Special Days: Fourth of July

Fourth of July activities What better place is there to spend Independence Day than at an all-American county fair? Highlighting the day will be the traditional fireworks display, which will happen at approximately 9:00PM. The fireworks display is visible throughout the Fairgrounds, so as long as you're outside, there's no better place to watch!

We'll start the day with a patriotic Opening Ceremony about 9:30AM at the O'Brien Gate. When the gates open about 10:00AM, there'll be plenty to do, including a great lineup of evening entertainment, including Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in a free-with-Fair-admission performance on our Heineken Grandstand Stage immediately following the fireworks display.

NEW THIS YEAR: July 4 COASTER service! The COASTER train, which normally does not operate on Sundays, will be running on Sunday, July 4, this year — including two trains (one running north and one running south) after the Fair's fireworks display! There's no better place to spend the Fourth of July than at a traditional county fair. And now, getting here and getting home is easier than ever. See the Public Transportation page for additional information.

Or, park at one of our FREE off-site lots and take the FREE shuttle to the Fairgrounds. We have three free off-site lots:
   • MiraCosta College's San Elijo campus (best for those coming south on Interstate 5 from North County)
   • Horsepark Equestrian Center (a good choice for those approaching the Fair on Del Dios Highway)
   • Torrey Pines High School (best for those coming from the southern part of the county)
See the Parking page for more information.

We have several great contests throughout the day. No pre-registration is required; just show up and participate! Our special Fourth of July contests are (click the links to find out more): Pie Day, Jalapeño Pepper Eating Contest, both for adults 18 and older; and Most Patriotic Costume Contest, for all ages, at 2:30PM on the Infield Stage.

KyXy Hometown Heroes: KyXy 96.5 and the 2010 San Diego County Fair are once again honoring individuals who make our community and country a better, safer, healthier, place to live. These Hometown Heroes who were nominated through KyXy will be honored at the San Diego County Fair on the Fourth of July. They will receive tickets to the Fair and participate in the Hometown Heroes parade from the Infield to the Grandstand. The heroes will also have reserved seating at the Grandstand Show that features the Navy Band Southwest, fireworks and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

All active-duty military, veterans, and first responders attending the San Diego County Fair on July 4 are invited to head out to the San Diego Pavilion between 10:00AM and 6:00PM to pick up a free Hometown Heroes T-shirt while supplies last. At 6:45PM, we invite these community heroes to participate in the parade and enjoy free reserved seating especially for you in the Grandstand for the Navy Band, fireworks and Joan Jett concert.

Heineken Grandstand Stage concert: The Grandstand Stage show will start at 7:30PM with the traditional performance by the talented and fabulous Navy Band Southwest, a Fourth of July tradition since 1993. Fireworks will follow at approximately 9:00PM, and then Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will keep the party going, starting at about 9:30PM. This show is free with Fair admission for unreserved seats, but you might want to buy a reserved seat. Click Joan's name (above) for details.

If you didn't take the COASTER to the Fair, plan to stay after the fireworks, and let the beach traffic clear. All of our exhibits, shopping halls and rides will stay open until midnight (except Creative Youth, which closes at 10:00PM, and Kiddieland, which will close about 11:00PM). The shuttles that service the free off-site lots run past midnight, so feel free to stay and enjoy! We also will have plenty of late-night entertainment on several stages, all free with Fair admission. (Click the link to see a list of entertainers performing after 6:00PM on July 4.)

And by the way, July 4 is NOT the final day of the Fair this year! We will have one more great day of fun on Monday, July 5.

Please see the July 4 Daily Schedule for a complete lineup of events. Be sure to check the Daily Schedule a couple of days in advance so you have the most accurate information.