What’s happening at the OC Fairgrounds in September
Upcoming shows at Pacific Amphitheatre
Concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre, through Sept. 14
There’s a stellar lineup of performances coming to Pacific Amphitheatre through September! Get your heart pounding and feet moving with:
Big Time Rush / Crash Adams on Aug. 30
Counting Crows / Toad The Wet Sprocket on Aug. 31
Steel Pulse / The Green / Sammy J on Sept. 1
John Fogerty / Hearty Har on Sept. 3
Bonnie Raitt / James Hunter on Sept. 14
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Ticket prices vary per show, section and seat.
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in September
Shoreline Dog Fanciers Association Holiday Classic, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
All-breed dog show and obedience trial.
When: Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Free general admission. Parking is $12
More info: Visit Shoreline Dog Fanciers Association
Gem Faire, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, Aug. 30 – Sunday, Sept. 1
Schedule:
Friday: noon – 6 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Main Mall.
How much: General admission is $7. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire
626 Night Market, Sept. 6-8
626 Night Market is back at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. The festival features 250+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an event that appeals to all ages. Join us for warm summer days and bright nights this season!
When: Sept. 6-8, 4 – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade, Lots I & G
How much: Presale is $5.90 through Sept. 6. General admission for adults, seniors and children is $6.93. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $12. Most vendors accept cash only. ATMs will be available.
More info: Visit 626 Night Market
California Bridal & Wedding Expo, Sept. 8
The Bridal & Wedding Expo features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and much more!
When: Sunday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Get your free passes online, or pay $10 general admission at the door.
More info: Visit CA Bridal & Wedding Expo
Maker Faire, Sept. 14-15
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments and projects. We call it “The Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth” – a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. Glimpse the future and get inspired!
When: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 14 – 15
Schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Park Plaza
How much: Online weekend general admission is $35, VIP Maker Weekend is $99 and Elite Maker Weekend is $500. General admission is $25 for single-day and $40 for the weekend at the gate. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Maker Faire
Gun & Collectors Show, Sept. 14-15
Exhibitors from throughout the U.S. will display modern and antique firearms, knives, hunting rifles, gun parts, artifacts, jewelry, antique art, mountain men collectibles and contemporary crafts, old west memorabilia, cleaning supplies, militaria, ammunition, collectibles and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 14 – 15
Schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building
How much: General admission is $15, children 12 years old and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gun TV Shows
Centennial Farm’s 35th Celebration, Sept. 14
Join us as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of Centennial Farm with a family-friendly celebration that’s sure to be a hit with all ages! Dive into the rich history and bright future of our community’s beloved Centennial Farm, a beacon of agricultural education for students from Orange County and beyond that highlights the vital role of farming in our everyday lives. The day will be packed full of fun, learning and delicious food!
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Presale through Aug. 30: $40 adult, $20 youth (6-17), kids 5 and under are free. Beginning Aug. 31: $45 adult, $25 youth (6-17), kids 5 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm BBQ Bash
Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night #2,
Sept. 14
When: Saturday, Sept. 14
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m. First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+), active military and fire; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Sand Sports Super Show, Sept. 20-22
Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together for the largest dune and dirt sports expo in the world. Join us for three days of fun and get up close to the latest sand rails, UTVs, ATVs, side x sides, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more.
When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 20-22
Schedule:
Friday, Sept. 20: 4 – 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 22: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Enter via Gate 3 off Fairview Drive.
