Here is a selection of recent coverage featuring OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California:
July 17, 2026
Orange County Fair kicks off with food, rides and summer fun
KTLA 5
KTLA’s Hailey Winslow reports on opening day.
July 17, 2026
The Orange County Fair is officially open
KTLA 5
Aside from the rides, cute animals and fun, there are some pretty wild food items.
July 17, 2026
The Orange County Fair has opened for the 2026 season in Costa Mesa, California
CBS 2
The OC Fair is Costa Mesa’s biggest annual event, and it’s back through Aug. 16.
July 17, 2026
Regresa la Feria del Condado de Orange con nuevo menú, más boletos y precios accesibles
Telemundo 52
El lema de la feria este año es “Tu aventura te espera”, y las exhibiciones y decoraciones también reconocerán el 250.º aniversario del país con muestras en rojo, blanco y azul.
July 17, 2026
Orange County Fair brings the food along with the fun
KTLA 5
Orange County Fair, featuring over-the-top fair food, thrilling rides and plenty of summer fun for the whole family.
July 17, 2026
OC Fair brings the food along with the fun
KTTV 11
The fair takes place in Costa Mesa through Aug. 16.
July 17, 2026
The O.C. Fair returns for summer fun
KTLA 5
KTLA’s Omar Lewis was live in Costa Mesa with a preview of opening day at the Orange County Fair.
July 17, 2026
OC Fair kicks off today and runs through Aug. 16.
KTTV 11
Koco McAboy interviews Chicken Charlie.
July 17, 2026
Opening day of the OC Fair
NBC 4
The 136th edition of the Orange County Fair starts Friday, July 17 and runs through mid-August.
July 17, 2026
The OC Fair opens in Costa Mesa
CBS 2
Tina Patel gets a tour of opening day at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa.
July 17, 2026
Your Adventure Awaits as OC Fair opens today
ABC 7
Animals, rides, food, entertainment and more until Aug. 16 in Costa Mesa
July 17, 2026
OC Fair 2026 begins 23-day run with thrills, competitions and goats
OC Register
The OC Fair is expected to draw more than 1 million visitors through Aug. 16.
July 17, 2026
OC Fair Serves Lineup of Fan Food Favorites and New Culinary Concoctions
Newport Beach Independent
this year’s food lineup features dozens of new items, OC Fair exclusives and expanded value offerings.
July 16, 2026
2026 OC Fair: The event runs from July 17 to Aug. 16
LAist.com
The fair features rides, games, wacky food and thrilling shows, like the demolition derbies and live music.
July 16, 2026
OCTA’s OC Fair Express Returns July 18 -Offering Convenient Service on Saturdays and Sundays to OC Fair
Fullerton Observer
The OC Fair Express will operate every Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 16, providing direct service from six locations.
July 16, 2026
Feria de OC en el Orange County Fair and Event Center
La Opinion
Entre los atractivos de la feria se incluyen animales, opciones gastronómicas, atracciones mecánicas, conciertos, exposiciones de arte y más.
July 16, 2026
OC Fair opens Friday. Here’s the lowdown on the annual summer fest
LAist.com
Whether you’re a thrill seeker, a foodie, or just there for the vibes, the fair should have something for everyone.
July 15, 2026
Orange County Fair returns to Costa Mesa fairgrounds Friday, with adventure on tap
Daily Pilot
With the theme, “Your Adventure Awaits,” this year’s festivities run Wednesdays through Sundays before the doors close on Aug. 16.
July 15, 2026
OC Fair Returns July 17 with Trevor Noah, Bacon-Wrapped Everything and New Rides
CultureOC.com
New this year is a special themed ribbon in some competitive exhibit categories celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
July 15, 2026
Top Things to Do in O.C. This Week: July 15th through 21st
Orange Coast Magazine
The Orange County summer staple returns to the OC Fair & Event Center for a whole month of food, games, shows, live music, rides, and more.
July 14, 2026
Fried Tiramisu to Street Corn Baked Potatoes: Find fantastical foods at OC Fair
NBC 4
The culinary creativity at the Costa Mesa event is legendary, with offbeat food mash-ups and oodles of surprising flavor combos.
July 14, 2026
OC Fair 2026: Here’s what you need to know to pay, play and park
OC Register
The 23-day OC Fair kicks off July 17 and continues through Aug. 16; it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
July 14, 2026
Save money and walk less on the OC Fair Express shuttle bus
OC Register
It’s nonstop and convenient — and much cheaper than parking at the fairgrounds.
July 13, 2026
OC Fair 2026: The quirky, zany and bacon-ified new foods you can try
OC Register
The OC Fair returns to Costa Mesa from July 17 through Aug. 16 with a fresh crop of dishes designed to be eaten first and questioned later.
