Quick answer
Where: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014. From I-5, take Via de la Valle west, turn left on Jimmy Durante Blvd, and the main parking entrance is on your right.
Parking: card only at the fairgrounds lots. Most fairgrounds events: $20 at the gate, or $16 if you buy online at least 24 hours ahead. Fall racing: $15 general, $30 valet. The Sound: typically $20-$25. Some events, like Pumpkin Station, list free parking.
Bags and food: The Sound allows small bags only (nothing over 10 x 8 x 8 inches, no backpacks) and no outside food or drink. The races welcome your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but no outside alcohol or glass. For everything else, check the event's page.
Re-entry: none at the fairgrounds lots, the races or The Sound, per their own pages. Bring what you need on the first trip in.
Heat this week: the National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning for San Diego County coastal areas from 10am Fri. Oct. 2 to 8pm Thu. Oct. 8, with highs in the mid 80s to low 90s near the coast. Here's the North County heat and power-shutoff plan.
Forgot something? Phone dying? Text PJ. He's about 5 minutes away in Solana Beach and brings things like power banks, sunscreen, a jacket or a charger. Things, not passengers (details).
Independent local guide, not affiliated with the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 22nd District Agricultural Association, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club or The Sound.
Know someone who needs this?
Something changed here? Text PJ and we'll update this page.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.
Latest · auto-checked Oct 6
- NWS: Extreme Heat Warning until Thu Oct 8, 8PM · forecast
- NWS: Beach Hazards Statement until Fri Oct 9, 11PM · forecast
- NWS: Coastal Flood Advisory until Fri Oct 9, 11AM · forecast
- Tonight in Solana Beach: low around 70°F, mostly clear then patchy fog (NWS)
- I-5 South at Leucadia Blvd: 1 of 4 mainline lanes closed, Wed 7:01pm to Thu 12:01am · Caltrans
- I-5 North at Birmingham Dr: 1 of 4 mainline lanes closed, Wed 7:01pm to Thu 12:01am · Caltrans
- I-5 South at Encinitas Blvd: on ramp full closure, Wed 7:01pm to Thu 5:01am · Caltrans
- I-5 North at Santa Fe Dr: on ramp full closure, Wed 7:01pm to Thu 5:01am · Caltrans
- Stay close: Winner Circle Resort (0.4 mi, ~8 min walk) · Hilton San Diego/Del Mar (0.4 mi, ~9 min walk) · Courtyard San Diego Solana Beach/Del Mar (0.7 mi, ~14 min walk) · book direct for tonight's rate, or text PJ
- Sun Oct 11 at The Sound: Mastodon - with special guests Deafheaven and Alcest · tickets
Pulled automatically from public feeds (news, NWS, SDG&E, NREL, Google Trends). Something we missed? Text PJ.
Parking & arrival
Parking and arrival, by venue
Almost everyone parks in the fairgrounds lots off Jimmy Durante Blvd, but the price and the rules depend on what you came for. The fairgrounds runs parking for its own events and for The Sound. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club sells parking for the races.
