Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (2:30 pm)

COSTA MESA (July 1, 2025) – OC Fair fans have been waiting all year for the return of summer’s best party – and it starts July 18! Here are some awesome things that are free with Fair admission that will help you Find Your Happy.

For a full OC Fair schedule, visit ocfair.com. Advance tickets are required – no fees. The Fair runs July 18 – Aug. 17.

ENTERTAINMENT

• NEW! OC Fair After Dark at Plaza Pacifica is the place to find dancing and music Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights – swing dancing, DJ sets and Latin music set the beat
• Roving entertainment including the OC Fair Foodies costumed characters, Megan the Bubbleologist, Red Light Brass Band and strolling pianos – throughout the Fairgrounds
• Community entertainment featuring local music groups, dance troupes and more – daily on three stages; evenings in Promenade/Culinary
• Live music in a more intimate setting – nightly in Baja Bar & Grill
• Latin music and dancing – nightly in La Cantina
• The Hangar and Action Sports Arena – performances accessible via standing room with Fair admission (or via paid ticket for reserved seating)
• Comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik returns with a week of entertainment in Action Sports Arena
• Performance of Taps – 6 p.m. nightly at Heroes Hall

ANIMALS

• Aquatic touch tank – Explorium/Sand and Sea
• All-Alaskan Racing Pigs – daily in Plaza Pacifica
• Animal judging and displays – daily in Livestock
• Great American Petting Farm – daily near Yellow Gate
• OC Fair’s resident animal educators including pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, rabbits, peacocks and sheep – daily at Centennial Farm. Look for the baby animals!
• Pro tip: Look up on the berm area surrounding Pacific Amphitheatre to see our animal landscapers at work

DEMONSTRATIONS

• Llama show – adult and youth competitions in livestock (rotating)
• Milking – daily in Millennium Barn
• Food preservation, chef’s tips and more – daily in OC Promenade/Culinary
• Chef Ray creates amazing sculptures out of produce – daily in Promenade/Culinary
• Crafts and handmade goods – daily in Home Arts & Collections Gallery plus Cane’s Craft Corner with hands-on fun for everyone
• Pro tip: Hands-on scroll saw demonstrations in woodworking

EXHIBITS

• FEATURED EXHIBIT – REWIND: A VHS Revival: This exhibit showcases hand-painted large scale reproductions of album covers and movie posters, live-painting demonstrations and more that bring the VHS era to life
• Produce and floral competitions – daily at Centennial Farm
• Woodworking, quilting, table setting, baking and more – daily in Home Arts & Collections Gallery and OC Promenade/Culinary
• Fine arts and visual arts competitions and displays in addition to featured artists – daily in Visual Arts Gallery

KID STUFF

• Explorium kids’ Orange County Sand and Sea learning and play area – daily in OC Promenade. Pro tip: Beach games at noon
• Food-related contests for kids – daily in OC Promenade
• Photos with OC Fair Foodies – daily throughout the Fairgrounds
• Color postcards for troops and veterans – daily at Heroes Hall
• Kids’ carnival area
• Fair favorite magician Frank Thurston – Daily on the Promenade/Culinary stage

For more ideas on what to do and see at the OC Fair, visit ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/

Things to know before you go

• Advance ticket purchase is required – days will sell out – get tickets at ocfair.com for the days you want to attend. No fees on admission tickets.
• The Fair will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to midnight weekends (Friday and Saturday) July 18 – Aug. 17.
• General admission is $13 on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 general admission on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are always $9.
• Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles and $30 for buses and limos.
• Performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during Fair-time include same-day Fair admission – it’s an all-day pass to enjoy the Fair. Admission for post-Fair shows include Fair admission any Wednesday or Thursday through Aug. 17. Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit ocfair.com.
• Unlimited ride carnival wristbands are back this year for $49. The one-day wristbands can be used Wednesdays and Thursdays, must be purchased or redeemed by 5 p.m. and include unlimited rides and two free games; guests can ride and play from 11 a.m. till 8 p.m. Prices increase after July 17.

More information is at ocfair.com/thefair.

Got questions? Check out our FAQs.

Photos and video for media, as well as OC Fair’s media access request form, are available on the Media Center.

Monday, June 30, 2025 (11:10 am)

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Thursday, June 26, 2025 (6:00 pm)

The inventive OC Fair concessionaires have been hard at work concocting delectable delights of both the sweet and savory sort and the countdown is on to opening day when fairgoers can finally get their Fair food fix.

The theme for the 2025 OC Fair is “Find Your Happy,” running July 18-Aug. 17, Wednesday through Sunday.

The popular $5 Taste of Fair returns! Guests can enjoy smaller offerings of their favorite Fair treats for only $5 every day until 4 p.m. This incredible offer allows visitors to explore a diverse menu of delicious options sure to satisfy every palate.

Visitors will surely find their happy in deep-fried dreams, sweet escapes and savory surprises and Fairgoers can plan their visits with several food stops on the itinerary.

New food at OC Fair

• NEW STAND – Tom’s Puffs and Pie, cream puffs and apple pie a la mode
• Bacon cotton candy on a pork belly stick – Bacon Nation
• Dubai chocolate strawberry cup – Swirl Ice Cream
• Mozzarella Meatballs on a Stick – Chicken Charlie’s
• Pizza Spud – Spud Ranch
• Nopales (cactus) tacos – Pepe’s Mariscos
• Chicharron pizza – Enzo’s
• Blue raspberry Dole Whip – Pineapple Whip
• Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl – 10 Pound Buns
• Bean and cheese burrito cone – Chicken Charlie’s
• Bacon-wrapped carnitas burrito – Bacon Nation
• Mini Me turkey leg (1 1/3 lb.) – Biggy’s
• Dubai chocolate brownie – Mom’s Bakeshoppe

Lighter Fair food and plant-based options

• Guacamole and ceviche – Northgate Market stand
• Plant-based & gluten-free burgers, nachos and tacos – Vegging Out
• Salads – Wahlburgers
• Vegan and gluten-free hot dogs – Pink’s
• Seafood tacos – The Hook
• Fish, veggie and avocado tacos and burritos – Noel’s Mexican Food
• Gluten-free, vegan pastries – MoonGoat Coffee
• Corn on the cob and more – Corn Shack

Returning Fair favorites

• Oasis Fruit Co.
• Papi’s Puffy Tacos
• Sugar Puff Candy
• Garlicky’s
• Pepe’s Mariscos Fresh Mexican Seafood
• MoonGoat Coffee
• Turkey legs – various locations
• Michelaguas and aguas frescas – various locations
• Cotton candy, candied apples, kettle corn, popcorn – various locations
• Ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, floats – various locations
• Deep-fried treats on a stick – various locations
• Hot dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers, fries, pizza – various locations
• Funnel cakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls – various locations
• Nachos, chicken bowls, roasted corn, baked potatoes – various locations

… and more!

The basics – what to know before you go

OC Fair runs July 18-Aug. 17.

Advance ticket purchase is required for admission to summer’s best event, which will be open Wednesday through Sunday with limited daily capacity. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets for specific days as soon as possible – days will sell out. Visit ocfair.com/tickets – there are no fees on admission tickets.

OC Fair ticket prices are $13 general admission Wednesday and Thursday and $15 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are $9 all days; children 5 and under are free. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles and $30 for buses and limos.

The popular Every Day Passport gives Fairgoers access any day – or every day – to all 23 days of the OC Fair for $60 with no restrictions or blackout days. Supplies are limited. Learn more at ocfair.com/tickets.

Carnival wristbands are on sale now for Wednesdays and Thursdays. Redeem wristbands by 5 p.m. for unlimited rides and two free games from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Tickets for shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena include free same-day Fair admission – an all-day pass to summer fun. Post-Fair shows include admission on any Wednesday or Thursday, July 18-Aug. 17.

Ride an OCTA bus from one of five locations directly to the Fair! Bus fare is $2 one way or $4 round-trip on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., depending on location. Youth 18 and under ride for free. Advance ticket purchase for the OC Fair is required prior to boarding. For complete details and location information, visit ocfairexpress.com. 

Rideshare options are strongly encouraged. The pick-up and drop-off location is at Gate 1, Blue Gate.

Free with Fair admission

Exhibits

Orange County Sand and Sea in the OC Promenade allows guests to discover iconic beachside landmarks, wander through culinary entries, explore a touch tank and take a deep dive into the ocean with virtual reality. 

Experience an immersive tribute to the VHS era at REWIND: A VHS Revival, celebrating the bold, hand-painted movie poster art that defined a generation of pop culture.

In Heroes Hall, guests discover what life was like on the Santa Ana Army Air Base (SAAAB) when it operated in Costa Mesa from 1942-1946 via The SAAAB Story, and explore a war that shaped a generation through the featured exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam.”

Take in thousands of competition entries from local artisans across the Fairgrounds in our Hobbies & Handcrafts Gallery, Visual Arts & Woodworking Gallery, OC Promenade and Centennial Farm.

Demonstrations

Watch chefs whip up a quick, healthy meal, learn about olive oils, get insider tips on sourdough starters, watch nightly food contests and more in the OC Promenade. Guests can also watch live milking demonstrations in the Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm.