July 13, 2026
OC Fair 2026: What’s new with a big new rollercoaster, nostalgia-soaked exhibits
OC Register
This year’s theme is ‘Your Adventure Awaits!’ Choosing your own path, your own type of fun, is exactly what organizers are challenging fairgoers to do.
July 10, 2026
OC Fair 2026: Save money on tickets with these discounts, deals
OC Register
Well, here we are in summer, which means it’s time for the OC Fair, which runs July 17- Aug. 16.
July 9, 2026
OC Fair 2026: Here’s the complete summer concert lineup
OC Register
The OC Fair returns this summer with a full slate of concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar.
July 8, 2026
Soak up free activities and events at OC Fair (they’re included with admission)
NBC 4
OC Fair, which begins its month-long run July 17, has long trumpeted its terrific array of pay-nothing diversions.
July 8, 2026
SoCalendar: OC Fair, Summer Wine Nights, Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival, San Diego Pride
Spectrum News
The Orange County Fair is coming back to Costa Mesa on Friday, July 17.
July 8, 2026
Insider’s Guide to the OC Fair in 2026
Visit Anaheim
The OC Fair returns to Costa Mesa from July 17 through August 16, 2026, bringing back one of SoCal’s biggest summer traditions!
July 8, 2026
Southern California’s Biggest Summer Festivals Worth the Road Trip
MyNorthwest.com
If we had to pick a summer-defining California event, OC Fair would be the one.
July 8, 2026
Thrill-seekers’ guide to the 2026 OC Fair
HB News
Looking for the most summer excitement per acre? Look no further than the midways and arenas of this summer’s OC Fair.
July 4, 2026
Orange County goes red, white and blue for Fourth of July celebrations on 250th anniversary
OC Register
Festivities for the Fourth started on the third in Costa Mesa with a community celebration at the OC Fair & Event Center.
July 3, 2026
OC Fair to roll out new food creations: Here’s what’s on the menu
KTLA 5
The fair, which runs from July 17 through Aug. 16, will host more than 100 food vendors.
June 30, 2026
Where to See Fireworks in Orange County on the Fourth of July
VoiceofOC.com
The City of Costa Mesa is hosting a free Independence Day Community Celebration on July 3 at the OC Fairgrounds.
June 29, 2026
Where to See Fireworks in Orange County for July 4th, 2026
Orange Coast Magazine
Costa Mesa Independence Day Community Celebration on July 3 at OC Fair & Event Center.
June 27, 2026
Red, White and Boom! A guide to Orange County Fourth of July shows
Daily Pilot
Celebrate the fourth of July safely, and a day early, at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on July 3.
June 25, 2026
Here’s city-by-city July 4th (or 3rd) plans in OC — more than 2 dozen events to celebrate at
OC Register
The city hosts a July 3 community celebration at the OC Fair & Event Center. The 5 to 11 p.m. event is free.
June 23, 2026
Mix fried food, carnival attractions and demolition derbies, and you’ve got the OC Fair
TimeOut.com
What started as a quaint fair in 1889 has since grown into a monthlong fest in the middle of summer.
June 20, 2026
Orange County Fairgrounds Costa Mesa Speedway Saturday June 20 2026
SouthOCBeaches.com
Gates Open at 6:00pm at Action Sports Arena at Orange County Fairgrounds.
June 19, 2026
MENA Cultural Festival and Concert Event Set to Light Up the OC Fairgrounds
CultureOC.com
The three-day celebration runs June 19–21, featuring international headliners, 200-plus vendors and World Cup watch parties.
June 12, 2026
Independence Day Fest & Fireworks 2026: OC Fair, Costa Mesa
patch.com
The City of Costa Mesa is hosting a free Independence Day Community Celebration on July 3 at the OC Fairgrounds.
June 11, 2026
OC MENA Festival Brings Vibrant Middle Eastern & North African Culture to the OC Fairgrounds this June
Yahoo Finance
OC MENA Festival, a massive three-day cultural celebration taking over the OC Fairgrounds from Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21.
June 9, 2026
Orange County Wine Society Announces the Winners of the 2026 50th Annual OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition
WineIndustryAdvisor.com
Wine entries from the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition can be enjoyed during the OC Fair at the Wine Courtyard.
June 2, 2026
OC Fair admission to include more entertainment, exhibits and family activities
Downey Patriot
Fair guests will find dozens of experiences included with admission throughout the day and evening.
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 19, 2026
10 festivals and conventions to keep on your summer radar
OC Register
OC MENA Festival is a three-day event that celebrates Middle Eastern and North African culture, music, food, art, community and more at OC Fair & Event Center.
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.