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There’s something happening here all year long – this is the center for fun!

OC Fair Board committee assignments

Leadership and Governance Committee
Chair Bagneris (committee chair), Vice Chair Ruiz
Purpose:
This committee provides executive support to the Board and acts on behalf of the full Board during emergency situations.
Focus:
• Consult with CEO
• Develop Board meeting agendas
• Address Board issues
• Conduct annual safety/security meeting
• Complete the strategic planning process and provide ongoing monitoring
• Policy updates
• Bagley-Keene open meeting compliance
• Annual form 700 reporting
• Annual required Board training
• Legislative monitoring

Financial Monitoring and Audit Committee
Director Pham (committee chair) and Director Vakharia
Purpose:
This committee monitors the organization’s financial position and ensures financial controls are in place.
Focus:
• Monthly financial oversight
• Annual budget review
• Annual audit process
• Participate in the scoring process for key RFPs, including for carnival services

Facilities Committee
Director Bilezikjian (committee chair) and Vice Chair Ruiz
Purpose:
This committee reviews building- and grounds-related projects and issues and recommends site planning direction.
Focus:
• Construction projects
• Capital expenditures
• Master site planning

Community Affairs Committee
Director Rubalcava-Garcia (committee co-chair) and Director Jackson (committee co-chair)
Purpose:
This committee oversees the Board’s relationship with the community.
Focus:
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Community engagement
• Relationships with local, county and state officials

Education Programs and Public Affairs Committee
Director Sanchez Cannady (committee chair) and Director Murphy
Purpose:
This committee provides Board-level guidance and recommendations related to educational programming, year-round events, public affairs and strategic stakeholder relationships.
Focus:
• Year-round educational initiatives
• Program development
• Intergovernmental relations
• Strategic stakeholder outreach

Upcoming Speaker Series at Heroes Hall

(Click here to open PDF in new window)

Last chance to find your adventure at the 2026 OC Fair – Aug. 16 is closing day

COSTA MESA (Aug. 10, 2026) – The 2026 OC Fair is going out strong with a full lineup of fun as summer’s best party heads to the finish line.

The theme this year is “Your Adventure Awaits” and the final day is Sunday, Aug. 16. Purchase tickets online now so you don’t miss out on making those memories.

Here’s a look at what’s in store for the final days of the OC Fair.

The entertainment heading to the stage this week in Pacific Amphitheatre starts wit AJR on Wednesday, Dwight Yoakam on Thursday, The Head & The Heart on Friday, Colbie Caillat on Saturday and Steel Pulse closes out the Fair on Sunday.

And the summer music in Pacific Amphitheatre continues through Sept. 6 with acts like Diana Ross, Alison Krauss, Steve Aoki & Tyga, Cheap Trick and Boy George & Culture Club.

In The Hangar, it’s 24K Magic on Wednesday and Thursday, Bee Gees Gold on Friday, No Duh on Saturday and Swift Nation brings it home on closing night.

Action Sports Arena continues to be the home of of big crashes and huge smashes with an amazing lineup of demolition derbies. It’s motorhomes on Wednesday, minivans on Thursday, mini cars on Friday, the Orange Crush Demolition Derby on Saturday and the Emergency Pursuit Demolition Derby wraps up the action on Sunday.

All that music and excitement gets people in the mood to dance and sing. That’s where Fair After Dark comes in, featuring karaoke on Wednesday, country night on Thursday, dance party with DJ Narada on Friday, swing night on Saturday and Latin night on Sunday. All free at Plaza Pacifica Stage.

It’s also the last chance for Unlimited Ride Carnival Wristbands. The one-day wristbands can be used Wednesday and Thursday, 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. until 8 p.m. 

When you hit those games, you can go home a winner even if you don’t take the stuffed prize with you. This year the OC Fair is partnering with local Lions Clubs to provide donated carnival prizes to local children. OC Fair & Share boxes are located at each gate.

Get those final bites of OC Fair food – it won’t be back for another year. Get something big to share or graze your way through the fairgrounds taking advantage of $5 Taste of Fair, with smaller portions of fair favorites and new tastes for only $5 daily until 5 p.m.

On the OC Promenade Stage, OC Fair’s culinary and education team has sourced great activities to round out the final week. In addition to the nightly food eating competition (watermelon, funnel cakes, fried Oreos or Knott’s boysenberry pie, anyone?), on Saturday and Sunday Jeopardy master Isaac Hirsch will host a trivia contest and Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michocana will perform in the evenings. Also, magician Frank Thurston will perform his last audience-favorite shows.

What about wine? The final OC Fair weekend will feature wine seminars at The Courtyard with tastings including OC Fair Gold Medal-winning wines and food pairings. Topics include summer white wines, BBQ pairings, wine & cheese and Fair food pairings.

