Tuesday, July 2, 2024 (11:34 am)

2024 OC Fair – July 19 – Aug. 18

FUN TIMES, HERE WE COME!

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to the OC Fair where it’s “Always a Good Time!” Get ready to enjoy fun, food and entertainment. You don’t want to miss out!

Advance ticket purchase is required – buy online now with no fees. Choose your days and plan your summer!

When: July 19 – Aug. 18
Schedule:
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
11 a.m. – midnight Friday & Saturday
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
How much:
$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 ages 5 and younger every day
Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for buses and limos

Special deals:
Every Day Passports give fairgoers access to the Fair any day or every day for $60 – while supplies last. No restrictions or blackout days!

Purchase carnival tickets and wristbands online in advance until opening day at discounted prices.

$5 Taste of Fair is now every day until 4 p.m. Fairgoers can enjoy taste-size portions of Fair food favorites for only $5 each.

Free with OC Fair admission:
Exhibits and demonstrations – check out blue-ribbon winners, explore handcrafts and woodworking, marvel at large-scale album-cover art and get great tips from chefs during culinary demos

Performances on community stages and nightly fun – see local talent, sing karaoke with a live band, catch a show in Baja Bar & Grill and dance in La Cantina

Animal experiences – visit Centennial Farm’s animal educators, All-Alaskan Pig Races, livestock displays and Great American Petting Farm

Bonus – new hypnotist Chris Mabrey performs free in Action Sports Arena Aug. 7-11

Ticketed performances:
Shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena are on sale now – some performances are selling out. Shows start July 9 and run through Sept. 14. More information is at ocfair.com/entertainment. 

More info: Visit OC Fair

City of Costa Mesa 4th of July Celebration, July 3

The City of Costa Mesa is hosting a free Independence Day community celebration.

Gather your friends and family to create a memorable day celebrating our nation’s independence! Remember to bring snacks, lawn chairs and blankets. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

*Glass containers and bottles, hard-sided coolers and outside alcohol are prohibited. No exceptions.

When: Wednesday, July 3, 5 – 11 p.m.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Admission and parking are free.
More info: Visit City of Costa Mesa

Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center

Centennial Farm

Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Junior Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm. 

When: Centennial Farm will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm

Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Even when the Farm is closed to the public, you can still keep tabs on our resident rascals. Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable animals are up to!

More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Farmers Market every Thursday

Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales, tacos and burritos. 

When: July 4, 11 & 18: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Beginning Thursday, July 25, 8 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau

Heroes Hall

Heroes Hall is a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. The two-story exhibition space rotates themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.

When: Heroes Hall will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall 

“The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen,” through Dec. 22

Experience Heroes Hall’s latest featured exhibit, “The Vietnam War Through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen,” running through Dec. 22, 2024. Explore the war through letters, memorabilia, photographs and more than 30 paintings and sketches produced by combat artist Ed Bowen during and after his tour of duty in Vietnam.

When: Heroes Hall will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 (9:30 am)

The OC Fair is “Always a Good Time” and this year we’re bringing you more food, more rides, more entertainment and more fun to keep the good times rolling from July 19 – Aug. 18. With so much in store, we thought a few pointers for our most loyal fans were in order. So, without further ado, here’s the inside scoop on making the most of your time at the 2024 OC Fair. See you on the Fairgrounds!

Daily capacity is limited and advance admission purchase is required. Bonus: no transaction fees on Fair admission tickets! Visit ocfair.com/tickets or download the OC Fair 2024 mobile app for information on daily activities, maps, news & information and to purchase tickets or the Every Day Passport.

OC FAIR HOURS
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
11 a.m. to midnight Friday & Saturday

OC FAIR ADMISSION
$13 Wednesday & Thursday
$15 Friday – Sunday
$9 for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids 5 and younger

The popular Every Day Passport returns for another year. Enjoy the Fair any day or every day – no restrictions or blackout dates!

Passports are available for $60. Availability is limited and the offer is valid while supplies last. To purchase, visit ocfair.com/everydaypass.

It’s Always A Good Time…

It’s always a good time to wander through art galleries and rows of shopping, make new animal friends, taste new and exotic foods, or simply spend time with family and friends on the Fairgrounds. We’re bringing art, entertainment, new foods, and fun and interactive experiences the whole family will love.

