Monday, June 24, 2024 (11:12 am)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in July
2024 OC Fair, July 19 – Aug. 18
Fun times, here we come!
We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to the OC Fair where it’s “Always a Good Time!” Get ready to enjoy fun, food and entertainment. You don’t want to miss out!
Advance ticket purchase is required – buy online now with no fees. Choose your days and plan your summer!
When: July 19 – Aug. 18
Schedule:
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
11 a.m. – midnight Friday & Saturday
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
How much:
$13 general admission on Wednesday & Thursday
$15 general admission on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
$9 seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids ages 5 and younger every day
Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for buses and limos
Special deals:
Every Day Passports give fairgoers access to the Fair any day or every day for $60 – while supplies last. No restrictions or blackout days!
Purchase carnival tickets and wristbands online in advance until opening day at discounted prices.
$5 Taste of Fair is now every day until 4 p.m. Fairgoers can enjoy taste-size portions of Fair food favorites for only $5 each.
Free with OC Fair admission:
Exhibits and demonstrations – check out blue-ribbon winners, explore handcrafts and woodworking, marvel at large-scale album-cover art and get great tips from chefs during culinary demos
Performances on community stages and nightly fun – see local talent, sing karaoke with a live band, catch a show in Baja Bar & Grill and dance in La Cantina
Animal experiences – visit Centennial Farm’s animal educators, All-Alaskan Pig Races, livestock displays and Great American Petting Farm
Bonus – new hypnotist Chris Mabrey performs free in Action Sports Arena Aug. 7-11
Ticketed performances:
Shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena are on sale now – some performances are selling out. Shows start July 9 and run through Sept. 14. More information is at ocfair.com/entertainment.
More info: Visit OC Fair
City of Costa Mesa 4th of July Celebration, July 3
The City of Costa Mesa is hosting a free Independence Day community celebration.
Gather your friends and family to create a memorable day celebrating our nation’s independence! Remember to bring snacks, lawn chairs and blankets. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
*Glass containers and bottles, hard-sided coolers and outside alcohol are prohibited. No exceptions.
When: Wednesday, July 3, 5 – 11 p.m.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Admission and parking are free.
More info: Visit City of Costa Mesa
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Junior Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.
When: Centennial Farm will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Even when the Farm is closed to the public, you can still keep tabs on our resident rascals. Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable animals are up to!
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam
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, tacos and burritos.
When: July 4, 11 & 18: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Beginning Thursday, July 25, 8 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau
Heroes Hall
Heroes Hall is a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. The two-story exhibition space rotates themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
When: Heroes Hall will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
“The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen,” through Dec. 22
Experience Heroes Hall’s latest featured exhibit, “The Vietnam War Through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen,” running through Dec. 22, 2024. Explore the war through letters, memorabilia, photographs and more than 30 paintings and sketches produced by combat artist Ed Bowen during and after his tour of duty in Vietnam.
When: Heroes Hall will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall