Sunday, July 30, 2023 (3:00 pm)

What’s going on at the OC Fairgrounds in August

2023 OC Fair – Happy Together, through – Aug. 13

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 2023 OC Fair, “Happy Together.” Get ready for 23 days of fun-filled live entertainment, exhibits, food, carnival rides, shopping and more!

When: Through Aug. 13
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much:
$13 general admission on Wednesday & Thursday
$15 general admission on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
$9 seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids ages 5 and younger
Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles, $24 for buses and limos
More information: Visit 2023 OC Fair

*Advanced ticket purchase is required and no fees on admission tickets. Purchase your tickets at ocfair.com/tickets.

OC Fair Fun Run 5K, Aug. 6
Run, walk or skip through the OC Fair! Every runner gets an awesome medal, a T-shirt and free race photos. Huge thanks to our partner OC Marathon for making this event possible!

When: Sunday, Aug. 6, 8 – 11 a.m.
Schedule:
Bib pickup: 6 – 7:40 a.m.
Race begins: 8 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: $50 until July 31, $25 for youth 6-12, $10 for kids 5 and under.
More info: Visit OC Fair Fun Run 5K

Fight Club OC, Aug. 24
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, Aug. 24, 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
First fight 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission varies by seating selection ($40-$80). Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC

Gem Faire, Aug. 25-27
The largest jewelry & bead show in SoCal. Shop 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 and cleaning while you shop.

When: Aug. 25 – 27, 2023
Schedule:
Friday: Noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Santa Ana Pavilion, Costa Mesa Building
How much: General admission is $7. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire

626 Night Market, Aug. 25-27
626 Night market is back at the OC Fair & Event Center. 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.

When: Friday – Sunday, Aug. 25 – 27, 4-11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade and Lot I/G
How much: General admission for adults, seniors and children $5. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $12.
Most vendors accept cash only. ATMs will be available.
More info: Visit 626 Night Market

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Entertainment during the 2023 OC Fair

Pacific Amphitheatre

Pacific Amphitheatre’s 40th anniversary continues to deliver the hottest entertainment with upcoming performances by comedians Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham, concerts by Beck, Ne-Yo, War, George Thorogood, Rebelution, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, -X-, Cheap Trick, Ziggy Marley, The Fab Four, Chicago, AJR, Common Kings and Sweet & Tender Hooligans.

When: Through Sept. 2
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre

The Hangar
In The Hangar, tribute bands have delivered some classic tunes that have kept Fairgoers rocking. Up next: Journey Unauthorized, Wild Child, Zeppelin Live, Elton: The Early Years, Yachty By Nature, Red Corvette, Which One’s Pink?, Start Making Sense, Damage Inc., Queen Nation join Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Spencer Sutherland to close out the second half of the Fair.

When: Through Aug. 13
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit OC Fair

Action Sports Arena
The adrenaline rush carries on in Action Sports Arena with demolition derbies, rodeos, charros and motosports keeping Fairgoers entertained.

When: Through Aug. 12
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit OC Fair

* Entertainment tickets include same-day Fair admission for shows

happening July 14 – Aug. 13.

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Things to do and see during the 2023 OC Fair

‘Armed Only With A Camera’
The World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman is now on display at Heroes Hall. Troutman served his country by photographing the war in the South Pacific Theater including the devastated cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

When: Through Sept. 2023
Where: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Included with Fair admission
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Bug Bizarre
Explore this year’s Bug Bizarre exhibit where touchable displays and hands-on demonstrations will immerse you into the exotic world of bugs! Visitors will also have the chance to learn from an expert entomologist about these critters’ intricate ecosystems, ecological importance and how different cultures utilize insects in their daily lives.

When: Through Aug. 13
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade
How much: Included with Fair admission
More info: Visit Exhibits

The Art of Music Experience
An experiential exhibit that inspires people of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate the stories and creators behind album cover art.

Embark on an immersive journey through a series of themed gallery and vendor environments, flip through bins of vinyl records at a pop-up independent record store, watch live painting of album cover art, rank your favorite album cover and more.

