Parking at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is $20 the day of, or $16 if you buy it online at least 24 hours ahead (buses, limos and RVs $40, or $32 ahead), from the Fairgrounds' own parking page. The lots are cashless: credit cards only at the entrance.
- Lots open one hour before the earliest event of the day.
- No in-and-out, no overnight parking, no tailgating; staff line-park every car.
- Passes are good only for the date bought, and aren't refunded unless the event is cancelled.
- Disabled placards: ADA stalls are paid, first come, first served; you still need a parking pass or pay at the entrance.
Free parking in the next two weeks: Pumpkin Station.
On at the Fairgrounds, next 14 days, and what parking costs
| Event | Days | Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Station East Parking Lot | Tue Oct 13 to Mon Oct 26 | Free parking (per the event) |
| LP The Sound | Wed Oct 14 | $16 ahead · $20 day of |
| Gem Faire Bing Crosby Hall, Exhibit Hall | Fri Oct 16 to Sun Oct 18 | Rate set by the event: see its page |
| Surfside Race Place Hacienda Room | Fri Oct 16 to Sun Oct 25 | Rate set by the event: see its page |
| DroneArt Show: Harry Potter Grandstand | Fri Oct 16 to Sat Oct 17 | $16 ahead · $20 day of |
| Shakey Graves The Sound | Fri Oct 16 | $16 ahead · $20 day of |
| Fall Home/Garden Show O'Brien Hall | Sat Oct 17 to Sun Oct 18 | $16 ahead · $20 day of |
| Boy Harsher The Sound | Sat Oct 17 | $16 ahead · $20 day of |
| Kylie Cantrall The Sound | Sun Oct 18 | $16 ahead · $20 day of |
| Switchfoot The Sound | Sat Oct 24 | $16 ahead · $20 day of |
From the Fairgrounds' events calendar; outside promoters run most events and set their own admission and policies.
Getting in, and skipping the lot
- Main gate: from I-5, exit Via de la Valle, turn onto Jimmy Durante Blvd from the far-left lanes, then stay right: the main gate is the third entrance on the right.
- Rideshare: drop-off and pick-up lot past the general parking gate; look for the purple flags.
- Bikes: racks at the O'Brien Gate and the Arena Gate. Bring a lock.
- Electric cars: no charging at the Fairgrounds; charge before you come.
- No car at all: the Coaster to Solana Beach, then the BREEZE or a walk: Fairgrounds events by train and bus.
- Live horse racing days are run by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, which sets its own race-day parking.
Del Mar beach and village parking · got a Del Mar parking ticket? · this weekend in Del Mar
Pumpkins, a booth load or a vendor haul carried to the car from the far end of the lot: $25 a stop. Text PJ.
Source: 22nd District Agricultural Association / Del Mar Fairgrounds, Parking and its events calendar. Checked October 13, 2026.
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Questions people ask
How much is parking at the Del Mar Fairgrounds?
$20 the day of the event, or $16 if bought online at least 24 hours ahead; buses, limos and RVs $40 or $32 ahead. The lots are cashless (credit cards only).
Is parking free at Pumpkin Station?
Yes, the Fairgrounds' calendar lists free parking for Pumpkin Station. Check the event page before you go.
Do disabled placards park free at the Del Mar Fairgrounds?
No. ADA stalls are paid and first come, first served: you need a valid placard and a parking pass, or pay at the entrance.
Can I leave and come back to the Del Mar Fairgrounds lot?
No. The Fairgrounds says there are no in-and-out privileges, and no overnight parking.
Where is rideshare drop-off at the Del Mar Fairgrounds?
In the rideshare lot past the general parking gate on Jimmy Durante Blvd; look for the purple flags.
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