Theme for 2026 San Diego County Fair announced

DEL MAR, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The San Diego County Fair on Tuesday released its theme for next year's event.

The theme, "Once Upon A Fair," celebrates the joys of reading, the power of storytelling and the magic found between the lines, fair officials said in a news release.

“The San Diego County Fair is the greatest story our community has ever told,” said Carlene Moore, the CEO of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which produces the Fair. “It’s a tale of food, fun, friends, family, laughter, tradition, music, amazement, and pure, unbridled joy. Our Fair is always an unforgettable event, and we know that Once Upon a Fair truly will be one for the books.”

Theme-related activities and exhibits include workshops on writing, illustrating and publishing your own fictional or biographical tale; stepping into the treasured stories of your youth; exploring the world of comics, graphic novels, giant coloring books; learning how libraries have shaped communities; and the chance to browse the fair's book fair.

Other attractions the fair offers are a wide variety of food experiences, more than 70 rides in the Fun Zone and Kids Zone, carnival games, shopping halls, a full lineup of livestock shows and farm exhibits and an array of concerts, entertainment and performances throughout the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The San Diego County Fair will take place June 10 to July 5, 2026.