The San Diego County Fair was established in 1880, and has grown into San Diego County’s largest and longest-running annual event. Beginning with the Opening Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, this year’s fair runs through July 6 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
The theme for this year’s fair is the “Summer Pet-tacular.” “This year’s theme exhibit, called ‘Pets Rock: Live on Tour, presented by Kahoots,’ takes guests through the world from a pet’s perspective. Seven Rock Band — Charlie, Kitty Wampuss, Bee & Zeke, the parakeets, Finnley, Skittles, and Brutus — will lead fairgoers on an adventure through their animal eyes, where they might play with a giant ball of yarn, “swim” through an aquarium castle, or sit in a bird’s nest. Along the journey, fairgoers will discover strange and fascinating true facts and stories from the animal kingdom.
The exhibit will also feature educational programming, adoptable animals and speakers from SDHS. In addition, Kahoots pet store will feature a mini store and have staff on-site to talk about pet food, toys, and care products.” Please be aware that while this is a pet-themed celebration, pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds.
New this year is the “Farm 2 U Exhibit, telling the story of food and flowers, from farm to table. The exhibit will also feature wine and beer experiences. San Diego Food Bank will be a key part of helping to tell San Diego’s food story.”
Summer nights at The Sound, the fair’s spectacular indoor entertainment venue, offers a variety of shows and experiences. “This includes a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show with original cast member Barry Bostwick; an evening with the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan; two nights of the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular and the ‘Taylor Shines’ Laser Spectacular; a hypnosis-improv comedy show featuring famed hypnotist Asad Mecci and ‘Whose Line is it Anyway’ star Colin Mochrie; EDM duo Big Gigantic; and comedian Tumua Tuinei. Tickets include same-day fair ission.”
“All 20 nights of the grandstand are booked with entertainment, including acclaimed rock, reggae, R&B, country, hip hop, EDM, and comedy performances. Tickets include same-day fair ission.”
This year, by popular demand, the Fair Season is back. Two options are offered: “a go-any-and-every-day-you-want season for $65, and a packed-with-perks version called the Fair Fanatic for $160.”
Also new this year is the San Diego Marketplace — a “curated consignment shop in Wyland Hall for goods and crafts produced by local artisans and crafters. You can shop around at your leisure and check out at one .”
This year you can enjoy the best of the fair food at a discount, “featuring two value deals: Foodie Fridays and $15 value meals. The $15 value meals, which include a side, an entree, and a drink, are available every day of the Fair. Foodie Fridays, you can try all 18 of the newest Fair-Tastic Foods Competition finalist items for 50% off from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Friday in June.”
Included with ission to the fair are acts on the Chevrolet Paddock Stage; “museum-quality exhibits; a wonderful garden show; great shopping options; dazzling entertainment; and all the classic favorites that people have come to love and expect from their day at the San Diego County Fair. And yes, the pig races will be back, too.”
This year, San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) has taken on a major role as the fair’s theme partner for the 2025 “Summer Pet-tacular.” “Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of SDHS, said the fair provides ‘a unique opportunity to connect with the community in a fun and meaningful way, while also raising awareness about animal welfare and the lifesaving work’ that SDHS does each day. As Dr. Weitzman also mentioned, if even a fraction of fairgoers decide to adopt animals this summer, SDHS could clear its shelters.”
“And as Fair Board President Frederick Schenk added, ‘This theme partnership will create a real impact on our community this year. It will mean more pets will be adopted into loving homes. It will mean more joy in families’ lives. It will provide our community with education about properly caring for pets. And it’s definitely going to be a lot of fun.’”
For more information, visit sdfair.com.
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