• Wednesday, February 28, 2024 (9:30 am)

    OC Fair tickets on sale March 1 – advance purchase required for the best summer fest

    Tickets for the annual OC Fair are going on sale March 1 at ocfair.com, with advance purchase required. The Every Day Passport will also be available offering fairgoers access any day with no restrictions.

    The 2024 Fair will run July 19-Aug. 18, open Wednesday through Sunday with controlled capacity. This year’s theme is “Always a Good Time!”

    General admission ticket prices are $13 weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $9 every day and children 5 and younger are free. The OC Fair will cover the online admission ticket fees. General parking is $15. Daily admission is restricted; this is the fourth year the Fair will use a limited-capacity model and days are again expected to sell out.

    The Every Day Passport gives fairgoers access every day – and any day – of the Fair with no reservations or restrictions for one price of $60 and sales will be limited to 10,000 passports.

    Controlled capacity gives fairgoers more elbow room, shorter lines and eases parking issues while reducing the impact on neighboring communities.

    The Fair will open each day at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. Fairgoers will need to download or print their admission tickets prior to arriving to help move the lines along through the touchless screening system. The 2024 OC Fair app is in development and will soon be available to help guests with their plans and purchases in advance. Carnival tickets will soon be available for online purchase at ocfair.com/oc-fair/.

    Shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena are on sale now and more will be added soon. Concerts include CAKE, Bonnie Raitt, Walker Hayes and Rebelution. Tickets are available at etix.com.

    A special feature exhibit, “The Art of Music,” will return, highlighting album covers and artwork extolling the intersection of two key American art forms. Also on display will be community fine art and photography entries, home arts, woodworking, agriculture competitions and more.

    For all those hoping to bring home a blue ribbon, the Fair’s competition program and competition guides are available an ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests/. The Junior Livestock Auction will take place on July 27.

    The OC Fair is looking for local people to participate in the annual 2024 event. Community entertainment (unpaid) applications are being accepted at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/community-entertainment/. Applications for vendors and concessionaires are now open at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/vendors//.Sponsorship and marketing information is available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/sponsors/.

    Also on display during the Fair at Heroes Hall will be a new exhibition, The Vietnam War through the Art and Photography of Ed Bowen. The SAAAB Story exhibit continues on the second floor educating visitors on the history of the Santa Ana Army Air Base. Admission is free with Fair entry.

    The 2023 OC Fair had an attendance of 1,048,181 with 12 sold-out days. The Fair returned to an in-person event in 2021 after going virtual in 2020.

    For more information, visit ocfair.com.

    Photos and video for media are available here.


  • Monday, February 26, 2024 (9:00 am)

    What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in March

    Centennial Farm Discovery Day, March 1

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

    Self-guided tours
    Radish seed planting
    Chick education
    Oxen demonstration
    Crops education
    See livestock animals

    When: Friday, March 1, 9 a.m. – noon

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking.

    More Info: Visit Discovery Day

    California Bridal & Wedding Expo, March 2

    The Bridal & Wedding Expo features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and much more!

    When: Saturday, March 2, 12:30 – 5 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building

    How Much: Free online registration, $10 general admission at the door. Parking is $12.

    More info: Visit California Bridal Show

    Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat & Travel Show, March 7-10

    Welcome to California’s premier fishing, tackle, boat, travel & outdoors show! Located in Orange County California the show draws vendors from all over the country including manufacturers, retail sales, travel lodges and dealers of hundreds of outdoor products.

    When: Thursday – Sunday, March 7 – 10.

    Thursday & Friday, March 7-8: noon – 7 p.m.

    Saturday, March 9: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

    Sunday, March 10: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds

    How Much: General admission is $20, children 12 and younger are free. Free admission for active duty military with ID. Parking $12

    More info: Visit Pacific Coast Sportfishing, Tackle, Boat, Travel and Outdoor Show

    Centennial Farm Workshop: Make it, take it – Food preservation with UCCE Master Food Preservers, March 9

    This class will provide you with up-to-date process recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and explain the reasons behind the process. You’ll also learn about the essential equipment required and effective storage practices.

    When: Saturday, March 9, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. RSVP online by March 5.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: $40 class fee covers ingredients, handouts and two (half-pint) canning jars with lids and rings. Parking is free.