To make new memories

Orange County Sand and Sea in the OC Promenade is sure to make a splash with kids and families! Prepare to be transported to Orange County’s beach communities while learning about the ongoing ocean and conservancy efforts in play to preserve aquatic life and our beaches. Day trip down the OC Coastline, learn about famous landmarks and take a dive under the sea with a live touch tank and VR experience. Partake in a variety of engaging, hands-on crafts and activities, including a stimulating scavenger hunt!

Heroes Hall is the place to be to check out two exhibits, “The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen” featuring the paintings, photography and memorabilia of a combat artist, and “The SAAAB Story” which tells the history of the Santa Ana Army Air Base that operated on the Fairgrounds from 1942 to 1946. While you’re there, don’t forget to write and decorate postcards that will be sent to veterans and active duty service members, handle and wear military artifacts at the Hands-on History booth and take in a nightly “Taps” performance honoring our heroes around the globe.

Explore the fascinating the world of agriculture with countless fun activities at Centennial Farm. Start by ambling around the property and admiring the friendly livestock and meticulously maintained crops. Take home your own piece of the Farm from the produce bin where freshly harvested vegetables from the gardens are available for purchase. Then, check out the breathtaking florals or awe-inspiring produce local horticulturists are exhibiting. Don’t forget to stop by the Millennium Barn to watch afternoon cow milking demonstrations before ending your farm tour with a cold bottle of coveted chocolate milk from Scott Bros. Dairy.

The immersive Art of Music Experience returns to the Fairgrounds to once again spotlight the creators and stories behind iconic album cover art. This year, the exhibit will feature more art with over 150 large-scale, hand-painted album covers; displays and neon; search bins of vinyl and purchase merchandise at a pop-up record store; watch live painting of album cover art and roam through themed activations. Top off the experience with a cocktail in the music-themed lounge.

To be amused

Laugh until you cry with Master of Comedy Hypnosis Chris Mabrey in Action Sports Arena. Bonus: Chris Mabrey’s performances are free with Fair admission. Magician Frank Thurston returns to the OC Promenade with his crowd-pleasing, family-friendly performances. La Cantina will continue its dance and party notoriety with live mariachi and banda music, DJs and more. The beat goes on with performances by local bands in Baja Bar & Grill. And, there’s always a party in Main Mall where you can hear music wafting from the nightly performances in The Hangar.

In Plaza Pacifica, squeal alongside your favored swine as it sprints around the track during an All-Alaskan Racing Pigs show. Capture the memory with a family photo with the winner.

Get up close with creatures big and small, familiar and exotic in the livestock area. See zebras, sheep, llamas, goats, miniature donkeys and so much more. Lastly, see which miniature donkey dons the best costume and wins for best theme.

Our galleries will be bursting with enchanting works of art by local artisans. View beautiful tablescapes, quirky collections, colorful quilts and more in the Home Arts & Hobbies gallery. In the Visual Arts gallery, appreciate the art and craftsmanship that’s gone into the photography, woodworking, painting and sculptures. You also won’t want to miss Rides & Rhythms featuring the work of OC Fair photographers Michael Goulding and

Miguel Vasconcellos which will showcase the excitement of the Fair through their lenses. For those visiting in August, celebrate Chicano Heritage Month with cultural activities and exhibits like making and coloring a mini paper lowrider, creating vibrant paper florals and viewing live painting demonstrations by featured artists.

Want to partake in the excitement as a pressed floral artist, or are you skilled at arranging a bouquet or have a green thumb and want to flaunt the florals or vegetables you grow? There’s still time to enter these competitions! Visit, ocfair.com/competitions to view the competition guidelines and register.

To share a meal

This year, taste your way through the Fair without breaking the bank! Enjoy sample-sized fair treats to your heart’s content for only $5 per selection; daily till 4 p.m. View the menu and plan your culinary excursion here.

Adventurous eaters will have a field day with the quirky creations our innovative concessionaires are whipping up this year. Delight your tastebuds with tajin, chamoy, hot honey Sriracha and more enticing flavors.

For those who crave traditional fair food, your beloved treats will be plentiful. Dig into ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies, frozen confections like gelato and ice cream, mouthwatering BBQ, perfectly powdered funnel cakes, creamy floats and freakshakes and convenient foods on a stick.

