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Monday, June 5, 2023 (5:02 pm)
What’s going on at the OC Fairgrounds in June
Discovery Day at the Farm, June 1
Visit Centennial Farm for self-guided tours, radish seed planting, chick education, oxen demonstration, crop education and more!
When: Thursday, June 1, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free Admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Discovery Days
626 Night Market, June 2-4
626 Night Market is back at 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 this season!
When: June 2-4, 4–11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade, Lot I/G
How much: General admission for adult, senior and children $5. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $12
More info: Visit 626 Night Market
OC Fair’s Job Fair, June 3
Join us for a job fair to learn about the 1,000+ openings for ages 16 and up. We’ll be conducting walk-up interviews and making offers on the spot. Resumes recommended but not required. Bring family and friends who are looking for a fun summer job!
When: Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot F
How much: Free admission and parking; enter at Gate 4 off Arlington.
More information: Apply ahead at OC Fair Jobs
Fight Club OC, June 8
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, June 8, 6–10 p.m.
Schedule:
Baja Blues happy hour 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Hangar doors 6 p.m.
First fight 7 p.m.Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: $60 general admission. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
626 Night Market, June 9–11
626 Night Market is back at 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 this season!
When: June 9–11, 4–11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade, Lot I/G
How much: General Admission for Adult, Senior and Children $5. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $12
More info: Visit 626 Night Market
Repticon, June 17–18
Experience the animal kingdom in an exotic way. Explore rows of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and more! Everything you need to keep your critters happy will be available. Join your friends and make new ones at a celebration of reptiles and their connoisseur.
When: Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: General adult admission $12, children 5-12 $6, children under 4 are free. Military and teachers are free with ID. Super tickets $15 for both days. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Repticon Reptile Shows
SoCAL World Guitar Show, June 17–18
International buy-sell-trade event. Get bids from several exhibitors to quickly establish the market value of your item and proceed to sell or trade with confidence.
When: Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission $20; children under 11 are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Amigo Guitar Shows
Costa Mesa Speedway: Harley Night #2, June 17
Harley Night #2 / Speedway / Sidecars
When: Saturday, June 17, gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 for juniors ages 13-17, seniors (65+) and active military; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, June 22
When: Thursday, June 22, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings
Costa Mesa High School Baseball, June 30 – July 4
Costa Mesa High School Baseball will sell safe and sane TNT fireworks.
When: Friday, June 30, 12–10 p.m.
Saturday – Monday, July 1 – 3, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday, July 4, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Firework prices vary. Free Admission and parking.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa High School Baseball
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
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: 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 open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
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 Museum open Wed.-Sun.
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Exhibit: ‘Armed Only With A Camera’ through Sept. 2023
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.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Looking ahead to July
OC Fair, July 14 – Aug. 13
The 2023 OC Fair is starting to come alive and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for “Happy Together.” Advance ticket purchase is required as we are limiting the number of admission tickets available for each day. Choose your days and plan your summer! Bonus: No service fees on OC Fair admission tickets!
When: July 14 – 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 info: Visit OC Fair
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Monday, May 8, 2023 (9:00 am)
Veterans Storytelling Project is returning to Heroes Hall May 13 with four speakers
COSTA MESA – VOICES Veterans Storytelling Project returns to Heroes Hall on Saturday, May 13, at 5 p.m. for a new installment of powerfully captivating stories from those who served our country.
The public event is the culmination of a six-week veterans’ initiative, which provides servicemembers with a creative outlet and empowers them to share their memories of military duty and how their experiences have shaped them.
Participants in this VOICES installment will include:
Jersson Nieto of Baldwin Park, U.S. Army, Sergeant – 2015-2023
Khang Phi of Anaheim, U.S. Army, Specialist – 2004-2007
Tori Rhoades of Fullerton, U.S. Marines, Corporal – 1994-2000
Elizabeth Rocha of Orange, U.S. Marines, Sergeant – 2015-2020The evening will be facilitated by Giovanni Berdejo a former sergeant who served in the U.S. Army from 2002- 2010. Berdejo is the author of “One Angry Veteran,” and he narrated his own VOICES story in 2020.
