Telling tales – San Diego County Fair unveils 2026 theme
A worker setting up a game booth at the fairgronds. (File photo by Alexander Nguyen/Times of San Diego) Organizers brought a bit of summer to a dreary day Tuesday, with the reveal of the theme for a summer favorite – the San Diego County Fair. The fair, the region’s longest-running and largest community event, officially announced the 2026 theme – “Once Upon A Fair.” This theme, organizers said in a news release, invites fairgoers to celebrate “the joys of reading, the power of storytelling and the magic found between the lines.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Diego County Fair (@sandiegocountyfair) The dates are June 10 – July 5, 2026 at, as always, the Del Mar Fairgrounds. “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.” The hands-on exhibits and activities that reflect the theme include: Tell Your Story – Workshops on writing, illustrating and publishing your own fictional or biographical tale. Golden Books – A tribute to classic fairy tales and young adult adventures to rediscover the magic that made you fall in love with reading. Color & Comics – Explore the bold, vibrant world of comics, graphic novels and giant coloring books. Library Love – Learn how libraries have shaped communities, past and present, and how to unlock their hidden treasures. Book Fair – Mystery, sci-fi, romance or travel? There will be something for every bookworm. And beyond the theme exhibits, guests will find the traditional favorites that make the fair one of the year’s most popular attractions, including rides in the Fun Zone and Kids Zone, carnival games, over-the-top culinary creations. livestock shows, farm exhibits and concerts and performances.
