The San Diego County Fair is still going strong. This weekend, it’s all about beer and music at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, so enjoy soaking in the suds and sounds on this first weekend of summer. Here’s a break-down of the main events happening at the fair this weekend:
Friday, June 20
San Diego International Beer Festival
(Two sessions on Friday: First from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the second from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Five sessions. 400 beers. One glass. Beer lovers will feel like they’re in hops heaven when the San Diego International Beer Festival takes over the Del Mar Arena at the San Diego County Fair. Attendees can sample award-winning craft brews from not only San Diego, but from around the world. General admission tickets to the festival must be purchased in addition to fair admission. General admission tickets cost $58, while tickets to the VIP Brewer’s Lounge run for $100. If you can’t make it to the beer fest on Friday, don’t fret. The event goes on the entire weekend at the fair. Get more info here.
Electronic Fridays
(9 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.)
Fond of a good late-night dance party? Then head to the San Diego Showcase Stage for some energetic mixes Friday night from Dylan, founder of Cosmür Collective, and Steeviewild. The shows are free with fair admission.
Smokey Robinson
(7:30 p.m.)
The R&B icon will take the Heineken Grandstand Stage, singing the chart-topping hits that span the four decades he has spent in the music business. This includes hits with his group, The Miracles, such as “Shop Around,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “I Second That Emotion.” This show is free with fair admission for unreserved seats on the 3rd and 5th level. Reserved ticket prices for the terrace, 2nd and 4th level areas range from $24 to $35. You can buy tickets here.
Saturday, June 21
San Diego International Beer Festival
(Two sessions on Saturday: First from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., second from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
The craft beer fun continues with another day of the Beer Festival at the Fair. VIP tickets to this day are sold out, but $58 general admission tickets are still available. Cheers to that!
Country Run 5K
(8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
If you’re a fan of both running and country music, then this is the 5K for you. The Country Run 5K allows participants to run, walk or mosey through the San Diego County Fair before it opens to the public while enjoying country-themed entertainment including music, sing-alongs and line dancing. A $54 registration fee includes admission into the fair, plus a special Country Run 5K cowboy hat and some deals and discounts including an extra ticket to the fair to use on another day and a $10 discount to the Beer Festival. Participants will also get to enjoy a BBQ and tailgate party that includes a free beer, live country music cover band, classic country games like horsehoes, cornhole and a hat toss. Participants are encouraged to don their best country-themed gear for the 5K, too, including overall, jean shorts, plaid shirts, over-sized belt buckles and chaps.
Enviro Fair
(10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
The 15th Annual Enviro Fair at Paddock Green will stress the importance of green, sustainable living and conservation. Attendees will learn about eco-friendly products, organic and sustainable farming and how to buy locally-grown produce. Chefs and farmers will also be on hand to demonstrate tasty ways to prepare fresh produce, with some samples, to boot.
Tony Braxton & Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
(7:30 p.m.)
The songstress and singer will take you to R&B bliss in this double-billed show at the Heineken Grandstand Stage, belting out their memorable hits. Admission to the concert requires a ticket in addition to fair entry. Ticket prices range from $39 to $98, depending on the seats.
Sunday, June 22
San Diego International Beer Festival
(One session on Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
As the weekend winds down, you have one more chance to hit the Beer Festival at the fair. With a $58 general admission ticket, you get to toast to some of the best brews in the world. Each attendee gets a 1-ounce souvenir tasting glass with unlimited samplings of more than 400 beers.
Grupo Intocable
(7:30 p.m.)
This Tejano/Norteño musical group from Zapata rose to the top in the early 1990s with its fusion of folk rhythms with a pop balladry. On Sunday, they’ll play the Heineken Grandstand Stage. The show is free with fair admission for the unreserved seats on the 3rd and 5th levels. Reserved ticket prices range from $24 to $35, depending on the seats.
SummerFist Mixed Martial Arts
(11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.)
Exciting mixed martial arts action will take over the Paddock Green throughout the day, including 20-minute bouts happening during four sessions. The event is free with fair admission.
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.
