Sunday, September 24, 2023 (3:30 pm)

OC Register and readers name OC Fair best fair/festival in OC

From the OC Register:

The OC Fair was voted Best Fair/festival in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting

For many locals, a trip to the OC Fair is an essential part of any summer. There’s so much to experience that multiple visits are common, with more than a million people attending annually. OC Fair Chief Business Development Officer Joan Hamill says the event “is a place where memories are made. Families, friends, and (those) you’ve never met come to gather and celebrate together. It attracts a wide variety of people from all different walks of life.”

Besides fun rides, midway games and the Ferris wheel, fair activities include dozens of shows across three venues. The 8,200-capacity Pacific Amphitheatre, which marked its 40th anniversary in July, hosted concerts by Beck, X, Styx, Dwight Yoakam, Ziggy Marley, Cheap Trick, and others this season. Tribute bands appear at The Hangar, while the Action Sports Arena is the place for motocross, rodeos, themed demolition derbies, monster trucks and the annual craft beer roundup. Local and community entertainment also happens on other stages throughout the fairgrounds.

From funnel cakes, huge turkey legs and buttery corn on the cob to Chicken Charlie’s deep-fried delights and California Grill’s vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options, there are all types of culinary fare. Courtyard wine seminars and tastings are offered near the food contest winners. Shopping opportunities abound. Marveling at the work of OC’s best amateur visual artists and photographers provides plenty of inspiration.

Hamill notes that some chilled water stations help reduce plastic water bottle usage and the Every Day Passport allows patrons to visit anytime.

Thursday, September 21, 2023 (4:31 pm)

Centennial Farm Volunteers

CALLING ALL WANNA-BE FARMERS!

Looking for a rewarding experience? Becoming a Jr. Farmer tour guide offers new experiences and provides a great opportunity to help educate today’s youth about agriculture and the role it plays in our daily lives.

Centennial Farm invites you to join our team of more than 80 volunteer docents who help to make this one of Orange County’s most exciting and rewarding school field trip venues!

Tour guides:
• Welcome students from around Southern California.
• Provide free educational Jr. Farmer Tours to students Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
• Offer tours Monday through Friday, typically September through June, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. AND 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Ideal Candidates
• Must be at 18 years of age or older.
• Consistently available for at least one weekly tour (1.5 hours), Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during the months of September through June.
• Comfortable around children, animals and educating students on where their food and clothing come from.
• Able to bend, kneel, walk and stand for at least 90 minutes.
• Retirees, potential educators, work and school required volunteer hours.

OC Fair – Centennial Farm Open House Sessions
Open House I: Thursday, Oct. 12, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
RSVP by Tuesday, Oct. 10
Open House II: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
RSVP by Friday, Oct. 13

Location: Silo Building at Centennial Farm (enter Gate 1) – 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

RSVP to cfemail@ocfair.com or (714) 708-1619

Click the link below to watch a brief video on the school tours at Centennial Farm:
https://youtu.be/l0MpN04DyQY?si=WNMIf68kxg53EqEK

Centennial Farm General Information
Since 1989, our 3-acre working Farm has become a popular agriculture education site for many youth from various Southern California counties. We currently have tour guides (docents) providing educational tours to elementary-aged students, Monday through Friday, during the months of September through June, and we are always in need of more help to aid us in educating today’s youth about agriculture and the role it plays in our daily lives.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 (12:05 pm)

Please help OC Fair & Event Center by taking a quick survey

Community input is important to us. If you have a few minutes to spare, please take this survey about the music and bands that play in The Hangar during the OC Fair.

Thank you in advance for your feedback to help OC Fair & Event Center improve!

Take the survey now!

(12:03 pm)

Plaza Pacifica Youth Diversity Art Competition

OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) is seeking to install artwork created by local youth on the two largest light towers in Plaza Pacifica. 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 either on a large canvas or a digital LED screen. The dimensions of the tower on which the artwork will be displayed are 154 inches by 243 inches. OCFEC will determine whether to display the artwork of one or more of the four winners on the towers.

Contest Guidelines & Eligibility
• Artists must be 13-17 years of age (on Dec. 31, 2023) and live in the Southern California region.
• All artwork must be an original creation made by the artist.
• Acceptable mediums: painting, drawing, printmaking, watercolor, collage, mixed media, digital (computer art).
• Works should be two dimensional and relatively flat, as it will need to be scanned if accepted.
• Photography, video, three dimensional and artificial Intelligence (AI) generated artwork is NOT allowed.
• The dimensions of the artwork must be 13 inches wide x 20 inches high.
• Artwork should be vibrant, colorful, bold and focus on the themes of diversity, equity, community, inclusion, togetherness, celebration and/or other similar inspirational themes.
• Due to the family-oriented nature of OCFEC, work dealing with drug use, obscenity, defamatory statements, violence or gang activity, depictions of weapons, satanic or cult themes or other offensive or objectionable content will NOT be accepted. This is at the sole discretion of OCFEC.
• A maximum of three entries may be submitted.
• Deadline for submission is Dec. 31, 2023.

