del Mar Fairgrounds are hosting a covid-friendly, "drive thru fair" which is a drive thru combining the most popular fair food vendors in one lot. The concept is VERY fun and a great way to comply with government social distancing guidelines while maintaining the spirit of the annual fair! Upon entry youre handed a menu and you get into a line that travels through all the vendors. The downside is that if you want to order from a vendor thats towards the end you could be sitting in traffic for a little while as the whole event is a bit congested. The prices are still insanely high for the food you get but if thats not an issue for you then you'll definitely like this place. I got the teriyaki chicken from Chicken Charlies, around $18 for a hallowed out pineapple with grilled teriyaki chicken, pineapple chunks, and a scoop of white rice. The idea of eating out of a pineapple is obviously enticing but I would definitely never purchase again. The meat was cold and didnt really taste like teriyaki at all. It just was not worth the price point for me. We also picked up a cinnamon funnel cake. It was super good but also pretty cold. Costs $9. Lastly, we got giant pickles from Sugar Bear for $3 each. They were pretty soggy and we ended up tossing them after a few bites. Overall, it was a fun experience. If the prices were more reasonable and the food was of better quality, I would definitely come back but that was just not the case when I went. I would still recommend going just because its fun and theres probably nothing else to do. read more

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Parking was an absolute shit show. Absolutely no warning that there's only ONE WAY to get into parking (from via de La valle exit). If you're coming north on Jimmy Durante blvd, you're screwed! There is NO SIGNAGE whatsoever on where regular vs. preferred parking is. We paid $30 for preferred only to be waiting in a 45 minute parking line that wasn't preferred!!! Oh, and that rule blasted all over their website about how YOU MUST PURCHASE admission and parking ONLINE ONLY!!! Not true. So, the promise of quickly get into parking lots was a scam! Being stressed out and pissed the F off before our family fun day was real great. Thanks Del Mar organizers. Thanks for nothing! $30 for preferred parking... pfft! What a joke. read more

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This review is for The Food and Water Bowl aka the cat show. This is one show that is attended by my family each year in January. This year our goal was to get a cat tree for my son's two beautiful cats. The show runs Saturday and Sunday so we decided to go on Sunday afternoon as vendors usually mark down the trees in the late afternoon. We noticed this year that the show was really busy. Many more people attending. We did our normal walk around the outside rows of booths to see the toys and adoptable cats. Then the inner rows to check out the exotic animals like Bengals, Cornish Rex, Tonkanese etc. Its also fun to watch the breed judging. We finally settled on the cat tree and purchased. We then picked up cat toys and misc items. A great time was had by all! Tip: go online and print the $2.00 coupon before you go. They also have a military discount at the door. read more

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Came to the fair to see Kevin Hart, then Boyz II Men. We had a blast! Boyz II Men put on quite a performance and brought us back to our Highschool selves. Kevin had us lock our phones but he was just as good! We walked around the shops. Ate at Roxy's had the artichoke and mushrooms skewers. Fun time at the fairgrounds. read more

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We have not been to the fair probably 4 years overall very nice Adventure, we went for the free parking Torrey Pines High School took the bus over which overall save money. Well we decided it was time to have lunch I am not going to spend $11 dollars for a slice of pizza or $38 for a full Pizza or let's go over for a sub sandwich $16 if you would like to get a combo you're looking at $24. So with that being said we are enjoying the fair but the reason there are no lines for the food and most the rides it's because it's too damn expensive this is what happens when you pay $18 an hour for someone to flip burgers thanks Gavin read more

