Entertainment Application FAQs
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I GET BOOKED?
All applicants will receive an email — no later than April 15, 2026 — with performance confirmation or waitlist notification.
The email notification will come from SDCF entertainment at "entertainment@sdfair.com" so please make ensure that address is on your email contacts or "safe list."
Check your spam folder! We've have seen an increase of emails going to spam and secondary or "promotional" email folders.
WHERE DO PERFORMERS PARK?
Performers with heavy equipment will receive limited parking passes for the Green Lot, accessible via the Solana Gate. If the Green Lot is full, overflow parking will be directed to the Training Track. These lots are reserved for performers and not open to the general public.
Performers without equipment should park at Horsepark (14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar, CA 92014), where shuttle buses will transport you to the fairgrounds. Note that Horsepark parking is shared with the general public.
Parking is limited, so please carpool whenever possible. Be sure to allow extra time for traffic, parking, and shuttle transport.
WHY CAN'T I GET MY FIRST OR SECOND-CHOICE DATE?
The Fair programs various types of entertainment. Due to the programming, you might not get your first or second choice. Please provide us with as many date options as possible to help better your opportunity of performing at the San Diego County Fair.
WHY DO I NEED TO PAY A PROCESSING FEE TO APPLY?
The Fair charges a $25 processing fee per entertainment entry to help cover the cost of processing and vetting applications. In addition, the Fair provides the venue (stage, lighting, sound equipment), stage management staff, marketing, and vehicular and entry access for each performer.
WILL THE STAGE MANAGER PLAY MY RECORDED MUSIC?
No. We provide an aux cable for your recorded music ( please make sure you have the appropriate inputs, note that any iPhone 8 and newer will need a dongle cable ), but you will need to provide the person who will play it. Be sure to organize your music for fast play.
WHAT CAN I BRING TO MY PERFORMANCE?
Musical Groups: You will need to bring your personal performance equipment, such as all instruments, aux cables or dongle (if required), costumes, etc. There is a full sound system at each stage.
Dance Groups: You can bring costumes, props (by approval), aux cables or dongles, and all music on MP3 technology, i.e. iPod, iPad, mobile phone. No thumb drives or laptops will be accepted.
CAN I PLAY FOR TIPS?
No. Soliciting tips during your performance is not allowed. If you solicit tips in any way, your performance will be cancelled and the violation will affect future bookings.
DO PERFORMERS PAY ADMISSION TO THE FAIR?
No. We provide Fair access credentials to all performers. Performers under the age of 18 will be allowed (1) chaperone to accompany them, and the chaperone will also receive a Fair credential.
*Additional fair admission tickets can be purchased online at www.sdfair.com.
DO PERFORMERS PAY FOR PARKING?
Each group performing at the Fair will receive parking passes for 50% of their group’s participants. We have limited parking space on grounds and encourage carpooling, mass transportation and rideshare options.
*Additional parking passes can be purchased online and in advance at www.sdfair.com.
IS THERE A SPECIFIC ENTRANCE GATE FOR ENTERTAINERS?
No. Performers may enter the Fair at any entrance gate.
All entrances have security checkpoints and are also open to the public, so please plan accordingly — arrive early and have your Fair credential readily available.
WHERE DO I GET MY CREDENTIAL PACKET?
You will have two options.
Pick Up: Make a reservation to pick up your packet at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, using the reservation form you will receive after your final booking form is completed and submitted.
Mail: Request your packet to be sent through FedEx, by indicating this on your final booking form, once that form is completed and submitted you will receive a form to pay for the shipping.
All packets will be mailed/ready for pick-up by the late May/early June.