How much: Online general admission: $16 for one day, $33 for the weekend. Prices increase Sept. 19. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sand Sport Super Show
Make It, Take It with Autumn Apples: Crafting a Preserve and Shallot Chutney, Sept. 21
Join us for an interactive food preservation workshop focused on turning fresh, crisp apples into delightful, shelf-stable treats. In this session, the Master Food Preservers of Orange County will guide you through making classic apple preserves and a unique shallot chutney that balances the sweetness of apples with the savory depth of shallots. Whether you’re an avid gardener looking to extend the life of your harvest or someone interested in crafting homemade preserves, this workshop offers the perfect blend of tradition and creativity.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; RSVP by Sept. 18
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $40 class fee covers ingredients, handouts and two canning jars. Parking is free
More info: Visit Farm & Garden Workshop
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Sept. 26
When: Thursday, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
Cruisin’ for a Cure, Sept. 28
Cruisin’ for a Cure is a one-day car show on the West Coast with over 2,500 cars, live music and fun for the entire family. Free prostate cancer screening will be available for men 40+, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Appointment not necessary.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 6 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Schedule:
Opening ceremony at 9 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $20, military with ID is $18, children under 12 are free. Parking is $12
More info: Visit Cruisin for a Cure
Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 28 – Oct. 31
Family-fun pumpkin patch with inflatable slides, kiddie rides, a petting zoo and a train. Pick out your perfect pumpkin or shop at our farmers market for farm-fresh squash and gourds. No pets allowed.
When: Sept. 28 – Oct. 31
Schedule:
Monday – Thursday, 3 – 9 p.m.; Friday: 3 – 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Closes at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot C
How much: Free admission
More info: Visit Seasonal Adventures
Costa Mesa Speedway: Harley Night Finals, Sept. 28
When: Saturday, Sept. 28
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m., First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+), active military and fire; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
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: Reopens to the public Aug. 27.
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: Thursdays, 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: Reopens to the public Aug. 28.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in October
Gem Faire, Oct. 11 – 13
Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, Oct. 11 – Sunday, Oct. 13
Schedule:
Friday: noon – 6 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Main Mall.
How much: General admission is $7. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire
Rooted in California: An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants, Oct. 12
Join biologist Jonathan Mills-Anderson for an engaging and informative introduction to California’s native plants. This class will cover the basics of selecting, incorporating and managing native species in your garden. Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to enhance your landscape with sustainable and drought-tolerant plants, you’ll learn why creating an environmentally friendly garden is not only beautiful but also a meaningful way to stay rooted in California’s natural heritage.
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP by Oct. 9
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Free parking.
More info: Visit Farm & Garden Workshops
Costa Mesa Speedway: 54th US National Speedway Championship/Jrs., Oct. 12
54th US National Speedway Championship/Jrs.
When: Saturday, Oct. 12
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+), active military and fire; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
OC Home & Holiday Expo, Oct. 19-20
Home improvement experts are ready to make your remodeling or building plans a reality. DIY craft and home improvement classes hourly, free prizes every hour, charity craft & cooking classes, free activities and classes for all ages. Enter to win a season pass for four (4) at Wild Rivers! New vendors, new classes and new activities at this year’s show.
When: Saturday, Oct. 19 – Sunday, Oct. 20
Schedule:
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Free admission. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit The Best Home Show
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Oct. 24
When: Thursday, Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
Boo Ha Ha – A Haunted Oktoberfest, Oct. 26
Boo Ha Ha will feature three hours of unlimited tastings from some of the nation’s top breweries! Enjoy samples of Oktoberfest, German-style lagers, seasonal and special releases, IPAs, seltzer, cider and more!
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m. – midnight
Schedule:
Doors open at 6 p.m., beer fest is 6 – 9 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m., after-party is 10 p.m. – midnight
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission presale is $55, VIP is $93.50. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Boo Haha – A Haunted Oktoberfest
Fall Fruit Focus: Caring for Citrus and Avocado Trees, Oct. 26
Join local expert Isabel Barkman, a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers, for an in-depth class on fall tree care for citrus and avocados. Learn the best practices for planting, feeding, pruning and caring for your trees during this season, as well as tips for maximizing blooming and harvesting. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or new to citrus and avocado care, this lecture will equip you with the knowledge you need to ensure your trees thrive throughout the fall and beyond.
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP by Oct. 23
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Free parking.
More info: Visit Farm & Garden Workshops