Summer 2026 | Backyard Banger
The 2026 San Diego County Fair is here, and so are we! For the third consecutive year, the Backyard Banger will be on full display at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and this year we could not be more excited to show you what we have been building!
Come find us inside the O'Brien Building. Swing by, see it in person, and find out why this is the outdoor kitchen and wet bar everyone is talking about!
About the 2026 San Diego County Fair
Dates: June 10 to July 5, 2026 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
This year's theme is "Once Upon A Fair" a magical celebration of reading, storytelling, and imagination. The San Diego County Fair is the largest and longest-running community event in San Diego County, drawing nearly one million attendees every summer. With 8 stages, 4 exhibition halls, and 20+ event zones, there is truly no shortage of things to see and do.
What's Happening at the Fair
Theme Exhibits & Activities
- "Tell Your Story" workshops on writing, illustrating, and publishing your own tale
- "Golden Books" a tribute to classic fairy tales and the stories that made you love reading
- "Color & Comics" exploring the bold world of comics, graphic novels, and giant coloring books
- A full Scholastic Book Fair on the grounds
Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Corona Grandstand Stage (Concert tickets include same-day fair admission. Shows start at 7:30 p.m.)
- June 10: Chicago
- June 13: Marshmello
- June 14: Good Charlotte
- June 25: Nelly
- June 26: Maren Morris
- June 27: Koe Wetzel
- July 1: AJR
- July 3: Warren Zeiders
- July 4: Demi Lovato + America 250 Fireworks Spectacular
- July 5: Los Tucanes de Tijuana
Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series (FREE with admission) Nightly live music starting at 9 p.m., kicking off June 10 with Blue Öyster Cult. A mix of Grammy-winning artists, hitmakers, and fan-favorite tribute acts every night of the fair.
More to Love
- Over 70 rides in the Fun Zone and Kids Zone
- Carnival games, midway, and shopping halls
- Wild and creative deep-fried culinary creations from 100+ food vendors
- Livestock shows, farm exhibits, and petting farm
- Comedy night featuring Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias
Tips to Make the Most of Your Fair Day
Buy tickets in advance. Tickets are sold by date and prices are lower when you buy at least 24 hours ahead. General admission runs $17 to $20 on weekdays and $20 to $25 on weekends. Kids 5 and under are always free, and kids 12 and under get in free on Fridays!
Consider a season pass. At $65 for all 20 days, it is the best deal on the grounds if you plan to go more than a few times.
Go on a Wednesday or Thursday for rides. The Pepsi Pay-One-Price Wristband offers unlimited Fun Zone and Kids Zone rides until 8 p.m. Buy before June 10 to save $5.
Park smart. Park at Horsepark (14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar) for $10 and catch a free shuttle straight to the O'Brien Gate. Or park completely free at Canyon Crest Academy and take the free shuttle. You can also save $4 on general parking by booking online at least 24 hours in advance.
Arrive early, stay late. Gates close at 10 p.m., but rides and games often keep running based on crowd size. Make a full day of it.
Do not skip the food competition. The Fair-Tastic food competition narrows hundreds of vendors down to the most creative, outrageous bites of the season. It is a highlight every year!
Come See Us in the O'Brien Building!
We have been coming back to this fair because the energy here is unlike anything else, and the people of San Diego get it. They love good food, great company, and spending time outside and that is exactly what the Backyard Banger was built for.
Stop by, say hello, and see what the buzz is all about. We would love to meet you.
Find us at the O'Brien Building, San Diego County Fair, June 10 to July 5, 2026!