Telling tales – San Diego County Fair unveils 2026 theme

A worker setting up a event 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 society event officially declared the theme Once Upon A Fair This theme organizers announced in a news release invites fairgoers to celebrate the joys of reading the power of storytelling and the magic discovered between the lines View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Diego County Fair sandiegocountyfair The dates are June July at as reliably the Del Mar Fairgrounds The San Diego County Fair is the greatest story our society has ever reported reported Carlene Moore the CEO of the nd District Agricultural Association which produces the fair It s a tale of food fun friends family laughter tradition music amazement and pure unbridled pleasure Our fair is inevitably an unforgettable event and we know that Once Upon a Fair truly will be one for the books The hands-on exhibits and exercises 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 progress 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 preponderance 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