I do like going to the fair however I could do without the super high pricing. Like most people I go to enjoy myself with my family however it's unfortunate that you have to plan at least a few hundred dollars to go for a small family. I went and get a drink was $13 for a beer 12 oz. Then to top it off my $15 sausage which was burnt. Nothing is changed in the 15 years that I've been going except the theme. It has gotten so monotonous I am able to say hi to the same vendor some seen throughout the years. However I will continue to go because what else is there to do for my kids to enjoy some rides and games at a fair. read more

Every year we go to the fair not only to have fun but to eat the insanely awesome and delicious food! My favorites has got to be the beer battered potatoes, the blooming onion, those deep fried Oreos and of course the funnel cake and ice cream cones! read more

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First timer from out of town. I was amazed at how large this fair was! #Extra so many food choices! Nice friendly staff! I found a small child that had gotten lost and immediately there was staff to help. The coors light stage was awesome for live music! Tons of games and rides for those who are interested in that read more

Went and saw Jimmy Cliff and Matisyahu after all the races. Lived in La jolla, so its bomb just to be down there. Concerts are $6 before last race only problem no re-entry, and $20 after. Ok , so you gotta stand the whole time like old school. So, depends on who youre gonna see. A long trek back to your car and gotta wash after all that dust. Check out my vids of Jimmy and Matisyahu on Youtube. I and I you know. read more

I have never been at DM fairgrounds before and now I feel bad that I did not come here sooner. It is a great place for a weekend getaway from city. There re so many things to do here. Exhibitions, attractions, pig and turkey races, shopping pavilions and of course great food courts. I am "not sure" how healthy this food is, but it is awesome. General admission is $14 per person, which is alright for a full day of fun. read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar Fairgrounds main pavillion - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

If you're feeling summer festive, great place to visit. They have fun activities and booths to check out. Everything from unique and delicious but over priced and over processed food. I got here late, so my review might be a bit biased. Considering, events may have been closed at this time and workers over worked. However, less crowded. First off, parking was horrendous. Parking attendants were rude and ridden with high anxiety. They guide you in pointless zigzags to only circle back around and then get angry and yell at you when you get confused as to where you're going, when they were the ones that got you lost in the first place. "Where you trying to go bro?" Obviously to a parking spot. The pig farms were a delight as well as the other cool booths (art, shops, jewelry) The ambience and atmosphere was nice. Some of the carnival attendants preyed on my boyfriend like gypsies to win me a prize. The sky ride was fun and less scary than their food options. read more

Had a bottle of water to bring in since i am not a fan of the aquafina here at the fair grounds. the bottle was not open and was rudely told that I had to throw it away because it did not have a "manufacture seal" on it. what does that even mean?? it had a cap and a seal and wasn't opened. Why should i be forced to buy over priced water at the fair. its a waste of water for myself and then throughout the whole day i see many others with the same arrowhead water. Also since i am not a fan of soda and would rather drink a gatorade, i had to pay an absured amount of two bottles... $11! i know things are overpriced and it is to be expected but the fair should be more considerate to people who want to bring in their own water. if it was anything else i would understand. Thanks for the memories agian San Diego County Fair, but I will say this, At least it wasn't as bad as last year. read more

What a ripoff....... $15 to park the car, and then $38 for two tickets --- I've just spent over $50 and I haven't even entered the venue. The same old crap, year after year. My wife wanted a frozen yogurt, so I bought her a small cone...... $7. Dinner for both of us was a baked potato and a turkey leg...... $25. Its interesting to notice that, even with all the vegetable peelers, chamois cloths, and goo-gaws that they have for sale there, I didn't notice anyone carrying bags indicating that they had actually bought something. The only thing I came away with was a case of indigestion from the food ---- the sanitary conditions there are really questionable. read more

