Parent's Guide to the SD Fair: TICKETS & DISCOUNTS

OK, I'll get right to all the details that (I think) parents want to know. Here's an outline that I'll be updating over the next few days...

INTRO <--click here

GENERAL INFORMATION, GUEST SERVICES & FOOD <--click here

TICKETS & DISCOUNTS <--you are here

PARKING <--click here

KIDS RIDE GUIDE <--click here

KIDS ACTIVITIES <--click here

TICKETS & DISCOUNTS

Please don’t pay full price to get into the Fair…with so many ways to save, there’s an option for every single person to get into the Fair for a discount, or even for FREE. There are 21 different discounts to be exact! Here are all the ways to save:

Most of this information comes directly from the Fair's website: sdfair.com

REGULAR PRICED TICKETS AT THE GATE:

$20 adults 13-61

$14 seniors 62+

$14 kids 6-12

FREE! kids 5 and under

WHERE to BUY TICKETS:

Online at sdfair.com

Ticketmaster, fees apply

Albertsons & Vons has discounted tickets

Costco has ticket/ride combo package

TICKET DEALS!!!!

FREE FRIDAY ENTRANCE for KIDS ages 6-12 <—click here

Kids 12 and under get FREE admission to the Fair EVERY FRIDAY!

Note: Kids 5 and under are FREE everyday.

FREE READERS TICKET for KIDS ages 6-12 <—click here

If a child reads 10 age appropriate books and have it verified by their teacher or librarian, they’ll get into the Fair for FREE!

You’ll need to download the Reading Certificate here (english, spanish), have it verified by a teacher or librarian and then present it at the Fair gate entrance.

FREE ADMISSION ON FOSTER DAY, Thursday June 6th <—click here

Bring a donation of new clothes or cash to the gate entrance between 11am-2pm on Thursday June 6th and you’ll get FREE ADMISSION into the Fair. Your donation will help Mattress Firm help San Diego Foster Kids!

FREE UNEMPLOYMENT DAY, Wednesday June 12th <—click here

If you are currently unemployed, you can receive 2 free admission tickets on Wednesday June 12th only.

Present your current EDD debit card or form dated no earlier than 7/1/18 (I’m not sure if this a typo? If you find out, let me know and I’ll update it.)

Where: only at the Will Call booth at the O’Brien Gate entrance

$1 SCHOOL STAFF APPRECIATION DAYS, Fridays June 7, 14, 21 & 28 <—click

If you have a school employment ID, you can get up to four $1 admission tickets from any Mission Federal Credit Union branch when you present your ID.

Vouchers are available only from June 1-28 and while supplies last. These vouchers are NOT available at the Fair.

Redeem your vouchers at the ticket window to get the actual admission tickets.

2 FOR 1 ADULT WEEKDAY ADMISSION <—click here

Get 2 adult admission tickets for the price of 1 with a coupon from San Diego County Toyota Dealers.

They’re valid on WEEKDAYS only.

A few terms & conditions apply, these are listed on the coupon.

$6 FAIR DAYS! <—click here

There are only 3 of these: Friday May 31, Saturday June 1 and Wednesday June 5

These tickets are NOT available at the Fair ticket booth.

Where to Buy: You can ONLY buy these at Albertsons & Vons. (It says you must have a $10 minimum purchase.)

$8 STATE EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAYS, Fridays June 7, 14 & 21 <—click here

State civil service employees can get two $8 admissions to the Fair on three Fridays noted above. Show your State of California employee ID or paycheck stub at the Will Call window at the Main Fair Entrance (O’Brien Gate).

Note: This is valid only for civil service employees. Employees of California colleges, universities and schools qualify for “School Staff Appreciation Days” (listed above).

$8 RETURN TICKET

When you leave the Fair, stop by one of the kiosks near an exit for an offer of an $8 return ticket. I know this doesn’t help you get into the Fair in the first place, but if you plan to return keep this in mind.

(I don’t have a link for this because someone told me about this on Instagram. ;)

$10 WEDNESDAY TICKETS <—click here

Visit any O’Reilly Auto Parts store in San Diego County to pick up 2 adult admission tickets for just $20.

