The Del Mar Fairgrounds was started in 1936 as a WPA project. Today
it covers 360 acres and hosts more than 1 million visitors annually.
The county fair held each summer has a wide range
of food, rides and entertainment.
The racetrack was famous for years as a favorite hangout for many
Hollywood celebrities including Bing Crosby and Jimmy Durante.
Race Season runs from Late July to Early Sept annually.
Satellite wagering available other times of the year.
Del Mar Fairgrounds & Racetrack
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014-2216; (619) 793-5555;
San Diego County Fair - June Event
Fair Website -
The annual fair in June and July for San Diego County is held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack.
The biggest event of the year features contests, exhibits, live music, amusement park rides,
animal shows, big-name concerts, food and games. Check ahead to see the concert schedule for any
particular date. The many vendor exhibits include themes such as Design in Wood, Art Show, Home & Hobby, Flower & Garden Show and more.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014-2216; (619) 793-5555;
Club Website;
Season runs mid-July to Mid-September
Race track "where the turf meets the surf." Season, racing, and horsemen's information.
Over $6.7 million in prize stakes featured - Watch for these special events:
- Pacific Classic - 3rd Sunday in August - $1,000,000 purse
- Del Mar Breeders Cup Handicap - $350,000 purse
- Torrey Pines Stakes - Labor day weekend (fillies)
- El Cajon Stakes - Labor Day Weekend (2 year old runners)
- Del Mar Debutante - Last Saturday in August
- Del Mar Futurity - First Wednesday in Sept
Del Mar National Horse Show - April Event
Show Website -
Three weeks of equestrian magic starting mid-April has been a major production since 1956.
- Western Week - Western riding is the spice of the horse show world.
- Dressage Week - dressage combines beauty, grace, athletic strength and suppleness into an elegant presentation between horse and rider.
- Hunter/Jumper Week - includes $100,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar.
Del Mar Draft, Mule and Fresian Horse Show - June Event
Fair Website -
Incredible performances by the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales and their vintage Studebaker beer wagon (circa 1900) impress Fairgoers
during the first weekend of the Del Mar County Fair.
The Scream Zone - October Event
Show Website -
A haunted event held yearly at the Del Mar Fairgrounds during October. Attractions
include House of Horror, Haunted Hayride and 3D Ghost Maze with live music and entertainment.
Check ahead for dates.
San Diego International Orchid Fair [OCT]
Bing Crosby Hall, S.D. County Fairgrounds /
Fair Website;
Annual event since 1995 sponsored by Quail Botanical Gardens.
Vendors will have varieties of flowering plants that will dazzle your senses for their unusual shapes and colors -
some exude marvelous fragrances not duplicated in commercial perfumes.
Holiday of Lights - December Event
Lights Website -
The dazzling animation of many sparkling colors has become a winter season favorite at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Features vehicle tour of the light display at the fairgrounds each night in December.
More Fair Exhibitions
Del Mar Antique Show - Jan / Apr / Nov at Del Mar Fairgrounds
San Diego Boat & Tackle Show [Late Mar]
- Large boating convention at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, sponsored by Fred Hall.
Del Mar Horse Park
14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar, CA 92014; 858-794-1171;
Park Website;
Located 3 miles east of Del Mar Fairgrounds.
This 65-acre world-class equestrian facility provides unsurpassed, full service accommodations for equestrian events of all levels.
Two grass jumping stadiums, lighted arena, four show rings, cross country jumping course.
Festival Calendar - San Diego Metro Area
Listings of upcoming concerts and sporting events - buy tickets online.
Additional listings for Fairground events and festivals.
