As one of the more popular events in Del Mar, we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Doing so will also save you a few bucks!
Ride and Game Ticket Machine at the San Diego County Fair
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets are sold by date. The price ranges from $17 in advance on Wednesday or Thursday to $25 for day of the event ticket purchases on Saturdays and Sundays.
Senior citizen tickets range from $14 in advance on Wednesday or Thursday to $22 for the day of the event ticket purchases on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you're looking for ways to save on fair admission, consider purchasing a season pass to the fair. A 2026 season pass is $65. You can also visit on Fridays when youth ages 6 to 12 are free! Kids 5 and under are always free as well.
What Does My Ticket Include?
Your admission covers so much. Here's a quick snapshot:
- Live Musical Performances
- Themed Exhibits
- Cultural Celebrations
- Arena Shows
- A Huge Local Artisan Marketplace
- A Student Showcase
- Strolling Entertainers
- MUCH More!
For a complete list of what your ticket includes, check the fair website. Trust me, you're going to love it!
BlastPass: Limited Time Offers
If you're bringing your kids, I think it's fair to say that they'll want to go on rides and play games.
If this sounds like your family, then I'd highly recommend you look into buying a BlastPass as soon as possible. The pass will get you 50% more ride and game credits as part of their early bird bonus when purchased before April 30th, and a 25% bonus when purchased between May 1st and June 9th, 2026.
The pass ranges from $20 to $100 depending on how many ride and game credits you desire.
Bella Posing at the San Diego County Fair
Is the San Diego County Fair Cashless?
Yes, the San Diego County Fair is, for the most part, cashless.
You can expect a card-only policy for parking, admission tickets, and carnival rides and games. Some food vendors may accept cash. You can find cash-to-credit ATMs on-site, but my advice is to bring your card, if possible, to save time and hassles.
Win a Big Stuffed Animal at the San Diego County Fair
Save BIG
While not directly connected to the San Diego County Fair, my friends and family that go to the fair each year are often the ones that like to do a lot, but also care about their budget! With kids myself, I can say that I totally understand!
I tell them to consider a Go City San Diego pass to save on attraction admission and gear rentals around San Diego, from a day at SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay Park, an afternoon at the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, or even a surfing lesson in La Jolla.
Plus, I suggest that they use our discount code GVSD5OFF at checkout to save even more for the best value for their money.
Main Sign at Lauberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Stay Near the Fairgrounds
If you're coming from out of town or just looking to make a getaway out of your trip to the fair this year, I'd recommend staying at a nearby hotel.
If you would like a little luxury, my pick in Del Mar would be the L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa. The newly renovated, 4-star, beachfront resort offers comfortable modern room with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Alternately, the area features a nice variety of budget-friendly hotels as well as kid-friendly hotels worth checking out.