By Gina Yarbrough
Del Mar, CA–The San Diego County Fair kicks off its second week on Wednesday with five more days of entertainment, special events, community exhibits, and money-saving promotions for fairgoers.
Among the most popular offerings this week are the Pepsi Pay-One-Price Wristband Days on Wednesday and Thursday, allowing unlimited carnival rides for wristband holders from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wristbands will be available for purchase until 6 p.m. each day.
Friday brings a variety of family-friendly discounts and activities, including Kids Day, which offers free admission for children ages 12 and younger. Fair guests can also take advantage of Game On Friday, featuring four-credit carnival gameplay from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Food lovers can enjoy the second Foodie Friday promotion, offering 50 percent off all 18 finalists in the Fair-Tastic Foods Competition between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Featured among the discounted offerings is the competition’s Best of Show winner, the “Churro Dog” from West Coast Weenies. A complete list of fair discounts and promotions is available at the fair’s website.
Special events scheduled throughout the week include the Mudslingers 2026 Summer Showdown on Wednesday and Thursday, the Juneteenth Festival and SoCal Pro Wrestling on June 19, and the annual Out at the Fair Pride celebration on June 20. Reggae artist J-Boog will also perform at The Sound on Saturday.
On Sunday, fairgoers can attend the Craft Brew Celebration in the Paddock. For $60, which includes fair admission, guests receive a 10-tab wristband for 5-ounce tastings of award-winning beers from this year’s Craft Brew Competition.
Beyond the headline attractions, visitors can explore a variety of unique experiences throughout the fairgrounds. Hidden gems include themed speakeasies, the “Once Upon A Fair” exhibit featuring a Scholastic Book Fair, and Midnight Manor, an immersive haunted attraction set inside a cursed 1883 estate filled with mysterious spirits, dark secrets, and interactive scares.
As the sun sets, the fair comes alive with carnival lights and live entertainment.
Toyota Summer Concert Series
The Corona Grandstand Stage will feature:
Saturday, June 20 – Good Charlotte
Sunday, June 21 – Banda Machos
Concert tickets include same-day admission to the fair.
Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series
The series lineup includes:
Saturday, June 20 – Red Not Chili Peppers
Sunday, June 21 – B-Side Players
Paddock performances are included with fair admission and do not require an additional ticket.
The San Diego County Fair continues through July 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. A complete daily schedule and additional information are available at the fair’s website.