Contest Timeline
• Deadline for online submissions is midnight on Dec. 31, 2023.
• First round of judging to be completed by Jan. 12, 2024.
• Acceptance notifications go out by Jan. 15, 2024.
• Accepted artwork must be dropped off on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Further instructions will be sent to finalists.
• Winners announced on Jan. 29, 2024.

Application Process
Eligible artists are invited to submit their digital application materials. Please include a digital image of the artwork in a JPG format.
Apply Today

Prizes
The top four entries, determined by a panel of judges, will each receive $500 in prize money, a 2024 OC Fair Every Day Passport, inclusion in a press release and social media as appropriate. For more information, please contact Stephen Anderson at 714-708-1718 or sanderson@ocfair.com

Disclaimer
OCFEC reserves the right to alter the artwork to fit the needs of the project. OCFEC also reserves the right to not select any artists for this art project. The artists retain image rights to their artwork. Display of artwork will be for a minimum of one year and is not considered a permanent installation.

OCFEC is committed to serving a diverse range of individuals and organizations through its programs and services and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any characteristic protected by law. We will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to persons with disabilities upon request.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 (12:01 pm)

What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in October

Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 29 – Oct. 31

Family-fun pumpkin patch! We have inflatable slides, kiddie rides, a petting zoo and a train. Pick out your perfect pumpkin or shop at our farmers market for farm-fresh squash and gourds.

When: Sept. 29 – Oct. 31, 2023
Schedule:
Monday-Thursday, 3 – 9 p.m.
Friday, 3 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Closing at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot C
How much: Free admission. Parking is free Monday-Thursday, $12 Friday – Sunday.
More Info: Visit Seasonal Adventures

Valor & Virtue: Jewish American Medal of Honor Recipients, Oct. 5

Heroes Hall Museum will open a new exhibit called Valor & Virtue: Jewish American Medal of Honor Recipients. The exhibit focuses on all 18 Jewish American recipients, from Civil War’s Benjamin Levy to the most recent, Christopher Celiz, who was posthumously awarded for his actions in the Afghanistan War.  

Central to the exhibit is the story of Tibor Rubin, a Holocaust survivor who became a hero fighting for the U.S. Army in Korea before settling in Orange County. 

Through personal items, photographs, medals, uniforms and letters, the exhibition chronicles exceptional courage and highlights the military’s long fight to overcome boundaries of race, color and creed. 

When: The exhibit will be on display from Oct. 5, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Heroes Hall is open Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Heroes Hall at the OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa
How much: Admission and parking are free except during all-grounds events.

More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Opening Ceremony: A special event to commemorate this new exhibit will take place on Sunday, Oct. 8. More info.

Orange County Sustainability Decathlon, Oct. 5-8 & 12-15

The Orange County Sustainability Decathlon (OCSD) challenges university teams to design and build model solar-powered homes that address climate change and California’s housing needs. OCSD teams will showcase innovative, market-ready model homes to display in a sustainable village which will be open to the public. OCSD will take place Oct. 5-8 & 12-15 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. The event will feature the OCSD competition, as well as performances and several family-friendly activities.

When: Oct. 5-8 & 12-15

Schedule:

Thursday and Friday: 3 – 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I, Los Alamitos Building

How much: Free admission. Parking is $12

More Info: Visit Orange County Sustainability Decathlon

California Bridal & Wedding Expo, Oct. 8

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: Sunday, Oct. 8, 12:30 – 5 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How Much: Free admission – register online. General admission is $10 at the door. Parking is $12.

More info: Visit CA Bridal Shows

New Exhibit Opening Reception, Oct. 8

Heroes Hall Museum will host an opening reception to commemorate its newest exhibit, Valor & Virtue: Jewish American Medal of Honor Recipients. The event will feature speakers, music and refreshments. 

When: Sunday, Oct. 8, 2 – 4 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall

How Much: Free admission – RSVP here

More info: Call 714-708-1613

Gem Faire, Oct. 13-15

The largest jewelry and bead show in Southern California. Shop 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 and cleaning while you shop.

When: Oct. 13-15, 2023

Schedule:

Friday, Noon – 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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

OC Home & Holiday Expo, Oct. 14-15

Orange County’s finest home improvement experts are ready to complete your home projects in time for holiday guests. Holiday décor, gifts, special holiday cooking, crafts and interior design classes will be offered.

When: Oct. 14-15, 2023, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: Free admission. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Best Home Shows

Rameelo Raas Garba Festival 2023, Oct. 14

Indulge in an unforgettable evening of culture, cuisine and captivating rhythms at Rang Taali! Join us as we celebrate the spirit of togetherness through the vibrant beats of Raas Garba.

When: Saturday, Oct 14, 6:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: General admission is $20, children 5 and under are free. Parking is $12.

More Info: Visit Raas Garba

Discovery Day at the Farm, Oct. 19

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

• Self-Guided Tours
• Radish Seed Planting
• Chick Education
• Oxen Demonstration
• Crops Education
• See Livestock Animals

When: Thursday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. – noon

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: Free admission and parking.

More Info: Open to all grade levels, as well as the general public. Reserve your spot online at Discovery Day.