| Fairgrounds events (shows, festivals, halls) | Fall racing (Nov. 6-29) | The Sound (concerts) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Cars and motorcycles: $20 day of, $16 bought online at least 24 hours ahead. Oversized vehicles: $40 day of, $32 ahead. Some events post their own price or free parking. | $15 general, $30 valet, paid on entry. A book of 5 general passes is $29. | Typically $20-$25, varies by show. Limited Premium Parking in front of The Sound for select shows, sold online ahead only (The Sound's pages list $30 and $31). |
| How you pay | Cashless: credit card only at the parking entrance | Pay on entry | Fairgrounds lot, card only. Premium Parking is bought ahead through Ticketmaster and isn't sold at the event. |
| Where you enter | Main Gate: the third entrance on the right once you're on Jimmy Durante Blvd (stay in the far right lane). Vendors and exhibitors: the Solana Gate, off Via de la Valle. | Exit I-5 at Via de la Valle and head west to the track | Fairgrounds Main Gate only. Premium Parking: right side of the Main Gate. |
| When lots open | One hour before the earliest event start | Gates 11am, first post 12:30pm. Thanksgiving: gates 9:30am, first post 11am. | Lots open 90 minutes before doors. Doors open one hour before showtime. |
| Re-entry | No in-and-out privileges. No overnight parking. | No re-entry. No overnight parking. | No re-entry once you leave the front courtyard, even to go to the parking lot |
| Tailgating | Not permitted, and no drinking alcohol in the lots | Not permitted, and no barbecues anywhere, parking included | Not permitted |
| Accessible parking | Paid ADA stalls, first come, first served, valid placard required | Paid on entry in the main lot, first come, first served | Fairgrounds lot rules apply |
- When two things are on at once
- The Sound says that if another large event is at the fairgrounds on the day of your show, you may want to arrive early. Check the fairgrounds calendar before you leave. The upcoming list below flags the doubled-up days we found.
- Buy ahead where you can
- Fairgrounds parking is $4 cheaper bought online at least 24 hours ahead. The Sound's Premium Parking isn't sold at the event at all.
- Your phone is your ticket
- The Sound takes mobile tickets only, through Ticketmaster SafeTix, and doesn't accept screenshots or printouts. DMTC's digital tickets live in the Del Mar Mobile App. Charge your phone before you go.
- Inside the lots
- The speed limit in fairgrounds lots and roadways is 15 mph, and parking staff direct where you park. You can't reserve a space.
- Getting there by car
- From I-5, take the Via de la Valle exit west, turn left on Jimmy Durante Blvd, and the main parking entrance is on the right. Fairgrounds main line: (858) 755-1161.
As of Oct. 1, 2026, per the Del Mar Fairgrounds parking page (prices, cashless, lots open an hour early, no in-and-out, no tailgating, no reserved spaces, ADA stalls, Main Gate and Solana Gate directions), its maps and directions page, the Great Train Show page (an example event posting $16 / $20), the fairgrounds Guest Code of Conduct (15 mph), DMTC's Bing Crosby Season parking page ($15 general, $30 valet, no re-entry), its parking book page ($29 for 5), its rules and regulations and its calendar (gate and post times), and The Sound's parking page, Know Before You Go and FAQ. Prices can change by event. The event's own page wins.
What you can bring
Bag and outside-item rules, by venue type
There's no single rule for the whole fairgrounds. The races, The Sound and the fairgrounds' own events each post their own. None of the pages we checked requires a clear bag as of Oct. 1, 2026. The Sound sets a size limit instead.
| Racing (DMTC) | The Sound | Other fairgrounds events | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bags | Allowed. You and your bags are searched and go through weapons screening. | Small bags, small purses and fanny packs only. No backpacks, camera bags or anything larger than 10 x 8 x 8 inches. Bags searched, pat-downs possible. | All guests and containers, including bags, backpacks and coolers, can be searched or screened. |
| Outside food and drinks | Your own food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome, except at trackside restaurant tables, suites and skyrooms. | None. No outside food or drink of any kind. | Not set site-wide. Check the event's page. |
| Alcohol and glass | No outside alcohol. No glass containers anywhere, including the parking lots. | No outside alcohol. No glass, cans or aluminum bottles. | No glass containers. Alcohol only in designated areas. |
