Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (11:44 am)

OC Fair Board 2026 committee assignments

Leadership Committee
• Chair Bagneris (committee chair), Vice Chair Ruiz
Purpose:
This committee provides executive support to the Board and acts on behalf of the full Board during emergency situations.
Focus:
• Consult with CEO
• Develop Board meeting agendas
• Address Board issues
• Conduct annual safety/security meeting
• Initiate strategic planning
• Complete the strategic planning process and provide ongoing monitoring

Financial Monitoring and Audit Committee
• Director Pham (committee chair) and Director Bilezikjian
Purpose:
This committee monitors the organization’s financial position and ensures financial controls are in place.
Focus:
• Monthly financial oversight
• Annual budget review
• Annual audit process
• Participate in the scoring process for key RFPs, including for carnival services

Facilities Committee
• Director Bilezikjian (committee chair) and Director Kovacevich
Purpose:
This committee reviews buildings and grounds related projects and issues and recommends site planning direction
Focus:
• Construction projects
• Capital expenditures
• Master site planning

Governance Committee
• Director Bagneris (committee chair) and Chair Kovacevich
Purpose:
This committee ensures compliance with all Board policies and regulatory requirements
Focus:
• Policy updates
• Bagley-Keene open meeting compliance
• Annual form 700 reporting
• Annual required Board training
• Legislative monitoring

Community Affairs Committee
• Director Rubalcava-Garcia (committee chair) and Director Jackson
Purpose:
This committee oversees the Board’s relationship with the community
Focus:
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Community engagement
• Relationships with local, county and state officials

Entertainment Task Force Committee
Director La Belle (committee chair) and Director Jackson
Purpose:
This committee, in coordination with staff, provides advisory input on programming categories, genres, themes, options, and objectives for the entertainment programming at all District entertainment venues
Focus:
• Pacific Amphitheatre programming enhancement opportunities
• Hangar and Action Sports Arena programming enhancement opportunities
• Grounds-wide programming enhancement opportunities
• Input for Fair Season and year-round events
• Utilizing Board contacts and relationships for sponsorship and new event sales opportunities

Friday, October 24, 2025 (12:42 pm)

What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in November

OC Card Show, Nov. 1 – 2

Buy, sell or trade your sports and trading card games cards (TCG) at OC Card Show’s biggest show yet! With over 250 tables split between sports and TCG, enjoy more space to connect, trade and hang out with great community.

When: Saturday – Sunday, Nov. 1 – 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: $10 Saturday early admission (10-11 a.m.) and $5 general admission. Free admission on Sunday. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Card Show

Hydroponics for the Home Gardener: Build Your Own System, Nov. 1

Join UC Master Gardeners for an engaging, hands-on class that takes hydroponic gardening to the next level! This session will introduce participants to the fundamentals of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water. Attendees will learn about plant care, nutrient solutions, lighting requirements and system maintenance. Additionally, the class will feature a DIY portion where participants will assemble their own simple hydroponic system, designed for a single plant, which they can take home and use right away. All supplies, including a lettuce seedling, will be provided. Whether you have a small patio, a second-story balcony or a free spot indoors, hydroponic gardening is a space-efficient and sustainable way to grow fresh food year-round!

When: Saturday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Oct. 27.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: A $15 fee covers all materials, including a simple hydroponic system and a lettuce seedling to take home. Parking is free. 
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes

Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival, Nov. 6 – 8

Sugar Plum welcomes in the season by offering a fun and unique holiday shopping experience. Celebrating 47 years, Sugar Plum is the biggest family-owned arts and crafts show in Southern California. They offer thousands of handmade crafts from more than 175 artisans, personalized gifts and ornaments, holiday clothing for both men and women, beautiful jewelry, holiday decorations for your home and garden, shabby chic, country farmhouse, rustic and vintage furniture and palate-pleasing delights. 