Entertainment

Hit the new OC Fair After Dark in Plaza Pacifica: swing dance on Friday nights, drop it like it’s hot to DJ West Coast Dave spinning hits inspired by Pacific Amphitheatre on Saturdays, and cha-cha to Latin music on Sundays.

Enjoy a host of community entertainers on stages around the Fairgrounds, in Baja Bar and Grill or at The Hangar during the day. Guests can also take in a nightly Taps performance at Heroes Hall, capture memories with the OC Fair Foodies, enjoy jaunty tunes from roaming entertainers and more.

In the OC Promenade, the Magic of Frank Thurston will delight guests daily with his family-friendly antics. Comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik returns to captivate audiences with mesmerizing performances in Action Sports Arena, Aug. 13-17, included with Fair admission.

Animals

Cheer on your favorite swine as these happy pigs race daily in Plaza Pacifica. Near Yellow Gate, Great American Petting Farm gives guests up close and personal interactions with creatures big and small. Various animal exhibits and livestock competitions happen daily in the Livestock Arena, or visit Centennial Farm to explore the animals and crops on display on a three-acre, year-round working farm. 

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Food photos for media use are available here.

Monday, June 16, 2025 (11:00 am)

COSTA MESA (June 16, 2025) – The OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) Board of Directors announced today that James Canfield is OCFEC’s new Chief Executive Officer. Canfield brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in venue management, live events and large-scale projects. Most recently, he served as Senior Director and General Manager of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in Alabama where he led initiatives including the completion of Protective Stadium and a major renovation of Legacy Arena.

Canfield has also held executive roles at major California venues including the Palm Springs Convention Center, Pasadena Convention Center and Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. His work has focused on driving economic impact, community engagement and strategic growth.

“On behalf of the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors, I am very happy to welcome James Canfield as our new Chief Executive Officer. With his extensive experience in managing premier convention and entertainment venues, James is exceptionally well-suited to lead our organization into its next chapter,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich.

“His innovative approach and dedication to operational excellence will ensure that the OC Fair and our year-round events continue to be cherished community traditions delivering joy, education and memorable experiences to all who visit. We look forward to the fresh perspective and dynamic leadership he will bring to our team,” Kovacevich continued.

Canfield will start July 1 as staff and partners prepare for the 135^th annual OC Fair which will run July 18-Aug. 17. Canfield replaces former CEO Michele Richards who retired in May after serving OCFEC for more than 20 years.

“I am very excited to return to California and to have the great opportunity to lead OC Fair & Event Center into a new era that builds on its rich legacy while advancing innovation and community-focused programming,” Canfield said. “I am very much looking forward to opening day of this year’s OC Fair.”

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (9:00 am)

COSTA MESA (May 27, 2025) OC Fair has announced its entertainment lineup for the summer, featuring 71 performances across three venues, Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Entertainment tickets are on sale now at etix.com.

The Toyota Summer Concert Series marks the opening weekend of the 2025 OC Fair with George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Foghat on July 18, ABBA LA and Bee Gees Gold on July 19, and The Psychedelic Furs, The Church and Rooney on July 20.

Pacific Amphitheatre shows also include Brothers Osborne and Kylie Morgan on July 24; Pancho Barraza and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan on July 27; Oliver Anthony Music on Aug. 1; Ludacris and Ying Yang Twins on Aug. 7; Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls on Aug. 9; T-Pain and DJ Montay on Aug. 13; and Swift Nation and Bad Guy Billie on Aug. 16.

But the fun doesn’t stop there—Pacific Amphitheatre’s summer season includes three post-Fair shows this year: Los Angeles Azules and Lupita Infante on Aug. 24; ZZ Top and Foghat on Aug. 30; and Young the Giant and Wilderado on Sept. 12.

This year’s entertainment in The Hangar includes 24K Magic (Bruno Mars tribute), Jimmy’s Buffet (Jimmy Buffett tribute), It’s Britney Beep (Britney Spears tribute), Yachty By Nature, Green Today (Green Day tribute), DSB (Journey tribute), Embajadores del Mariachi: Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Rihanna Replay (Rihanna tribute) and Blink-180TRUE (Blink-182 tribute). See ocfair.com for the complete venue lineup.

Action Sports Arena will launch the Fair season with Brew Hee Haw, a craft beer roundup, featuring live music on July 18 & 19. Monster Truck Nitro Tour, demolition derbies, Mowterized Mayhem and comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik will round out the entertainment. Check out ocfair.com for details.

Fair-time entertainment tickets include free same-day admission to the OC Fair, July 18-Aug. 17. Shows are selling out; guests are encouraged to purchase tickets now at etix.com.

The 2025 OC Fair runs July 18 through Aug. 17 and offers 23 days and nights of entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits and more. The theme is “Find Your Happy.”

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.