One of the biggest draws of a county fair is the chance to stumble upon an extraordinary live performance, and that is exactly what happened with country-rock artist Eileen Carey’s performance at this year’s San Diego County Fair.

As someone who loves fairs almost as much as live music, this writer could not have asked for a better combination. While I was looking forward to the rides, carnival games, and indulgent fair food, like funnel cake and chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick, Carey’s set quickly became the highlight of a long and eventful day.

My friend and I drove two hours from Los Angeles to San Diego, making the most of the journey with a stop at Windansea Beach. We sat by the ocean enjoying packed sandwiches while a few determined seagulls tried their luck at stealing our lunch. It was a peaceful start to what would become an energetic afternoon.

Once we arrived at the fairgrounds, we had just half an hour before Carey’s performance. After asking for directions through the sprawling venue, we found the Paddock Stage. We grabbed some Dippin’ Dots and watched the band prepare to take the stage, anticipating a performance just as sweet. With rides, food stands, and crowds moving in every direction, the stage still felt like its own little world, pulling people toward the music as Carey and her band got ready to begin.

From the moment Carey launched into “Good Bad Girl,” she commanded the crowd with infectious energy and undeniable charisma.

The twang-infused anthem perfectly showcased her signature blend of country, pop, and rock while capturing the playful push-and-pull between being well-behaved and embracing a mischievous streak. Hearing it live gave the song an added spark, as Carey’s vibrant stage presence made every lyric feel even more relatable. Her smooth, assertive delivery kept the audience hanging on every word.

That momentum continued with “Bottle Your Crazy Up,” a lively, honky-tonk-inspired number that was a definite favorite, with an animated crowd clapping along. Ironically, Carey did anything but bottle up her own energy, spending the song bouncing across the stage with contagious enthusiasm that spread throughout the audience. Her genuine joy was impossible not to feed off, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a celebration than a typical concert. The band matched that spirit, giving the set a loose, playful pulse that fit the fair setting perfectly.

The performance also gave Carey’s talented band members opportunities to shine. Background vocalist Giulietta Ciambotti stepped into the spotlight with a standout rendition of The Archies’ “Sugar, Sugar.” Rather than simply recreating the ’60s bubblegum-pop hit, she completely transformed it, adding a sultry, gritty rock edge that made the familiar song feel fresh, textured, and surprisingly haunting.

Carey returned with fan favorites “This Is Where” and “Carry Me Away,” reminding the audience why she has built such a devoted following. One of the afternoon’s biggest highlights came with her interpretation of The Pretenders’ 1986 hit “Don’t Get Me Wrong.” Reimagined with a country flair, the classic became an irresistible, toe-tapping singalong that had spectators smiling from start to finish. The audience’s excitement was indisputable, with several fans even asking Carey to autograph the T-shirts she had tossed into the crowd earlier in the set. It was a small moment, but a telling one: People did not just enjoy the show in passing; they wanted to take a piece of it home with them.

Although the music was the reason we came, the fair still delivered plenty of excitement after the show. We tackled Wild River, a log flume, and the aptly named Crazy Mouse roller coaster. My friend, who I had convinced to ride despite not being a roller coaster person, immediately laughed and told me, “You owe me!” Yet despite all the thrills, it wasn’t the rides she kept talking about on the drive home.

Instead, it was Carey’s performance that stayed with us long after we left the fairgrounds. Her infectious personality, enchanting stage presence, and genre-blending songs created the kind of show that lingers in your mind well beyond the final song. My first visit to the San Diego County Fair gave me plenty of great memories, but without question, Eileen Carey provided the soundtrack that made the day unforgettable.

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