When: July 14 – Aug. 13
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: Included with Fair admission
More info: Visit Exhibits

The SAAAB Story
The SAAAB (Santa Ana Army Air Base) Story exhibition celebrates the history of the flight training center, its contribution to the war effort, the servicemembers that served here and its role in the development of the growth of Orange County through film, photographs, maps, oral histories, works of art and ephemera. 

When: Ongoing
Where: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Included with Fair admission
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

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Ongoing at the OC Fair & Event Center

Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm reopens to the public Aug. 21! 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-opening Aug. 21
Schedule: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Sept. 22
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm

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. 

Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking; let parking attendant know you are going to the Farmers Market.
>More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau 

Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Want to keep tabs on our pigs during the Fair? 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

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-opening Aug. 23
Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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 September

Fight Club OC, Sept. 2
DAZN Special Edition

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: Saturday, Sept. 2
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: General admission varies by seating selection ($40-$80). Parking is $12. More Info: Visit Fight Club OC

Cruisin’ For A Cure, Sept. 9
Cruisin’ for a Cure is the world’s largest one-day charity car show with over 3,000 vehicles on display and over 150+ vendors and exhibitors. Be assured that your participation in the event and any donations go directly to prostate cancer research at the KSK Cancer Center of Irvine to help find a cure.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 6 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $17, kids 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Cruisin’ For A Cure

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 9
Harley Night Finals / Speedway / Sidecars

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream! 

When: Saturday, Sept. 9
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

Sand Sports Super Show, Sept. 15-17
The world’s biggest sand sports expo! Join us for three days of fun and get up close to the latest sand rails, ATVs, UTVs/side x sides, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more! Take part in the world’s largest sand sports expo.

When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 15-17
Schedule:
Sept. 15, 4 – 10 p.m.
Sept. 16, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sept. 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission $16, kids (6-12) $6, kids 5 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Sand Sports Super Show

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 23
53rd U.S. National Speedway Championship

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream. 

When: Sunday, Sept. 23
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

SoCal VegFest, Sept. 23-24
A vegan festival that offers a range of activities for attendees to enjoy, including free food samples, food and drink for purchase, a cruelty-free marketplace, inspirational speakers, food demonstrations, appearances by celebrity chefs and social media influencers, live music from famous musicians and DJs, comedy performances, yoga sessions, games, a kids area and much more!

When: Saturday – Sunday, Sept. 23-24, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $10, kids 11 and under, seniors 65+, veterans and active military are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit SoCal VegFest

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 30
Fall Classic / Speedway / Sidecars / Juniors

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream! 

When: Saturday, Sept. 30
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

Monday, July 24, 2023 (9:00 am)

2023 OC Fair is in full swing! There is so much fun for kids and so much is FREE!

COSTA MESA (July 24, 2023) – The OC Fair always brings the fun and we know that families count on making summer memories when they visit. Here are some tips for a great trip to the Fair with kids:

Explorium adventure: Located in OC Promenade, the Explorium area for kids has been transformed into a fun and informative Bug Bizarre. Explore this year’s Bug Bizarre Exhibit where touchable displays and hands-on demonstrations will immerse you into the exotic world of bugs! Visitors will also have the chance to learn from an expert entomologist about these critters’ intricate ecosystems, ecological importance and how different cultures utilize insects in their daily lives.

Daily crafts, contests and games are at the adjacent Promenade Stage. See the 2023 OC Fair app or visit ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/activities/ for a daily schedule.

Read & Ride + carnival: Of course the kids will want to go on rides, and what better way to motivate them beforehand than with the Read & Ride program. Kids ages 5-11 can earn two free carnival rides by reading three books and writing (or drawing) a short summary. Use the form at ocfair.com/readandride and turn it in to the RCS guest services booth in the main carnival area. And families can snap photos of the kids with those giant stuffed animals! Here’s all the info on carnival rides and games: ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/carnival/

Painted faces and smiling faces: There are two face painting booths where Fairgoers can be transformed into superheroes, favorite animals or flower-festooned fairies. Also look for henna and festival glitter booths for more temporary body art. Don’t forget to stop by one of the photo booths to capture those happy moments.