Bust a Gut at The Turf Club's Laugh Out Loud by Groucho The Venue: After greeting the elevator operator, I was escorted into the Del Mar Fair's Turf Club this past freaky Friday 6-8-18, to catch the comedy show Laugh Out Loud. As I walked the room, the smells of cinnamon rolls and smoked turkey legs, and Hanson drifted in. Yes, that "Mmmbop" Hanson band. The Turf Club room is expansive, but manages to radiate a club vibe. The 160 plus capacity room has a bar and a decent sized 16 by 10 foot stage. There are five main spot lights and two speakers bookending the stage. The Host: Jason Love hosted the serious silliness giving a comedy club flair to the county fair. The Comedians: I was surprised that the show felt like a much fuller roster, despite having three comics, four if you are feeling the Love set. There were two feature style comics, up first, Stephanie Blum delivering 15 minutes, Daniel Eachus going another 15 minutes and headliner Dan Gabriel rounding out the 90 minute show. Blum's red hair shines as she introduces her mellow suburban mom character with strong consistent writing. You'll be misdirected by her interplay between laid back mom and outrageous observer. Though limited, she interacted with the audience. She delivered licks of support for modern suburban family life while puncturing the lunacy of domestic bliss. Her "everyone gets a trophy" bit had me chuckling on the comedy. She wrestled to gain the audience. But she knew all the right moves before and pinning them. The second part of her set picked up speed like a minivan mom late for a toddler's soccer game. The second half exceeded my expectations. She described tighter bits about herself, cruising and Southern California life. Laughter rippled through the crowd, as her simple charm reminded everyone what it's like to be in awkward naked situations. Her little narrative nibbles produced laughs, referencing her body. Her "spray tan" bit had me laid out with laughter. Next up, was comic Daniel Eachus doing a sweet 15 minutes. Wearing a slept in carny operator knit cap and standing on skinny flamingo legs, started his set at full speed. Good thing I was secure in my seat for the ride. Eachus bordered on absurdity describing clothes, people he knows and work duties when employed. The audience was blown away by his clothing stories. He could laugh your pants off when he puts down his trousers being ill-suited. Eachus did an outstanding job. He might be out standing by the ferris wheel controls. Dan Gabriel headlined the show with a tight 45 minute set. He fired off jokes and consistently delivered howls of laughter. His round, never blinking eyes had me cracking up. After the stand up, I thought Gabriel and Jim Ignatowski from TV's Taxi were going to have a double-eyed staring contest. Gabriel's humor about "food shows" was ridiculously true. The crowd got into the "Facebook" jokes with near total laughter. The audience screamed with belly laughs and applause with his "hot doctor" bit. And yes, I'd like to see those video clips too, Mister Gabriel. It was a solid performance. A fun time was had by Al. read more

Go to a theme park instead, it'll cost the same and be way more fun. We got stuck in major traffic (hour and half to leave) too, and it cost $13. The food is overpriced crap and a 12 Oz cup of beer is $11! read more

This used to be my favorite thing to visit when in town but the prices of parking and the fact that they switched from tickets for all the games to a Scan pass that charges way more per game and ride is ridiculous. Its quiet sad for those who come as a tradition. Shame on y'all for ripping people off, from 18$ parking to 15.75$ beers. read more

A little frustrated this year...got down here just after 9 but it doesn't open till 11. Seems silly with this heat. Who can stay all day in this heat? read more

So this is a no-brainer. If you've NEVER been to the Del Mar Fair, you are really missing out! I mean, where else can you get a deep-fried Twinkie, watch some great concerts, eat a turkey leg, and loose it all on a rickety carnie ride? While I do go every year, this past summer was AMAZING. Saw Jeff Dunham live with friends. Only regret is that I have to wait another year for that Twinkie. read more

I have never been to the Delmar fair but let me tell you they run a first class operation! I am very impressed and thankful to have been a part of such a first class operation! Steve read more

Parking is awful. Hired a limousine company to drive me into the fair instead of parking and the lady at the uber/taxi area argued and cursed at my driver until I told him to just pull up and drop me off on the street. Crowded and a traffic nightmare. Took us 45 minutes to get off the exit. I would like to say I enjoyed my night at the fair but it was dirty smelly and awful. I really enjoy some of the concerts that are played here but would happily pay to go anywhere else and not support this venue. I will do my best not to return. read more

There is always something to see/do at the fairgrounds! I love summer and fall. When the SD County Fair opens up I know summer has arrived! It is then followed up with the opening of the race track and concert series and not to be forgotten, Scream Zone during Halloween! read more

Had a really great time here tonight! The music was so great that we skipped the rides this year! We started off at 6 pm watching one of our favorite country bands "Del Rio" play, then on to an amazingly memorable Kenny Roger's concert and then a fabulous Rock band "Systematic Chaos" to end the night! Love the fair for so many reasons! We shall return to ride rides and eat!!!!!! read more

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Who doesn't love the fair! My go to food is the corn on the cob and the Australian battered potatoes! The best! I enjoy going every year, and I spend most of my time eating and checking out the exhibits. read more

Was down at the Del Mar Fairgrounds yesterday, October 1, 2017, for the Gun Show. Went with my boyfriend on our motorcycles (one rider per bike). They charged us $13 per motorcycle even though we took up only one parking space (parked in one space side by side). Paying $26 for parking 2 bikes in one space was a little over the top if you ask me. Entrance into the show was another $32 for 2 people...so $58 just to get in the door. Won't be going there again. read more

