Entertainment Application FAQs
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I GET BOOKED?
You will receive an email from "SDCF Entertainment" notifying you.
Make sure to check your email and spam folder! When we have a spot to offer you, we will contact you by email. All applicants will receive an email with performance confirmation or waitlist notification.
WHERE DO PERFORMERS PARK?
Performers with equipment will park in the Green Lot, located by the Solana Gate entrance. If the Green Lot is full, overflow parking will go to the Training Track. These parking lots are not open to the general public. Performers who don’t have equipment will park at Horsepark and take the shuttle bus over to the fair. Horsepark parking is open to the general public as well.
WHY CAN'T I GET MY FIRST OR SECOND-CHOICE DATE?
The Fair programs various types of entertainment. Due to the programming, you might not get your first or second choice. Please provide us with as many date options as possible to help better your opportunity of performing at the San Diego County Fair.
WHY DO I NEED TO PAY A PROCESSING FEE TO APPLY?
The Fair charges a $25 processing fee per entertainment entry to help cover the cost of processing and vetting applications. In addition, the Fair provides the venue (stage, lighting, sound equipment), stage management staff, marketing, and vehicular and entry access for each performer.
WILL THE STAGE MANAGER PLAY MY RECORDED MUSIC?
No. We provide an aux cable for your recorded music ( please make sure you have the appropriate inputs, note that any iPhone 8 and newer will need a dongle cable ), but you will need to provide the person who will play it. Be sure to organize your music for fast play.
WHAT CAN I BRING TO MY PERFORMANCE?
Musical Groups: You will need to bring your personal performance equipment, such as guitars, drums, etc. There is a full sound system at each stage.
Dance Groups: You can bring costumes, props (by approval) music, etc.
CAN I PLAY FOR TIPS?
No. Soliciting tips during your performance is not allowed. If you solicit tips in any way, your performance will be cancelled and the violation will affect future bookings.
DO PERFORMERS PAY ADMISSION TO THE FAIR?
No. We provide Fair access credentials to all performers. Performers under the age of 18 will be allowed (1) chaperone to accompany them, and the chaperone will also receive a Fair credential.
*Additional fair admission tickets can be purchased online at www.sdfair.com.
DO PERFORMERS PAY FOR PARKING?
Each group performing at the Fair will receive parking passes for 50% of their group’s participants. We have limited parking space on grounds and encourage carpooling, mass transportation and rideshare options.
*Additional parking passes can be purchased online and in advance at www.sdfair.com.
IS THERE A SPECIFIC ENTRANCE GATE FOR ENTERTAINERS?
No. Performers may enter the Fair at any entrance gate.
All entrances have security checkpoints and are also open to the public, so please plan accordingly — arrive early and have your Fair credential readily available.
WHERE DO I GET MY CREDENTIAL PACKET?
You will have two options.
1.) Make a reservation to pick up your packet at the Del Mar Fairgrounds during our packet pickup dates
2.) Request your packet be sent through FedEx; an additional shipping fee will be required.