Del Mar Fairgrounds

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, USA

Address:	2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, USA
Phone:	+1 858-755-1161
Site:	delmarfairgrounds.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Kimberley Christina-Wilson

Concerts during SD County Fair - Grandstand. The view from level 2 seats is horrible! The seating chart is not to scale and the seats are much further off to the side than the seating chart indicates. I paid $45 but the $20 General Admission had a much better view - even at the furthest end of the stadium. Something they dont tell you, even when you enter and they take your tickets: even though you have purchased more than one ticket, once you decide who is sitting in which seat, you cannot change which one of you sits there. Example: I purchased 4 tickets but the concert was almost sold out so all 4 seats were in separate locations (single seats) – 2 in level 2 and 2 in level 5. I gave the two teenagers the "reserved, expense seats" (level 2) assuming the view was better while the two adults sat in the "cheat, unreserved seats". Its important to know that we didnt arrive early to get front & center general admission - we ended up sitting at the very top, at the farthest end of the arena and we still had a better view than the reserved seats we paid almost double for. Therefore, we decided to switch seats - have the teenagers come to our seats and we would sit in theirs. Unfortunately, the staff at the Del Mar Fairgrounds would not allow us to trade seats even though I paid for all 4 seats and it was only who was sitting in them that changed. We were not trying to get better seats or take seats away from anyone. We had our tickets proving we purchased the seats; however, once you are inside the arena & have entered the level with your assigned seats, they hand-stamp you with that level. If you exit and come back in, you need both the ticket and the hand-stamp and they must match. If they dont, you dont get in. I expect that if I pay for seats, I can decide which of my party sits in them and re-arrange them if I need to. One saving grace, if you can call it that, is that the staff are not consistent with the rules. I was able to get the teenagers into the better seats but when I went to sit in the bad-view seats, they wouldnt allow me to enter because my hand-stamp didnt match the level I was entering even though I had the ticket with the seat assignment. I ended up standing outside in the lobby for the entire show. I would not recommend seeing any show or performance at this venue.

Daniel Ramos

This is a review for the fair, not exactly the fairgrounds. What. A. Waste. Of. Cash. Firstly $13 dollar parking fee, and if theyre overloaded they make you park on a dirtlot farther away. Granted there is a shuttle, but theyre charging you the same people who park up front and dont get their cars covered in dirt. Entry is $15, not bad on its own but but add parking and other costs. Enter the fair, you have hundreds of food items to choose from. Most things are just extreme versions of what you can eat anywhere else, and easily make at home. The cheapest food item you will find is a single taco, for 7 dollars. Not even a large taco, an average size taco. If you eat one meal here, it comes out to $20-30. Come the attractions. Each ride costs in average $3-4.50. There are not fleshed out rides like you would find at a theme park. These are rides that complete one small circuit, or one drop, and youre out of there. In and out in 2 minutes or less. If you wanted to ride rides all day, youd drop 36 dollars on their unlimited wristband, but wait, that wristband is only available on very specific days. You would probably have to drop $50 on tickets to enjoy yourself ( this does not include bungee jumping which costs $30 on its own). Sounds about it, right? Nah. Not a single vendor offers free water. None. So you are either forced to drink from infested burning fountains that are hidden against the horse track OR drop 10 dollars on a drink. All while game vendors are yelling at you and trying to get your attention to sell you their two shots at a bucket game for 5 dollars. The only thing actually worth coming here for, are the exhibits. There are many art, woodworking, and mineral contests within the fairgrounds and honestly one of the cheapest but also most entertaining things you can do if youre into that. Most showrooms are air conditioned relatively quiet, and have lots of things to look at for free. Conclusion; If youre planning on spending 70 dollars per person + 13 dollars for parking. Remember that Knotts Berry Farm which also has the exact same dirty fair aesthetic as county fairs has tickets for like $45.

Pradeep Mohanannair

Del Mar fairgrounds, is super bowl of SD. I have attended only the best shows here. Let it be Wine tasting, Beer Festivals, Race, concerts and food festicals, everything is the best here. How can I miss the SD county fair. This is our 5th consecutive year to this fair and we love it more each and every year. This the one of the best SD events which caters all age groups. SD County Fair only Dos: Food, Games, Rides. Kids will have a blast BARNYARD animals Alternate Parking lots, its free with Bus ride to fair Donts: Dont park at the Fair, look for alternate Parking lots DONT buy concert seats here!!! This is the worst scam in town Dont follow Signs: No signs. No directions. No consistency. Food to eat: French toast bacon bomb. Deep fried nachos. Kool-Aid hot wings. Fried pizza. Deep fried lemonade - Not up to the Hype, this taste like deep friend lemon cake. Hatters Mad Mash Up Burger. Pinks Madhatter Dog. Australian Battered Potato dripping in Ranch dressing. Holy moly. Funnel Cake fish taco, Grilled kabobs, Grolled Corn, Cubano Burgers Chocolate covered frozen bananas. Zucchini curls, Fried Oreos, Fried Cool Aid, Potato Swirl with TNT spice, Mushroom fried...ok now I am hungry.

Kaitlynn V

FROM AN EXHIBITORS POINT OF VIEW. The girl running a majority of the llama show this year (katy/kady) had such an unpleasant attitude and was actually very rude. We love this show but to be told "I cant believe you guys dont even look at the show schedule, its posted everywhere" when we have questions or to get an eye roll if our numbers werent ready that very second is just unprofessional. The show obstacles and divisions ( pack, public relations and obstacle being the correct terms) packing, personal relations and obstacle had been changed when we began the show from what had been listed on the show schedule. Like I said. This is our FAVORITE SHOW but her attitude (she ran every show the entire weekend) really rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. And attitude change (or a new person?) And some new CREATIVE obstacles would be awesome!

Liz Gala

This is well run considering its not privately owned. I love the fair every year, and Bingo is available every week next to the horse racing building. For mothers day they had free champagne and dessert at Bingo. The yearly fair has amazing food choices and a fabulous wristband offer ($40 unlimited per person) for Very serious ride enthusiasts. I was dissapointed that with the track widening project they discontinued the drive through Christmas light show, I hope they bring that back. The Halloween fright zone is super scary, and the hayride was very well done although I reccamend spending the extra $20 for a fast pass unless you dont mind waiting an hour during busy times to get on the ride.