    More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes

    Centennial Farm Workshop: Urban Hops – Rabbits as a Diverse Agricultural Journey, March 16

    Join us for an in-depth exploration of the enchanting world of rabbits! This comprehensive introduction covers the diverse realm of pedigreed show rabbits, showcasing 52 unique breeds. Explore the advantages of rabbit manure for gardens and gain insights into the fundamentals of raising rabbits as a sustainable food source. Additionally, dive into the process of ethically sourced angora wool, learn how rabbits can enhance your child’s 4-H or FFA youth project and discover why these gentle creatures make fantastic pets and quiet urban companions. As a bonus, this class aligns with a rabbit show at Centennial Farm, offering a post-lecture tour to meet local breeders, appreciate beautiful rabbit breeds and explore the potential of incorporating rabbits into your urban farming endeavors!

    When: Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by March 13.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.

    More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes

    Impalas Magazine Orange County Super Show, March 17

    Impalas Magazine’s best in the West low rider tour rolls into OC Fair & Event Center. Check out the amazing classics, low riders, bombs, mini trucks, dubs and low rider bicycles. Plus, live on stage: Kurupt and Daz!

    When: Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds

    How much: General admission is $30, children 12 and younger are free with paid adult admission. Parking is $12.

    More info: Sign up at Impalas Magazine

    Centennial Farm Discovery Day, March 21

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

    Self-guided tours
    Radish seed planting
    Chick education
    Oxen demonstration
    Crops education
    See livestock animals

    When: Thursday, March 21, 9 a.m. – noon

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking.

    More Info: Visit Discovery Day

    Hope Fest OC 2024, March 23

    Hope Fest OC is a convergence of movements, non-profits, ministries and churches dedicated to bringing transformational hope to the communities of Orange County. Through a captivating evening of music, video, language and togetherness we believe in the impact that one changed life can have on another and the community.

    When: Saturday, March 23, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre

    How much: Donations accepted. Parking is $12.

    More Info: Visit Hope Fest OC

    Apartment Association of Orange County, March 28

    Rental property owners, resident managers, realtors and property management companies will have the opportunity to network with over 100 vendors, offering various products & services specific to their industry. One day, all under one roof!

    When: Thursday, March 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building & Huntington Beach Building

    How Much: General admission is free, parking is $12.

    More Info: Visit Apartment Association of Orange County

    OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, March 28

    When: Thursday, March 28, 9:30 a.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom

    More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information

    Crossroads of the West Gun Show, March 30-31

    When: Saturday & Sunday, March 30-31

    Schedule:

    Saturday, March 30: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    Sunday, March 31: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building, Main Mall, Santa Ana Pavilion, OC Promenade

    How Much: General admission is $22. Children 12 and under are free with a parent or guardian. Parking is $12.

    More Info:  Visit Crossroads of the West Gun Show


    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: Monday – Friday, 1 – 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Excluding holidays and all-grounds events).

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking.

    More info: Visit Centennial Farm

    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 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: 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 semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.

    When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Excluding holidays and all-grounds events).

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum

    How much: Free admission and parking.

    More info: Visit Heroes Hall


    Coming up in April

    Centennial Farm Discovery Day, April 2

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

    Self-guided tours
    Radish seed planting
    Chick education
    Oxen demonstration
    Crops education
    See livestock animals

    When: Tuesday, April 2, 9 a.m. – noon

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking.

    More Info: Visit Discovery Day

    Fight Club OC, April 4

    When: Thursday, April 4

    Schedule:

    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 is $65, military $55, free admission for children 4 and younger. Parking is $12.

    More Info: Visit Fight Club OC

    Centennial Farm Workshop: Homegrown Tomatoes, April 6

    If there is just one edible plant that you should choose to grow at home, it is the tomato. Nowhere else is the contrast in flavor, nutrition and variety between homegrown and store-bought more evident. This how-to presentation will provide all the practical knowledge necessary to begin growing tomatoes. You will see tomato plants with 50 to more than 100 tomatoes on each plant. Learn which varieties to grow, how to plant and care for tomatoes and common diseases and pests that afflict them. Bring your questions and learn how to grow tomatoes easily!

    When: Saturday, April 6, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; RSVP online by April 3.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: $10 class fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.