These are only valid on any Wednesday of the Fair.

Limit 2 coupons per in-store visit per customer. While supplies last.

$10 COLLEGE STUDENT DAY, Friday June 7th <—click here

Maybe consider this as a day to avoid the Fair if you plan to bring little kids…oh, don’t be offended, I was a college student once. :)

If you have a valid college photo ID, present it to the ticket box office at the Fair and you’ll get the following deal:

$10 admission ticket

OR

$26 admission ticket + 25 ride coupons (this deal is worth $28.75)

$11 WEEKDAY TICKETS <—click here

Get a coupon for FOUR weekday tickets from any San Diego County Sprint store (while supplies last). Use the other 3 tickets for your friends or family or you can use them all for yourself (if you plan to return).

They’re only valid on WEEKDAYS, not Sat or Sun. One coupon per customer/transaction. Can’t be combined with any other offer.

The SEASON PASS really is the “BEST PASS EVER” <—click here

$32 for 1 season pass gets you into the fair every day

When you consider that regular admission for an adult is $20, if you plan on going to the Fair at least 2 time then this is the way to go.

Where to Buy: online at sdfair.com, at the Fair ticket booth, or at Albertsons or Vons

Restrictions: Your name is printed on the ticket and photo ID is required at entrance so you can’t share this with anyone else.

Note: “Children or anyone else who don’t have a photo ID cannot use this Best Pass Ever."

DISCOUNT ADULT ADMISSION <—click here

Save 20% when you buy tickets from Vons or Albertsons

$16 adults 13-61

$13 seniors 62+

$13 kids 6-12

(Kids 5 and under are FREE!)

Where to Buy: Vons or Albertsons

MILITARY DISCOUNT <—click here

You can only buy tickets with a Military Discount at the base ticket office.

BUY IN BULK <—click here

If you buy bulk tickets for large groups you can save money. You can only buy bulk tickets online.

Click here for the order form details.

$4 TRANSIT DISCOUNT <—click here

Present your same-day transit ticket or monthly Compass Card pass at the Fair’s West Gate (only this gate because this is where the transit buses stop), and you’ll get a $4 discount off of your admission.

COASTER DISCOUNT TICKETS <—click here

When you start your day on a bus or trolley and go directly to the Fair, you can buy a special transit ticket that includes fair admission. Take public transit to the Solana Beach Coaster Station, board the NCTD bus straight to the Fair’s West Gate. Click above for costs and details.

Where to Buy: through the Compass Cloud app or the NCTD Fair Tripper package at NCTD ticket machines (only).

ADMISSION & RIDE PACKAGES <—click here

These can be purchased online, with the exception of the Costco Pack. I’m not sure if these can be bought at the Fair ticket booth. (Sorry guys, I don’t know everything...but if I remember & find out, or if you find out and tell me, then I’ll definitely update this. ;)

COSTCO SAVINGS Pack: $79.99

[If you bought these all a la carte it would cost $140+]

4 one day admission tickets (worth $20 ea x4 = $80)

1 Passport to Savings coupon book voucher (worth $5, click here for details)

1 ticket for 50 credits of rides/games (worth $37.50)

4 two for one drink coupons, 16 oz (worth ???)

1 parking pass (worth $17)

RIDE FANATIC Pack: $48

Save 23% with this package. [If you bought these all a la carte it would cost $58+]

1 one day admission ticket (worth $20)

1 ticket for 50 credits of rides/games (worth $37.50)

1 two for one soft drink coupon, 16 oz (worth ???)

VALUE Pack: $90

Save 33% with this package. [If you bought these all a la carte it would cost $100+]

4 one day admission tickets (worth $20 ea x4 = $80)

1 Passport to Savings coupon book voucher (worth $5, click here for details)

1 ticket for 20 credits of rides/games (worth $15)

4 two for one drink coupons, 16 oz (worth ???)

(this includes 1 parking pass only if purchased by 5/30/19)

Ride & Game Ticket: $16

Save 36% with this package.

1 ticket for 25 credits of rides/games (worth $18.75)

(NOT available after 5/30/19)

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