It will be a “Summer Pet-tacular” at the San Diego County Fair next year, officials at the Del Mar Fairgrounds announced during a Nov. 12 board of directors meeting.
The 2025 fair will run from June 11 to July 6, except for Mondays and Tuesdays. And no, pets will not actually be allowed general admission to the fair, except for ADA-compliant service animals. There will be a pet parade and a few other pet-approved activities that attendees will be able to sign up for in advance.
The 22nd District Agricultural Association, which operates the fairgrounds, revealed last April that it would be a pet-related theme in 2025, based on a new board-approved policy to pick the themes two years in advance.
But the branding was still to be determined.
Fairgrounds staff and board members decided against the initial tagline they unveiled, “Unleash the Magic,” because it contradicted a “Love ‘Em and Leash ‘Em” pet responsibility campaign by the San Diego Humane Society.
In September, fair board members were on the fence about “Pet-sational” before landing on “Pet-tacular.”
Katie Mueller, chief operating officer at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, said at the fair board meeting that “the 2025 San Diego County Fair will celebrate the bond between humans and their pets.”
“We really enjoy working with our human and animal companions,” Mueller said.
In addition to the usual fair favorites, the Summer Pet-tacular will include a giant ball of yarn, aquarium castle and other interactive props to help people experience the world through the eyes of some of the more popular pets. Pet pairing will tell people which animals theyre most compatible with, and adoption events could allow a person to go home with one.
The theme is also meant to raise awareness for San Diego’s animal shelters.
“With a record number of homeless pets in shelters, we are excited to help introduce Fair guests to their potential new family members,” Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, which is an event partner, said in a statement. “This partnership with the county’s largest annual event allows us to celebrate our pets, educate our community about responsible pet ownership and find safe homes for these deserving animals in need.”
Fairgrounds CEO Carlene Moore added that the theme “creates a natural opportunity to partner with an organization that has focused on improving animal welfare in our community since 1880 — the same year as the first-ever San Diego County Fair.”
Next year’s average attendance goal is 60,000 per day, according to a fairgrounds finance committee report, and the anticipated revenue is $52.8 million against $36 million in expenses.
Prices for tickets bought in advance will start at $16 general admission for Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $13 for youth, seniors and military. For Fridays through Sundays, those prices will be $20 and $17, respectively.
For more information, visit sdfair.com.