OC Marathon, May 1 – 3
The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival returns to the seaside streets of Orange County, California. The running festival showcases three days of events, including the Kids Run, OC 5K and half and full marathons. The race is a perfect destination event for runners, with the beaches, theme parks and near-perfect weather.
When: Friday – Sunday, May 1 – 3
Schedule: Friday, May 1, 3 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 5:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: Registration varies. Parking is $15.
More Info: Visit OC Marathon, weekend schedule
Walk Intuit: Ponies & Paint, May 2
Give your child the chance to connect with gentle mini horses, explore their senses and express themselves creatively in a safe, supportive environment.
Each session offers:
- Hands-on time with calm, intuitive mini horses
- Creative art activities that invite self-expression
- Sensory exploration and playful connection
Children must be able to attend without their parents present. If a caregiver or support person is needed, please reach out directly to ensure appropriate accommodations can be provided.
When: Saturday, May 2, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $35. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit
Walk Intuit: Horses & Hearts, May 2
Join our herd for a morning of connection with horses, community and nature. This special event is open to all ages and is a beautiful way to experience the healing bond between humans and animals.
When: Saturday, May 2, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $25. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 5
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, May 5, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
SOS Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 7
Orange County’s most generous chefs will join Share Our Selves in an evening of fun, friendship and amazing tacos. In the spirit of friendly competition and to support a great cause, these chefs will create gourmet tacos you won’t find anywhere else!
When: Thursday, May 7
Schedule:
VIP admission, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
General admission, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Plaza Pacifica
How much: $100 early-bird general admission, $150 early-bird VIP. Prices increase April 26. Free parking.
More info: Visit SOS Wild & Crazy Taco Night
Gem Faire, May 8 – 10
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 manufacturer’s prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday – Sunday, May 8 – 10
Schedule:
Friday, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 10.
Wholesale preview on Friday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Main Mall, Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: General admission is $7, children 11 and under are free. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Gem Faire
OC Card Show, May 9 – 10
Buy, sell or trade your sports cards and TCG cards at our 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, May 9 – 10, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building
How much: Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC Card Show
Into the Valley of Death: An Eyewitness Account of America’s First Major Battle at Ia Drang, May 9
Veteran Ronnie Guyer of the 1st Air Cavalry Division fought in one of the Vietnam War’s first major battles, the Battle of Ia Drang Valley, later depicted in the film “We Were Soldiers.” Drafted into the Army in 1964, he trained at Fort Meade before deploying as a Specialist 4th Class, serving as a radioman and transport driver during the battle. As fighting intensified, he was assigned the responsibility of identifying casualties, ensuring the fallen and wounded were returned home with care and dignity. For his service, he was awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Call 714-708-1613 to RSVP.
Costa Mesa Speedway: Harley Night Blowout, May 9
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes – it’s a race night you won’t forget!
When: Saturday, May 9
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 6 – 7 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission, children 10 and younger are free. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Dwarf Fruits and Vegetables for Small Space Gardens, May 9
Join the award-winning UC Master Gardener hydroponics team for an engaging class that takes hydroponic gardening to the next level. This session introduces the science of growing plants without soil through wicking, a simple process that draws nutrient-rich water up to the roots. The class will focus on wicking hydroponics, a versatile method that creates an ideal environment for growing a wide range of vegetables, especially root crops, without soil. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of wicking systems, identify the best materials to use and explore different options for building a system at home, while also covering essential plant care and maintenance. Whether you have a small patio, a balcony or limited outdoor space, wicking hydroponics offers a space-efficient, waterwise and sustainable way to grow fresh food year-round.
When: Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by May 4
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: A $7 fee covers lecture and educational handouts.
Refund policy: There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Night Nation Run, May 9
Experience a music-filled course with live DJs, light shows, bubble zones, neon and black lights. Cross the finish line into an epic main stage after-party featuring top headliner DJs.
When: Saturday, May 9
Schedule:
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Pre-party begins at 6 p.m.
