Monday, April 11, 2022 (4:11 pm)

♦ Discovery Day at the Farm, April 14 & April 27
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and perfect for group visits. Docents are on hand to answer questions during your self-guided tours and there will be extra activities to help students learn about agriculture.

Hours: Thursday, April 14, and Tuesday, April 27, 9 a.m.-noon
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: See complete list of dates and reserve your spot at ocfair.com/discoveryday

♦ Fight Club OC, April 14
Pro boxing and MMA bring live action to The Hangar.

Hours: Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: The Hangar
How much: $60 tickets, parking is $10.
More info: Visit socafights.com

♦ Speaker Series: Mexican American Pilots of WWII, April 16
Judge Frederick Aguirre will present a photographic display of 11 World War II bomber pilots. He will weave in statistics regarding the service of over 500,000 Mexican American service members in WWII and discuss the challenges they faced due to their Mexican heritage. This speaker series is in conjunction with the museum’s newest exhibit, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII.

Hours: Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Registration is required and limited; go to ocfair.com/heroeshall/rsvp

♦ Bubble Run, April 16
Participants run, walk, dance and play across 3 miles of rad real estate. Foam Bogs of colored suds are encountered along the course, bringing back memories of car washes and bathtub bubble beards.

Hours: Saturday, April 16; check-in begins at 6 a.m.
The Bubble Run has three separate start times (8, 9 and 10 a.m.). Please plan on arriving 60-90 minutes prior to wave start. Packet pickup is available at Road Runner Sports in Costa Mesa on Friday, April 15, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (no fee). Race Day packet pickup at the OC Fairgrounds is also available ($5 cash-only fee).
Where on the fairgrounds: Lots I and G
How much: Free admission (event insurance purchase required, plus fees), parking is $10
More info: Visit bubblerun.com

♦ Foam Glow, April 16
Foam Glow 5K is a fun-filled experience exposing runners to Glowing Foam and a ton of blacklights all over the course. Glowing runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes and speeds.

Hours: Saturday, April 16, 7-10 p.m.; check-in starts at 5 p.m.
Please plan on arriving 60-90 minutes prior to wave start. Packet pickup is available at Road Runner Sports in Costa Mesa on Friday, April 15, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (no fee). Race Day packet pickup at the OC Fairgrounds is also available ($5 cash-only fee).
Where on the fairgrounds: Lots I and G
How much: Free admission (event insurance purchase required, plus fees), parking is $10
More info: Visit foamglow.com

♦ The Original O.C. Swap Meet, April 23-24
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. The swap meet showcases products and goods for all to buy and enjoy.

Hours: Saturday & Sunday, April 23-24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot D
How much: Free admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355

♦ OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, April 28
OC Fair’s Board of Directors typically meets monthly via Zoom and in person at OC Fair & Event Center. The agenda and location for this meeting will be available later in the month at ocfair.com/public-information/public-meetings.

The public is invited to watch or participate in Board meetings via Zoom or in person. The meetings, which begin at 9:30 a.m., will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.

♦ The SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival, April 29-May 1
Join us as we celebrate Orange County with the 18th Annual OC Running Festival. Event weekend includes OC Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Kids Run the OC and the Celebrate OC 5K – not to mention activations from various sponsors, and the celebrate OC festival!

OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo – Friday, April 29, 4 -8 p.m. & Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
OC 5K & Kids Run the OC – Saturday, April 30, 5 p.m. (Finish Line Festival is 3-7 p.m.)
SDCCU OC Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 5:30 a.m.
SDCCU OC Half Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 6:15 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
How much: Visit ocmarathon.com for registration fees. Admission to OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo is free. Parking at OC Fair & Event Center is $10.

Ongoing events at OC Fair & Event Center
♦ COVID testing – Open Monday-Friday
Free COVID testing on the fairgrounds.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot E (corner of Fairview and Arlington; enter at Gate 4)
How much: Free drive-through COVID-19 testing
More info: Make an appointment online. PCR test results take 24-48 hours.

♦ 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
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org

♦ Heroes Hall Museum – Open Wednesday-Sunday
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans. The museum is currently closed for exhibit installation but will reopen on Feb. 16.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

♦ Centennial Farm – Open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm

Coming up in May
♦ 626 Night Market OC, May 6-8 & May 13-15
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. Come happier and hungrier together with friends and family for the biggest reunion of the summer!

