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Wednesday, June 3, 2026 (9:30 am)
Cottie Petrie-Norris recognizes 50 years of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition
Thank you to California State Assembly Member Cottie Petrie-Norris for recognizing the 50th anniversary of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition in the recent edition of her “Catching Up With Cottie” weekly newsletter.
“Congratulations to the Orange County Wine Society and OC Fair & Event Center on the 50th anniversary of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition! It was a pleasure for us to present resolutions honoring this remarkable milestone to both organizations in recognition of five decades of celebrating the art of winemaking and showcasing exceptional wines from across California and beyond. The OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition is a cherished tradition that highlights the incredible talent and craftsmanship of our winemakers, and we look forward to many more years of this celebrated event. Cheers to 50 years!”
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Wednesday, May 20, 2026 (10:00 am)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in June
Discovery Day at the Farm, June 1
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
- Self-guided tours
- Radish seed planting
- Chick education
- Oxen demonstration
- Crop education
When: Monday, June 1, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery DayWalk Intuit: Horses & Hearts Connection, June 6
Join our herd for a morning of connection with horses, community and nature. This special event is open to all ages and is a beautiful way to experience the healing bond between humans and animals.
When: Saturday, June 6
Session 1: 9:30–11 a.m.
Session 2: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $25. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk IntuitWalk Intuit: Our Space, Your Community Open House, June 12
Curious about what we do? Come visit our space and get a firsthand look at our programs and community!
During the open house, you can:
- Tour our new facility and see our spaces in action
- Meet our team and ask questions about our programs and services
- Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved
Whether you’re new to our organization or have been following us from afar, this is a great opportunity to connect, explore and discover what we’re all about.
When: Friday, June 12, 5–7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Registration is free. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk IntuitFuelFest, June 13
FuelFest Southern California is coming home! Join us at OC Fair & Event Center for the ultimate car show experience. See the Fairgrounds like never before as FuelFest takes over corner to corner with a massive car show, custom-built drift course, themed indoor and outdoor show zones, multiple stages, 75+ sponsor exhibits and more. There’s no better place to be!
When: Saturday, June 13, 2–9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, Main Mall, OC Promenade, Lots G & I
How much: General admission varies. Children 12 and younger are free. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit FuelFestHeroes Hall Speaker Series – Shooter: From Vietnam Combat to Presidential Portraits, June 13
Few photographers have witnessed history as intimately as David Hume Kennerly. A Pulitzer Prize winner for his Vietnam War coverage, he went on to serve as President Gerald Ford’s personal White House photographer. With seven books, an Emmy nomination and a new book and major exhibition both debuting this fall, don’t miss the chance to hear firsthand stories from someone who has spent 60 years at the center of it all.
When: Saturday, June 13, 2–3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Call 714-708-1613 to RSVPSoCal World Guitar Show, June 13 – 14
Bring all the musical instruments or related items you can carry to sell, trade or have appraised. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small cart with up to eight items to roll around the show
See everything from guitars, amps, banjos, mandolins, drums, violins, effects, memorabilia, sound gear, parts, records, books, clothing, accessories, builders, appraisers, repairmen and more!
When: Saturday & Sunday, June 13-14
Schedule:
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission is $25. Children 11 years and younger are admitted free with adult. Parking is free.
More info: Visit SoCal Guitar ShowFight Club OC, June 18
The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in Orange County! Boxing and MMA fights are presented by Roy Englebrecht Promotions.
When: Thursday, June 18
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission varies. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Fight Club OCOC MENA Festival, June 19 – 21
The OC MENA Festival is a three-day event that celebrates Middle Eastern and North African culture and its contributions to the world. Enjoy music, food, rides, art, community and much more.
When: Friday – Sunday, June 19-21, 11 a.m.–11:59 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: Admission varies. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC MENA FestivalCosta Mesa Speedway: Harley Night #2, June 20
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes – it’s a race night you won’t forget!
When: Saturday, June 20
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 6–7 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission, children 10 and younger are free. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa SpeedwayOC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, June 25
When: Thursday, June 25, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center Administration Building or virtually on Zoom.
More info: Visit Public MeetingsHeroes Hall Speaker Series: The Legacy of the Vietnam Vet: A Helicopter Door Gunner’s Journey, June 27
Frans VandenBroek immigrated to the U.S. from the Dutch East Indies at age 12 — and by 19 he was flying combat missions over Vietnam with the 68th Assault Helicopter Company. His 15-month tour included more than 1,000 combat flight hours and survival against incredible odds, and his stories are ones you’ll never forget.
When: Saturday, June 27, 2–3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Call 714-708-1613 to RSVPTNT Fireworks Stand, June 30 – July 4
Costa Mesa High School Baseball will be selling TNT Fireworks at this annual fundraiser.
When: Tuesday–Saturday, June 30–July 4
Schedule:
Tuesday, June 30, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Thursday, July 2, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday, July 3, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday, July 4, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa – Lot E (at the corner of Fairview and Arlington)
How much: Free admission & parking. Firework prices vary.
More info: Visit TNT Fireworks
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Jr. Farmer Tours – as well as daily hours so the public can visit our year-round working farm.
When: Monday – Friday, 1–4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial FarmFarmers Market
Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and a variety of offerings. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch, such as dumplings, burritos and more.
