Frequently Asked Questions
2026 OC Fair FAQs
The 2026 OC Fair runs July 17-Aug. 16 – the theme is “Your Adventure Awaits!”
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 17-Aug. 16
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?
Pre-Fair
$11 Smart Start: Enter the Fairgrounds before 1 p.m. on any Wednesday or Thursday
$13 general admission on Wednesday & Thursday
$15 general admission on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
$9 seniors 65+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids 5 and younger
Starting July 17
$13 general admission on Wednesday & Thursday
$18 general admission on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
$10 seniors 65+
$9 kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids 5 and younger
What’s included with Fair admission?
Tickets include a wide range of entertainment, exhibits, animals and family activities, all included with the price of admission. Guests can enjoy nightly entertainment at Fair After Dark, roving performers, live music across multiple stages, animal attractions like pig races, the petting farm and Centennial Farm animals, plus hands-on demonstrations in culinary arts, woodworking and more. Also included is Explorium’s Orange County Sand and Sea area, magician Frank Thurston, the Main Mall play fountain, REWIND: A VHS Comeback, fine arts and produce competitions.
How do I purchase admission tickets?
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at ocfair.com/tickets. Fairgoers must choose a specific date; please choose dates carefully as there are no refunds or exchanges. Buy now – days will sell out. Our on-site box office will sell admission tickets only until July 16. 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 Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office on the OC Fairgrounds is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What is the Every Day Passport?
The Every Day Passport is back for $60 and includes admission to the OC Fair any day or every day with no restrictions. Passes are on sale now and quantities are limited. Visit, ocfair.com/tickets.
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 online or through 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?
Tickets to shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena or The Hangar that occur during the 2026 OC Fair, July 17-Aug. 16, 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 online 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.
Is there a featured exhibit?
REWIND: A VHS Comeback, celebrates retro pop culture with hand-painted movie poster reproductions, soundtrack displays, live-painting demonstrations, an ’80s vintage arcade and the Thrills & Chills speakeasy.
Will there be competitions this year?
The 2026 competition guides are available and applications are open.
Are there discounts?
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/tickets.
New this year, we have tickets and bundles at incredible prices! Snag these offers before they expire on July 16:
- Enter the Fairgrounds any Wednesday or Thursday before 1 p.m. for $11.
- The Dream Pass allows you to enjoy 10 rides or games – mix and match. Valid any day of the OC Fair.
- The Weekday Unlimited Family Bundle includes two adult tickets, two kid’s tickets, two kid’s meals and two unlimited ride wristbands.
- The Family Dream Bundle includes two adult tickets, two kid’s tickets, two kids means and two Dream Passes.
Our popular $5 Taste of Fair is returning! Get a sampling of food and treats for only $5 every day until 5 p.m.!
Where can I find carnival ride and game information? How do I purchase carnival tickets?
Carnival ride and game tickets can be purchased through the RCS Fun Pass app or onsite at any RCS ticket booth. For the most up-to-date information on rides, games, ticket counts and pricing, download the RCS Fun Pass app or visit ocfair.com/carnival.
Does my OC Fair Fun Run 5K registration include Fair admission?
Admission tickets to the OC Fair must be purchased separately.
Is parking included? How much is parking?
Parking is purchased separately onsite on the day of the event for $15; $30 for oversized vehicles, buses and limos. Limited reserved parking is only available with select Pacific Amphitheatre show tickets. Ridesharing and public transportation are encouraged.
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 closed.
Can I perform at the OC Fair?
Applications for the 2026 OC Fair community entertainment program are closed. Click here to be part of the waitlist.
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