Get the most out of fall and get in the spirit of the holidays with great events and year-round fun – and crafting – here at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa! Please note that the Garden Classes at Centennial Farm require advance registration.

Garden Class: Fall Charcuterie Board, Nov. 5

Charcuterie boards are all the craze! So why not make your own beautiful board? Come join us for a hands-on class offered by Chef Vina at Centennial Farm. These are perfect for holiday entertaining or a fabulous brunch!

When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-noon; register by Oct. 28.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: $35 class fee covers ingredients and any handouts. There will be NO refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).

More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

Sugar Plum Arts, Crafts, Antiques & Collectibles, Nov. 10-12

Sugar Plum welcomes in the season by offering a fun and unique holiday shopping experience. Celebrating 44 years, Sugar Plum is the biggest family-owned arts & crafts show in Southern California. They offer thousands of handmade crafts from more than 175 artisans, personalized gifts and ornaments, holiday clothing for both men and women, beautiful jewelry, holiday decorations for your home and garden, shabby chic, country farmhouse, rustic and vintage furniture.

When:

Thursday, November 10: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. ($5 entry fee – this day only)

Friday, November 11: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 12: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building

How much: Free admission; parking is $10. Enter at Gate 8 off Arlington for closer parking.

More info: Visit sugarplumfestivals.com

Repticon, Nov. 12-13

Repticon is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, family-oriented and fun for everyone!

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building

How much: Ticket options are $15 adult for all day, both days / $12 adult for all day Saturday OR Sunday / $10 adult for Saturday after 1 p.m. ($6 children ages 5-12 any ticket, 4 and under are free)

More info: Visit repticon.com

Costa Mesa Cat Extravaganza, Nov. 12-13

A family furr-iendly event for all cat lovers. Featuring an international cat competition where judges will stage, present and reward the most beautiful cats in the world. There will be an incredible lineup of demos and speakers in Kitty Corner, where you can also meet your favorite cats on the catwalk. Pick up a treat for your own kitty from one of the shopping stalls; space is limited. Tickets are valid both days.

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: Ticket options are $18 adult, $14 seniors (65 and older), $12 children ages 5-12, 1 and under are free. Parking is $10.

More info: Visit lcwwgroup.us

Veterans Day Celebration at Heroes Hall, Nov. 12

Heroes Hall Museum will host a Veterans Day Celebration. The event will feature a ground breaking ceremony for the upcoming serenity garden, music, kids’ activities and food.

When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall

How much: Free in partnership with Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation

The Original O.C. Swap Meet, Nov. 12 and 26

This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting showcasing products and goods for all to buy.

When: Saturday, Nov. 12

Also: Saturday, Nov. 26

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D

How much: Free admission, parking is $10.

More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355

Winter Fest OC, Nov. 25-Jan. 1

Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s favorite annual holiday tradition, returns Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. Enjoy 26 days of affordable fun as the fairgrounds are transformed into a massive winter wonderland of attractions and live entertainment.

When: Various days Nov. 25-Jan. 1

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

How much: Weekdays: $20 general admission, $15 children 12 and younger, free for children 2 and younger. Weekends: $25 general admission, $20 children 12 and younger, free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $10.

More info: Ticket discounts, packages, VIP and party rental information is available at winterfestoc.com. 

Ongoing 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

How much: Free admission and parking; let parking attendant know you are going to the Farmers Market.

More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org 

Centennial Farm open daily

Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm

Heroes Hall Museum open Wed.-Sun.

Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

Exhibit: ‘Armed Only With A Camera’ through Sept. 2023

The World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman is now on display at Heroes Hall. Troutman served his country by photographing the war in the South Pacific Theater including the devastated cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

Looking ahead to December events

Fight Club OC, Dec. 1

Pro Boxing & MMA live. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC!

When: Thursday, Dec. 1 – doors open at 6 p.m., first fight at 7 p.m. (Baja Blues happy hour is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: $65 general admission. Parking is $10; enter at Gate 1. 

More info: Visit Fight Club OC

Gem Faire, Dec. 2-4

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. 

When: Friday, Dec. 2, noon-6 p.m.

      Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

      Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday)

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion 

How much: $7 general admission; free for kids age 11 and younger. Parking is $10.

More information: Visit gemfaire.com or email info@gemfaire.com

Garden Class: Winter Wreaths, Dec.3

Embrace the magic of the holiday season by learning to create a fresh winter wreath in the beautiful Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm! All fresh greens, materials and instructions for this hands-on course will be provided to make a beautiful wreath. 

When: Two sessions on Saturday, Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m.-noon AND 1-3:30 p.m.; register by Nov. 25.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: $65 fee covers materials and any handouts. Ribbon and décor selection will be limited, feel free to bring your own to personalize your winter wreath. We recommend participants bring their own pruners and gloves. Refund policy: Due to supply chain issues and ordering of materials in advance of the class, there will be no refunds for cancellations.

More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

Creative Babe Market, Dec. 3

This free family-friendly holiday event features shopping from more than 100 local small businesses along with photos with Santa, food and drinks, DIY workshops for all ages, henna tattoos, hair tinsel, a live DJ and more.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

How much: Free

More info: Visit www.creative-babe-market.com/upcoming-events

Garden Class: Make It, Take It – Gifts from the Kitchen – Food Preservation, Dec. 10

This class will bring you up to date on the latest process recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and explain the reasons behind the process. You will learn what equipment is needed and proper storage methods. A simple recipe will be taught and prepared in class for participants to take home. 

When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; register by Dec. 2.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: $35 fee covers ingredients, handouts and two (half-pint) canning jars with lids and rings. Knives will be provided, but you may bring your own if preferred. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and close-toed shoes are required. There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).

More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

Garden Class: Chocolate Bliss!, Dec. 17

Calling all chocoholics! What could be better than making and eating chocolate? Let’s take your chocolate obsession to the next level with this hands-on class taught by Chef Vina here at Centennial Farm. You’ll learn about the origin of chocolate and how to make your own ganache and decorate with several gourmet toppings. We will also provide gift boxes and holiday ribbons to pack your scrumptious treats. 

When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-noon; register by Dec. 9.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: $35 fee covers ingredients and any handouts. There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).

More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses