The onset of summer in San Diego is marked by a few things. The dissipation of June Gloom (#IYKYK). Warmer temperatures. Traffic around the SeaWorld, beach, and ballpark areas. And the onset of the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Formerly the “Del Mar Fair”, the San Diego County Fair has a rich history dating all the way back to 1880, when it debuted as an agricultural exhibition in National City. Moving to its current home in 1936, it’s mind-blowing that the event is only years away from celebrating 100 years in Del Mar.
Of course, every year since its inception has needed a theme.
Up until 1998, the fair’s value prop centered around city agriculture; it wasn’t until the Millennium that event coordinators started looking to pop culture for inspiration. There’s been themes of superheroes, pets, Oz and Wonderland, and the Wild West. There’s been themes encouraging fashion, car culture, going “retro”, and getting “out there” after the Pandemic. For 2026, the theme was “Once Upon a Fair”, celebrating the books that made us.
Childhood books never leave our consciousness. Whether it’s Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree or Roald Dahl’s Mathilda, the collective stories of our youth follow us around forever. They’ve shaped us into who we are today. And the San Diego County Fair captured this for attendees for 2026, with book references placed practically everywhere.
Once I walk in, I always book it to the theme room (pun intended).
It’s off to the right once you get through the front gates and a must-do; just ignore the smells of sweet kettle corn and savory corndogs wafting from the main drag for a minute. Once inside, fair attendees get to enjoy the theme to the fullest, with large-scale installations this year made entirely out of books. There was even an interactive Dr. Seuss zone for children!
Emerging on the other side, you had the kiddie ride section off to your right or the main drag with all the festival food staples to your left. Being without a family, I chose left. Immersed in the crowded street and surrounded by good food, I couldn’t help but dance to all the fun beats reverberating from food trucks and portable speakers. I also had to stop and pet a really cool llama.
By dusk, I turned my attention to the rides. Of course, the ferris wheel was nonnegotiable at this hour! From the top of the ferris wheel, you can see the expansive Pacific Ocean — made even more spectacular at sunset.
After a ride or two, it was time to find those ever-elusive speakeasies; turns out, there are three! First, there’s The Loose Caboose, a 1930s train-themed station overlooking the dirt arena. Or I could make my way over to Shipwreck’d, a rum-fueled cove for thirsty pirates. I chose to go straight to the top — the rooftop island oasis of Destination Unknown.
Also a rum bar, Destination Unknown is home to many an exotic plastic flamingo, laidback bartenders, and lounge seating. I chose a spicy mango margarita with a tajin rim although I was staring at the ferris wheel of sippable baby Patron bottles. Before leaving the building, I had to take a moment and check out the fine art!
Outside, I discerned the sounds of heavy metal and had to investigate.
It was KISS cover band night! In full costume and regalia, this tribute band had people rocking and rolling all night. Nothing like getting KISSed at the fair!
Before I left, I had to spring for dessert, since you only get fair food once a year! Would it be donuts? A giant churro? Ice cream? An acai bowl? I landed on a funnel cake and have zero regrets.
The San Diego County Fair is almost impossible to do in one evening, so I recommend getting there early. We missed the daily pig races and, of course, there’s always entertainment via the Del Mar Fair Concert Series with acts this year ranging from Nelly to AJR and Demi Lovato (although you need to purchase an additional ticket to get in). Happy summer, San Diego, and cheers to seeing what next year brings!
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