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Budget-Friendly Guide to the San Diego County Fair

by Jennifer O'Brien
Kids at San Diego County Fair on a Ride

Save on admission, snag free parking, and find all the budget-friendly food

One of the most beloved summer traditions since launching in 1880—the San Diego County Fair is back and better than ever on June 7-July 4! This year’s Fair theme, “Get Out There!”, inspires your family’s sense of outdoor adventure with everything from Ferris wheel rides with ocean views, fabulous concerts, and animal shows to homemade crafts, festive farm fun, and mouthwatering food. If you’re ready to let the good times roll while staying on budget, we have ways to save you money on everything from admission and food to rides and parking. After all, you should leave the fair with full hearts, not empty wallets.

How to Save on Admission Tickets to the San Diego County Fair

Save big on admission with these free and discount deals on tickets. While it’s easier for most families to purchase tickets online for the date they want to attend, tickets will also be available at the gate. Please note that the fair has moved to a cashless experience for admission and parking to help avoid wait times at the gate. There will only be 60,000 tickets for sale per fair day and certain days can sell out, so be sure to plan ahead.

Midweek:
Tickets are less expensive if you visit during the week from Wed.-Thurs. They’re more expensive on Fri.-Sun. (The fair is closed Mon. & Tues. in June.)

Kids Day:
Kids 12 and under are free every Friday! Ages 5 and under are free every day.

Discounts:
In early May, Vons and Albertsons stores are featuring $3 discount codes off adult tickets, good for any day of the fair. Available in-store only.

O’Reilly Auto Parts is offering a special promotional code for $5 off two midweek admission tickets. Available in-store only.

Teachers, Military, First Responders and Government Employees can get discounted tickets through GovX.

Cost:
Wed., Thurs., and Jul. 3: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 62+, and $12 for youth ages 6-12

Fri-Sun and Jul. 4: $20 for adults, $17 for seniors 62+; $17 for youth ages 6-12 on Sat. and Sun. but free on Fri.

Buy tickets online here.

How to Save on Ride Passes to the San Diego County Fair

From the carousel and Ferris wheel to roller coasters and slides, there’s no shortage of thrills with the wide variety of rides at the fair. The Fun Zone features 39 exciting rides and is geared more towards older kids and adults while the Kids Zone features more than 40 age-appropriate rides designed for toddlers and younger children. Whatever your comfort level, there’s something for everyone.

BlastPass Ticket Packages:
The earlier you buy, the more ride tickets you’ll get. If you buy from April 22 – May 14, you’ll get 50% more, or from May 15-June 6, you’ll get 25% more. If you buy tickets after June 7, you’ll pay the regular rate. Click here for ride packages.

Unlimited Rides Deal:
Ride lovers will dig this deal with unlimited rides in the Fun Zone and Kids Zone for one price. “Pay-One-Price Ride Days” are only valid on Wed. and Thurs. from 11 am-8 pm. Wristbands cost $45 if you purchase them by June 6 or $49 after June 7. Purchase this deal in advance here or at the fair. 

7-Eleven Deal:
Save $5 off “Pay-One-Price Ride Days” by picking up a discount coupon when you buy any two 20-ounce Pepsi bottles at any San Diego 7-Eleven.

Tip:
Littles who don’t meet height requirements must be accompanied by a paying adult—so make sure you buy enough tickets!

Participation Rewards

This year, there are two one-day contests open to anyone who’d like to enter and receive free admission to the fair in return. Pint-sized (and adult) chefs are invited to whip up their best granola bars and bring them to the fair for judging on June 15 or if you’re more the artist type, you can compete in the Nature Found Objects Art Contest on June 29. Click here for entry forms and requirements.

Delicious Savings on Food

The fair has more than enough healthy eating options, but let’s be real—what you really came here for is a mind-blowing day of indulgence. From fried Oreos and fried Twinkies to funnel cakes and cheese fries, there’s infinite deliciousness to be had. We have a feeling with this year’s great outdoors theme, there may be some fried s’mores in your future as well. And no visit would be complete without a stop by Chicken Charlie’s—one of the most popular vendors at the fair. Whatever your pleasure, all that food can cost some serious cha-ching, so we have a couple of swell ideas to help you save.

Passport to Savings:
Buy a Passport to Savings coupon book for $5 to get more than $1,000 in savings on food, rides, games, and souvenirs. Click here to purchase.

BYO:
With six picnic areas located inside the fairgrounds, you are welcome to bring your own food, but drinks must be in a factory-sealed container, and alcohol is strictly prohibited.

How to Save on Parking Passes

The decision of where to park never seems more important than it does at the end of a long fair day when you have tired kiddos who must hike to the car. Luckily, the fair has several options for on-site, up-close parking for a fee as well as off-site parking for free. To save moolah, you can park at nearby Torrey Pines High School free of charge and catch a shuttle to the fair entrance. Please note that parking is subject to availability so it’s highly recommended to purchase your parking in advance.

Parking Cost: 
$20 on-site or $15 when you buy online for General Parking (Main Gate or Solana Gate); $50 for Preferred Parking (closest to main entrance); $10 for Horsepark Parking (two miles east of the fairgrounds) with free shuttles that take you to the main entrance; or free at Torrey Pines High School with shuttles that take you to the main entrance. Click here to purchase parking in advance.

Uber or Lyft:
Rideshare drop-offs and pick-ups are welcome. Look for the purple flags past the Main Gate and you will be directed to the Rideshare Lot.

Fair Hours:
The fair will be closed Mon. and Tues. in June. Open Wed.-Thurs. and Sun. from 11 am-10 pm and Fri. and Sat. from 11 am-11 pm

San Diego County Fair
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Online: sdfair.com

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