Centennial Farm Workshop: Make it, take it – Mediterranean apricot and date chutney, Oct. 21

Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey! Led by the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Food Preservers of Orange County, this hands-on class invites you to create a delectable chutney that captures the essence of the Mediterranean. Learn the art of preserving flavors as you blend succulent apricots and rich dates into a symphony of tastes and textures. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll craft your own jar of this flavorful creation to savor at home.

When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: A $35 fee covers ingredients, handouts and two canning jars with lids and rings. Parking is free.

More Info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes; RSVP by Oct. 18

Maker Faire, Oct. 21

Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments and projects.

When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Park Plaza

How much: Pre-event general admission is $18; $20 the day of the event. Children 4 and under are free. Parking is $12. 

More Info: Visit OC Maker Faire

OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Oct. 26

When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building

More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information

Fight Club OC, Oct. 26

Pro Boxing & MMA

Welcome to Fight Club OC, a hybrid boxing and MMA fight series that does six shows a year. With three high definition cameras always on the action and an LED HD video board with instant replay, we’ll sell you the seat, but you need to bring the edge.

When: Thursday, Oct. 26

Schedule:

Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.

First fight 7 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How Much: Free general admission is $65. Parking is $12.

More Info: Visit Fight Club OC

OC Japan Fair, Oct. 27-29

Enjoy Japanese food, culture, traditions and innovations! Grab your friends, and celebrate one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in Southern California. Experience the joy of shopping, tasting and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be live performances, games, Kimono models and more!

When: Friday – Sunday, Oct. 27-29

Schedule:

Friday: 5-11 p.m.

Saturday: Noon – 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I, Los Alamitos Building

How much: General admission is $10. Free for kids 6 and younger and seniors 66+. Parking is $12

More Info: Visit OC Japan Fair

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Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center

Centennial Farm

Centennial Farm reopens to the public Aug. 22! The 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: Re-opens Aug. 22

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Sept. 8

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 and tacos/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 reopens to the public Aug. 23. 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: Re-opens Aug. 23

Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Sept. 10

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum

How much: Free admission and parking.

More info: Visit Heroes Hall

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Coming up in November

The Great Junk Hunt, Nov. 3-4

Discover vintage, farmhouse, handmade, industrial, up-cycled and re-purposed goods from over 100 vendors.

When: Nov. 3-4, 2023

Schedule:

Friday, Nov. 3, 4 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center

How much: Tickets start at $10. Parking is $12.

More Info: Visit The Great Junk Hunt

Centennial Farm Workshop: Winter’s sweet harvest with persimmons, Nov. 4

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.

When: Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. – noon

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: A $6 fee covers materials and any handouts. Free parking

More Info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes; RSVP by Nov. 2

Discovery Day at the Farm, Nov. 7

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

• Self-Guided Tours
• Radish Seed Planting
• Chick Education
• Oxen Demonstration
• Crops Education
• See Livestock Animals

When: Tuesday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. – noon

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: Free admission and parking.

More Info: Open to all grade levels, as well as the general public. Reserve your spot online at Discovery Day.

Orange County Wine Fest, Nov. 11-12

Enjoy 3 hours of unlimited wine tasting for the price of a good bottle of wine.

The Orange County Wine Fest (OCWF) is bringing you a diverse group of wines from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds, whatever your preferred grape, you’ll find plenty to discover and love at OCWF.

When: Nov. 11-12, 2023

Schedule:

Session 1: Saturday, Nov. 11, Noon – 3 p.m.

Session 2: Saturday, Nov. 11, 5 – 8 p.m.

Session 3: Sunday, Nov. 12, Noon – 3 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: Tickets start at $55. Parking is $12.

More info: Visit Orange County Wine Fest

Centennial Farm Workshop: Crafting a fall charcuterie board, Nov. 18

Indulge in the charcuterie board trend and seize the opportunity to craft your very own exquisite platter! Immerse yourself in a hands-on session led by chef Vina. Whether it’s the allure of holiday hosting or the desire for an exceptional brunch, these boards have you covered!

When: Saturday Nov. 18, 10 a.m. – noon

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: A $35 class fee covers ingredients and any handouts. Parking is free.

More Info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes; RSVP by Nov. 10

Winter Fest OC, Nov. 24 – Jan. 7

Southern California’s largest Winter Fest returns! This year, we’re introducing an outdoor ice skating trail and a real snow play area, including snowball throwing zones, sledding and a snow carousel for the little ones. Also, we’ve got an all-new holiday market featuring talented local artisans. Returning attractions include sliding down the thrilling 150-foot-long ice tubing slide and a tour through the magical “North Pole Journey” with four unique lands filled with wonder, interactive discoveries and so much more!

When: Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024

Schedule:

Nov. 24 – Dec. 9

Thursday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 10. Closed for a private event

Dec. 14 – 17

Thursday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.

Dec. 21, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024

Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.

New Years Eve celebration at Winter Fest OC

Sunday – Dec. 31, 2 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A

How much: Adults $44.99, kids $39.99, children 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.

More Info: Visit Winter Fest OC