When: Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 6 – 8.
Thursday & Friday, Nov. 6 & 7, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Admission is $10 on Thursday, and $5 on Friday and Saturday. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sugar Plum Festivals

Girl Scouts of Orange County STEM Expo 2025, Nov. 2

Juniors and Cadettes, get ready for the 10th annual STEM Expo – our biggest and most thrilling celebration yet! This milestone year brings even more mind-blowing STEM adventures. Dive into hands-on discovery with interactive booths, captivating showcases, live experiments and surprise presentations that will spark your curiosity. Explore the wonders of robotics, animal sciences, astronomy, engineering and so much more.  

When: Sunday, Nov. 2, 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Country Meadows, Huntington Beach Building
How much: $33 for Girl Scouts of Orange County Council Members, $28 for Girl Scouts troop members. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Girl Scouts of Orange County

Welcome Home! Veterans Day Celebration, Nov. 8

This event honors all who have served, with special recognition for Vietnam veterans. Enjoy live music from the ’60s and ’70s, family-friendly activities and exhibits highlighting veterans’ stories. Explore booths from veteran resource organizations and community partners in a day of remembrance, gratitude and connection.

When: Saturday, Nov. 8, noon – 3 p.m. Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking. Free hot dogs courtesy of the OC Employees Association. Additional food is available for purchase.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

OC Wine Fest, Nov. 8 – 9

Enjoy three hours of wine tasting for the price of a good bottle of wine. We’re bringing you a diverse group of wine from around the world under one roof. At the Orange County Wine Fest, you’re not just tasting, you’re connecting with passionate winemakers, hearing the origin stories behind each bottle and discovering the artistry and dedication that goes into every sip. It’s a celebration of wine, community and good times – an experience that will leave you inspired and your glass (and heart) full.

When: Saturday – Sunday, Nov. 8 – 9.
Saturday, Nov. 8
Session 1: noon – 3 p.m.
Session 2: 5 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9
Session 3: noon – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Admission prices vary. VIPs enter 30 minutes before event start. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Wine Fest

Repticon, Nov. 8 – 9

This show features everything that you’ve come to love most about Repticon’s two days of fun and excitement! See live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products direct from the experts at amazing prices you won’t find anywhere else, and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals. Repticon Costa Mesa is one reptile and exotic animal expo that you can’t afford to miss!

When: Saturday – Sunday, Nov. 8 – 9, noon – 3 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: Adult two-day super tickets are $20, $15 for general admission. Admission is $12 after 1 p.m. Children ages 5-12 are $7 for all admission levels. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Repticon

OC Fair Financial Monitoring & Audit Committee – 2026 Budget Study Session, Nov. 13

When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center Administration Building
More info: Visit Public Meetings

The Great Junk Hunt, Nov. 14 – 15

Shop four buildings full of the best vendors on the West Coast! At The Great Junk Hunt, you’ll not only find some amazing vintage items, home decor and more, but – best of all – you’ll have a whole lot of fun along the way!

When: Friday – Saturday, Nov. 14 – 15
Friday, Nov. 14, 4 – 9 p.m. 
Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, OC Promenade, The Hangar
How much: Friday 4 p.m. entry – $21, 6 p.m. entry – $16 . Friday tickets are valid for both days. Saturday 9 a.m. entry – $13, 10 a.m. entry – $11. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit The Great Junk Hunt

OC Cocktail & Spirits Show, Nov. 15

Join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating the world of cocktails and spirits. Discover new flavors, learn from industry experts and enjoy tastings from top brands. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just love a good drink, this event is perfect for you. Get ready to sip, savor and socialize with fellow cocktail enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to elevate your spirits game!
When: Saturday, Nov. 15, 3 – 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: General admission is $65. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit SIP Awards

Discovery Day at the Farm, Nov. 18

Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:

• Self-guided tours
• Radish seed planting
• Chick education
• Oxen demonstration
• Crops education

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day

OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Nov. 20

 

When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center Administration Building
More info: Visit Public Meetings

Heroes Hall Presents: OC Military Collectibles Show, Nov. 22

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, this military collectibles show promises something for everyone. Discover an impressive array of high-quality militaria from all time periods and all countries on display and available for purchase.

