Frequently Asked Questions


2024 Fair FAQs 

The 2024 OC Fair runs July 19-Aug. 18 – the theme is “Always a Good Time!” 

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 19-Aug. 18, 2024
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 go on sale March 1 and can be purchased at ocfair.com/tickets. Please choose dates carefully as there are no refunds or exchanges; Fairgoers must choose a specific date. Buy now – days will sell out. Tickets are available through Etix. Our on-site box office will sell admission tickets only until July 18. 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?

The box office is generally open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. following an on-sale announcement. Please check the website for hours prior to your visit. 

What is the Every Day Passport?

The new Every Day Passport is available for $60 and includes admission to the OC Fair any day or every day with no restrictions. 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 ocfair.com/entertainment. 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 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 2024 OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18, include same-day admission. 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 2024 competition guides are available and applications are open. Visit, ocfair.com/competitions.

Are there discounts? 

Yes. The new Every Day Passport allows Fairgoers to come any day or every day of the Fair for $60 with no restrictions. 

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?

Carnival tickets and ride wristband information is coming soon. 

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? 

OCTA will not be operating the OC Fair Express bus this year. Standard OCTA bus routes to the Fair include the 178, 55, 47 and 71 lines. 

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.

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 until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8.  Vendor and Platinum Partner applications are  available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/vendors.

Can I perform at the OC Fair?

The deadline to apply to be a part of the community entertainment program is 5 p.m. (PST) on Friday, April 5, 2024.