First, it feels good to have the SD County Fair back in town. We went last year and it was a very scaled down version but it was still fun but this year it is nice to have everything sort of back to normal. We went to the fair Saturday night in the evening and it was actually fairly quiet around the fairgrounds as a whole. 311 was playing so there were a lot of people in the Grandstands and it seemed to be more crowded where the rides are. Other than that it was pretty peaceful and quiet wandering around the rest of the grounds. When we arrived we got a drink and just sort of relaxed and people watched for a bit. Next up, food!!!!! My husband got his Australian Battered Potatoes, we shared a cup of corn (which was fresh and crispy especially when you squeeze the fresh lime over the top), next up was the 10 pound bun stand and the mixed (caramel and cheddar) kettle corn. There were a few new places this year (Mom's cookies) and a few noticeably missing places (the Gingerbread house). Food places were plentiful while the sales and exhibits seemed a bit lighter than usual. It may take a little bit for people to start getting back but overall Saturday evening was a great night. Low crowds, crisp cool air and lots of wandering around. And I cannot go without mentioning the cinnamon roll place (had to bring one home with crushed pecans). The fair also has some healthier options so not everything is fried and packed with sugar. IT's all about balance. There is a lot to try and still a lot to see and it is so much fun. We'll be back with the whole family for sure and will try some of the other tasty treats. read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

I wish I could leave a minus one star. Tried to attend the "Tiny Fest" on to of the ridiculous $20 entry fee, I get robbed to park here. Once I learned the entry fee I decided to leave. 6mibutes later, could I get a refund on my parking fee nope of course not! Since the fairgrounds was able to review my last review, let's see how long this one lasts. read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - I don't know why I keep trying to attend overpriced events here. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

I have not been to this fair in 2 years and we arrived today in the parking lot and asked if we could park in a handicap spot. My sister has the symbol on her license plate but the parking attendant told her she was saving the spots for those with a wheelchair. My sister explained to her about her breathing issues only to hear the attendant say "so you want to take away parking from someone in a wheelchair?" My sister politely told her again about her breathing issues and the woman let her in. The attendant assumed a lot considering my sister is a 20-year Navy Vet with a few health challenges. We came here for a good day but instead, was harassed by a "Karen type" in the parking lot !! Her atrocious behavior was totally unacceptable and offensive. read more

Oh no. This was not a good opening weekend... So, let me start with I understand that COVID is still affecting Del Mar Fair. I understand that things shouldn't be expected to be the same as 2 years ago. What disappointed me was the fact that they didn't mention that there wouldn't be rides or fair games or a petting zoo on the website. The website was kind of...misleading. If we knew the ferris wheel wasn't operational or that there wouldn't be ANY rides besides the carousel, I don't think we would have gone. There was literally NOTHING to do besides buy food and look at vendors. It really sucked. The parking was so far for A LOT of people. We got lucky and got somewhat close, but some people were forced to park a 15min walk away and that was for PAID parking. Just awful. They supposedly had a guy driving around to pick up people that were disabled, but I didn't see him. The only thing I was able.to do was buy a $10 pony ride for my brother. They knew the fair was so bad that they offered return tickets at the exit as well as ferris wheel return tickets because it was out of order and that was literally the only "big kid" ride there. read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - Little brother told me he doesn't want to come back lol - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

The Turf Club luxury boxes have a nice view of the track if you like to bet on horses and the like. read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

BEWARE SENIOR CITIZENS! There are probably hundreds of food stands but not enough tables or benches so expect to eat standing up under the sun and forget about their high prices, just blame Biden. read more

San Diego Fair 2022, back in town and better than ever. Lots of traffic and overflow parking. Prices have gone up for most vendors at the fair regarding food, drinks and rides etc... Some really great vendors in the exhibit halls with amazing fair only products and prices. This years theme super hero and had a massively super hero gallery with some interactive stations. The only ride missing this year was the bungee jump. Lots of fried food and goodies, such as deep fried Oreos, kool aid in a large baby bottle, refreshing margaritas, cotton Candy ice cream cakes and more. Good selection of celebrity musical talent and movie performers. I have the feeling people came to eat more than ride. Great to walk around and enjoy all the festivities while attempting to burn off my meal!. read more

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San Diego County Fair is a fun time for the family. This year theme is Hero's Reunite and my 4 year son loved it. If you're into Super Hero's it's worth checking out the cool exhibit. read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - San Diego County Fair Theme Heroes Reunite - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

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Del Mar Fair 2021!!! I haven't been back to the fair since 2016! It was definitely different compared to "pre-pandemic" times. This year it was a small scale fair. With just $10 admission, it was less capacity yet still had the summer fair flare. Due to lack of funding of the fair this year... * Rides and activities are limited. * No games were set up. * Indoor shopping * Car dealerships were there to promote their new cars * The classic food stands and vendors were still able to come out and provide great food. * Live entertainment, music and shows * Live animals Overall I had a great time being back considering the circumstances. read more