| Coolers | Small, hand-held, and able to fit under a reserved grandstand seat. Larger coolers are allowed in the Stretch Run apron. | Not listed. Outside food and drink aren't allowed. | Subject to search. Check the event's page. |
| Chairs | Folding chairs are allowed in the Stretch Run apron, not in the Clubhouse or Plaza de Mexico. | Not listed | Not listed. Check the event's page. |
| Umbrellas and tents | No umbrellas where they could be a danger to the horses or block someone's view. No tents or awnings. | Not listed | No tents or large umbrellas unless the District authorizes them. |
| Also not allowed | Drones, balloons, balls, frisbees, speakers, laser pointers, skateboards and scooters, noise-makers, poles, tripods or camera lenses of 6 inches or more, animals other than service animals, and weapons, including knives of any length. Banned items are thrown away, not stored. | Weapons, selfie sticks, large cameras and telephoto lenses, laser pens, signs and flags, pets, skateboards and hoverboards. No flash photography, video cameras or recording devices. | Weapons, fireworks, drones, selfie sticks, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and scooters, unless the District authorizes them. |
| Kids | 17 and under must be with a parent or guardian. DMTC lists free or discounted admission for 17 and under, so check its ticket page. | Check each show's age limit. Under 18 needs a parent, guardian or adult over 25 with written authorization. Under 7 needs hearing protection. | Check the event's page. |
| Paying inside | Not stated | Cash-free: cards and mobile pay. No coat check. | Not stated |
Coastal Christmas and anything not listed here
Coastal Christmas runs its own site, and we didn't find bag or food rules posted there as of Oct. 1, 2026. For it and any other event, the event's own page is the rule. If it says nothing, the fairgrounds Guest Code of Conduct (the third column) still applies.
As of Oct. 1, 2026, per DMTC's rules and regulations, The Sound's policies, Know Before You Go and FAQ, the Del Mar Fairgrounds Guest Code of Conduct, and coastalchristmasdelmar.com. "Not listed" means the venue's page doesn't mention it, not that it's allowed.
Public transit
Getting there by train
The nearest train stop is Solana Beach station, 105 North Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, CA 92075. NCTD's COASTER and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner both stop there, and NCTD lists BREEZE bus routes 101 and 308 at the station.
On race days, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club says it provides a complimentary shuttle between the Solana Beach station and the track ("Get off at the Solana Beach station and look for the free shuttle"), per DMTC's directions and transportation page.
That race-day service is the only official station connection we found. The Sound's and the fairgrounds' own pages don't list one for concerts or other events.
- How often
- NCTD says COASTER runs 30 trips each weekday, plus 2 more on Fridays, and 20 a day on Saturdays and Sundays. On Thanksgiving, NCTD runs a Sunday schedule. Check the last train back before an evening show.
- First racing weekend
- NCTD's service alerts page lists Nov. 7 and 8, 2026, as a proposed "absolute work window" for rail projects on the line, including Del Mar Bluffs Phase 5. Check NCTD and Amtrak service alerts before you count on the train that weekend.
Public transit info only. SideGuy carries things, not passengers.
As of Oct. 1, 2026, per NCTD's transit centers page (Solana Beach station address and connections), its COASTER page (trip counts), its service alerts page (proposed 2026-2027 work windows, holiday schedules), DMTC's directions and transportation page, and Pacific Surfliner.
Upcoming events · updated weekly
What's on at the fairgrounds next
- Pumpkin Station: now through Sat. Oct. 31, East Parking Lot. The fairgrounds lists free parking and admission. The Ferris wheel, swing and train attractions take a separate ticket.
- Great Train Show: Sat.-Sun. Oct. 3-4, Exhibit Hall, 10am-4pm. Parking $16 online ahead, $20 day of.
- Sammy Rae & The Friends: Sat. Oct. 3, The Sound.
- Michelle Branch: Sun. Oct. 4, The Sound.
- The Boardroom (surfboard industry show): Sat.-Sun. Oct. 10-11, Exhibit Hall.
Further out
- Del Mar racing, Bing Crosby Season: Fri. Nov. 6 (Opening Day) to Sun. Nov. 29. That's 13 race days, Fridays through Sundays plus Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. DMTC bills the closing weekend, Nov. 27-29, as the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival.
- Coastal Christmas: opens Fri. Dec. 11 at the fairgrounds, and its site's booking form offers dates through Dec. 26. It wasn't on the fairgrounds calendar yet as of Oct. 1.
