They say all good things must come to an end. Such is the case with the San Diego County Fair, which celebrates its final weekend of the 2014 season this weekend. Luckily, the Fab Fair calendar is packed with events, making the most of this last hurrah.
Friday, July 4
Monster Trucks
(1 p.m. and 5 p.m.)
What’s more American than monster trucks on the 4th? These giant, colorful monster trucks return to the Del Mar Arena for their traditional shows, along with a freestyle contest and Jr. Outlaw Sprints on Friday.
World Pro Wrestling
(12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.)
Are you a fan of ringside action? Head over to the fair’s Paddock Green area throughout the day for World Pro Wrestling: Clash of the Legends and cheer on your favorite spandex-clad fighters. The wrestling event features ladies’ championship matches, the Mexican championship, world tag team championships and more. Characters including Mighty Volkoff, Road Warrior Heinrich and The Honkytonk Man will also make appearances. This event is free with fair admission.
America
(9:30 p.m.)
In true patriotic fashion, musicians America will lead a 4th of July post-fireworks concert at the Heineken Grand Stage with hits like “Ventura Highway” and “Sister Golden Hair.” The show will also include a traditional performance by the Navy Band Southwest, as well as fireworks. It’s free with fair admission for the unreserved seats on the 3rd and 5th levels and the standing area in front of the stage. Otherwise, reserved tickets can be purchased for the terrace, 2nd and 4th levels from $24 to $35. Buy tickets here.
Saturday, July 5
Big Bite Bacon Fest
(Lunch Session: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner Session: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
BACON. That got your attention, right? The Big Bite Bacon Fest takes over the Del Mar Arena for two separate sizzling sessions on Saturday, each equally scrumptious in its own right. The tasting event features all things bacon, including more than 40 of the most creative bacon dishes from San Diego chefs and competitive cooks. That means bacon appetizers, desserts and everything in between for the ultimate pork pig-out. While indulging in hog heaven, attendees will also get to enjoy more than 40 craft beer samples from local brewers, as well as entertainment and games like “Pig Pong.” Tickets can be purchased here and range in price from $55 (general admission) to $75 (VIP). There’s also a $45-$65 “Sober Pig/Piglet” pass for children or those who aren’t sampling the beer. Kids 5 and under get in free. Ticket prices do not include admission to the fair, which is also required to attend this piggy party.
Bluegrass Festival
(11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
As you celebrate America this weekend, enjoy some bluegrass music at the fair. Live performances will fill the Plaza de Mexico all day as eight bands take the stage. The lineup includes a youth performance by 50 kids ages 6-16 from the Mainly Mozart Program showcasing their skills on fiddles, cellos and violas (11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.), as well as a competition fiddling demonstration (1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.). Evening entertainment from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. includes: Chris Stuart and Janet Beazley; Swept Wing Chicken Thieves; Old Town Road; Box Canyon; Gone Tomorrow.
Grand Funk Railroad
(7:30 p.m.)
The American rock group of the 1970s hits the San Diego County Ford Dealers Paddock Stage at 7:30 p.m. with a few of their founding members and high-energy hits. The show is free with fair admission for the standing area in The Paddock only. Otherwise, reserved tickets ranging from $30-$35 can be purchased here, which includes fair admission. Also, there’s a pre-show VIP Cocktail Reception at the Red Star Café that includes fair admission, preferred parking and reserved seats for both the cocktail party and concert for $80 per person.
Sunday, July 6
Ezequiel Peña
(7:30 p.m.)
Celebrating the tradition of the Mexican cowboy as well as mariachi and banda music, Ezequiel Peña will perform at the Del Mar Arena Sunday as the fair comes to a close. The concert is free with fair admission for unreserved seats. Reserved box seating costs between $25-$35, which includes fair admission.
And that’s a wrap for the 2014 San Diego County Fair. After this packed Sunday schedule, the gates close at 10 p.m. But don’t worry, the rides, stages, fun and fried fair food will return to Del Mar next summer.
So long, fair. You’ve been sweet.