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MY LAST VISIT EVER! i'm 65 years old and I've been visiting the fair since I was about six. Oh I've seen a lot of changes over the years but enough has become enough. On my last visit a couple of days ago I found that security getting into the fair was unprofessional and extremely biased. When we enter the gate I was wave through because I had no bags or anything but my wife was held up at the gate because her purse was about 6" x 8", and may be 1 inch thick and they ask her to empty out the contents. I'm sure this is a violation of your civil rights, but it seems every venue has the right to search through these days even though it's unconstitutional. Not only was his bag small enough that you could pretty much see everything in it and the fact that the guard took his little stick and move things around to look inside , he wanted to see the bottom of it because it was too dark. Mind you at the same time I'm looking around and actually videotaping other people into the fair with large backpacks bags, and other items that weren't slightly checked or unchecked at all. I am so sick and tired of these venues violating us the way they do and we just have no choice but to except it. Well I'm done excepting it. the Del Mar fair will never get my attendance again and I will never have a positive word to say about them. I did voice my objection with guest services but I'm pretty sure nothing will ever come from it. We live in a society today, where no one really matters. It's all about the group who's willing to go with the flow and be violated in any way they choose to violate us. That's fine and good but I won't be doing it any longer. I used to live in America and that's no longer possible so maybe it's time for me to just stay home or spend my entertainment dollars in a direction where people actually care about me. I'm strongly, considering sharing my video tape with legal professionals, but on the other hand, it's probably not even worth it. We live in a whole new world where nothing matters but money. read more

"Your money is no good here". I always loved the Del Mar Fair, gone there for 30 years or so. This year, we were hoping to go for the first time post-Covid. Turns out they no longer let you pay with cash - probably because the prices are now so high that they don't want you to be able to keep track of just how much you are spending. Without cash, it excludes a lot of people who for whatever reason can't or don't want to use plastic. Hopefully, they'll bring back real money next year. read more

Highly recommending the Delmar fair!! Best place to have fun in the summer and for the Fourth of July read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - Highly recommending the Delmar fair!! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

Overcharged at the cocktail concession at The Sound. Watch and get the receipt! Doesn't matter if there's 11 people behind you waiting for a drink , pay attention and don't let it happen . The call drink was $11, double is 20 but I got charged for premium which was $25 per drink . It's hard to hear when the band is playing but pay attention cuz there's nothing you can do about it and more than one person has said it's happened to them . read more

The biggest problem with the fairgrounds is the parking. They charge an arm and a leg and it takes forever to get in. That's what takes away from any experience you want to have there. The exhibit of fair you want to go to could be fab but if you have a sour taste in your mouth before anything, that pretty much sucks. read more

Always tons to see and do here. We went to the San Diego Fair and there were some wonderful shopping extravaganzas! A great time was had by all! read more

Del Mar Fair 2021...hallelujah the fair is back! I've only missed the fair 2 times in my lifetime and the second was last year (stupid COVID-19). I friggin love the Del Mar Fair and having it open even if it's a downsized version was like "going home again". San Diego summers mean June gloom, too many tourists, heatwaves, and the overcrowded, full of fattening delicious foods, overpriced trinkets you don't need fair. So post-COVID the fair is different. You need to purchase tickets and parking passes in advance because hey are limiting the number of people on the grounds per day. They reduced the size of the fair by fencing off the grounds at O'Brien Hall. There are several food vendors who were not in attendance on Wednesday 15 June 2021 when we went but there were still the main ones: pizza, giant turkey legs, cinnamon rolls, funnel cake, Dole whips, and more. They added seating in place of booths and stands which was great. It's been years since I felt like I could just sit and relax and veg out at the fair. The only downside to a scaled down fair is bored and overly aggressive sales people in the exhibit halls trying to force products on you as you walk by. They're normally a bit forward but now with fewer attendees there were so many that were just plain obnoxious and I wanted to hit in the face. I didn't but I definitely wanted to. It felt wonderful to have life returned to some sort of normalcy for the first time in over a year. Thank you, Del Mar!!! read more