If you relish a good glass of vino, visit The Courtyard for an array of award-winning OC Fair wines. Sign up for a weekend seminar to uncover the secrets of perfect pairings and regional differences. For those that love a classically refreshing drink, quench your thirst with frozen cocktails, at beer booths or at michelada stands found around the Fairgrounds.

To rock out to music

We’ve brought even more to entertain you with this year, with 83 phenomenal performances across Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Pacific Amphitheatre is serving up icons and up-and- comers with Bonnie Raitt, CANNONS, Tash Sultana, CAKE, All Time Low, Keyshia Cole, X & Reverend Horton Heat, Kool & the Gang, Rebelution, Chris Lane, The Aquabats, Squeeze & Boy George, NEEDTOBREATHE, Paquita La Del Barrio, 311, Big Time Rush, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Ziggy Marley, Stray Cats, Walker Hayes, Iration, Rick Springfield & Richard Marx, The Fab Four, Steel Pulse, the Happy Together Tour, John Fogerty, Chris Young, Counting Crows, Trevor Noah,

Sublime w/ Rome, Brett Young, Alice Cooper, ABBA LA & Bee Gees Gold and UB40 all taking the stage.

The Hangar will continue the trend by delivering crowd-pleasing tribute bands and special performances by TUPUA – The Spirit of Aloha, I Am King, Live From Earth, Don’t Look Back, Listen to the Music, Embajadores del Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Queen Nation, Elton – The Early Years, Dead Man’s Party, 24K Magic!, No Duh, Red Corvette, Which One’s Pink?, Zepplin Live, Start Making Sense, Atomic Punks, Twisted Gypsy, Hollywood U2, The Long Run, One More Night, Devotional and Ticket to the Moon.

Hear even more music as you stroll around the Fairgrounds. Enjoy the local bands and entertainers who will take to the community stages to dazzle Fairgoers throughout the day. Cheer on a dance troupe, rock out to punk and alternative, be serenaded by acoustic performances, twirl to lively banda music and so much more. With an array of free and fun entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Need a dose of adrenaline instead? Visit Action Sports Arena for the always thrilling Monster Truck Nitro Tour, a series of demolition derbies that will leave you on the edge of your seat and a front-row seat to the tricks performed by the riders in BMX Big Air Triples. Or, join the jaunty crowd of beer lovers at OC Brew Hee Haw A Craft Beer Round Up, July 19-20.

Tickets are available now for all shows at Etix or at the Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office on the OC Fairgrounds. The box office is open Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Know Before You Go

General admission is $13 on weekdays (Wednesday & Thursday) and $15 on weekends (Friday – Sunday). Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are $9 every day.

Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles and $30 for buses and limos.

Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance. Bonus – no fees on admission tickets. Visit ocfair.com/tickets to purchase. Tickets are good only for the dates purchased; please choose days carefully – no refunds. Fairgoers should make sure to get tickets for special days and group outings now as days could sell out.

Performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during fair-time include same-day Fair admission. Tickets to shows before or after the 2024 OC Fair include Fair admission on any Wednesday or Thursday between July 19-Aug. 18. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit ocfair.com/entertainment.

Unlimited carnival ride wristbands can be purchased for $44 presale online through July 18. The one-day wristbands include unlimited rides and two free games on a Wednesday or Thursday. Redeem by 5 p.m., ride and play from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Carnival ride and game tickets can be purchased for 20% off for a limited time. FunPasses loaded with 50 or 100 tickets can be purchased for $1 per ticket through July 18. During the Fair, carnival ride and game tickets increase to $1.25 each. Tickets required for each ride range from three to 14 tickets, games require between four and eight tickets each. For more information on this year’s rides and games, visit ocfair.com/carnival.

More information is at ocfair.com/thefair.

Got questions? Check out our FAQs.

Friday, May 24, 2024 (10:14 am)

On May 23, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors proudly proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month. This special declaration was received by A.G. Kawamura.

A.G. Kawamura is as a third-generation fruit and vegetable grower and shipper in Orange County, former Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and co-developer of Centennial Farm. We are honored to celebrate his dedication to the goal of ending hunger in our lifetime, working to provide fresh produce to local food banks through his nonprofit, Solutions for Urban Agriculture

The proclamation was presented by Director Dimetria Jackson and Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia, representing both the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.

