SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Stretching dollars at the San Diego County Fair is always important. Expenses at the fair can add up easier.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cut down on one major expense: Admission.
The fair offers several special admission days to help families save, including free days for kids, and discounted days for school staff, state workers, and others. Children 5-years-old and younger are always free, for starters.
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In between those special days, there are other ways to save on admission, from entry and ride packages to tickets purchased through local grocers to the fair's season pass.
Before you head to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for an "Oz-some" time (see the fair's theme), check out what admission deals are available during the fair's run from May 31 to July 4:
Ways to save on admission
Save 20% on adult admission: Purchase adult admission tickets at Albertsons or Vons stores and save $4 on adults admission and $1 on kids/senior admission. Requires a $10 minimum purchase at store.
Passport to Savings book: Purchase the fair's Passport to Savings book for $4 for savings on food, games, rides, and products at the fair, as well as restaurants, theme parks, and retail outlets outside the fair.
Season Pass: Purchase the fair's season pass for $32 and get unlimited admission to the fair. Season Pass holders can also save on ticketed events at the fair, such as concerts.
Admission and Ride package: Admission and ride packages available are:
- Costco pack for $79.99 (four one-day tickets, one passport book, 50 credits toward rides and games, four 2-for-1 drink coupons, one parking pass)
- Ride Fanatic Pack for $48 (one one-day admission ticket, 50 credit toward rides and games, one 2-for-1 drink coupons)
- Value Pack for $90 (four one-day admission tickets, one passport book, 20 credits toward rides and games, four 2-for-1 drink coupons, one parking pass)
- Ride & Game tickets for $16 (25 credits toward rides and games)
Military discount: Military bases will be offering discounted admission tickets with military ID for active duty, reservists, retirees, dependents, and DoD employees.
Read for admission: Kids 12 years old and younger can read 10 age-appropriate books and have them verified by a teacher or librarian for free admission. Reading certificate available here.
Special admission days
$6 Fair Days: On May 31, June 1, and June 5, enjoy the fair for just $6 by purchasing special tickets at participating Albertsons and Vons stores. Requires a $10 minimum purchase at store.
College Day: On June 7, college and university students with valid college ID can get discount admission for $10 or a discount admission and ride package for $26, which includes 25 rides coupons.
Kids Get In Free Day: Every Friday, children 12 years old and younger get in free.
Military Free Day: On May 31, military members can pick up two complimentary tickets per military ID at base ticket offices.
School Staff Appreciation Day: On June 7, 14, 21 and 28, get up to four $1 admission tickets from any San Diego County Mission Federal Credit Union branch with a valid school employment ID.
State Employee Appreciation Day: On June 7, 14 and 21, state civil service employees can get two $8 admission passes with valid state employee ID or paycheck stub.
Unemployment Day: Get two free admission tickets on June 12 with current EDD debit card or form dated no earlier than July 1, 2018.
Foster Kids Day: Donate new clothes or cash and get free admission from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 6.
