Tuesday, September 24, 2024 (9:00 am)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in October
Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, through – Oct. 31
Family-fun pumpkin patch! Enjoy 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: Through 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.
Closing at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot C
How much: Free admission. Parking is free Monday – Thursday and $12 Friday – Sunday.
More info: Visit Seasonal Adventures
OC Pride Festival & Parade, Oct. 5
Join the OC Pride Festival, featuring headliners Wendy Guevara, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, fresh off her runner-up finish on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 9” and Jessica Wild! Experience live performances and music and explore diverse zones like Trans Central, Pride Speaks, The Leather and Fetish Zone, Club Vibe, VIP Lounge, Teen Space, Kids Zone and the Pride Market. Celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture, love and unity—get your tickets now and be a part of the pride!
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, noon – 10 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: $20 general admission, free admission for kids 15 and under and seniors 65+. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Pride
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: 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 Workshop
Costa Mesa Speedway: 54th U.S. National Speedway Championship/Jrs., Oct. 12
54th U.S. 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
Newport – Mesa Unified School District College and Career Fair, Oct. 16
The College and Career Fair is returning to OC Fair & Event Center with college, university and international school representatives, career technical education explorations, workshops on financial aid, NCAA eligibility and early college credit and more!
When: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building, Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit NMUSD College and Career Fair
OC Japan Fair, Oct. 18 – 20
Enjoy the experience of tasting, shopping and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be a cosplay show, tuna cutting show, popular Japanese artist and comedian performances, traditional instrument performances, games, kimono models meet and greet and more!
When: Friday, Oct. 18, 5-11 p.m.
Schedule:
Saturday, Oct. 19, noon-10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building, OC Promenade and Lot I
How much: Early bird admission is $10, general admission is $12. Free for children 6 and younger or seniors 66 and older. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Japan Fair
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
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 Silo Building
How much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Free parking.
More info: Visit Farm & Garden Workshops
SoCal VegFest, Oct. 26 – 27
A one-of-a-kind event designed to engage curiosity and inspire consciousness in people of all ages. This event will include free plant-based food samplings, musical entertainment, guest speakers, cooking demos, raffles, interactive booths, food vendors, humane organizations, an enjoyable children’s area with a variety of engaging opportunities and more!
When: Saturday, Oct 26 – Sunday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: Adult general admission is $10, children 12 and under are free. One-day VIP ticket includes alcoholic beverage samples and a fast pass, $40. Weekend VIP package, $60. Parking is $12
More info: Visit SoCal VegFest
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 Ha Ha – A Haunted Oktoberfest
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
Centennial Farm
The Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Jr. Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.
When: Monday – Friday, 1 – 4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Want to keep tabs on our pigs all year long? Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable rascals 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 and tacos/burritos.
When: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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 will rotate themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in November
The Great Junk Hunt, Nov. 1 – 2
Shop four buildings full of the best vendors on the West Coast! At The Great Junk Hunt, you’ll not only find some amazing vintage items, home decor & more, but best of all – you’ll have a whole lot of fun along the way! It’s a roundup of curated vendors selling their best goods, plus no party is complete without cocktails, live music and aisles of junkin’ treasure. Shoppers walk away with items they can’t find anywhere else. Discover farmhouse, industrial, vintage, re-purposed, handmade, mid-mod and much more.
When: Friday, Nov. 1 – Saturday, Nov. 2
Schedule:
Friday, 4 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, OC Promenade, The Hangar
How much: Friday – first pick entry at 4 p.m. ($20), early bird entry at 6 p.m. ($15). Friday tickets are valid for both days. Saturday – early bird entry at 9 a.m. 1 hr. before general admission ($12). General admission 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ($10). Enter any time after 10 a.m. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit The Great Junk Hunt
Sugar Plum Arts and Crafts Festival, Nov. 8 – 9
Sugar Plum welcomes in the season by offering a fun and unique holiday shopping experience. Celebrating 46 years, Sugar Plum offers 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 and palate-pleasing delights.
When: Friday, Nov. 8 – Saturday, Nov. 9
Schedule:
Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Admission is $5 on Friday, 9 – 10 a.m. Admission is free on Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sugar Plum Festivals
Repticon, Nov. 9 – 10
Experience the animal kingdom in an exotic way. Explore our rows of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and more!
Everything to support your hobby will be available: feeders, caging and other supplies. Join your friends and make new ones at a celebration of the reptile hobby that can only be expressed at a quality family-friendly expo.
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 – Sunday, Nov. 10
Schedule:
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: All-day general admission is $12, children 5-12 are $6 and children 4 and under are free. Military, first responders and teachers are free with ID. Super tickets are $15 for both days. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Repticon Reptile Show
Orange County Wine Fest, Nov. 9 – 10
Enjoy three hours of wine tasting for the price of a good bottle of wine. Orange County Wine Fest will bring you a diverse group of wine from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds, whatever your preferred grape, you’ll find plenty to discover and love. VIPs get 30 minutes of early access.
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 – Sunday, Nov. 10
Schedule:
Saturday, Session 1: noon – 3 p.m., session 2: 5 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Session 1: noon – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General Admission is $55. Parking is $12
More info: Visit OC Wine Fest
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Nov. 21
When: Thursday, Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
Winter Fest OC, Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Winter Fest OC returns to bring the ultimate winter wonderland to Orange County! Over a million lights create this dazzling holiday scene, transforming the OC Fair & Event Center into an enchanted dream! Enjoy magical snowfall, thrilling rides, festive entertainment and delightful treats and eats. From ice skating under the stars to exploring whimsical holiday displays, there’s something for everyone!
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5, 2025
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Admission goes on sale Oct. 2. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Winter Fest OC
Crossroads of the West Gun Show, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1
Crossroads of the West Gun Shows will be returning to the OC Fair & Event Center once again. Everyone from first-time owners to avid hunters and experienced collectors will find products of interest. Firearms, ammunition, training, holsters, range bags, knives, first aid and more!
When: Saturday, Nov. 30 – Sunday, Dec. 1
Schedule:
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Main Mall, Anaheim Building, Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building, Los Alamitos Building
How much: General admission is $22, children 12 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Crossroads of the West Gun Show