Media coverage
Here is a selection of recent coverage featuring OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California:
May 28, 2026
More than fun and games, O.C. Fair gives big boost to region’s economy, study says
Daily Pilot
Findings show that the O.C. Fair generated roughly $11.6 million of sales tax across multiple cities in 2024.
May 26, 2026
Dig Into a Feast of Flavors at Local Night Markets This Summer
CultureOC.org
These foodie festivals kick off with the 626 Night Market from May 29-31 at the OC Fair & Event Center.
May 25, 2026
Tens of thousands of Orange County evacuees returning home after orders lifted in Garden Grove chemical crisis
CBS 2
With some shelters at capacity, families turned to other options, like RV living at the Orange County Fairgrounds.
May 25, 2026
Orange County residents await update on evacuation zones
KTLA 5
The Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa is providing temporary RV parking support for evacuees.
May 24, 2026
California mobilizes 785+ emergency personnel in Orange County hazmat response
Gov. Gavin Newsom
The Orange County Fairgrounds is accommodating individuals with recreational vehicles.
May 22, 2026
50th Annual OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition Celebrates Major Milestone with Record Participation
WineIndustryAdvisor.com
More than 2,600 California wine entries to be evaluated next weekend by some of the industry’s most respected winemakers.
May 14, 2026
OC Fair to hire 400 workers for this summer’s event
OC Register
Employee perks include free admission to the fair and the option to buy discounted tickets for friends and family.
May 13, 2026
Over 400 jobs available at the OC Fair Job Fair on May 30
NewSantaAna.com
OC Fair & Event Center will host a hiring event on Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.
May 13, 2026
Final Call for Entries: 50th Annual OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition Deadline This Friday – May 15, 2026
WineIndustryAdvisor.com
Now in its 50th year, this landmark competition stands as one of California’s most respected and enduring double-blind wine evaluations.
May 12, 2026
OC Fair organizers look to hire hundreds of workers for the summer season
KTLA 5
Applicants need to be 16 years of age or older.
May 12, 2026
The OC Fair & Event Center will be hiring 400 seasonal and part-time employees.
yahoo.com
Starting pay begins at $17 an hour and up, depending on the job.
May 12, 2026
OC Fair hiring hundreds of workers in Southern California
AOL.com
A hiring event will be held on Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.
May 7, 2026
For Ali Campbell of UB40, the roots of reggae grew in Birmingham, England
OC Register
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell comes to Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on Thursday, May 14.
May 3, 2026
Runners beat a path to 22nd annual OC Marathon finish
OC Register
The race began in Newport Beach and runners made their way through Orange County to the finish line at OC Fair & Event Center.
May 2, 2026
Tens of thousands participating in Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival
KTLA 5
A free two-day Health and Fitness Expo kicked off the race weekend at the O.C. Fair and Event Center.
April 17, 2026
New 2026 OC Fair tickets and deals revealed: What to know
NBC 4
The OC Fair returns to Costa Mesa July 17 through Aug. 16 with some new ticket options for fairgoers.
April 16, 2026
Imaginology Inspires Young Minds at OC Fairgrounds
nationaltoday.com
Annual festival brings STEAM learning to life through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
April 15, 2026
Imaginology attracts young scientists, artists and explorers with weekend of hands-on fun
Daily Pilot
Children from throughout Southern California made Costa Mesa’s county fairgrounds a destination for learning, creativity and play.
April 11, 2026
Children are discovering, learning at Imaginology, the OC Fair & Event Center’s free family festival
OC Register
The OC Fair & Event Center’s annual two-day Imaginology family festival supports STEAM education.
April 10, 2026
Igniting the Spark: A Celebration of All Things STEAM at OC Fair’s Imaginology
cultureoc.com
Innovative displays of engineering, science, math and more take center stage this weekend during the free youth fair.
April 9, 2026
Explore and learn at Imaginology this weekend at OC Fair
OC Register
Imagination, creativity and experimentation will all be cultivated at the OC Fair & Event Center’s upcoming Imaginology.
April 8, 2026
Top Things to Do in O.C.: April 8th through 14th
Orange Coast Magazine
American Ballet Theatre’s “Sylvia”, Imaginology, plus more things to do in O.C. this week.
April 1, 2026
OC Japan Fair: a festival of tradition with a pop culture twist
Daily Pilot
More than 60,000 people are expected to attend the 18th Annual OC Japan Fair at OC Fair & Event Center.