Race starts at 8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Country Meadows, Crafters Village, Pacific Amphitheatre, Park Plaza, Plaza Pacifica</br /> How much: Registration varies. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Night Nation Run OC
Ranch Discovery Day, May 13
Saddle up for Ranch Discovery Day and experience an educational adventure all about horses and more! The Ranch will come alive with horses, livestock and interactive demonstrations, creating a memorable day for visitors of all ages!
What to expect:
- Meet horses, chickens and rabbits
- Explore horse care and grooming
- Learn about horses in the military
- Discover the world of bees
- Stick horse rodeo activity for kids
- Watch horse demonstrations
- Check out our horse boarding areas including box stalls, arenas and other amenities
When: Wednesday, May 13, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Reservations required, visit Ranch Discovery Day
Dwarf Fruits and Vegetables for Small Space Gardens, May 16
Discover how to grow a fresh, productive harvest even in the smallest of spaces with this hands-on class led by local gardener Kylie Gilliam. Designed for patios, balconies and compact yards, this class will introduce a wide range of dwarf fruit and vegetable varieties that thrive in Southern California. Gilliam will explain why these compact plants are ideal for small-space gardening, highlight some of the most reliable and prolific options for our climate and share practical tips on planting, watering and care to help you achieve a successful harvest at home.
When: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; RSVP online by May 8
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: A $45 fee covers all materials, including a small container garden box, soil, dwarf variety plants and instructional resources.
Refund policy: There will be no refunds for cancellations made within seven days of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded. Booking fees are nonrefundable.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Sand Sports Super Swap, May 16
The Sand Sports Super Show is hosting a one-day opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to “swap” their sand toys and equipment. Sellers of new and used quads, dune buggies, motorcycles, tires, engine parts, helmets and anything for the off-road enthusiast are welcome!
When: Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I
How much: Presale admission is $5 through May 15, $10 on May 16. Children 12 and younger are free. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Sand Sports Super Swap
Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night Invitational, May 16
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes – it’s a race night you won’t forget!
When: Saturday, May 16
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 6-7 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission, children 10 and younger are free. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
OC Eid Fest, May 16
Get ready for the biggest Eid celebration in Southern California! Hosted by the Islamic Center of Yorba Linda, this is not just a festival — it’s an experience!
When: Saturday, May 16, 1 – 10 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Wine Courtyard, Crafters Village, Park Plaza, Plaza Pacifica, Lot J, Crafters Village
How much: General admission is $15; children 5 and younger are free. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC Eid Festival
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 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: Monday, May 18, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Scottish Fest, May 23 – 24
Scottish Fest is Southern California’s largest Scottish, Celtic, American Festival. Experience two days of world class Celtic music, piping and drumming competitions, Highland dancing contests, Scottish heavy athletics, Scottish gifts and foods, Scottish clans and genealogy, a fantastic children’s glen and so much more!
When: Saturday & Sunday, May 23 – 24
Schedule:
Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 24, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: $30 general one-day admission, $26 seniors (62+), $6 for children 16 & younger, free for children 5 & younger, free for military and first responders with ID. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Scottish Fest
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, May 28
When: Thursday, May 28, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center Administration Building or virtually on Zoom.
More info: Visit Public Meetings
626 Night Market, May 29 – 31
626 Night Market is back at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. The iconic Californian festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages. Join us for warm summer days and bright nights this season!
When: Friday – Sunday, May 29 – 31, 3 – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade, Lots I and G
How much: General admission is $6, children 3 and under are free. Parking is $15. Most vendors accept cash only. ATMs will be available.
More info: Visit 626 Night Market
Repticon, May 30 – 31
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, May 30 – 31
Schedule:
Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: Adult general admission is $15, child general admission is $7. Adult two-day super tickets are $20, child two-day super tickets are $7. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Repticon Reptile 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 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 a variety of offerings. 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 rotates 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.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.</br /> Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.</br /> More info: Visit Heroes Hall
The Ranch Community Center
The Ranch Community Center celebrates horses, ranching and nature. Free and low-cost public programs are offered, including The Ranch Discovery Days, The Ranch After-School Program, horse shows and equine-assisted therapy. Visitors can connect with the equestrian community year-round during daily hours.