Note: No firearms or ammo will be displayed or sold.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center, Medal of Honor Courtyard
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Email Bob@Vintageproductions.com

Winter’s Sweet Harvest With Persimmons, Nov. 22

Get ready to uncover the secrets of cultivating bountiful persimmon trees that yield nature’s candy! Led by seasoned horticulturist Isabel Barkman, you’ll explore the intricacies of different varieties. Proper soil, sunlight and other tips to nurture these exquisite fruits will be covered. From selecting the right varieties to pruning techniques, this class will give you the knowledge to grow your own delicious persimmons in your backyard. A favorite persimmon recipe will also be shared!

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Nov. 19.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: A $6 fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes

Winter Fest OC, Nov. 28 – Jan. 4, 2026

Get ready for Winter Fest OC as we bring the ultimate winter wonderland to Orange County! Winter Fest OC is SoCal’s largest winter festival, featuring ice tubing, ice skating under the stars, mini slides, snowball tossing and freshly falling snow. Guests can also enjoy more than 30 carnival rides and attractions, nightly tree lighting ceremonies, live entertainment, holiday treats and immersive photo opportunities.

When: Nov. 28 – Jan. 4, 2026 Nov. 28 – Dec. 21
Monday – Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Friday: 4 – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Dec. 22 – Jan 4, 2026
Monday – Thursday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 4 – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: General admission prices vary. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Winter Fest OC

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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 Jr. Farmer Tours – as well as daily hours so the public can visit our year-round working farm. 

When: Monday – Friday: 1 – 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm

Farmers Market

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

When: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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 will rotate themes with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.

The current exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam,” offers a powerful and immersive journey through one of modern history’s most complex and divisive conflicts. Through a rich collection of artifacts, personal stories, historical facts and poignant memorabilia, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the war’s profound impact on the soldiers who fought and the broader global context. On display through Sept. 20, 2026.

When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Want to keep tabs on our pigs all year long? Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable rascals are up to!

More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam

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Coming up in December

Gem Faire, Dec. 5 – 7

The largest jewelry and bead show in SoCal. Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.

When: Friday – Sunday, Dec. 5 – 7.
Friday, Dec. 5, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Main Mall
How much: General admission is $7, children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire

Make It, Take It – DIY Winter Wreaths, Dec. 6

Embrace the magic of the holiday season by creating a fresh winter wreath in the beautiful Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm! This class has become a beloved tradition at Centennial Farm and is sure to be a memorable activity for friends and family to enjoy together! All fresh greens, materials and instruction will be provided for this hands-on course to help you create a delightful wreath.

When: Saturday, Dec. 6; RSVP online by Nov. 30.
Session 1: 9:30 a.m. – noon
Session 2: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: A $75 fee covers materials and any handouts. Ribbon and décor selection will be limited – feel free to bring your own to personalize your winter wreath. We recommend participants bring their own pruners and gloves. Parking is free. Refund policy: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the class, as supplies will have been ordered. For earlier cancellations, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes

Fight Club OC, Dec. 11

The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in Orange County! Boxing and MMA fights are presented by Roy Englebrecht Promotions.

When: Thursday, Dec. 11.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
First fight starts at 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC

Discovery Day at the Farm, Dec. 16

Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:

• Self-guided tours
• Radish seed planting
• Chick education
• Oxen demonstration
• Crops education

When: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day

OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Dec. 18

When: Thursday, Dec. 18, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings

 

Thursday, October 23, 2025 (3:30 pm)

Barbara Bagneris elected as OC Fair Board Chair

COSTA MESA (Oct. 23, 2025) – At today’s meeting, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors named Barbara Bagneris as Chair and Robert Ruiz as Vice Chair to serve as Board leadership in 2026.

Bagneris leaves her role as Vice Chair to take the Board’s lead position and has also previously served as Chair. Bagneris resides in Orange and was appointed to the Board in 2014. She has been a principal financial analyst at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems since 2010.

