Can I bring...

This list may change before and during the 2010 Fair. Be sure to refresh your browser each time you check this page to be sure you have the most recent information.

...my pet? No.

The only animals allowed on the grounds are service dogs, animals on exhibit or those used in entertainment. We do not have accommodations for pets at the Fairgrounds. Should you need day boarding, we suggest the Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, Phone: (858) 756-4117. Or, check the FindPetCare.com Web site for other pet boarding facilities.

...knives, scissors, and other sharp implements? No.

Because we want the Fair to be a fun and safe experience, we have metal detectors and bag searches as you enter the Fairgrounds. All sharp metal objects, such as pocket knives, tableware, scissors and the like, are strictly prohibited, as are guns and other weapons. Please leave these items at home, or in your vehicle. If you wonder whether something is allowed or not, probably it is not. Please help us keep the Fair fun for all.

If you have a forgotten pocket knife when you reach the security checkpoint, you can either take it back to your vehicle or dispose of it.

...my own food and beverages? Yes.

"Fair food" is a big reason why people visit the Fair, but if you have dietary or other reasons for wanting to bring your own food or beverages, please do. Please note: Alcohol, glass containers and metal knives and forks are prohibited. Also, all beverages must be in factory-sealed containers (meaning reusuable containers such as sports water bottles and sippy cups can not contain beverages when you go through the security check at the entrances). Please consume your food at one of the six designated picnic areas, which are marked on the Fairgrounds map in the printed program. Some vendors provide seating for their customers; please respect that.

...coolers or ice chests? Yes.

We provide complimentary cooler check-in at Guest Services, or you can check it for a nominal charge at the stroller and wheelchair rental locations at the entrance gates. Your cooler will be searched as you enter the grounds; please do not pack alcohol, glass containers or sharp metal utensils.

...My motorized wheelchair? Yes.

Guests with disabilities are permitted to bring in motorized scooters with three or more wheels to be used as a mobility device. You can also rent non-motorized wheelchairs or electric scooters at the Fair. Please see the "Strollers, Wheelchairs, Lockers" page for more information.

...a skateboard or roller skates? No.

The Fair attracts large crowds, and we want everyone to move at about the same pace for safety reasons. Please leave skateboards, scooters, roller skates (including children's wheeled shoes) and other wheeled toys at home or in your vehicle.

...a bicycle? Yes, with restrictions.

You may ride your bicycle to the Fair, and park it outside the entrance gates at the bike racks provided.

...a wagon or a stroller? Yes.

Small children may be pulled in a wagon at walking speed by adults or responsible older children. You can bring your own stroller, or rent one here.

...cigarettes, cigars, pipes? Yes, with restrictions.

For the comfort of all Fair visitors, the San Diego County Fair is a smoke-free venue, with designated smoking areas. Smoking is allowed only in the following areas: Bing's Bar next to Bing Crosby Hall; southeast corner of the Coors Light Rock On Stage; southwest corner of the Exhibit Hall, east and west sides of the Heineken Grandstand Stage; the patio of Surfside Race Place; the Tecate Beer Playa, between Exhibit Hall and Seaside Pavilion; and the Tecate Beer Ranch, in the Infield near the tunnel entrance. At the Fair, you can pick up a pocket-sized card in the Information Booths with these areas listed and mapped; and they also are designated on the Fair Map.

...an umbrella? Yes, with restrictions.

Because umbrellas have sharp points on the tip and supports, please use a wide-brimmed hat as a sun shield. Rain is a very rare occurrence at the Fair. If you must use an umbrella for shade, it can not be more than three feet in diameter. Please do not use an umbrella in crowded areas.

...a folding chair? Yes, with restrictions.

Finding seating is usually not a problem at the Fair. If you have a disability that requires you to sit frequently and you would like to bring a folding chair, you may, with the following restrictions: You may not use the chair in the following locations: Fun Zone, Grandstand, Coors Light Rock On Stage, Paddock area during the Paddock Concert Series. You also may not obstruct pedestrian traffic. If a staff member asks you to move your chair, please comply.

...a camera tripod? Yes, with restrictions.

Some exhibits and venues permit photography; others do not. Please observe the signs. Tripods also can be a trip hazard, so we do not permit their use in the Fun Zone and other crowded areas. Tripods may not impede pedestrian traffic. If a staff member asks you to move or compact the leg spread of your tripod, please comply.

All professional photographers must have a credential from the Media Office, located at the southeast corner of the Flower and Garden Show. If you are a serious amateur photographer using professional-style equipment, please stop by the Media Office for a photographer's credential.

...a gun? No, with one exception.

For the safety of our guests and employees, guns may not be brought onto the Fairgrounds. However, off-duty, qualified law enforcement officers (as defined in 18 U.S.C. section 926B) or qualified, retired law enforcement officers (as defined in 18 U.S.C. section 926C) will be allowed to carry concealed weapons into the Fair.

These individuals must identify themselves to Security at the Fair’s entrances with the proper credentials required by law. The credentials required of qualified off-duty or retired law enforcement officers by 18 U.S.C. sections 926B and 926C will be verified by a San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy. In addition, qualified off-duty and retired law enforcement officers will be required to sign a document attesting to their compliance with all pertinent state and federal laws and the policies and procedures of their individual employers; and, that they are not at the time of entry, nor will be while on the Fairgrounds, under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating or hallucinatory drug.

Qualified off-duty or retired law enforcement officers with questions about this policy may contact the Fair’s Security Office at pkerins@sdfair.com. News media with questions may contact the Fair's Media Office at lzweig@sdfair.com. Members of the public with questions may contact info@sdfair.com.

My friend will be performing/selling a product. Can I bring…
Advertising stickers? No.

A fine of $200.00 per occurrence will be assessed to any performer, performance group, vendor, radio station or other Fair participant whose stickers are found anywhere on the grounds. Any performer or performer's helper found to be selling or giving away stickers will receive a violation notice, which will jeopardize future participation in the Fair.

Advertising flyers? Yes, if they are distributed only within your space.

A fine of $500.00 per violation applies to the distribution of flyers, authorized or non-authorized, outside your performance time and stage, or booth space.

If you want to know whether you can bring something or not, please send email to info@sdfair.com.