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 BureauHeroes Hall
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 rotates themes with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
The current exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam,” offers a powerful and immersive journey through one of modern history’s most complex and divisive conflicts. Through 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. On display through Sept. 20.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes HallThe Ranch Community Center
The Ranch Community Center celebrates horses, ranching and nature. Free and low-cost public programs are offered, including The Ranch Discovery Days, The Ranch After-School Program, horse shows and equine-assisted therapy. Visitors can connect with the equestrian community year-round during daily hours.
When: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays and all holidays.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit The RanchCentennial 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 rascals are up to!
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam
2026 OC Fair, July 17 – Aug. 16
We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 2026 OC Fair, “Your Adventure Awaits!” Get ready for 23 days of fun-filled live entertainment, exhibits, food, carnival rides, shopping and more!
When: July 17-Aug. 16
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Tickets and carnival deals are on sale now with value-packed bundles. Plus, don’t miss your chance to lock in last year’s prices!Admission presale
- Weekday adult: $13; weekend adult: $15 (weekend adult goes up to $18 after July 16)
- Kids (6–12): $9
- Seniors (65+): $9 (senior tickets increase to $10 after July 16)
Every Day Passport – come any day or every day
- $60; available online now
- Exclusive deals including two-for-one concerts and more
NEW Smart Start – early entry discount
- $11 adult; available through July 16
- Must enter the Fair between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays
NEW Carnival Dream Pass
- $46; available through July 16
- 10 rides or carnival games
- Must be purchased with an admission ticket
NEW Weekday Unlimited Family Bundle
- $150; introductory offer ends May 31
- 4 admission tickets (2 adult and 2 kids tickets)
- 2 Unlimited Ride Wristbands
- 2 $10 kids meals
NEW Family Dream Bundle
- $155; introductory offer ends May 31
- 4 admission tickets (2 adult and 2 kids tickets)
- 2 Carnival Dream Passes (10 rides or games – mix and match)
- 2 $10 kids meals
Parking: $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for buses and limos.
More info: Visit Your Adventure Awaits!
Coming up in July
City of Costa Mesa 4th of July Celebration, July 3
The City of Costa Mesa is hosting a free Independence Day Community Celebration on July 3 at the OC Fairgrounds.
Bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and blanket and create a memorable day as we celebrate our nation’s independence! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Glass containers and bottles are prohibited. No hard-sided coolers or outside alcohol permitted.
When: Friday, July 3, 5–11 p.m.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Firework show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How Much: Admission and parking are free.
More Info: Visit City of Costa MesaWalk Intuit: Our Space, Your Community Open House, July 10
Curious about what we do? Come visit our space and get a firsthand look at our programs and community!
During the open house, you can:
- Tour our new facility and see our spaces in action
- Meet our team and ask questions about our programs and services
- Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved
Whether you’re new to our organization or have been following us from afar, this is a great opportunity to connect, explore, and discover what we’re all about.
When: Friday, July 10, 5–7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Registration is free. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk IntuitWalk Intuit: Horses & Hearts Connection, July 11
Join our herd for a morning of connection with horses, community, and nature. This special event is open to all ages and is a beautiful way to experience the healing bond between humans and animals.
When: Saturday, July 11
Session 1: 9:30–11 a.m.
Session 2: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $25. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit -
Monday, May 4, 2026 (9:00 am)
OC Fair 2026 competitions invite Southern Californians to showcase their talents
COSTA MESA (May 4, 2026) – From quilts to cut flowers, competitions at the OC Fair bring out the best in Southern California skill and creativity.
Whether you’re confident your cheesecake is unbeatable or you’ve been told your woodworking deserves a spotlight, the 2026 Fair invites guests to compete for coveted blue ribbons—and ultimate bragging rights.
This year’s Fair runs July 17 through Aug. 16 at OC Fair & Event Center, celebrating the theme “Your Adventure Awaits!” Admission and entertainment tickets are available now at ocfair.com.
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, select competition categories will feature special theme awards recognizing excellence and celebrating the nation’s enduring spirit of achievement.
Participants are encouraged to submit entries soon, as deadlines for several popular contests are fast approaching:
Friday, May 15
Commercial Wine (entry and delivery deadline)Friday, May 15, by 6 p.m.
Hobbies & Handcrafts
Fine Art
Photography
WoodworkingWednesday, May 27
Home Wine (entry and delivery deadline)Monday, June 8, by 6 p.m.
Honey
Preserved Food & LiqueurWednesday, July 1, by 6 p.m.
Bars & Brownies
Cookies
Sugar Arts & Confections
Breads & PastriesTuesday, July 21, by 6 p.m.
Cakes & CupcakesTuesday, July 28, by 6 p.m.
Pies & CheesecakesEntry fees must be paid online. Participants should review individual competition guides for detailed information on entry delivery and pick up procedures.
Competitors can find full details and submit applications at ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests/.
For assistance with entries:
Phone: 714-708-1553 (Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Email: entries@ocfair.comAdditional inquiries can be directed to:
Entries Department: entries@ocfair.com
Visual Arts: visualarts@ocfair.com
Culinary Arts: culinary@ocfair.com
Hobbies & Handcrafts: hobbiesandhandcrafts@ocfair.comWith competitions spanning culinary arts, fine arts, crafts and more, the 2026 OC Fair offers something for every creator ready to share their passion. Enter today and be part of a summer tradition where talent takes center stage.