You can also take the Fair home with you: Hit the shopping buildings and get the only-at-the OC-Fair deals, grab take-and-bake options like cookie dough, cinnamon rolls and Ten Pound Buns. Another way to take the Fair home, is to purchase a piece of art that was entered in competitions. Visit the information desk in the Visual Arts Gallery to find out what’s for sale and how to buy it.

OC Fair details

Dates: July 17 – Aug. 16
Hours

  • Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight

Fair prices

  • Adults: $13 weekdays; $18 weekends
  • Youth (6-12): $9 daily
  • Seniors (65+): $10 daily
  • Children 5 and younger: Free
  • Every Day Passports are available for $60 and provide access any day of the Fair with no blackout dates
  • Arrive early and save with Smart Start! Enter the fairgrounds between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday or Thursday for just $11.
  • General parking: $15

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Cheap Trick replaces Joan Jett at Sept. 5 Pacific Amphitheatre show after injury

COSTA MESA (Aug. 6, 2026) – Pacific Amphitheatre has announced that Cheap Trick with special guest X will replace Joan Jett & The Blackhearts at a Sept. 5 concert following an injury.

Jett’s team released the following statement:

“Following a recent injury, Joan Jett has undergone orthopedic surgery on a fractured vertebrae and will begin the necessary healing process. In close consultation with her doctors, Joan will not be able to perform at her forthcoming September scheduled shows, including a Sept. 5 concert at Pacific Amphitheatre. While Joan hates to disappoint fans, she will be taking this time to focus on physical therapy and healing. She’s looking forward to delivering tremendous concerts for many years to come.”

Tickets for the show are available now at pacamp.com.

The OC Fair continues through Aug. 16 and post-Fair shows in Pacific Amphitheatre will take place through Sept. 6. The upcoming lineup includes artists such as Rebelution, AJR, Dwight Yoakam, Diana Ross and Boy George & Culture Club.

OC Fair details

Dates: July 17 – Aug. 16
Hours

  • Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
  • Closed Monday & Tuesday

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Exploring exhibits and celebrating Chicano heritage this week at OC Fair

COSTA MESA (Aug. 3, 2026) — Southern California’s talents and uniqueness are on full display at the OC Fair, running through Aug. 16. 

Fairgoers will find creativity and originality around every corner as friends and neighbors vie for blue ribbons or gather to celebrate together.

In exhibit buildings, throughout the fairgrounds, during special events and even in livestock barns, the OC Fair showcases all that makes our community special. And all are free with Fair admission.

Here are some great ways to tap into the excitement and variety you’ll find only at the OC Fair:

  • Celebrate the rich history, artistry and traditions of Chicano culture at the El Pachuco Zoot Suit Fashion Show & Lowrider Exhibit on Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Plaza Pacifica. Admire beautifully restored and custom-built lowriders while enjoying a Zoot Suit Fashion Show that explore the history, symbolism and lasting influence of this iconic style.
  • Immerse yourself in REWIND: A VHS Revival, a tribute to the VHS era, celebrating retro pop culture with hand-painted movie poster reproductions, soundtrack displays, live-painting demonstrations, a working ’80s vintage arcade and The Hitchcock speakeasy. Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the art.
  • Explore the work of featured artists Monica Esparza and Gil Ortega. The handcrafted artistry of guitar maker Esparza and the cultural legacy of street-scene painter Ortega celebrate heritage, tradition and community.
  • Dive into Orange County Sand and Sea, located in the OC Promenade. Discover iconic Orange County beachside landmarks, wander through culinary entries, explore a touch tank and take a deep dive into virtual reality.
  • You can’t win a blue ribbon if you don’t enter an OC Fair competition! Check out this year’s entries on display and get some ideas of what you can enter next year. Categories include Handcrafts & Fiber Arts, Table Settings, Collections, Fine Arts, Photography, Woodworking, Fruit & Vegetables and Cut Flowers.
  • Roam into the livestock area and find the rotating animal exhibits. You’ll find the Barnyard Fashion Parade, Aug. 5; Dairy Goats and Cattle, Aug. 5–9; Urban Chickens, Aug. 12–16; Global Livestock, Aug. 12–16; and The Friesian Horse Club of Southern California, Aug. 12–16.
  • Honor veterans at Heroes Hall by viewing Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam. This exhibit features 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. 

Exhibition buildings close at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  

OC Fair details

Dates: July 17 – Aug. 16
Hours

  • Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight

Fair prices

  • Adults: $13 weekdays; $18 weekends
  • Youth (6-12): $9 daily
  • Seniors (65+): $10 daily
  • Children 5 and younger: Free
  • Every Day Passports are available for $60 and provide access any day of the Fair with no blackout dates
  • Arrive early and save with Smart Start! Enter the fairgrounds between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday or Thursday for just $11.
  • General parking: $15

For tickets, promotions and complete event information, visit ocfair.com.

Categories

MORE AT OCFEC

Annual OC Fair
Pacific Amphitheatre
Centennial Farm
Heroes Hall
Imaginology

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