Held at Heroes Hall at OC Fair & Event Center, VOICES is a collaboration with Arts Orange County and Tierney Center for Veteran Services, and is supported through grants from the California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Orange County Community Foundation, Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation and the William J. Gillespie Foundation. The program began in 2015 as a way to help address issues raised in the Orange County Community Foundation 2014 report, “The State of the American Veteran: The Orange County Veterans Study,” which found that military veterans coming home to Orange County are significantly underprepared for civilian life.
RSVP for VOICES at voicesmay2023.eventbrite.com. The event is free and open to the public. The staged reading is suggested for mature audiences.
Heroes Hall is a permanent year-round veterans museum and education center at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. The museum features exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. For more information, visit ocfair.com/heroeshall or call (714) 708-1500.
Arts Orange County is a nonprofit, countywide arts council and its mission is to be the leader in building appreciation of, participation in, and support for the arts and arts education throughout Orange County. For more information, visit artsoc.org or call (714) 556-5160.
Goodwill of Orange County’s Tierney Center for Veteran Services is a global approach to serving veterans and their families. The center serves all veterans in Orange County, including immediate family members and military personnel and families. For more information, visit ocgoodwill.org/tierney-center.
OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is home to the annual OC Fair and Imaginology. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. Throughout the year events ranging from recreation shows to cultural festivals are held at the fairgrounds. For more information, visit ocfair.com.
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Thursday, May 4, 2023 (10:20 am)
Employees seeking great summer jobs are needed to put on the annual OC Fair
COSTA MESA – OC Fair & Event Center needs seasonal workers who are looking for terrific summer jobs and a fun way to earn some income. The theme of this year’s Fair is “Happy Together!”
About 1,000 seasonal employees are needed for the 2023 OC Fair. Job postings are available at ocfair.com/jobs for people 16 and older. Hiring has begun for several positions, with some start dates closer to the 2023 OC Fair, July 14-Aug. 13.
Most open positions are seasonal, part-time with opportunities to build exhibits, work as a ticket taker, administrative assistant or customer service representative. Departments such as parking, security, janitorial, landscaping, maintenance and admissions are also seeking workers.
There are also some year-round jobs available.
Perks include free admission to the OC Fair, the option to purchase discounted tickets for friends and family and the opportunity to win a Fair employee scholarship.
Employees will need to follow all health and safety precautions in place at OC Fair & Event Center. More specific information will be provided to applicants and will be based on current protocols from public health agencies.
For more information, visit ocfair.com/jobs or contact the human resources department at 714-708-1563, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Job fair, June 3
OC Fair & Event Center will be hosting a hiring event on June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. On-site interviews will take place and applications will be accepted on the spot. Visit ocfair.com/jobs to view open positions. Resumes will be accepted, but are not required.
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Tuesday, May 2, 2023 (9:59 am)
OC Fair competition deadlines are near – how to bring home a blue ribbon this year
COSTA MESA – Calling all artists, growers and creators! OC Fair’s competition entry deadlines are quickly approaching.
For the 2023 OC Fair, everyone is invited to showcase their talents by participating in more than 20 competitions in the visual arts, culinary, home arts and hobbies, wine, horticulture and livestock categories.
Competitions this year include:
Visual Arts
Fine Arts
Photography
WoodworkingHome Arts & Hobbies
Collections
Fiber Arts
Hand Crafts
Jewelry Arts
Table SettingHorticulture
Container Plants
Cut Flowers
Floral Arrangements
Fruits & Vegetables
Pressed BotanicalsCulinary
Bars & Brownies
Cookies
Honey
Pies & Cheesecakes
Preserved Food & Liqueur
Sugar Arts & Confections
Yeast & Quick BreadsWine
Commercial Wine
Home WineLivestock
Breeding Livestock Shows
Market Livestock ShowsThere are also designated divisions and separate competitions for youth.
Deadlines for entries vary based on category. Competition Guides are available at ocfair.com/competitions. The guides detail rules, regulations, important dates and more. Some competitions are free to enter.
The first 2023 deadline for commercial wines, is slated to close May 19. Table settings, a fan favorite, has exceeded entries and is now closed.
Results for the 2022 OC Fair Competitions are available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests/results/.