Doubled-up days: arrive early
- Sat. Oct. 3 and Sun. Oct. 4: Great Train Show by day, a show at The Sound at night.
- Fri. Oct. 16 and Sat. Oct. 17: DroneArt Show: Harry Potter at the Grandstand, the same nights as Shakey Graves and Boy Harsher at The Sound.
- Fri. Nov. 6: racing's Opening Day, then The Billy Joel Legacy at The Sound that night.
As of Oct. 1, 2026, per the Del Mar Fairgrounds event calendar, The Sound's show calendar, DMTC's calendar and race day tickets page, and coastalchristmasdelmar.com. Dates and lineups can change, so check the event's page before you go.
Forgot something? Phone dying?
Forgot something? Phone dying? Text PJ
PJ is about 5 minutes away in Solana Beach, with a Tesla and a street-legal cart. Both carry things, not passengers. Text what you need and where you are, and he'll tell you whether he can do it.
- Charged power banks. The Sound takes mobile tickets only and screenshots don't work, so a dead phone at the gate is a real problem.
- Forgot-it runs. Sunscreen, a jacket, cash, chargers.
- Gear to or from your car, where the venue allows it.
Plan the hand-off before you go in. The Sound doesn't let you back in once you leave the front courtyard, and the fairgrounds lots have no in-and-out, so pick a spot outside the gate. Anything PJ brings still has to pass that venue's bag and item rules above.
Errands and carrying things only. SideGuy carries things, not passengers.
More: Your local part-time SideGuy · Golf cart vs LSV: what's street legal locally · Belly Up show night: what to know · This weekend in North County
Vendors and exhibitors
Vendors and exhibitors: card reader down or Wi-Fi out? Text PJ
Working a booth at a show, a market or race day? If the card reader won't pair, the Wi-Fi drops or the POS app freezes with a line in front of you, text PJ. Payments and tech help are what SideGuy does, and he's about 5 minutes away.
Fairgrounds parking is card only and The Sound is cash-free. Before doors open, have a backup way to take cards: a charged spare reader, your POS app's offline mode if it has one, and a phone hotspot. The fairgrounds parking page sends vendors and exhibitors to the Solana Gate, off Via de la Valle, and notes that a regular parking pass is good only for the date bought, not for multi-day exhibitor access.
Questions
How much is parking at the Del Mar Fairgrounds?
It depends on the event. For most fairgrounds events, cars pay $20 at the gate or $16 if you buy online at least 24 hours ahead, and the lots are card only with no in-and-out. Fall racing parking is $15 general or $30 valet. Parking for The Sound typically runs $20-$25. Some events, like Pumpkin Station, list free parking. Prices as of Oct. 1, 2026, so check the event's page.
What is the bag policy at The Sound in Del Mar?
Small bags, small purses and fanny packs are allowed. Backpacks, camera bags and any bag larger than 10 by 8 by 8 inches are not. Security can search bags and do pat-downs. There is no coat check, and no outside food or drink.
Can you bring food, coolers and chairs to the Del Mar races?
Yes, with limits. Per the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, your own food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome except at trackside restaurant tables, suites and skyrooms. Outside alcohol and glass are banned everywhere, including the parking lots. Coolers must be small and hand-held, and folding chairs are allowed in the Stretch Run apron but not the Clubhouse or Plaza de Mexico.
Is there re-entry at the Del Mar Fairgrounds?
Plan on no. The fairgrounds parking lots have no in-and-out privileges, the races allow no re-entry, and The Sound does not let you back in once you leave the front courtyard, even to go to the parking lot. Bring what you need on the first trip in.
When is the 2026 fall racing season at Del Mar?
The Bing Crosby Season runs Nov. 6-29, 2026: 13 race days, Fridays through Sundays plus Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. Gates open at 11am and first post is 12:30pm. On Thanksgiving, gates open at 9:30am and first post is 11am.
Know someone who needs this?
Something changed here? Text PJ and we'll update this page.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.