March 31, 2026
Horse shows, Discovery Days added at the OC Fair’s equestrian center The Ranch
OC Register
In the last few years, the state-owned fairgrounds has expanded public programs at the 7-acre equestrian center on the northeastern corner of its Costa Mesa campus.
March 30, 2026
The OC Japan Fair, Teen Beat Live And A Tribute To Legendary Director Richard Fleischer
LA Weekly
The 18th Annual OC Japan Fair & Freedom LA Music Festival will take place at the OC Fair & Event Center starting Friday, April 3.
March 27, 2026
Real estate news: Tiny home expo coming to OC fairgrounds in April
OC Register
Attendees can tour 70 tiny homes (on wheels and fixed), plus accessory dwelling units and custom van conversions.
March 18, 2026
Orange County Fairgrounds Farmers Market Thursday March 19 2026
southocbeaches.com
Farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public.
March 18, 2026
Winter Fest 2025 Wraps Up a Decade of Holiday Magic at the Orange County Fairgrounds
carnivalwarehouse.com
Winter Fest closed out the year with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31.
March 12, 2026
Orange County Fairgrounds Farmers Market Thursday March 12 2026
southocbeaches.com
Orange County Fairgrounds Farmers Market is a California-certified farmers’ market.
March 9, 2026
OC Fair’s weekly Farmers Market provides affordable options for OCC students
coastreportonline.com
OC Fair’s Farmers Market runs every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lot D and has a variety of certified companies selling high-quality goods.
Feb. 26, 2026
From disorganized to dominant: Int’l Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation’s Costa Mesa Winter Open packs the mat
Daily Pilot
This year’s tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday in the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.
Feb. 24, 2026
Overland Expo SoCal 2026 Returns to Costa Mesa
shop-eat-surf-outdoor.com
Overland Expo SoCal will host over 400 exhibitors, featuring the industry’s top brands and latest innovations.
Feb. 18, 2026
Take Five: From Ferris wheels to forward thinking, James Canfield and the magic of the OC Fair
stunewsnewport.com
Stu News caught up with Canfield to gather some insights into what he loves about the Fair and its legacy as the winner of over 20 first place honors by the Western Fairs Association.
Feb. 18, 2026
Orange County Fairgrounds Farmers Market Thursday February 19 2026
southocbeaches.com
The Farmers Market is from 9:00am to 1:00pm rain or shine!
Jan. 31, 2026
16 free fun things to do in February in Southern California
OC Register
Bring the kids or just your own curiosity to the Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center for Discovery Days.
Jan. 17, 2026
Choose your own kind of fun at the 2026 O.C. Fair, where ‘Your Adventure Awaits’
Daily Pilot
Now in its 136th year, the annual extravaganza will make its grand return to the Costa Mesa fairgrounds on July 17 and run through Aug. 16.
Jan. 15, 2026
Orange County Fairgrounds Farmers Market Thursday January 15 2026
southocbeaches.com
The Farmers Market is from 9:00am to 1:00pm Rain or Shine!
Jan. 14, 2026
Summer just called: Orange County Fair’s 2026 theme has been unveiled
NBC 4
The month-long Costa Mesa extravaganza is putting an adventuresome foot forward.
Jan. 14, 2026
OC Pathways Showcase returns to unite industry leaders with future workforce
OCDE Newsroom
The OC Pathways Showcase on Feb. 25 at the OC Fair & Event Center, will feature hands-on exhibits representing 58 career technical education pathways.
Jan. 12, 2026
OC Fair & Event Center – Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas: Arcadia Tour
coastreportonline.com
Concert set for Aug. 29 in Pacific Amphitheatre.
Jan. 7, 2026
Orange County Fairgrounds Farmers Market Thursday January 8 2026
southocbeaches.com
Farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public.
Jan. 6, 2026
The recent heavy rains prompt extension of OC Winter Festival at fairgrounds
Daily Pilot
The festival will now continue through Sunday at the OC Fair and Event Center.
Jan. 6, 2026
OC Winter Festival to Add 4 Days to Run
mynewsla.com
The festival, which was scheduled to conclude Sunday, will reopen Thursday and continue through Sunday at the OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive.
Jan. 3, 2026
Orange County Fairgrounds: Winter Fest Guide Saturday January 3 2026
southocbeaches.com
Winter Fest is runs through Sunday January 4 2026.