San Diego County Fair at night — Photo courtesy of San Diego County Fair
When summer's on the horizon, that means the San Diego County Fair is, too. The largest event in the county, it's one that many San Diego residents and visitors look forward to year-round.
While the fair offers a plethora of bizarre and tasty deep-fried food, rides, special events and even a wine festival, evening concerts feature world-renown artists who perform familiar tunes as the sun sets over Del Mar.
The concerts with the biggest names include the Grandstand and Paddock, and it's almost hard to believe that there are more to choose from, especially during the day.
San Diego County Fair at night — Photo courtesy of San Diego County Fair
Each night, the 2015 Toyota Summer Concert Series, performed on the fair's Heineken Grand Stage, will feature a different artist. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and while many are included with fair admission, some are not. What you pay depends on things like age, where you'd like to sit , if you buy tickets through Ticketmaster and the like.
The Grandstand concert line-up for 2015 includes the following musicians:
- June 5: KC and the Sunshine Band
- June 6: Gary Allan
- June 7: Banda MS
- June 10: Peter Frampton & Cheap Trick
- June 11: The Fab Four
- June 12: Terry Fator
- June 13: Colbie Caillat
- June 14: Los Tigres Del Norte
- June 17: Christina Perri
- June 18: Gregg Allman
- June 19: Switchfoot
- June 20: Clare Bowen & Charles Esten
- June 21: Grupo Intocable
- June 23: Fifth Harmony
- June 24: Little Big Town with Ashley Monroe
- June 25: Spirit West Coast, featuring Third Day, Rend Collective, Brandon Heath and The Afters
- June 26: Charlie Wilson (paid show)
- June 27: The 11th Annual Gospel Festival, featuring Donald Lawrence & Co. with Tamela Mann
- June 28: Espinoza Paz
- June 30: Austin Mahone
- July 2: DigiFest
- July 3: Kansas
- July 4: Dana Carvey, plus The Navy Band South West (featuring the largest fireworks display in Southern California)
- July 5: Calibre 50 and Banda Carnaval
The Ford Dealer Paddock Concert Series is where guests can enjoy more intimate performances on what is otherwise known as the race track paddock.
These concerts typically begin at 9:00 p.m. and ticket requirements vary. Reserved seating is limited, but this year, a new "Cocktails and Concert" ticket is available, where guests can enjoy 90 minutes of cocktails and appetizers before each show.
The Paddock concert line-up for 2015 includes the following musicians:
- June 10: Kalin and Myles
- June 11: Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers
- June 13: Beverly McClellen
- June 14: The Robert Cray Band
- June 17: Iron Butterfly
- June 18: Home Free
- June 23: Andy Grammer
- June 24: Three Dog Night
- June 25: Who’s Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band
- June 30: Marshall Tucker Band
- July 1: Tanya Tucker
- July 2: Average White Band
Tickets for concerts at the San Diego County Fair are already on sale. Remember that the Best Pass Ever season pass is just $25; it's worth your money if you go to the fair just twice during its 25-day run.