Animals you can touch or watch: The Great American Petting Farm is the place to be if the kids are obsessed with animals. Located next to Green Gate, this petting zoo is full of animals that are far from shy – in fact, they’ll follow you around all day if you let them! Don’t forget to stop by Centennial Farm as well, OC Fair’s year-round working farm that features goats, cows, bunnies and brand-new piglets that were recently born!

Animals you can cheer on: One of the Fair’s most popular attractions is the All-Alaskan Pig Races, located this year in the Plaza Pacifica area. The races are a hoot for all ages, and take place daily. Plus, the Oasis Camel Dairy exhibit will be in the livestock area for the final two weeks of the Fair and families can watch the babies and learn all about these exotic creatures.

Entertainment: Magician Frank Thurston puts on kid-friendly shows daily in OC Promenade and there are local performers of all ages on community stages during the day. Roving entertainers include the Red Light Brass Band, Veekay the clown and others delighting guests as they move throughout the Fair. The OC Fair’s own costumed characters, The Foodies, Oliva Orange, Strawberry Jan, Sunny Lemon, Arturo Churro and Cornelius Corn are at the giant OC Fair letters and outside The Hangar daily for picture opportunities.

New this year: The Flying Royals, located near Green Gate, thrill Fairgoers with their aerial acrobatics and daring feats way up high. Shows take place every 30 minutes. Back this year – the splash fountain in front of The Hangar is back on!

Food and treats: $4 Taste of the Fair Food is offered on Thursdays until 4 p.m., giving Fairgoers a chance to try select samples of food from every vendor for just $4 each – and these are the perfect size for the kids as well! It’s a great way to try the foods without filling up on too much sugar. To just look at sugar, check out the sugar arts winners on display in the OC Promenade – the cakes are amazing. Many food options are great for sharing and there are several take-and-bake choices or buckets of goodies to bring home.

Arts & crafts: Stop by the tent in front of Heroes Hall so the kids can color postcards for veterans and troops while they learn all about the sacrifice our servicemen and servicewomen make every day. In the Visual Arts Building kids and adults can see all the blue ribbon-winning competition entries that include youth project divisions. It’s always fun to look at the woodworking, quilts and more in the home arts area. And this is the perfect spot to cool off during the day. Look for special entries from local Girl Scout troops.

Shop for fun: The shopping buildings located in the Main Mall have some toy booths and fun options, plus plenty of family items for purchase. There are also great shopping options in Crafters Village where artisan and other shops sell everything from fossils to sun hats.

Bonus! Here are 5 tips for parents and families:

Photo ops: There are classic photo booths as well as several cutouts throughout the Fairgrounds. There is a great concentration of these in the OC Promenade. Also check food vendors like Eddie’s Asian Inspired Cuisine and Australian Battered Potatoes for more cutouts.

Baby changing station: Located to the left of The Hangar building and behind the west end of the Sky Ride.

No lines in the mornings: The Fair opens at 11 a.m. and parking is a breeze, no lines for rides and games and there is plenty of elbow room.

What to bring: Bring along your wagon, snacks, extra baggies for leftover Fair food and a soft-sided cooler to keep it all fresh. Factory-sealed water bottles are OK as are refillable water bottles that can be filled at our water stations.

Safety: Find a landmark and designate it as a meeting place if you plan on separating. Be aware that the Guest Services and Lost & Found offices are located to the left of The Hangar building.

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· A limited number of tickets are available each day – some days are selling out

· Advance online ticket sales only – no transaction fees

· Tickets are good only for the date purchased; please choose dates carefully – no refunds

· Same-day Fair admission is included with tickets to concerts during the Fair

· OC Fair is not currently planning to increase capacity which is capped at 45,000 daily

· Masks are required indoors for unvaccinated guests

Tickets are $13 weekday general admission (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 weekend general admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $9 every day and children 5 and younger are free.

The 2023 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news & information and tickets. Search for “ocfair 2023” in your app store.

The Fair will open each day at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. except on Fridays and Saturdays, when it closes at midnight.

General parking is $12, $24 for buses and limos, credit card only. Carnival tickets are also on sale now so Fairgoers can skip the ticket booths, and tickets for concerts in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre can be found at ocfair.com/entertainment.