ABOUT THE 2023 OC FAIR
“Happy Together” is the theme of this year’s OC Fair, which takes place July 14-Aug. 13. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
New this year, the OC Fair is offering an Every Day Passport which allows guests to enjoy the Fair any day or every day of the 2023 season – no reservations or restrictions. The Every Day Passport is on sale now for $60, while supplies last.
There is limited daily capacity at the OC Fair and advance admission ticket purchase is required – tickets are on sale now. Prices are $13 general admission 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. The OC Fair will absorb transaction fees. Parking is $12; $24 for buses and limos.
Tickets are on sale for performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena and The Hangar. Carnival tickets are also on sale with a $44 discounted ride wristband available for purchase until July 14. Guests can access unlimited rides and two free games from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wristbands must be redeemed by 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For more information, visit ocfair.com. Photos and video for media are available here.
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Monday, April 24, 2023 (9:15 am)
What’s going on at the OC Fairgrounds in May
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 3
Visit Centennial Farm for self-guided tours, radish seed planting, chick education, oxen demonstration, crop education and more!
When: Wednesday, May 3, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free Admission and parking
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Discovery Days
The SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival, May 5-7
Celebrate Orange County at the 19th Annual OC Running Festival. Event weekend includes OC Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Kids Run the OC and the Celebrate OC 5K.
When: May 5-7
Schedule:
OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo – Friday, May 5, 4-8 p.m. & Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kids Run the OC – Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m.-noon
Celebrate OC 5K – Saturday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. (Finish Line Festival is 1-7 p.m.)
SDCCU OC Half Marathon start – Sunday, May 7, 6:15 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
SDCCU OC Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 5:30 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 is $12.
More info: Visit ocmarathon.com
Gem Faire, May 12-14
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, May 12, noon-6 p.m.
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday)
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $7 general admission; free for kids 11 and younger. Parking is $12.
More information: Visit gemfaire.com or email info@gemfaire.com
Centennial Farm Workshop: It’s Tea Time – How to host a TEA-rific tea party for any occasion, May 13
Learn the art of brewing hot and cold teas. Indulge in a delectable spread of traditional treats that will transport you to the heart of England. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or simply looking to add the charm of a classic tea party to your next social gathering, this class is perfect for you.
When: Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
RSVP online by May 10. Availability is limited.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $30 fee covers ingredients and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
VOICES: Veterans Storytelling Project, May 13
Heroes Hall in collaboration with Arts Orange County will present “Voices: Veterans Storytelling Project.” The free event will feature local veterans reading their stories.
When: Saturday, May 13, 5-7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall
How much: Free Admission
More info: RSVP at Voices Projects, or visit Arts Orange County for additional details
Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night, May 13
Knobby Night / Speedway / Juniors
When: Saturday, May 13, 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 for juniors ages 13-17, $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
SOS 30th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 18
The biggest fundraising event for Share Our Shelves. All proceeds from the event go toward providing critical social services, alleviating food insecurity and health care that is affordable and accessible to the underserved and underinsured in our community.
When: Thursday, May 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Plaza Pacifica
How much: General Admission: $85. Early bird general admission sale ends April 30.
Parking is free in Lot E & F
More info: RSVP at Share Our Shelves
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 18
Visit Centennial Farm for self-guided tours, radish seed planting, chick education, oxen demonstration, crop education and more!
When: Thursday, May 18, 9 a.m.- noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free Admission and parking
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Discovery Days
Sand Sport Super Swap, May 20
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 20, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I
How much: Presale tickets (until May 19 online only) are $5; day-of-show tickets are $10 (online and onsite); children 12 & younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sand Sports Super Show
Costa Mesa Speedway: Speedway / Hooligans, May 20
Speedway / Hooligans
When: Saturday, May 20, 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 for juniors ages 13-17, $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Jan. 26
When: Thursday, May 25, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
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 ocfarmbureau.org
Centennial Farm open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
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 Museum open Wed.-Sun.
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Exhibit: ‘Armed Only With A Camera’ through Sept. 2023
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.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Looking ahead to June
OC Fair Job Fair
Join us for a job fair to learn about the 1,000+ openings for those 16 and older. We’ll be conducting walk-up interviews. Resumes are recommended but not required. Bring family and friends who are looking for a fun summer job!
Hours: Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event – Lot F
How much: Free admission and parking; enter at Gate 4 off Arlington Drive.
More info: Apply ahead at OC Fair Jobs