It’s summer time and that means fun times at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, otherwise known as the place in San Diego where “The Surf Meets the Turf”. Thanks to my friends at RazorGator, I scored David Cook tickets at the fairgrounds. The tickets included a free entrance to the fair. The San Diego County Fair takes place every year during the summer and I haven’t been to the fair (or a concert for that matter!) in over ten years, so I was pretty excited for a little fun and music therapy.
Del Mar Fairgrounds Information The Del Mar Fairgrounds
Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Del Mar, California 92014-2216
Google Maps - Del Mar Fairgrounds
Located just a block from the ocean and 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the Del Mar Fairgrounds has a deep history dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby built the Del Mar race track. To this day the world-renowned race track plays host to the annual Del Mar Horse Races which usually takes place towards the end of the summer. The Del Mar Races run for a month and a half and attracts visitors from near and far.
Right next to the fairgrounds and racetrack is the Del Mar Horse Park, Race Place, and Thoroughbred Club. This is a horse mecca for trainers, riders, and horse race enthusiasts. During the fair you can watch various horse shows and competitions.
When it’s not racing season, the huge Spanish style grandstand serves as a forum where concerts take place. It’s a landmark that can’t be missed. The ocean serves as a beautiful backdrop to the grandstand and can be seen when you’re driving along Interstate 5.
The fair itself is huge. This is not your normal, run-of-the-mill hometown fair. It’s more like a mini-Disneyland! There’s entertainment, festivals, and exhibits for just about everyone. Kids can pet pigs or milk cows or have a ball in Kiddieland. For art enthusiasts there are painting and photography exhibits. Even if you don’t attend a concert at the grandstand, there are other local and worldwide musicians performing on various stages around the fair. And let’s not forget the multitude of fun rides and games!
Del Mar Fairgrounds Directions
Driving Directions: From Interstate 5, head West off the Via de la Valle exit and turn left on Jimmy Durante Boulevard. The fairgrounds will be on your right-hand side.
Coaster and Amtrak information: Both the local Coaster commuter train and Amtrak train stop at the Solana Beach station which is located about 2 miles from the fairgrounds. There are free shuttles from the train station that run every 15 minutes (red double-decker buses) going to the fairgrounds.
Parking at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
There is a huge parking lot for the fairgrounds which costs $10. However, if you don’t want to pay $10 and don’t mind walking, you can park off-site along Via de la Valle or along some of the nearby side streets. Instead of making a left on Jimmy Durante Boulevard, I made a right and then made the very first right at the Arco gas station. We parked along the hill and walked about 15 minutes to the grandstand. Make sure to wear good walking shoes if you do decide to park offsite!
David Cook, the Concert
This was David Cook’s second visit to San Diego and his first-ever nationwide solo tour that lasts through October. His first visit was last year during the American Idol Live Tour.
My boyfriend and I sat in Section 3 of the grandstand which was somewhat close to the stage, but you have to have binoculars to actually see David Cook’s face. I didn’t mind so much because I was there mainly to just hear his awesome voice! I watched all of season 7 of American Idol and he was one my top 3 picks.
There was a pretty good turn-out including those hard-core fans (mostly little girls) who brought hand-made signs that declared their love for David Cook. David even dedicated “Kiss on the Neck” to a fan who he said kept rubbing up on his chest during a meet-and-greet before the concert.
He performed songs from his latest album including “Lie”, “The World I Know”, “Heroes”, and “Breathe Tonight”. He also performed MWK’s “Till I’m Blue” and an awesome rendition of “Shattered Dreams” by Johnny Hates Jazz.
The concert lasted an hour, but I was left wanting more! Thanks EventChaser for the concert tickets!
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