Monday, July 10, 2023 (2:54 pm)

2023 OC Fair runs through Aug. 13 – What’s free with Fair admission?

COSTA MESA (July 10, 2023) – OC Fair fans have been waiting all year for the return of summer’s best party – and it starts this Friday. Here are some awesome things that are free with Fair admission.

For a full OC Fair schedule, visit ocfair.com, or download the 2023 OC Fair app. Advance tickets are again required – no fees – and daily capacity is limited. The Fair runs July 14-Aug. 13.

ENTERTAINMENT
NEW! The Flying Royals – near Green Gate
Comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik – nightly in Plaza Pacifica
The Magic of Frank Thurston – daily in OC Promenade
Roving entertainment including the OC Fair Foodies costumed characters, Red Light Brass Band and Ellas mariachi group – throughout the Fairgrounds
Community entertainment featuring local music groups, dance troops and more – daily on three stages
Live band karaoke – nightly in Plaza Pacifica
Live music – nightly in Baja Bar and 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)
Performance of Taps – 6 p.m. nightly at Heroes Hall

ANIMALS
All-Alaskan Racing Pigs – daily in Plaza Pacifica
Animal judging and displays – daily in Livestock
Great American Petting Farm – daily near Green Gate
OC Fair’s resident animal educators including pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, rabbits, peacocks and sheep – daily at Centennial Farm

DEMONSTRATIONS
Cow milking – daily in Millennium Barn
Food preservation, chef’s tips and more – daily in OC Promenade/Culinary
Camel dairy – limited run in livestock
OC Vaulting horse acrobatics – limited run in livestock
Wine talks and pairings – daily in The Courtyard
Crafts and handmade goods – daily in Home Arts & Collections Gallery

EXHIBITS
FEATURED EXHIBIT – The Art of Music: This exhibit showcases hand-painted large scale reproductions of album covers, renderings of legendary musicians, neon signs and displays and more
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
Cal Fresh exhibit featuring the state’s crops – daily in OC Promenade
Fine arts and visual arts competitions and displays – daily in Visual Arts Gallery

KID STUFF
Explorium kids’ learning and play area – daily in OC Promenade
Food-related contests for kids – daily in OC Promenade
Photos with OC Fair Foodies – daily throughout the Fairgrounds
Color postcards for troops & veterans – daily at Heroes Hall
Kids’ carnival area

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

• Advance ticket purchase is required – days will sell out – get tickets at ocfair.com for the days you want to attend.
• 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).
• 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 $9 all days.
• Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles and $24 for buses and limos.
• Performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during Fair-time include same-day Fair admission. Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit ocfair.com.
• Unlimited ride carnival wristbands are back this year for $44. 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 13. Carnival ride and game tickets can also be bought online now. Tickets required for each ride range from two to 14 tickets and games require between two and eight tickets each. For more information on this year’s rides and games, visit our website.

Friday, June 30, 2023 (9:36 am)

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(9:36 am)

New food is on the way to the 2023 OC Fair – plus all the crazy treats that guests crave

COSTA MESA (June 30, 2023) – Concessionaires have been working hard to create even more unusual and tasty food to serve to adventurous and hungry guests at the 2023 OC Fair.

The theme this year is “Happy Together” and the dates are July 14 to Aug. 13, Wednesday through Sunday.

Here is what these fairway gourmets have been cooking up:

• Candied Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly Bites – Bacon-A-Fair
• Campfire Breakfast on a Bun – Ten Pound Buns
• Mediterranean Bowl – Chicken Charlie’s
• Fruit Pizza – Bangin’ Berries
• Pineapple Whip Dumplings with Fruit Rollups – Swirl
• Eggroll Turkey Dog – Pink’s
• Ice Cream Sundae Flight – Sweets by Cardinali
• New vegan and vegetarian options – California Grill
• Double Trouble dual ice cream cone – Swirl
• Hot Cheetos Cheese Chicken on a Stick – Biggy’s
• Maple Bacon Smoothie – Bacon-A-Fair
• Frozen Grapes with Tajin and Fruit Rollup on a Stick – Swirl
• Mini Pies: Strawberry, apple and peach – Bangin’ Berries