You’re standing under the neon glow of the Ferris wheel, a half-eaten churro in one hand and a giant stuffed panda that cost forty bucks in the other. The air smells like diesel, cinnamon, and salt from the nearby Pacific. Then you hear it. That muffled announcement over the loudspeaker.
Wait—what time does del mar fair close again?
If you’re like most people visiting the Del Mar Fairgrounds (officially the San Diego County Fair), you probably assume "closing time" is a hard line in the sand. But honestly, it’s kinda more of a suggestion depending on where you are on the property. For the 2026 season—running from June 10 through July 5—the official word is that the front gates lock up at 11:00 PM.
But there is a massive catch.
If you show up at 10:15 PM thinking you’ll just "pop in" for a quick ride, you’re going to be staring at a closed ticket booth. They stop letting people in an hour before the actual shutdown.
The Weird Logic of Fair Hours (and Why 11 PM Isn't Always 11 PM)
Basically, the Del Mar Fair operates on a staggered schedule that can trip you up if you aren't paying attention. While the main lights stay on until 11:00 PM most nights, different sections of the fairgrounds start tucking themselves in much earlier.
The exhibit buildings—you know, the places where you go to look at the giant prize-winning pumpkins, the photography exhibits, and the "As Seen on TV" gadgets—usually start shooing people out around 10:00 PM.
Shopping halls follow the same rule.
If you were planning on buying that artisan leather belt or a hot tub at 10:45 PM, you’re out of luck.
Then there’s the Kids Zone. Because parents are generally exhausted and children are prone to "the witching hour" meltdowns, the Kids Zone tends to close about an hour before the main gates. On the flip side, the Fun Zone (where the "big kid" rides live) often stays spinning until the very last second. Sometimes, if the crowd is still thick and the vibe is right, the ride operators might even stretch it a few minutes past 11:00 PM, though you shouldn't bank on it.
2026 Schedule at a Glance
The fair has a bit of a rhythm. You've got to remember they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Don't be the person who drives all the way to Del Mar on a Tuesday only to find a silent parking lot.
- Opening Time: 11:00 AM daily.
- Front Gate Entry Closes: 10:00 PM.
- Official Fair Closing: 11:00 PM.
- Bars and Alcohol Service: Usually cut off by 10:30 PM.
Planning for the "Once Upon a Fair" Theme
The 2026 theme is "Once Upon a Fair," which is all about storytelling and books. It’s actually pretty cool—they’re doing workshops on illustrating and even have a dedicated "Book Fair" section.
But here is a pro tip: the themed exhibits in the Mission Tower and the O’Brien Hall are some of the first things to close. If you actually want to see the "Library Love" or "Golden Books" displays, do it before the sun goes down. Once the concert at the Grandstand finishes up, everyone floods those main thoroughfares, and it becomes a bit of a chaotic shuffle toward the exits.
The Concert Factor
If you're attending a show at the Corona Grandstand Stage, your night might end a little differently. Most big-name concerts start around 7:30 PM and wrap up by 9:30 or 10:00 PM to comply with local noise ordinances.
Once that crowd of 10,000+ people lets out, the fairgrounds get a second wind. This is the absolute worst time to try and get a corn dog. The lines at the food stands near the exit will triple in size instantly. If you’re hungry, eat during the concert or right before it starts.
What Time Does Del Mar Fair Close for Rides?
Let’s talk about the BlastPass. This is the digital system they use for rides and games. If you have credits left on your pass, you’ll want to use them before 10:45 PM.
💡 You might also like: Evanston IL Hourly Weather: Why the Lake Effect Usually Ruins Your Plans
While the Fun Zone stays open late, they often stop letting people into the lines for the most popular rides—like the Big Wheel or the crazy spinning ones—around 10:30 PM. It’s all about clearing the queue so the staff can go home by midnight.
Also, if you’re doing the Pay-One-Price Ride Days (which are usually Wednesdays and Thursdays), those wristbands have a specific "expiration" for the unlimited portion. Usually, the unlimited riding ends at 8:00 PM. After that, you’re back to paying per ride. It’s a bit of a bummer if you don't realize it, so keep an eye on the clock.
Parking and the Great Midnight Exodus
Knowing what time does del mar fair close is only half the battle. You also need to know when the parking lot shuts down.
The parking lots generally stay open until one hour after the fair closes. So, if the fair closes at 11:00 PM, you have until midnight to get your car out of the dirt lot or the Horsepark.
If you took the Fair Tripper (the NCTD Coaster/bus combo), you need to be extremely careful. The last trains heading north toward Oceanside or south toward San Diego don't wait for anyone. Missing the last Coaster is a rite of passage for San Diegans, but it’s a pricey mistake involving a very expensive Uber ride.
A Few Real-World Tips for Late-Nighters
I’ve spent way too many nights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and here is what I’ve learned about the final hour:
👉 See also: Types of Peaches: What You’re Probably Missing at the Grocery Store
- The Temperature Drop: Del Mar is right on the water. At 2:00 PM, it’s 75 degrees and sunny. At 10:00 PM, that marine layer rolls in and it’s a damp 62 degrees. Bring a hoodie. You'll see thousands of people buying overpriced fair sweatshirts just because they underestimated the coastal chill.
- The "Last Call" Food: Around 10:30 PM, some food vendors start giving out extra portions or "deals" because they’d rather sell the remaining fries than throw them away. It doesn't always happen, but it’s worth asking.
- The Exit Strategy: If you stay until 11:00 PM, expect to sit in the parking lot for at least 30 to 45 minutes just trying to get onto Jimmy Durante Blvd or the I-5. If you leave at 10:15 PM, you’ll sail right out.
Honestly, the best way to handle the closing time is to work backward. If the gates close at 11, aim to be back at your car by 10:30. You’ll beat the worst of the traffic, you’ll have seen all the exhibits before they locked up at 10, and you won't be shivering in the fog waiting for a shuttle.
For your next visit, check your BlastPass balance on the official app before you get in the ride line. It saves you from that awkward moment at the front of the queue where you realize you’re two credits short and have to go find a kiosk.
If you’re planning a trip for the 2026 "Once Upon a Fair" season, grab your tickets online at least 24 hours in advance. It’s way cheaper than buying them at the gate, and since they’re doing timed entry, it guarantees you won't be turned away if the grounds hit capacity.