Weekend Fair Highlights: June 10-12

From live music and a wine festival to Tea Time in Wonderland, there's a lot to do at the county fair this weekend

It's the second weekend of the San Diego County Fair, and the fun just keeps on coming. Head over to the fairgrounds in Del Mar for live music, festivals and fried food galore.

Friday, June 10

Food Bank Day with the Chargers
All Day, Family Funville Entrance
As you make your way to the Family Funville area at the fair, stop and make a donation at the San Diego Food Bank booth. Your donation of $5 buys a pre-filled bag of groceries packed by Vons and Albertsons, all donations made through 9 p.m. will benefit the San Diego Food Bank. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., those who donate can score a meet-and-greet with some Chargers players who will be on-hand accepting donations and signing autographs. The roster includes: Corey Liuget, Gabe Gelbard, Chuka Ndulue, Jeff Cumberland, Travis Benjamin, Dontrell Inman and Tyreek Burwell.

Michael McDonald
7:30 p.m., Heineken Grandstand Stage
Singer-songwriter Michael McDonald takes the Heineken Grandstand Stage Friday night, performing hits like “Minute by Minute” and “What a Fool Believes.” Watch the show for free (with paid fair admission) in the unreserved 3rd and 5th levels, or snag a reserved seat starting at $16 per person.

Friday Night Funnies
9 p.m. to 10:15 p.m., Turf Club
Today's hottest comics unite at the fair for some 21+ mini stand-up shows at the Turf Club. This Friday's lineup includes Jason Love, Nick Cobb and John DiCrosta. The comedy show runs from 9 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. and bonus: there's a full bar available at the Turf Club.

Kissed Alive
9 p.m., Coors Light Rock-On Stage
This KISS tribute band – decked out in full costume and makeup – will rock the Coors Light Rock-On Stage Friday night, playing all the hits spanning the original band's four-decade career. This show is 21+ and free with paid admission into the fair.

Saturday, June 11

Toast of the Coast Wine Festival
12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show
Winos, this one's for you. The Toast of the Coast festival will showcase samples of fine wines from across the U.S. and Baja California. There are two sessions of the fest: noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. General admission is $61 per person and includes a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited wine samples and admission into the fair. Cheers!

Out at the Fair
11 a.m. to 11 p.m., various locations throughout fairgrounds
The fair will host this day-long celebration in support of the LGBT community featuring lots of entertainment including live music, dancing and fun activities like a game of “Dunk a Hunk” (at the Paddock entrance) and the “Diva Drop” at the bungee jump area. At 6 p.m., the Paddock Stage will shine with “The Dreamgirls Revue” featuring Chad Michaels, Jasmine Masters and Trinna Modele.

Carly Rae Jepsen
6:45 p.m., Heineken Grandstand Stage
With her peppy, ridiculously catchy tunes (“Call Me Maybe,” “I Really Like You”), Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen will make her San Diego County Fair debut Saturday night. The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus will open the show at 6:45 p.m. at the Heineken Grandstand Stage, followed by Jepsen at 7:30 p.m. Watch for free (with paid fair admission) in the unreserved 3rd and 5th levels, or grab a ticket in reserved levels starting at $16 per person.

Sunday, June 12

Asian Festival
3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Del Mar Arena and the Plaza Stage
The San Diego County Fair will host its 2nd Annual Asian Festival on Sunday, a celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures featuring music, dance and martial arts performances all day at the Del Mar Arena and Plaza Stage at the fairgrounds. Organizations representing China, Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, India, Hawaii and Japan will highlight the cultures of each land. Ikebana flower arranging, a traditional Japanese art, will also be a part of the festival, with displays in the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower Show.

Tea Time in Wonderland
11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sprigs & Spirits in the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show
Each Sunday, the fair will host two 90-minute sessions of “Tea Time in Wonderland” in the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show area. Inspired by the fair’s 2016 theme, patrons will enjoy a proper “Wonderland” tea party that includes a menu of Egg Salad Sandwiches, Quiche Lorraine, Curried Chicken Boursin Puff, as well as baked goodies like mini Orange-Raspberry Scones, Raspberry Linzer Cookies and Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Icing. Food is accompanied by black, green and herbal teas, and lemonade. Tickets are $35, including fair admission. The 21+ crowd can make it a “Tipsy Tea” for $50, which includes bottomless champagne. Tea party guests will also get to make a fun hat to take home. Seating is limited to 48 people. Don’t be late for this important date!

Espinoza Paz
7:30 p.m., Heineken Grandstand Stage
Mexican singer-songwriter Espinoza Paz returns to the San Diego County Fair's Heineken Grandstand Stage Sunday night. Reserved level tickets start at $16 per person.

MarchFourth!
8 p.m., San Diego County Ford Dealers Paddock Stage
MarchFourth!, a group of 20 musicians, dancers and artisans take the Paddock Stage Sunday night with a lively performance that includes stilt-walking, colorful costumes and music that'll make you move. There's no reserved seating for this show; it's free with paid fair admission.

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