    More info:  Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes

    OC Pet & Reptile Expo, April 6-7

    The OC Pet & Reptile Expo is back and bigger than ever! Featuring more animal experts, breeders, pet rescues and our all-new Terrarium Building Workshop. Bring the family out for 2 fun-filled days of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, cats, dogs and wildlife exhibits. You can also support local rescues and shelters by adopting pets looking for a new home. We’ll see you there!

    When: Saturday & Sunday, April 6 – 7

    Saturday, April 6: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Sunday, April 7: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building and OC Promenade

    How much: General admission is $15, $10 for kids 4 – 12, free for kids 3 and younger. Parking is $12.

    More Info: Visit OC Pet & Reptile Expo

    Costa Mesa Speedway – Jack Milne Cup, April 13

    When: Saturday, April 13

    Schedule:

    Gates open at 6 p.m.

    First race at 7:30 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena

    How Much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+) and active military; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.

    More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

    Imaginology, April13-14

    A family-friendly event that focuses on STEAM. At Imaginology, kids and their families will not only see a world of wonder, but can participate in a wide range of fun and educational hands-on activities designed to inspire and encourage academic and career exploration.

    When: Saturday & Sunday, April 13-14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds

    How much: General admission is free. Parking is $12.

    More Info: Visit Imaginology

    Garden Bros Nuclear Circus, April 18-21

    Garden Bros Nuclear Circus brings all the excitement, laughter and memories to cherish with the whole family. This year’s show is packed with breathtaking special effects, arena seating, concert-style sound and lighting. The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action-packed, fast-paced 100-minute performance in a theatrical 5-ring setting, featuring the human cannonball, aerial artists, the wheel of death, motorcycles in the sphere of fear, the funniest clowns, jugglers, dogs and more!

    When: Thursday – Sunday, April 18 – 21

    Schedule:

    Thursday, April 18: 4:30 & 8:30 p.m.

    Friday, April 19: 4:30 & 8:30 p.m.

    Saturday, April 20: 1:30, 4:30 & 8:30 p.m.

    Sunday, April 21: 1, 4 & 7 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds

    How Much: Adult general admission is $30, children $15, kids 13 and under are free. Parking is $12.

    More Info: Visit Garden Bros Nuclear Circus

    Centennial Farm Discovery Day, April 19

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

    Self-guided tours
    Radish seed planting
    Chick education
    Oxen demonstration
    Crops education
    See livestock animals

    When: Friday, April 19, 9 a.m. – noon

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking.

    More Info: Visit Discovery Day

    OC Japan Fair, April 19-21

    Enjoy the experience of tasting, shopping and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be a cosplay show, tuna cutting show, popular Japanese artists/comedians performances, traditional instrument performances, games, kimono models meet and greet and more!

    When: Friday – Sunday, April 19-21

    Schedule:

    Friday, April 19: 5 – 11 p.m.

    Saturday, April 20: noon-10 p.m.

    Sunday, April 21: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, OC Promenade and Lot I

    How much: General admission is $10, free admission for ages 6 and younger or 66 and older. Parking is $12.

    More info: Sign up at OC Japan Fair

    OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, April 25

    When: Thursday, April 25, 9:30 a.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom

    More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information


  • Thursday, February 22, 2024 (3:11 pm)

    Winners of the Diversity Art Competition

    COSTA MESA (Feb. 24, 2024) – OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) has announced the winners of the Diversity Art Competition! The theme of the artwork will focus on celebrating the rich diversity of Orange County and the surrounding region. The winning artwork will be reproduced on a digital LED screen at The Hangar and various locations around the OC Fair, July 19 – Aug. 18
     
    Congratulations to the winners, Seylah Bae (1st place), Claire Chong (2nd place) and Vincent Pham (3rd place). 

     

     
     

  • Wednesday, February 21, 2024 (9:30 am)

    Free Imaginology STEAM event set for April 13-14 at OC Fair & Event Center

    Kids of all ages can power their imaginations at Imaginology while learning about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) at the free event April 13-14 at OC Fair & Event Center.

    This exciting exploration of STEAM-related topics is open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free and most activities are included. Parking is $12 and some food options will be available for purchase.

    Imaginology is where curious kids and families go to discover and learn by doing at a variety of exhibits and activities and is OC Fair & Event Center’s largest community give-back event.