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Nothing new. Same ol' same ol'. Except the game prices, ticket price, entrance fee and food cost increases each year. Luckily we purchase the unlimited entrance for only 18$. It's more fun with kids, they make it more enjoyable for us. The food needs to be more creative like what I see on the food networks carnival eats in other states. read more

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Love love love coming here to the fairgrounds!! I love the grounds being so inviting at every cover, there is a touch of California or San Diego history everywhere. I love sitting at the fountains and just listening to the water. Usually, they have music there too. So we sit in the green grass with a cup o Joe, or a little lunch. There are birds, ducks, and baby ducks the time of year that I get to visit. So cute. The people are always helpful, and they are easy to spot if you need help. I appreciate that. I'd like to see a horserace someday, my father in law has come dozens of times for the races, he loves it too. (There, two reviews, one post) read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - Loving this sweet candy theme!!! everything is so colorful and inviting!! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

This year's theme, "Candy and Sweets." (credit to Angel M.) Everyone can find something to do and enjoy. Below are some of the options. - Rides (kiddy and teens) - Music - Comedy - Shops - Food (mostly greasy) - Beer garden - Art (see pic) Note: * Costco deal ($77): - 4 admission tickets - 1 parking pass - 50 ride tickets - 1 Passport to Savings - 4 2-for-1 soft drink coupons - Many ticket booths to buy ride tickets, don't waste time waiting in long lines - Must: hat and sunblock Enjoy! read more

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Wish there was more shade, wish parking was free, usually the events here aren't as exciting as their advertisement makes it seem, but it's not bad! I have been to the Del Mar Fair in summer a few times, I've been to TinyFest, and now the Van Gough Experience. The Del Mar Fair costs too much...you pay for parking, tickets to ride any rides or play games, and obviously paying for food and drinks. The only thing that's free here is going to the bathroom! Yikes. TinyFest was cool in a practical way of showing others how to live small and downsize. The Van Gogh experience was fun for art and history lovers! Overall I enjoy my experiences here but there is a lot of money spent and the spaces are very spread out so a lot walking involved which is sometimes difficult for me (a person with disabilities). read more

Too expensive, far from venue, dusty/dirty Went to fair in July. Every thing is a rip off. They were selling friend frog legs and fries (fries in same oil) Disgusted.. The fair is overrated The rides are a rip off, last 3 minutes, old and rusty That's just my opinion Knotty berry farm is 1 hr drive and a lot cheaper read more

Del Mar fairgrounds, is super bowl of SD. I have attended only the best shows here. Let it be Wine tasting, Beer Festivals, Race, concerts and food festicals, everything is the best here. How can I miss the SD county fair. This is our 5th consecutive year to this fair and we love it more each and every year. This the one of the best SD events which caters all age groups. SD County Fair only Do's: Food, Games, Rides. Kids will have a blast BARNYARD animals Alternate Parking lots, its free with Bus ride to fair Dont's: Dont park at the Fair, look for alternate Parking lots DONT buy concert seats here!!! This is the worst scam in town Dont follow Signs: No signs. No directions. No consistency. Food to eat: French toast bacon bomb. Deep fried nachos. Kool-Aid hot wings. Fried pizza. Deep fried lemonade - Not up to the Hype, this taste like deep friend lemon cake. Hatter's Mad Mash Up Burger. Pink's Madhatter Dog. Australian Battered Potato dripping in Ranch dressing. Holy moly. Funnel Cake fish taco, Grilled kabobs, Grolled Corn, Cubano Burgers Chocolate covered frozen bananas. Zucchini curls, Fried Oreos, Fried Cool Aid, Potato Swirl with TNT spice, Mushroom fried...ok now I am hungry. read more

