Perform On Stage

Community Entertainment

Bands, Singers, Dancers, Musicians & Magicians…If you’ve got talent, you should be front-and-center on stage at the Fair!

Community Entertainment is a vital component of the Fair, offering an opportunity for local talent to gain exposure, and allowing Fair guests to discover and enjoy local entertainers. If you’re interested in performing on one of our many community stages, apply here to perform on stage!

Entry Information

Important Dates

Application Deadline: Friday, April 1, 2022
Performer Confirmation: No later than April 29, 2022
Performer Packet Pick-up: May 30–June 4, 2022

Download and review the Entertainer Handbook before you start the application process.

Entertainer Handbook

The application process takes 10-15 minutes to complete, and requires a $25 non-refundable processing fee. For ease of use, have your credit card, photo and music clips (if needed) ready before you begin the online application.

Applications Closed April 1

FAQs

We work on booking acts as soon as the first applications arrive. This is one reason to apply early.

Watch your email and check your 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 letting you know you’ve been placed on the waiting list.

If confirmed with a performance date, your email will have information about your performance and access to the Fair. It’s a good idea to start thinking about how you want the stage set up and who will be participating in your performance, so you’re ready when that email arrives!

Even if you applied really, really early, you might not get your first choice date, time or stage. This is because some Fair events, such as contests or daily shows, are already booked at certain times and on certain stages. The more choices you give us, the better chance you’ll be performing!

No. Soliciting tips during your performance is not allowed. If you solicit tips in any way, your performance will be canceled and the violation will affect future bookings.

Yes, you will need at least one chaperone for the band who is 21 or older and has photo ID.

Yes, we have a sound system at every stage, along with a stage manager who will assist you with your performance. You are responsible for bringing your own backline.

Music on an MP3 device, phone or laptop. Be sure to bring a backup.

No. We provide a plug-in for your recorded music, but you will need to provide the person who will play it. Be sure to organize your music for fast play.

If you are a solo musician, you can ask the stage manager if he/she will help, but it’s not guaranteed. Better to bring an assistant.

Your personal performance equipment, such as guitars, drums, etc.

Some things you might normally bring to a performance may be on the Fair’s prohibited items list. For example, you can’t pass out flyers, stickers or solicit tips (if you do, your performance will be cancelled and will affect any future bookings).

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We’re the San Diego County Fair and we send fun emails.
If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)

We’re the San Diego County Fair and we send fun emails.
If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)