News Summary
The San Diego County Fair is preparing for its return with the theme ‘Summer Pet-tacular,’ highlighting pet ownership and culinary innovation. From unique food competitions to engaging pet events and entertainment, the fair promises an array of activities for all ages. Fairgoers can sample finalist dishes during ‘Foodie Fridays,’ enjoy live performances, and even participate in the Pooch Fun Run. With an emphasis on community spirit and pet companionship, this event is set to attract both animal lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
San Diego – The 2025 San Diego County Fair is set to take place from June 11 to July 6, 2025, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This year’s fair will embrace the theme “Summer Pet-tacular,” which celebrates the joy of pet ownership through a variety of engaging events and competitions.
Among the highlights is the Fair-Tastic Foods competition, which has recently revealed 45 semi-finalists. This annual contest encourages culinary vendors to innovate and create unique dishes that represent the San Diego area. These dishes are split into three categories: Theme, WOW, and So San Diego, with each category further divided into sweet and savory classes. The finalists of the competition will be announced on the opening day of the fair, June 11, 2025, and a panel of celebrity judges—including well-known food critic Troy Johnson and MasterChef winner Claudia Sandoval—will announce the winners on June 13 at 11:30 a.m.
Fairgoers will have the opportunity to sample dishes from the finalists during “Foodie Fridays” when they can enjoy one-of-a-kind offerings at a 50% discount from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winners of the competition will receive festive signage displayed across the fairgrounds and their names will be inscribed on the fair’s “Best of Show” trophy.
This year’s fair will place a strong emphasis on pet ownership with numerous attractions. A standout exhibit titled “Pets Rock: Live on Tour” will be featured, along with interactive presentations from the San Diego Humane Society that focus on animal care and responsible pet ownership. Visitors can look forward to engaging activities including puppy yoga classes and various pet competitions. Additionally, over 700 pets will be available for adoption, presenting an opportunity for fairgoers to meet potential furry companions.
Another notable event is the Pooch Fun Run, scheduled for July 4, inviting pet owners and their leashed dogs to participate in a fun and festive race. For entertainment, the fair will present the Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, a crowd-pleasing event taking place multiple times each day.
In addition to the extensive pet-themed events, the fair will host two unique speakeasies offering specialty cocktails. One venue will have a pet-centric theme, while the other will draw inspiration from oceanic elements. Live performances will also be a significant aspect of the fair, with acts scheduled to perform at the Corona Grandstand Stage. Notable performances will feature popular artists such as +LIVE+, Foreigner, and Zedd.
Ticket prices for the San Diego County Fair are reasonably set, with online sales ranging from $16 to $20 for adults, and $13 to $17 for seniors and youth aged 6-12. Admission is complimentary for children under the age of 5. For those driving to the fair, on-site parking is available for $20, while parking at the nearby Del Mar Horsepark is offered for $10, inclusive of a shuttle service to the fairgrounds.
In addition to the competitions and exhibits, the fair will feature a multitude of thrilling rides and games, along with attractive discounts available for both ride and ticket purchases. Season passes are being offered at a starting price of $65, making it easier for families to enjoy multiple visits during the fair’s run.
The 2025 San Diego County Fair promises to be an exciting event for both animal lovers and food enthusiasts alike, highlighting the community spirit while celebrating the deep connection between pets and their owners.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Wikipedia: San Diego County Fair
- CBS8
- Google Search: San Diego County Fair 2025
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fair
- San Diego Magazine
- Google News: San Diego County Fair 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
