SAN DIEGO — San Diego County's longest running event is going retro.
The San Diego County Fair this year will celebrate the 1950's through the 1990's with rides, exhibits, concerts, food and more at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Here is a guide to this year's fair.
When is the 2024 San Diego County fair?
The fair runs June 12 through July 7, and gates are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The fair will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
What's the theme?
Every year, the fair revolves around a new theme. The 2024 theme: "Let's go retro."
The fair will nod to nostalgia through the decades, from the 1950's to the 1990's.
How do I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets to the San Diego County Fair online or in person.
To access discounts, purchase tickets online at least 24 hours in advance.
In person, you can buy tickets with credit and debit cards only. The fair makes available 60,000 tickets for sale each day.
Tickets are less expensive on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Seniors (62 and up) can access discounted tickets online, every day.
Children ages 12 and below can go to the fair for free on Fridays. Children five and under can enter for free every day.
If you're going to see a concert, you do not need to purchase a separate ticket to the fair. Your concert ticket covers admission that day.
Where do I park?
The fair has several parking options near the fairgrounds and at locations nearby with free shuttle service.
Buy parking online at least 24 hours in advance to save $5, and see a full list of parking options here.
What concerts are coming this summer?
The fairgrounds is hosting two summer concert series.
A number of artists are performing in the fair's Toyota Summer Concerts Series — the fair's largest concert venue. For the full list of performers, including Old Dominion, TLC, Smokey Robinson and Ludacris, visit the fair's concerts page.
Another concert series on Fridays and Saturdays is free to anyone with a ticket to the fair that day. The Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series will feature tribute bands to Elton John, Billy Joel, the Spice Girls and more.
Meanwhile, The Sound is hosting glow-in-the-dark theater experiences on Saturdays. These shows require special tickets.
Animals, attractions & more
Meet alpacas, watch racing pigs and see a horse show. These are just some of the opportunities to see animals at the fair.
There will also be a variety of demonstrations ranging from woodworking to quilting to goat milking, and exhibits featuring photography, gardening and more.
Rides
See beautiful views of the coastline on the Big Wheel, race down the slides and try the classic Crazy Mouse. The fair has dozens of rides — see a full list of rides and games here.
Here is information on how to purchase tickets for rides and games at the fair.
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