Nothing says summer like a county fair, right? Did you know we are right in the middle of San Diego’s very own first-class version?

The San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds runs through the Fourth of July, so you’ve still got plenty of time to join the pie-eating, foot-stomping, coaster-riding, pig-racing fun!

Mark summertime in America’s Finest City with a stay at one of the very best Hotels San Diego has to offer, the Sofia, and pay a visit or two to the San Diego County Fair while you’re at it!

The Fair’s Menagerie

Animals are at the heart of any proper county fair, of course, and you’ll see plenty at the Del Mar Fairgrounds—from dairy goats and show horses to plush alpacas. Swing by for a cow-milking or sheep-shearing demos, and absolutely do not miss the Swifty Swine Racing Pigs: stubby-nosed, short-legged sprinters vying for an Oreo cookie reward.

Concerts & Other Live Entertainment

This year’s San Diego County Fair delivers some top notch onstage talent. Music of all kinds supplies a constant soundtrack: Some upcoming highlights include Los Tucanes de Tijuana (June 23), the Gospel Festival (June 24), and LeAnn Rimes (June 29).

Some funny people will also be stepping into the spotlight, including The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah (June 27), standup veteran Jeff Foxworthy (July 1), and former MADtv actress/comedian Anjelah Johnson (July 4). Throw in dance performances and other acts, and you’ve got mighty rich pickings in the live-entertainment department.

Other Fair Attractions

Naturally, you’ve also got a broad array of rides and games on hand, from roller coasters and fun houses to bumper cars and boats.

The fair experience is also about doing lots of eating, and on that count, the San Diego County Fair has you magnificently covered. The fairgrounds offer quite a few outdoor and indoor restaurants and bars plus plenty of food vendors. Among the special eats brand-new to the fair this year are Chicken Charlie’s Krispy Kreme Chicken Ice Cream Sandwich (wow), Bacon A-Fair’s Bacon-Wrapped Cactus, and Reno’s Fish & Chips’ Deep Fried Octopus. You can also bring in your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (learn more about what’s allowed and what’s not here).

You can’t beat the hilariously varied San Diego County Fair contests, which range from classics like pie-eating and Battles of the Band to more eccentric competitions such as bubblegum-blowing, Best Animal Noises, and the delightful Baby Derby (almost as enjoyable as the Swifty Swine Racing Pigs).

Take in the San Diego County Fair From the Sofia Hotel

It’s not hard to reach the Del Mar Fairgrounds from downtown San Diego via public transportation. So why not call home the beautiful and historic Sofia Hotel—among the standout Hotels San Diego has, right on the doorstep of the Gaslamp Quarter and blocks from the Embarcadero—while you enjoy some quintessential summertime delights up at the San Diego County Fair?