Weekend Planner: San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair is heading into its second weekend and there is a lot to do, see and savor on the agenda. For weekend fairgoers, Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be all about horses, live music, wine and most importantly, coming together. We think the Fab Four would approve.

Charity Fair Horse Show
(Friday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
In its 30th year at the San Diego County Fair, the Charity Fair Horse Show takes place at the Del Mar Area. The show features several breeds, including American Saddlebred horses, Hackney and Roadster ponies, Morgan horses, and Friesian horses, plus equitation and medal classes. The show also doubles as a benefit for the Pet Encounter Therapy and Therapeutic Riding programs at the Helen Woodward Animal Center and the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation. Get details on the show here.

Darius Rucker
(Friday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m.)
The founder of Hootie & The Blowfish has built a solid career as a country artist and will showcase his pipes on Friday night at the fair’s Heineken Grandstand Stage. Tickets to this all ages show must be purchased in addition to regular fair admission and range from $23 to $77 depending on the seats you choose.

Electronic Fridays
(Friday, June 13, from 9 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.)
Fond of a good late-night dance party? Then head to the Ford Dealers Paddock Stage for some energetic mixes from DJ ManCat, who’s played across San Diego County and the U.S. Known for his fancy feast of danceable music and party anthems, DJ ManCat is known to wear a collection of masks and sometimes even a full-on cat suit. Royal Zeven will follow ManCat, keeping the electronic music bumping until 11:45 p.m. The shows are free with fair admission.

Hunter Hayes
(Saturday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m.)
This young country music crooner takes the Heineken Grandstand Stage at the fair on Saturday night, playing hits such as “Storm Warning” and “Wanted.” Tickets to this show must be purchased in addition to regular fair admission and range in price from $33 to $68.

Out at the Fair
(Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
This all-day event will celebrate the LGBT community with musical entertainment and activities throughout the day at multiple locations: San Diego Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ford Dealers Paddock Stage from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Coors Light Rock On Stage from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Toast of the Coast Wine Competition & Festival
(Saturday, June 14, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Toast of the Coast will feature the finest wines from licensed wineries in California and Baja California. Each ticket ($58, including fair admission) gets you unlimited 1-ounce samples of wines entered in the 2014 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition. Upgraded tickets are also available, such as the Winemakers’ Tasting which includes half-hour early admission to the festival and five food pairings with five of the top-performing wines.

Fair Flower Festival
(Sunday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Amid the many attractions at the fair, you may want to take some time to stop and smell the flowers. This event includes the 5th Annual Floral Design Competition as well as floral exhibits and design demonstrations by industry experts, design schools, top local growers and garden clubs. The Flower Festival will be held throughout the Paul Ecke, Jr., Flower and Garden shows, stages and surrounding areas near O’Brien Hall.

Ramon Ayala
(Sunday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m.)
A legend of norteño music, this four-time Grammy-winning artist will hit the Heineken Grandstand Stage at 7:30 p.m. The show is free with fair admission for unreserved sears on the third and fifth levels. Otherwise, standing room and reserved ticket prices range from $24 to $35.

Of course, all weekend long fairgoers can enjoy rides, games, food and tons of other fun activities, too. Don’t forget, there are plenty of ways to save money at the fair, too, just check out these deals and discounts before heading to Del Mar.
 

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