By Gina Yarbrough
Del Mar, CA–For nearly 90 years, the Del Mar Fairgrounds has welcomed San Diegans in moments of celebration and need. This fall, however, the Fairgrounds will take its message on the road, hosting community meetings across the county to shape its future.
The 22nd District Agricultural Association (DAA), which owns and operates the Fairgrounds and produces the San Diego County Fair, announced a series of six “Fairgrounds 2050 Open House” sessions to gather public input on a new master site plan.
The plan, still in development, will guide future uses of the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack, the Del Mar Horsepark, and the Surf & Turf Recreation Center. Together, these coastal properties serve as major event centers, community hubs, and emergency resources. In 2024 alone, more than 2 million visitors attended events ranging from horse racing and concerts to the annual San Diego County Fair.
The Open Houses are designed to bring the planning process directly to residents across San Diego County. All sessions begin at 6 p.m. and are free to attend. Registration is available at delmarfairgrounds.com/OpenHouse.
Scheduled meetings include:
- Wednesday, Oct. 1 — Oak Hall West, Mickey Cafagna Community Center (Poway)
- Monday, Oct. 6 — Arbor View Room, MacArthur Park (La Mesa)
- Monday, Oct. 20 — Balboa Park Club (San Diego)
- Wednesday, Oct. 29 — San Elijo Rec Center, Terrace Hall (San Marcos)
- Thursday, Nov. 13 — Elks Lodge (Chula Vista)
- Tuesday, Nov. 18 — The Sound, Del Mar Fairgrounds (Del Mar/Solana Beach)
The series stems from 16 guiding principles adopted by the DAA Board to shape the planning process, with the first principle calling for “a broad countywide community outreach and input process.”
“Our Board has been clear that we want this process to be community-led, not developer-led,” said Carlene Moore, CEO of the 22nd DAA. “This Open House series is a wonderful opportunity for us to hear directly from San Diegans about their hopes and dreams, their advice, and their priorities for our next master site plan.”
The plan will include space for the annual County Fair, but is otherwise open to community input. For more information, including the full list of guiding principles, visit delmarfairgrounds.com/2050.
