Fair Food & Drink

The San Diego County Fair is over for 2009. We had tons of fun, and we hope you did, too! We have left the information about the 2009 Fair on the Web site so that you'll have an idea of what it's all about. Much of this information will disappear at the end of 2009 when we will have the re-designed Web site featuring the 2010 Fair theme. Please check back in April or May, 2010, for updated information on activities at the 2010 San Diego County Fair.

Food is one of the main reasons people visit the San Diego County Fair. Not only do we have the traditional "Fair fare," but we also offer some surprising upscale dining and sipping experiences.

Click below for:
New Foods at the Fair

Enjoy a restaurant-style meal

Enjoy a gourmet or casual meal with table service. Casual dining: Head to the Heineken Red Star second-floor outdoor patio café any evening from 5:00PM to closing. The O'Brien Pub is located on the west side of the Paddock and overlooks the Plaza de Mexico on one side and the Paddock on the other.

Concert gourmet dinner packages: Enjoy a gourmet meal in the famed Turf Club, followed by a concert in the Grandstand. Most shows this year have a dinner package. See the Summer Concert Series listings for more information.

Tuesday $2.00 Taste of the Fair

For you light eaters, or those who can't narrow down the list of foods you want to try, we are bringing back Tuesday Taste of the Fair. Each Tuesday, you can buy a taster's portion of a featured Fair food item for $2.00 at each food booth.

NEW! Albertsons Rejuvenation Station

Our presenting sponsor, Albertsons, has a great food booth for those of you who crave some healthy eating. The Rejuvenation Station, located on Wyland Way between the Theme Exhibit and AgriFair, has fruit bowls, salads, Naked Juice, nuts and baked chips.

Ways to save on food and beverages

Every Friday is PennySaver Value Day, where each Fairgoer receives a booklet loaded with discounts at more than 60 Fair food and product vendors.

Also, look for the Kids' Meal Deal signs throughout the Fair at participating food vendors. The $5.99 meal includes an entrée, side dish and drink, plus a Child Hopper admission to LEGOLAND and the Sea-Life Aquarium, valid after the Fair with an accompanying paid Adult Hopper admission.

Beer Gardens and Bars

Alcohol is served in several "beer gardens" throughout the Fairgrounds. All ages may enter these areas; however, adults 21 and older must have photo ID to order and consume alcohol. The Cantina Bar is restricted to age 21 and older after 8:00PM, and the Coors Light Rock On Stage has separate areas for ages 21 and older, and younger attendees, so everyone can enjoy the music. These areas and their locations are:
Chevrolet Del Mar Arena, west side: Concessions and Beer
Sparkletts Water Infield: Beach-Bar and Wine Tasting in the San Diego Pavilion
Grandstand: Concessions stands with food, bars and beer, after 5:00PM during concerts
Coors Rock On Stage Beer Garden
Between Exhibit Hall and Seaside Pavilion: Cantina Bar
Outside of Bing Crosby Hall: Bing's Beer
Flower & Garden Show: Tequila Bar and Import Beers
Paddock: Beer and Wine
Music Pub (Paddock Area): Full Bar
Plaza de Mexico: Beer

San Diego International Beer Festival

Sample from more than 300 beers entered into the San Diego International Beer Festival competition, on Friday and Saturday, June 26-27. See the San Diego International Beer Festival page for additional information.

Beer "fests"

Not quite as extensive as our San Diego International Beer Festival are the Saturday beer "fests" in the Paddock. A large number of microbrews are available, plus you can enjoy some special entertainment in the Paddock those days.

Wine Tasting, Culinary Series

Each day in the Sparkletts Water Infield are two food events: The Culinary Series, where local chefs demonstrate how to create a special dish; and Wine Tasting, sponsored by the San Diego County Vintners Association. Please see the Sparkletts Water Infield page for additional information.

Did you know you can bring your own food?

If you have special dietary needs (or your child will eat only jelly sandwiches), you may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please see the Guest Services page "Can I Bring" for more information on what is allowed and what isn't.

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