Frequently Asked Questions
2025 OC Fair FAQs
The 2025 OC Fair runs July 18-Aug. 17 – the theme is “Find Your Happy!”
With limited daily capacity, advance ticket purchase is required. Please do not arrive without a ticket – days will sell out.
When is the Fair open?
July 18-Aug. 17
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
The OC Fair is closed Monday and Tuesday
How much is admission?
$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 5 and younger
How do I purchase admission tickets?
Tickets will be on sale soon. Fairgoers must choose a specific date; please choose dates carefully as there are no refunds or exchanges. Tickets will be available online through Etix. Our on-site box office will sell admission tickets only until July 17. Tickets will not be available at entry gates during the Fair. There are no transaction fees for admission tickets. Do not purchase tickets elsewhere as they may not be valid.
When is the box office open?
Please check the website for hours prior to your visit.
What is the Every Day Passport?
The Every Day Passport is returning and available for $60. It includes admission to the OC Fair any day or every day with no restrictions. Passes will be on sale soon and quantities are limited. Visit, ocfair.com/everydaypass/.
How can I buy entertainment tickets?
Shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena and The Hangar are on sale now at pacamp.com. Limited general admission seats are available in the Action Sports Arena on a first-come, first-served basis; all other seats must be purchased. Entertainment tickets are available through Etix or our on-site box office. Do not purchase tickets elsewhere as they may not be valid.
Does my entertainment ticket include same-day Fair admission?
Yes, if the performance date is during the OC Fair. Tickets to shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena or The Hangar that occur during the 2025 OC Fair, July 18-Aug. 17, include same-day admission. Tickets for pre- and post-Fair shows include single-day admission on any Wednesday or Thursday during the Fair. Parking is not included. Limited reserved parking is available only with select Pacific Amphitheatre tickets.
Do I need to buy tickets to performances ahead of time?
It’s recommended you purchase your entertainment tickets via Etix or our on-site box office prior to any show as many of our performances quickly sell out.
Do I need to purchase my child a ticket for shows at the Fair if they’re allowed free admission?
Limited general admission seating for Action Sports Arena shows is available on a first-come, first-served basis with Fair admission; reserved seating is available for purchase. The other entertainment venues, Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar, require a show ticket to reserve any seat. These tickets include same-day OC Fair admission during the run of the Fair.
Can I transfer a ticket to another person?
Yes, through Etix. Please contact Etix regarding problems with transfers or other ticketing issues.
Why are you limiting capacity each day of the Fair?
By controlling attendance, the Fair is working to create a better guest experience with shorter lines and less crowding as well as reducing the impact on our neighbors.
Where is information on accessibility?
OC Fair & Event Center strives to offer events that suit the needs of all guests. Please view our Equal Access Guide for more information for guests with disabilities or special needs: ocfair.com/public-information/equal-access-information/
Is there a featured exhibit?
Yes. The Art of Music exhibit will be returning to OC Fair with a new theme and features. This experiential exhibit inspires people of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate the creators behind album cover art. Embark on an immersive journey through a series of themed gallery and vendor environments, flip through bins of vinyl records at a pop-up independent record store, watch live painting of album cover art, rank your favorite album cover and more.
Will there be competitions this year?
Yes. The 2025 competition guides are available and applications are open. Visit ocfair.com/competitions.
Are there discounts?
Yes. The Every Day Passport allows Fairgoers to come any day or every day of the Fair for $60 with no restrictions. Quantities are limited, purchase yours today! Visit, ocfair.com/everydaypass/.
Our popular $5 Taste of Fair is returning! Get a sampling of food and treats for only $5 every day until 4 p.m.!
Does my OC Fair Fun Run 5K registration include Fair admission?
Admission tickets to the OC Fair must be purchased separately.
How do carnival tickets and ride wristbands work?
Ride and game tickets can be purchased online by buying a FunPass, which can be loaded up ahead of time. Wristbands can only be purchased during your visit to the Fair on a Wednesday or Thursday. For information on ride ticket quantities and to purchase a FunPass, visit ocfair.com/carnival.
Is parking included? How much is parking?
Parking is purchased separately on-site on the day of the event for $15; $30 for buses and limos. Limited reserved parking is only available with select Pacific Amphitheatre show tickets. Ridesharing and public transportation are encouraged.
Is the OC Fair Express bus coming back?
Yes, OCTA will operate the OC Fair Express bus from different locations direct to the Fair. More information is coming soon.
Will there be Experian parking?
Unfortunately, free offsite parking is no longer available.
Where can I access my ride-sharing or ride-hailing services?
Drop-off and pick-up for ride-sharing or ride-hailing services is located at Gate 1 off of Fair Drive.
Where is the Access Bus drop-off and pick-up?
Drop-off and pick-up for Access Bus users is located at Gate 8 off of Arlington Drive.
Can I bring food?
Soft-sided coolers are allowed and factory-sealed water bottles are permitted as are empty water bottles. Chilled water stations are available throughout the Fairgrounds for guests to refill their water bottles.
Can I bring pets?
Pets are not allowed on the Fairgrounds. Only service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted.
Can I re-enter the Fair after exiting?
With a handstamp, you are allowed to re-enter the Fairgrounds on the same day. However, if you leave the property in your vehicle, you will be required to pay for parking again.
Can I be a vendor?
Vendor applications are open. The submission deadline is March7. Click here for more information.
Can I perform at the OC Fair?
Applications for the 2025 OC Fair community entertainment program are open. Click here for more information.