Sooooo.... who and how is it decided what events to charge parking for? My wife and I went to a relatively small Gem Show the other day and we were charged 15.00 to park in a nearly empty lot. I can see charging to park during the Fair when parking is at a premium but this lot was near empty and there were other events going on here that were not charging for parking. When you first enter they ask what you're there for - Car Sale Show? Go right in and parking is FREE. Gem Show - 15.00. And once you pay to park the Gem Show building is quite a walk away. Ironically, this car sale thing that allowed you to drive right in and park next to the show for free was right next to the Gem Show. Take a look at my photo - I'm thinking they don't need to have a bunch of people working and charging for parking when I'm pretty much the only vehicle in the lot. After about an hour, as we left, there were maybe 10-20 cars in this huge lot. read more

Del Mar Fairgrounds - 15.00 for Parking ..really? - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Del Mar, California

How do you rate a fair? The admission entry fee is not too bad I believe it's $16. If you don't want to pay to park you can even park for free a little bit further away and they have free buses and shuttles that take you to the front gate. Another way to make it to the fair is to take the coaster, it is a $16 ride round-trip plus it includes admission. So basically get your butt to the fair! Try all the fried food at the fair and don't forget to get a funnel cake. It's not a trip to the fair without a funnel cake. Most people get a turkey leg although I have to admit they scare me because they are so huge so I've never gotten one. I'd rather get some chili cheese fries while I walk around. I like going into the Bing Crosby hall and seeing all the little gadgets that they have for sale it's like being in a walking infomercial where you can see all the 'as seen on TV' items up close and personal. This year as I walked around kiosks I realized "oh yeah I bought that last year and I never used it I needed pull that out from the garage." If you like something to think that the fair price is too expensive then buy it on Amazon. After my appetizer of something fried and my trip through gadget central it's time for an actual sitdown dinner so I grab some food and sit down at the beer garden area and listen to some music. Then it's time to play ridiculously overpriced and impossible to win games and get on some rides. When you feel like you just can't take it anymore and don't need anything else then grab a funnel cake and head to the exit. You'll be glad you have a funnel cake to eat on the go while you're sitting in the traffic to leave the fair or while you wait for the shuttle bus to come and pick you up. read more

First time coming here is to attend Kaaboo music festival, and this venue truly is a delight. Nice and spacious, plenty of bathrooms, and there are plenty of places to find shade from that strong SD sunshine. MUST RETURN FOR A RACE read more

dude horse shows funnel cakes a LOT OF Rides for ONLY 12 dollars. goodness gracious! I LOVE THIS PLACE. i saw my first horse show here and IT was pretty exciting. Also, THE FOOD HERE, goodness, sadly, my stomach could ONLY fit 1/2 or less of the funnel cake and nothing more, thus i couldn't try all the food there. However, I went on the rides and had a blast. aww, I missed the childhood times when i went with my family, but it was still fun with my friends. A secret about this place is if you go to their website, you can find out when is dollar day, A DAY TO Go to the fair FOR ONLY A DOLLAR! how awesome is that. But then, those tickets needed to buy beforehand and at a supermarket. Seriously, this is a MUST go place, and this only happens once year in mid june to mid july, so gooo gooo goo!:) read more

Races, concerts, festivals, holiday light displays, scary clowns, deep fried goodness, expos, expensive parking, crowds, and county fairs. You can find it all where the turf meets the surf. read more

We are having the best experience at the Hilton so far. Front desk was quick, room service was amazing, Adam the food and beverage manager has been wonderful! After evacuating for the fires this has been a welcome relief. Thank you to the team for making us feel at home read more

This place is way to crowded lines and they wont let u bring water in my poor two year old! They would not let my water container in evwn empty bunch of shity employees here never coming back. read more

Cash only parking...sucky! It's 2016...don't think this place is worth the $10 parking especially being cash only.

Worst place ever. $16 to get in. 5 of us for $80. Every ride is 3+ tickets. All food might kill you

You got your Carney rides for the kid in you, Texas sized Turkey legs for the King & Queen in you, Got your concerts on different stages for the rock star in you, got little piggy races, petting zoo area, roosters with cool hairdo and chickens that are so fuzzy & fluffy they look like they had a party with blow dryers for the hipster in you. Got stuffed animals, crystals, mineral rocks that glow in the dark for the Rave in you. Got essential oils, Jacuzzi's and a Bob Marley tent for the new age metaphysical spiritual yogi & Rastafarian in you. Got rabbits, sheep, cows and Black Angus hanging out in the barns for the Vegan in You! haha!! Got your elephant ride with Rosie and friends from Perris Ca that are in movies for the Hollywood celeb in you. Got your trade show products and items in the shopping area stalls for the Shark Tank burning inventor entrepreneur in you. Got your lucky numbers and Cali Scratchers for the I wanna be a millionaire in you. Got your orchids, plumeria, roses and hibiscus for the green acre horticulture green thumb farmer Jane John in you. Got your softball sized cream puff, huge kabobs, Asian, Hawaiian, Australian potatoes and American zany dip anything dipable in a vat of hot oil like snickers, coke, Starbucks foot long corn dogs for the iron chef Andrew Zimmerman in you. Got mixed mediums, wood work, photography and paintings for the artist in you. If you're from out of town or a local, Del Mar Fair give it a go for the San Diegan in you. And Selfie Sticks are not allowed for the Paparazzi in you. read more

Go here every year for the SD fair with my husband & family and it is such a blast! The area is great for those charity runs as well.