Catching up on a review. Back in early April, the family watched the Cirque du Soleil's VOLTA at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. As background info, Volta is a circus show focused on thrilling sports. The show's narrative is about a game show participant named Waz, who met with various characters along his journey and encouraged him to remember his true self. The performances include the following: - Rope Skipping - Precision walk, roller skates, and hand to hand on a unicycle - Acro Lamp - Trampowall - Flatland BMX & Ballet Duo - Swiss Rings/Bungee - Acrobatic Ladders - Shape Diving - Hair Suspension - Aerial Straps - Contemporary Dance - BMX The crowd including ourselves were entertained quite well throughout the show. With that said, I was most impressed with the Hair Suspension and BMX performances. As expected, the food and beverages were super expensive. It's best to grab a meal before going to the show. The ticket pricing was affordable, even when the seats were positioned upfront, which only cost around forty dollars a person. A highly recommended circus show. Perfect for families and kids. We'll certainly watch Volta again when the opportunity arises. read more

I love the Del Mar Fair...ok, the San Diego County Fair...but it will always be the Del Mar Fair to me. I come here every year because my students enter in the Student Showcase. What does that mean? FREE TICKETS! So we saved money there. Parking has gone up, so $13 this year. Enough for that free tram ride to the entrance....WOO-HOOOO! One word: FOOD! There's always something new to try at Del Mar! I always have a corndog, it's just my tradition. And yes, the food is pricey. If you don't want to spend that kind of money, eat before you come. The fair is not a 5 star, Michelin, or Zagats place of culinary foo-foo fare. It's food that is full of grease and/or sugar, salt, maybe lard, and lots of butter! This is what makes the fair fun to come to. So I wish some reviewers would STFU about "not meeting their expectations"...I'm sure Anthony Bourdain will try and like some of the stuff here. The fair is FUN! The fair is gonna cost you some $$$. Your kids are going to want everything! It is way cheaper than Disneyland, and somewhat educational. It is safe fun for all, but if you're not someone who can enjoy this, please stay at home. FYI complainers...if you go to the website, it tells you the hours, parking prices, admission, and pretty much anything else you need to know. They also have a phone number you can call and ask questions. So if you are one of those people who go, and then come on Yelp to complain, you're a bigger @$$ than the donkeys in the petting zoo. read more

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Fun times! Dionne Warwick Concert was excellent! Food was pricey, as usual. They did a better job keeping the prices discounted with the Passport Coupon Book this year. The Fair was a lot cleaner than in the previous years and that made a difference to me. Sorry to hear about the 2yr old dying from E.Coli in the animals area. The Fair rides were pretty good this year and looked safer than those last year. Overall, glad that we came and wnioyed it. read more

Fun time, lots to do. But very many people and very expensive food. Rides are exciting and wrist bands are so worth it!!

Honestly dont know what the hypes about. Tickets are expensive when you want to buy for games/rides. Games are fun very winnable except for some. Food was mediocre to taste but presentation is A+. The worst part I would say is how playing games just costs so much. I remember when it used to be way cheaper and you could actually have fun because the games were cheaper. read more

*** THE FAIR DOES NOT HONOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS AND MILITARY ANYMORE *** I have been attending the fair ever since I was a kid and the way the fair is being managed now seem to have changed. There were senior citizen days where they come in for free and the military had the option to buy tickets at the local MWR with a great deal. They had the option to buy a ticket that allows them to get into the fair everyday with an unbeatable price but not anymore. I went to my local MWR on base and they said the fair never renewed the contract with them. What makes it worse is each year on July 4, the fair always honors our military and veterans through a hometown heroes parade. The parade allows our troops to march into the stands while everyone welcomes and thanks them for their service. Once they march into the stands, they have a reserved seating to watch the fireworks. I asked the information booth about hometown heroes and they said management has cancelled all that. Everyone has to buy a reserved seating ticket to have a seat. All this leads to MANAGEMENT. The fair does not honor our troops anymore except through a five second pre-recorded thank you before the fireworks starts. There would also be patriotic songs played by a live military band each year and now it is just an empty stage with songs pre-selected that has no such patriotism involved (picture of empty stage shown). The fireworks show back then also had the letters "USA" blown up in the sky individually and everyone would be chanting "USA!". There is none of that now either. If I wanted to just watch fireworks with no patriotism involved, I could just go to SeaWorld on any day of the year they are open except the fourth of July (because they do actually honor the military). If anything remained the same, it's the lack of buses coming in and out and the traffic leaving the fair on a busy day. read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - No patriotic band playing patriotic songs on July 4 2023 - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California