Friday, May 17, 2024 (9:01 am)

The OC Fair has announced its entertainment lineup for the summer, featuring 83 performances across three venues, Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Entertainment tickets are on sale now at etix.com.

Pacific Amphitheatre will kick off its summer season with five pre-Fair concerts: Cake and DakhaBrakha on July 9, Tash Sultana and Chiiild on July 10, All Time Low and The Band Camino on July 12, Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Voz de Mando on July 14, and Ziggy Marley and Lettuce on July 18.

 Then, the Toyota Summer Concert Series marks the opening weekend of the 2024 OC Fair with Chris Young and Connor Smith on July 19, ABBA LA and Bee Gees Gold on July 20 and Happy Together on July 21.

 Pacific Amphitheatre shows also include Keyshia Cole, Joe and Eric Bellinger on July 25; Sublime with Rome and Fortunate Youth on July 27 Stray Cats on Aug. 1 & 2, Walker Hayes and Kylie Morgan on Aug. 7, Chris Lane on Aug. 14, and Trevor Noah on Aug. 18.

 But the fun doesn’t stop there. Pacific Amphitheatre’s summer season includes nine post-Fair shows this year: Squeeze and Boy George on Aug. 21; NEEDTOBREATHE and JOHNNYSWIM on Aug. 22; Iration, Pepper, DENM and Artikal Sound System on Aug. 23 & 24; 311, AWOLNATION and Neon Trees on Aug. 27; Big Time Rush and Crash Adams on Aug. 30; Counting Crows and Toad The Wet Sprocket on Aug. 31; John Fogerty and Hearty Har on Sept. 3; and Bonnie Raitt and James Hunter on Sept. 14. Visit pacamp.com for the full venue lineup.

 This year’s entertainment in The Hangar includes Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo/Danny Elfman tribute), Ticket To The Moon (Electric Light Orchestra tribute), 24K Magic! (Bruno Mars tribute), No Duh (No Doubt tribute), I Am King (Michael Jackson tribute) and Embajadores del Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. See ocfair.com for the complete venue lineup.

 Action Sports Arena will launch the Fair season with OC Brew Hee Haw, a craft beer roundup with live music, on July 19 & 20. Monster Truck Nitro Tour, demolition derbies, comedy hypnotist Chris Mabrey and BMX Big Air Triples will round out the entertainment. Check out ocfair.com for the detailed venue lineup.

 Fair-time entertainment tickets include free same-day admission to the OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18. Shows are selling out so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets now at etix.com.

 The 2024 OC Fair runs July 19 through Aug. 18 and offers 23 days and nights of entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits and more. The theme is “Always A Good Time.”

 Daily Fair capacity is limited to provide a better experience for fairgoers and advance tickets are required. Visit ocfair.com/tickets to purchase now – days will sell out.

 Photos and video are available for media use at ocfair.com/media-center.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (1:59 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center needs employees who are looking for terrific summer jobs and a fun way to earn some income. The theme of this year’s Fair is “Always a Good Time!”

About 750 seasonal employees are needed for the 2024 OC Fair. Job postings are available at ocfair.com/jobs for people 16 and older. Hiring has begun for several positions, with some start dates closer to the 2024 OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18.

OC Fair & Event Center will be hosting a hiring event on June 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the administration building at the corner of Arlington Drive and Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Applications are required and must be submitted before the event. On-site interviews will take place. Resumes will be accepted, but are not required. To view open positions and apply, visit ocfair.com/jobs.

Most open positions are seasonal, part-time with opportunities to build exhibits, work as a ticket taker, administrative assistant or customer service representative. Departments such as parking, security, janitorial, landscaping, maintenance and admissions are also seeking workers. There are also some year-round jobs available.

Perks include free admission to the OC Fair and the option to purchase discounted tickets for friends and family.

For more information, visit ocfair.com/jobs or contact the human resources department at 714-708-1563, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

ABOUT THE 2024 OC FAIR

“Always a Good Time” is the theme of this year’s OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are on sale now for Fair admission, the carnival and performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Again this year, the Fair will limit daily attendance and require that tickets be purchased online in advance for specific days – no fees. The Every Day Passport provides admission any day or every day of the Fair for $60 with no restrictions. Quantities are limited.

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

OC Fair photos and video are available for media use at ocfair.com/newsroom.

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. OC Fair & Event Center also hosts year-round events. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.