    Family-friendly activities and competitions for Imaginology include:

    • NOW OPEN! Youth competitions: Students can showcase their talents this year with a mural project and cardboard engineering. The competitions are free to enter and open to Orange County students. The deadline for online entry submissions is March 29 and projects will need to be dropped off April 7. For more information, visit ocfair.com/steam.
    • Centennial Farm: Imaginology visitors can check out the amazing animals and California crops on the three-acre working farm and enjoy an oxen exhibit, blacksmithing, chicken education, radish-seed planting, terrarium-making and the OC Beekeepers exhibit and other hands-on activities.
    • Free activities: Learning about STEAM while having fun is the aim of Imaginology and exhibitors will offer lots of things to do and see. Fort Blisters Boot Camp, located near Heroes Hall, is returning so kids can enjoy fun physical activities. Demonstrations, make-and-take projects and unique experiences await.
    • Family-friendly entertainment: Local talent will be on display on the Imaginology stage. Performances will range from singing groups to dance troupes and offer a great opportunity to take a break and enjoy the entertainment.
    • 4-H competitions: Local youth are judged on their abilities to raise livestock, their understanding of animal and veterinary sciences and their projects on a variety of topics. Judging will take place at Imaginology.

    The OC Fair & Event Center-produced event began as Youth Expo and was later renamed Imaginology and focused on STEAM, offering a weekend of free family activities.

    For more information, visit ocfair.com/steam.

    Photos for media use are available here: ocfair.canto.com/b/UFPG7


  • Friday, January 26, 2024 (8:20 am)

    2024 OC Fair will run July 19-Aug. 18, theme is ‘Always a Good Time’

    COSTA MESA (Jan. 26, 2024) – OC Fair has announced that “Always a Good Time” will be the theme of the 2024 festival that will run July 19-Aug. 18, celebrating summer, community and making memories.
     
    Admission tickets will go on sale online in February. This will be the fourth year the Fair will use a limited-capacity model and days are again expected to sell out.
     
    The OC Fair Every Day Passport will also be offered, allowing guests to visit the Fair any day of its 23-day run without advance tickets or reservations required.
     
    “The annual OC Fair is ‘always a good time’ and this year will be no exception,” said OC Fair Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “Our staff is hard at work planning to once again welcome back the community for 23 days of fun and entertainment.” 
     
    A special feature exhibit, “The Art of Music,” will return for a second year with new displays highlighting album covers, posters, artwork and interactive experiences. Also on display will be community fine art and photography entries, handcrafts, woodworking, agriculture competitions and more. Deadlines vary and details can be found at ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests/.
     
    The OC Fair Board voted to keep admission ticket prices the same as 2023, $13 general admission on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-13 are $9 all days. OC Fair will again absorb the online admission ticket transaction fees. The Every Day Passport is $60 for visits to the Fair any day, without restrictions. Parking in 2024 will be $15.
     
    Fair hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
     
    Tickets are now available to purchase for shows in Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar. ABBA LA and Bee Gees Gold will perform on July 20, Chris Young and Conner Smith will be in the Pacific Amphitheatre July 19 and Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Voz de Mando will be on stage July 14. Updates are available on pacamp.com and ocfair.com as well as on the new OC Fair Radio platform.
     
    Tickets to performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during the run of the OC Fair also include same-day Fair admission.
     
    Returning OC Fair favorites include magician Frank Thurston, Brew Hee Haw craft beer festival, monster trucks, demolition derbies, All-Alaskan pig races and, of course, unique and memorable fair food. The Junior Livestock Auction will take place on July 27.
     
    Also featured during the Fair at Heroes Hall will be The Vietnam War Through the Art and Photography of Ed Bowen. The SAAAB Story exhibit continues on the second floor educating visitors on the history of the Santa Ana Army Air Base. Admission is free with Fair entry.
     
    The OC Fair is looking for local people to participate in the annual 2024 event. Community entertainment (unpaid) applications will be accepted through April 5 at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/community-entertainment/. Applications for vendors and concessionaires are now open at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/vendors/. Sponsorship and marketing information is available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/sponsors/.
     
    The 2023 OC Fair had an attendance of 1,048,181 with 12 sold-out days.
     
    For more information, visit ocfair.com.

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