When: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays and all holidays.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit The Ranch
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
Coming up in June
Discovery Day at the Farm, June 1
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
- Crop education
When: Monday, June 1, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Walk Intuit: Ponies & Paint, June 6
Give your child the chance to connect with gentle mini horses, explore their senses and express themselves creatively in a safe, supportive environment.
Each session offers:
- Hands-on time with calm, intuitive mini horses
- Creative art activities that invite self-expression
- Sensory exploration and playful connection
Children must be able to attend without their parents present. If a caregiver or support person is needed, please reach out directly to ensure appropriate accommodations can be provided.
When: Saturday, June 6, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $35. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit
Walk Intuit: Horses & Hearts, June 6
Join our herd for a morning of connection with horses, community and nature. This special event is open to all ages and is a beautiful way to experience the healing bond between humans and animals.
When: Saturday, June 6, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $25. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit
FuelFest, June 13
Join FuelFest Southern California for its highly anticipated hometown show at OC Fair & Event Center for the ultimate car show experience, featuring a mix of fresh ocean air and shredded tires! See the Fairgrounds like never before as FuelFest takes over corner to corner with a massive car show, custom-built drift course, themed indoor/outdoor show zones, multiple stages, 75+ sponsor exhibits and more. There’s no better place to be!
When: Saturday, June 13, 2 – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, Main Mall, OC Promenade, Lots G & I
How much: General admission varies. Children 12 and younger are free. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit FuelFest
Shooter: From Vietnam Combat to Presidential Portraits, June 13
Few photographers have witnessed history as intimately as David Hume Kennerly. A Pulitzer Prize winner for his Vietnam War coverage, he went on to serve as President Gerald Ford’s personal White House photographer. With seven books, an Emmy nomination and a new book and major exhibition both debuting this fall, hear firsthand stories from someone who has spent 60 years at the center of it all.
When: Saturday, June 13, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Call 714-708-1613 to RSVP
SoCal World Guitar Show, June 13 – 14
Bring all the musical instruments or related items you can carry to sell, trade or have appraised. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small cart with up to 8 items to roll around the show
See everything from guitars, amps, banjos, mandolins, drums, violins, effects, memorabilia, sound gear, parts, records, books, clothing, accessories, builders, appraisers, repairmen and more!
When: Saturday & Sunday, June 13-14
Schedule:
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission is $25. Children 11 years and younger are admitted free with adult. Parking is free.
More info: Visit SoCal Guitar Show</br />
Fight Club OC, June 18
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, June 18
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 varies. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
OC MENA Festival, June 19 – 21
The OC MENA Festival is a three-day event that celebrates Middle Eastern and North African culture and its contributions to the world. Enjoy music, food, rides, art, community and much more.
When: Friday – Sunday, June 19-21, 11 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: Admission varies. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC MENA Festival
Costa Mesa Speedway: Harley Night #2, June 20
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes – it’s a race night you won’t forget!
When: Saturday, June 20
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 6-7 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission, children 10 and younger are free. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, June 25
When: Thursday, June 25, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center Administration Building or virtually on Zoom.
More info: Visit Public Meetings
The Legacy of the Vietnam Vet: A Helicopter Door Gunner’s Journey, June 27
Frans VandenBroek immigrated to the U.S. from the Dutch East Indies at age 12 — and by 19 he was flying combat missions over Vietnam with the 68th Assault Helicopter Company. His 15-month tour included more than 1,000 combat flight hours and survival against incredible odds, and his stories are ones you’ll never forget.
When: Saturday, June 27, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Call 714-708-1613 to RSVP
Michael Searle has been chosen as OC Fair & Event Center’s new Chief Operating Officer to lead fair production, security, event operations, facility operations, planning & production and food & beverage departments. Searle started in his new role this month.