San Diego County Fair Celebrates Pets with New Attractions

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Families gather at the San Diego County Fair celebrating pets with a variety of attractions.

News Summary

The San Diego County Fair will open on June 11 and run until July 6, celebrating pets with the theme ‘Summer Pet-tacular.’ Featuring a range of pet-themed activities, including the ‘Pets Rock: Live on Tour’ exhibit and a Pooch Fun Run, the fair promises an exciting experience for families and animal lovers alike. Attendees can also enjoy over 70 rides, diverse food options, and live concerts, making it a must-visit event this summer.

San Diego County Fair Begins with Celebratory Pet Theme and New Exciting Attractions

The San Diego County Fair will kick off on June 11 and run until July 6, 2025, under the vibrant theme of “Summer Pet-tacular.” This year’s fair highlights the deep connection between humans and their pets, with a variety of activities dedicated to animal lovers. Operating on Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the fair will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Pet-Themed Activities and Attractions

Visitors can look forward to a plethora of pet-centric activities, including daily presentations by the San Diego Humane Society, which will focus on responsible pet ownership and animal care. One of the major attractions is a 20,000-square-foot exhibit titled “Pets Rock: Live on Tour,” featuring larger-than-life installations celebrating various pets.

In an effort to promote pet adoption, attendees will have the opportunity to meet dogs, cats, and rabbits available for adoption at the fair. Individuals interested in adopting can pre-register for a chance to hold animals and later finalize the adoption at local shelters.

On July 5, a Pooch Fun Run is set to take place, welcoming pet owners to bring their leashed dogs to join the morning run before the fair opens, fostering a festive atmosphere for both pets and their owners.

Attractions for Everyone

The fair will also feature a Fun Zone filled with over 70 rides and games, including two Ferris wheels and a variety of traditional carnival games appealing to visitors of all ages. In addition to the classic fair rides, over 100 food vendors will offer a mix of traditional and innovative fair foods, with a notable Fair-Tastic Foods Competition showcasing 45 different food items.

Entertainment is plentiful at the fair, with free concerts at the Paddock and themed festivals celebrating diverse cultural groups. This year, major musical acts such as 2 Chainz, Lil Jon, Jeff Dunham, Third Eye Blind, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs will take the stage as part of the Toyota Summer Concert Series.

Shopping and Accessibility

A newly introduced San Diego Marketplace will offer handmade goods from local artisans, giving visitors a chance to shop for unique items while supporting local craftspeople.

Fair organizers remind that pets are not permitted on the fairgrounds, with the exception of the July 5 Pooch Fun Run event. For those attending the fair, parking options include general parking at the main lot for $20 (or $16 with advance purchase). Free parking is available at Crest Canyon Academy with shuttle service provided to the fairgrounds.

Additionally, visitors can utilize the Fair Tripper transit pass, which offers round-trip transportation to the fair from various locations at a discounted admission rate, making it easier for everyone to join in on the festivities.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the fair are available online, starting at $16 for adults and $13 for seniors and children aged 6-12. Children aged 5 and under can enter the fair for free. It is important to note that admission prices will increase for same-day purchases, encouraging visitors to secure their tickets in advance.

The upcoming San Diego County Fair promises to be a family-friendly event that celebrates the joy of pets while offering fun-filled activities for all ages. Whether you are a pet owner or a fair enthusiast, this year’s edition is set to provide wholesome entertainment and valuable resources for the community.