The Board has lead the development of the Fairgrounds’ Master Site Plan and strategic planning efforts over the past year and has seen fiscal growth and increased community engagement from the annual OC Fair and year-round events.

“I’ve seen the incredible growth and impact of this organization. I’m especially pleased to be working alongside Robert Ruiz again as Vice Chair,” said Bagneris. “Together, we’re focused on deepening our connection with the community through entertainment, events and agricultural education. The organization is well-managed, financially strong and ready to build on its success to do even more for Orange County.”

Ruiz has served on the Board since 2014 and previously held the positions of Board Chair and Vice Chair. He resides in Irvine and has been secretary-treasurer at Laborers Local 652 since 2003, where he was a field agent from 2002 to 2003.

Kovacevich ends two terms of service as Board Chair and will remain as a Director. He is the former CEO of Greenlane Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of ancillary cannabis products and accessories. He is a resident of Newport Beach and was appointed to the Board in 2020.

Board officers are nominated by a committee of fellow Board members each year. Board members are appointed by the Governor of California and may serve more than one term.

Thursday, September 25, 2025 (4:16 pm)

Pacific Amphitheatre at OC Fair & Event Center ranked No. 2 worldwide in August

Pacific Amphitheatre  at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa has again ranked as a top venue worldwide for amphitheaters with a capacity of 5,001 to 10,000, coming in second for the month of August, according to the music industry publication Pollstar.

Pacific Amphitheatre  was also ranked 16th worldwide for all amphitheaters regardless of size and the duration of the venue’s show/concert season. 

The Hangar, another key music venue at OC Fair & Event Center, ranked first worldwide for all venues with a capacity of between 1,501 and 2,500 for the month of August.

The OC Fair summer concert series ran this year from July 18 through Sept. 12 and featured 71  shows across three venues. Nineteen performances were sold out in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. Top-grossing performances in 2025 were T-Pain, Blues Traveler/Gin Blossoms/Spin Doctors and Groupo Marca Registrada. 

The rankings by Pollstar are based on ticket sales and are reported on a monthly as well as quarterly basis. 

Pollstar has been the international voice of live entertainment for more than 40 years, providing up-to-date data for the global concert industry, including an archive of live entertainment information and metrics for the entertainment industry. For more information, visit pollstar.com.

The OC Fair is the largest fair in California, welcoming 1,162,972 visitors in 2025 and more than 200,000 of those fairgoers enjoyed ticketed concerts and performances this year.

 

(10:00 am)

Boo Ha Ha is better than ever with craft beer tastings, hearse demolition derby and music

Get ready to scream and party at Boo Ha Ha: A Haunted Oktoberfest. The Halloween fave takes over OC Fair & Event Center on Oct. 25 and tickets are on sale now.

Dust off your costume, grab your crew and prepare for a night of chills, thrills and brew!

New this year, the Dead Man Drivin’ Hearse Demolition Derby, joins the fright night lineup. This spine-tingling celebration blends Oktoberfest merriment with haunted Halloween madness and music, creating a brew-fueled bash unlike anything Orange County has ever seen.

Sip and scream your way through:

• Three hours of unlimited beer tastings from some of the nation’s most celebrated craft breweries
• Live music and entertainment that’ll keep your bones shaking all night long
• The Dead Man’s Hearse Demolition Derby – where the cars are cursed and the crashes are killer
• An epic costume contest with wicked prizes for the most ghoulishly creative looks
• Plus food, photo ops and frightful surprises around every corner
• Costumes are not just encouraged – they’re practically required! This is your chance to be whoever (or whatever) you want for a night of adults-only Halloween debauchery. Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to enter.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena, Baja Bar & Grill and Lot I
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 5 p.m. to midnight
Tickets:
General Admission: $65 (advance); $75 (day of)
VIP Admission: $100 (advance); $110 (day of). VIP includes early entry, exclusive tastings and access to a private lounge.
Get tickets now before they vanish into the night!
See event details

Boo Ha Ha is produced by Brew Ha Ha Productions and OC Fair & Event Center.