As spring approaches, we can't help but look ahead to another glorious SoCal summer. San Diego may be known for its sunshine and beaches, but there's another summer tradition that's every bit as crucial: The concert series at the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The annual San Diego County Fair will be run from from June 8 to July 4 this year, with different musical acts taking the stage almost every night. The lineup for the Toyota Summer Series on the Heineken Grandstand Stage was announced Tuesday, and the wide variety of performers should please music fans of all breeds.
Notable headliners include the Beach Boys (June 8), Train (June 27), the Steve Miller Band (June 15) and Adam Lambert (July 2). Lambert, who rose to fame during the 8th season of American Idol, grew up right here in San Diego County.
Here's the full schedule:
Saturday, June 8: The Beach Boys
Tuesday, June 11: REO Speedwagon
Friday, June 14: Switchfoot
Saturday, June 15: Steve Miller Band
Sunday, June 16: La Arrolladora Banda El Limón
Tuesday, June 18: Caifanes
Wednesday, June 19: Third Day
Thursday, June 20: Martina McBride
Sunday, June 23: Grupo Intocable
Tuesday, 25: Bad Company
Wednesday, June 26: Bridgit Mendler
Thursday, June 27: Train
Saturday, June 29: 9th Annual Gospel Festival featuring Mary Mary and Dottie Peoples
Sunday, June 30: Julión Álvarez
Monday, July 1: “Weird Al” Yankovic
Tuesday, July 2: Adam Lambert
Thursday, July 4: Happy Together Tour 2013 starring the Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere & the Raiders and Gary Lewis & the Playboys
Fair-goers might recall that July 1 performer "Weird Al" Yankovic played the concert series last year as well, as did Switchfoot, who will take the stage (as they did two years ago). It's not the first time Train or the Beach Boys have played the site, either.
The 2012 County Fair broke attendance records for the fourth year in a row, drawing 1.5 million visitors over the course of the concert series.
The organizers at the 2013 County Fair hope to outdo themselves once again this year, opting for a special Game On! theme that will include classic games from board games to pinball to computer games. The festive theme aims to bridge generational gaps by letting attendees of all ages enjoy fun activities that span decades.
Tickets for the 2013 San Diego County Fair shows go on sale March 16 at the fairgrounds and through Ticketmaster.
SoundDiego associate editor Chris Maroulakos is also the managing editor of the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
Photo Credit: FilmMagic