San Diego County Fair Highlights Pet-Friendly Events Starting June 11

DEL MAR, Calif. — The San Diego County Fair, themed “Summer Pet-tacular,” will begin on June 11 and run until July 6 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This year’s fair will celebrate pets with a variety of dog-centric events in collaboration with the San Diego Humane Society.

Festivities include visiting adoptable pets and daily stunt dog shows featuring trained rescue dogs. Attendees can enjoy the daily performances at 1, 3, and 6 p.m. at the Family Funville area. The fair will also feature a pet pavilion where guests can meet adoptable pets and learn about animal care.

On July 5, fairgoers are invited to bring their own pets for special contests and a pet parade. General admission tickets cost between $16 and $25, and children 5 and under can enter for free. Advance tickets are available at a discount.

This year’s fair also boasts over 70 rides and games, food competitions, concerts, and themed events that will take place throughout the month. Guests can try out unique dishes in the Fair-Tastic Food Competition that will feature 18 finalists vying for the ultimate fair food title on June 13.

Parking options include general parking at $20 and preferred parking for $55. Fair-goers can also utilize shuttles from nearby locations and must pay with credit or debit cards, as the fair is cashless.

Cesar Millan, known as the “Dog Whisperer,” will host a special event on June 21, sharing his training techniques with participants. The fair encourages participation with contests such as corgi and wiener dog races taking place on June 14 in the Del Mar Arena.

The San Diego County Fair has been a beloved tradition in the community since 1880 and is one of the most anticipated local events. This year’s pet-themed features promise to make it an engaging and memorable experience.