Thursday, September 30, 2021 (1:57 pm)
October events at OC Fair & Event Center
OC Fair & Event Center will host several large events in October and November, including three weekends of the food fest 626 Night Market OC.
♦ 626 Night Market OC – 3 weekends! Oct. 1-3, Oct. 8-10 and Oct. 22-24
The iconic California festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages. Come happier and hungrier together with friends and family! Hours: Friday & Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-10 p.m. (Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-10); Friday, Oct. 22, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 23-24, noon-10 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: OC Promenade, Lot G and Lot I
How much: $5 admission plus fees. Parking is $10. Most vendors accept cash only; ATMs are available. Get more info at 626nightmarket.com.
♦ Gem Faire, Oct. 8-10
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop. Hours: Friday, Oct. 8, noon-6 p.m. (wholesale preview 10 a.m.-noon); Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $7 general admission. Parking is $10. Get more info at gemfaire.com.
♦ Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 8-31
Pumpkin patch featuring kiddy rides, petting zoo and inflatable slides, bounce house and obstacle course. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot C
How much: Entrance is free; prices for activities and pumpkins vary. Parking fee varies. Get more info at seasonaladventures.com.
♦ Fight Club OC, Oct. 14
Pro Boxing & MMA live inside The Hangar. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC! Hours: Thursday, Oct. 14 & Nov. 11, 7 p.m. (happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Main Mall
How much: $60 general admission tickets available via Fight Club OC. Parking is $10; enter at Gate 1 off Fair Drive.
More info: Visit socafights.com
♦ OC Japan Fair, Oct. 15-17
The 11th annual OC Japan Fair will give everyone the opportunity to experience and learn about Japan, from observing Japanese traditions to learning (and tasting!) the Japanese culinary culture that’s been designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Hours: Friday, Oct. 15, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 16, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Los Alamitos Building and Lot I
How much: $10 general admission. Parking is $10. Get more info at oc-japanfair.com.
♦ OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, Oct. 28
OC Fair’s Board of Directors typically meets monthly via Zoom and in person at OC Fair & Event Center. The agenda and location for this meeting will be available later in the month at ocfair.com/public-information/public-meetings. The public is invited to watch or participate in Board meetings via Zoom or in person. The meetings, which begin at 9 a.m., will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.
♦ OC Boo Ha Ha – A Haunted Oktoberfest, Oct. 29 & 30
In partnership with the amazing Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festivals, this event will feature unlimited beer tasting, live music, costume contests and ghoulish decor. Live music includes Lit with special guests MEST and Handsome Devil on Oct. 29 and A Flock of Seagulls with special guest The M80’s on Oct. 30. Hours: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 29-30, 6 p.m.-midnight
Where on the fairgrounds: Plaza Pacifica
How much: Friday, Oct. 29, general admission is $47.50-$55 and VIP is $57.50-$99; Saturday, Oct. 30, general admission is $47.50-$67.50 and VIP is $57.50-$99.50. Parking is $10. Get more info at theboohaha.com.
♦ The Original OC Swap Meet, Oct. 30
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. The swap meet showcases products and goods for all to buy and enjoy. Hours: Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Enter at Gate 10
How much: Free admission, $10 parking (credit card only).
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355
Ongoing events at OC Fair & Event Center
♦ Farmers Market – Every Thursday
Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos.
Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org
♦ Heroes Hall – Now open for self tours Wednesdays-Sundays
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
Hours: Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm; enter at Gate 1
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall
♦ Centennial Farm – Now open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (except holidays and all-grounds events)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property; enter at Gate 1
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm
At a Glance: November Highlights
The SDCCU OC Running Festival, Nov. 5-7
Fight Club, Nov. 11
Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival, Nov. 11-13
Repticon, Nov. 13-14
IMS Outdoors Southern California, Nov. 19-21
Seasonal Adventures Tree Lot, Nov. 22-Dec. 19
Night of Lights OC, Nov. 26-Jan. 2