Amazing atmosphere and amazing night life as well! Make sure to go with a bunch of friends and split all the food because it's gunna be pricey plus some of the meals are huge!! Some of the items took four of us to finish! They have a big kid, kiddie land and adult (alcohol) areas at the fair which is very cool. read more

I've never actually been here for the horseracing, but have been for a few other events including a couple business events, the SD County Fair, and the Crossroads of the West Gun Show. As a venue, no complaints really. It's a bit dated, but it's perfectly acceptable for most functions. Parking isn't particularly cheap, but it's plentiful at least. For the SD County Fair, taking the Coaster (and then the bus to the fair) ended up being a nice convenient way to avoid the parking hassles. read more

Horse racing is my new thing. I am not a gambler but I am a horse lover. Favorite pass time if you have nothing better to do. Events and concerts happens here daily and your odd of winning is much higher than a penny machine. Trust me screaming makes it more fun while chugging some beer. Beer plus food plus gambling and horses equals a happy man or woman..did I tell you that you get to dress up or down. Whichever floats your maine?! Get it...best of luck. You will need it. read more

First time here at the San Diego Del Mar Fairgrounds. It's been about 2 hours before I even get on the rides. There's definitely a lot of people in the area even on a weekday. I am currently 3rd wheeling, someone come thru. read more

Place is decent for large events but just seems a little worn down. It's not beautiful or anything fancy either but they still host a lot of good events that are fun, interesting and draw different crowds of people. read more

Food is disgusting and will kill you. The workers are all trash and dirty and just as disgusting as the food. I had a friend who work for the Delmar Fairgrounds and after the stories I heard of what happens with the food and the staff after hours, I will never ever in 1 million years eat at the Delmar Fairgrounds. You could not pay me enough. Also the prices are way too high and you'll get a heart attack from the food and the prices. Ouch!!! read more

i love the fair, theres something about it thats totally unhealthy yet remarkable about it that i just cant explain. perhaps its the deep fried everything or the vendors who try to sell the most useless items you'll encounter in your lifetime to you. either way, its just darn fun to experience all that the fair has to offer. now now people are going to say, why the 3 stars, oh its just andy being nit-picky but there's gots to be some sort of standard right? well first, the parking situation has totally gotten out of hand, i mean really... if i'm going to pay you 10-20 bucks to park, i don't want to be paying to walk all the way from a dirt lot over to the main gate. second, i'm paying how much to park on a dirt lot?! third, the shuttles take forever to get to their destination. i remember waiting over 2 hours just to GET ON a shuttle. they really need to work on improving their transportation system. lastly, the fairgrounds itself is becoming a bit dilapidated. considering its in a wealthy/well-off area, you would think they would invest a bit more into their infrastructure but then again, i believe its owned by the state so i guess there's only so much one can do i suppose. but thankfully there is beautiful scenery to take my mind off the subpar fairground. read more

Always fun, great food. Fun people. All around somewhere great even for little ones. Rides and all.

Its where the fair is, where the races are, and a bunch of conventions happen. What more can you ask for, especially since it is minutes from the beach and surrounded by marsh land! A dream for the naturalist as well as the hipster trying to look cool by winning his hipster girlfriend with the non-prescribed plastic lens glasses a stuffed animal by throwing a ball at something! July 20 the horses begin to stampede! Cannot wait! read more

Whether it by the fair, horse races or just some random event, Del Mar fairground is a fun place to go. Yes, you get ripped off pretty good if you have to pay for parking AND entry fee but if you can avoid one or the other, or both, than it works itself out. But if you can't, well it defintely dampers the experience. The facility is pretty neat and the location brings along that nice ocean weather. On the flip side, it could get pretty foggy whereas all of the rest of San Diego is sunny. Food vendor prices are a bit ridiculous but there are a few good deals here. The quality is laughable though, or well, it definitely is fairground food to put it nicely. Also, the interior is a bit old. I would like to see a little more flair put into it, something beach themed. It would add a nice element that would separate itself from other fairground locations. Overall, Del Mar fairground is nice. Very large place and fun to go but ridiculously overpriced and forgettable, except for the money that you had prior to coming! read more