When: May 6-8 and May 13-15
Hours: Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 1-11 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: OC Promenade, Lot G and Lot I
How much: $5 admission plus fees; free for children 3 and younger. Parking is $10. Most vendors accept cash only; ATMs are available.
More info: Visit 626 Night Market

Also in May:
♦ AAOC Trade Show & Conference, May 5
♦ March for Babies Orange County, May 7
♦ California Sneaker Convention, May 7
♦ Gem Faire, May 13-15
♦ Garden Classes, May 14 & May 21
♦ SOS Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 19
♦ Sand Sports Super SWAP, May 21
♦ Costa Mesa Speedway, May 21
♦ Scottish Fest, May 28-29

View all events

Thursday, April 7, 2022 (3:05 pm)

Imaginology returns in person this Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10! We’ve got a packed schedule of take-home crafts, science experiments, live performances by local entertainers, youth competitions and more.

The free two-day event gives students the chance to explore careers in the S.T.E.A.M. fields –that’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math – as well as agriculture education.

After being canceled in 2020 and going virtual in 2021, this year the family fest returns IN PERSON with activities and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Programming includes:

Science exploration

Local exhibitors like Compass Charter Schools, YMCA of Orange County and Gemology will provide hands-on experimenting. Plus, try a little physical science with activities like hula hoops, Recess Revolution’s free-play area, or Heroes Hall Museum’s Fort Blisters Boot Camp.

Tech lessons

The Coder School and National College Resources Foundation will be on hand to talk about the future and the history of computers. Plus, OC Fair has a fun augmented reality activity in which kids can make their own coloring page come alive!

Engineering playtime

From woodcarving and scroll saws to Rigamajigs and module trains, there will be plenty to put together at Imaginology. Harbor Soaring Society will host aerospace adventures, Brain Builders will show off robots and LEGOs and Imaginology’s cardboard engineering competition will be on display.

Arts in crafts, displays and more

Local entertainers such as dance groups, DJs and music groups will provide live entertainment at the Main Stage. There is also a plethora of hands-on crafting – many of which come with a take-home project! Plus, Imaginology’s mural competition will be on display.

Math by way of strategy

We can find math in just about everything (like having students count out the cash for a burger and brat!). But logic and mathematical reasoning is the way to win at chess, and the local Academic Chess chapter will host their annual Tournament of Champions on Saturday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Registration is $30 at strategickids.com.

Agricultural education

Livestock competitions and exhibits will be on display throughout Imaginology. Plus, OC Fair & Event Center’s year-round Centennial Farm will feature activities such as radish seed planting, a terrarium makeshop, oxen demos and more – and don’t miss a peek at the piglets born March 16. There will also be blacksmithing demonstrations at the Farm.

When: Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: Admission is free and most activities are included. Parking is $10. Food will be available for purchase.

For more information including a full list of exhibitors and food that will be available, visit ocfair.com/steam.

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 (10:57 am)

As part of the Strategic Plan work the OC Fair Board of Directors voted to update OCFEC’s mission, vision, value and purpose statements:

Mission: Creating equitable community access to agriculture, entertainment, cultural and educational experiences

Vision: Orange County’s town square – the safe place where the community gathers and finds value

Values: Safety, People, Integrity, Stewardship, Compliance, Diversity & Inclusion, Excellence, Community & Neighborliness

Purpose: The OC Fair & Event Center is the 32nd District Agricultural Association (32nd DAA), a California state institution that is organized in accordance with the California Food and Agricultural Code. The 32nd DAA’s purposes under the Code are: 1) to hold fairs, expositions and exhibitions in Orange County to exhibit the industries and industrial enterprises, resources and products of every kind or nature of the state, with a view toward improving, exploiting, encouraging and stimulating them; and 2) to construct, maintain and operate recreational and cultural facilities of general public interest in Orange County.

Read more: https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ocfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/18142624/22_03_Item8A_Strategic_Plan_Document.pdf

Monday, April 4, 2022 (10:08 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors is seeking public comments on a draft three-year strategic plan to determine the future direction of the state-owned property.

The Board is considering the following: New vision and mission statements and strategic direction for the annual OC Fair, year-round events program, educational assets/foundations, the equestrian center, community support and implementation steps.

The draft plan is posted on our website for public review and comment. Please submit your comments using the online form by April 26.

Friday, March 18, 2022 (4:12 pm)

Please join us in congratulating Heroes Hall Supervisor Carol Singleton, who was named one of the 2022 Women of Distinction, presented by Rep. Michelle Steel.

Rep. Steel presented the 2022 Women of Distinction awards to 18 of Orange County’s best and brightest female leaders in the categories of Education, Health & Wellness, Compassionate Community, Public Service, Veterans’ Services, Public Safety, Community Partnership, Financial Service, and Youth Champions.

Throughout the rest of #WomensHistoryMonth, Rep. Steel will be sharing profiles of each of these exceptional women on her Facebook page: facebook.com/RepSteel. Be sure to follow along to learn about their remarkable contributions to our area.