Tuesday, June 21, 2022 (2:54 pm)

Today we held auditions for our new Foodie, and this was one of our favorites – we hired them on the spot!

We thought it’d be the perfect way to introduce our Lemon’s name. *drumroll*

Meet SUNNY!!

This year, Sunny will join his Foodie friends Olivia (the Orange), Arturo the Churro, Cornelius and Strawberry Jan every day at the OC Fair.

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our naming contest on social media – we had 250+ votes! John Lemmon came in real close, and there were lots of votes for Twist/Twisty and Drop/Lemon Drop.

Some of the write-ins were also pretty great. We got tons of variations of Squeezy, Zesty, Lemony and Lemonade. Some of you went with citrus themed, suggesting names like Pucker, Sour and Tart. Others went literal with names like Meyer and Bonnie Brae. Lots recommended we name the Lemon after famous people or characters such as Miley Cytrus, Lemon Stefani, Jack Lemon, Liz Lemon LuluLemon and even Pikalemon. A few gave the Lemon fun last names like Bigfair, McLemonFace and Picket. We especially enjoyed the creative ones like Nomel (lemon spelled backwards) and the French-sounding Sunny Le Monet.

Don’t forget to say hi to Sunny this summer at the OC Fair!

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.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 (2:31 pm)

OC Fair has announced more if its 2022 summer entertainment lineup. Live music performances at Pacific Amphitheatre include Kool & the Gang with Sister Sledge on opening weekend, and Jim Gaffigan on Aug. 4.

Also performing during the OC Fair at The Hangar: Elton – The Early Years – A Tribute to Elton John, Dog N Butterfly – The Heart Experience and The Long Run – Experience the Eagles. OC Brew Hee Haw, the annual craft beer festival, will return this summer at a new venue: Action Sports Arena.

Tickets for these shows will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster.

COMING TO PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE

Kool & the Gang with Sister Sledge
July 15, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $39.50-$79.50

Get ready for a dance-filled summer night with Kool & the Gang and special guest Sister Sledge. Formed as a jazz ensemble in the mid-’60s, Kool & the Gang became one of the most inspired and influential funk units during the ’70s, and one of the most popular R&B groups of the ’80s after their breakout hit “Celebration.” They’ll follow Sister Sledge, the sibling vocal group behind the anthem “We Are Family.”

Jim Gaffigan
Aug. 4, 2022, 8:15 p.m.
Tickets are $55-$95

It’s about time for some belly laughs. Jim Gaffigan is a five-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, best-selling author, two-time Emmy-winning top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling recording artist. He is known for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around his observations on life. Gaffigan recently released his seventh stand up special, Quality Time, with Amazon Studios, making history as their first original comedy special. He also continues to tour around the world.

COMING TO THE HANGAR

Elton – The Early Years – A Tribute to Elton John
July 21, 2022, 8:15 p.m.
Tickets are $20-$25

Accomplished musician and vocalist, Kenny Metcalf recreates the multiple Grammy-winning legend and flamboyant superstar in each and every performance. Dazzling outfits, stunning vocals, and a spectacular backing band complete this reproduction that brings the audience on an adventure of both sight and sound.

Dog N Butterfly – The Heart Experience
July 29, 2022, 8:15 p.m.
Tickets are $20-$25

Created in late 2003, Dog N Butterfly is a five-piece band dedicated to bringing their talent and love of Heart’s memorable music to the stage. Complete with retro-inspired costume and dance, Dog N Butterfly performs all the ’70s hits as well as the chart-toppers that brought Heart back into the lime light in the ’80s.

The Long Run – Experience the Eagles
Aug. 4, 2022, 8:15 p.m.
Tickets are $20-$25

The Long Run is a hard-working tribute act from Los Angeles dedicated to faithfully recreating the timeless music of The Eagles. Marked by lush harmonies and exceptional musical accuracy, every performance delivers a reverence for the beloved Eagles recordings, blended with TLR’s own live-concert personality.

COMING TO ACTION SPORTS ARENA

OC Brew Hee Haw – A Craft Beer Roundup
Tickets are $50 (GA) / $60 (VIP) / $25-$30 (no-alcohol tickets)
Session 1: July 15, 6 p.m. (VIP) / 7 p.m. (GA)
Sessions 2: July 16, 12:30 p.m. (VIP) / 1:30 p.m. (GA)
Sessions 3: July 16, 6:30 p.m. (VIP) / 7:30 p.m. (GA)

Following another record-breaking year, the 8th Annual OC Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup will return to the OC Fair on July 15 & 16, 2022! In addition to delicious unlimited beer tastings, each session will include entertainment with epic themes in their genres by some great live music. Band information to be announced, so stay tuned!

Tickets to these shows go on sale to the public Saturday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster. Tickets to concerts occurring during the OC Fair include same-day admission to the OC Fair. The 2022 OC Fair is July 15-Aug. 14, open Wednesday-Sunday. Advance tickets are required.

Monday, November 29, 2021 (10:00 am)

OC Fair has announced its first shows to go on sale for the 2022 summer season at Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar. Live music performances include Steve Miller Band, ABBA LA and Bee Gees Gold, Which One’s Pink?, 24K Magic, and the brand new show LA Sound Machine.

Tickets for these shows will go on sale Saturday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster.

COMING TO PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE
Steve Miller Band
August 25, 2022, 8:15 p.m.
Tickets are $55-$100

The classic rock band will headline at Pacific Amphitheatre in a special post-Fair performance on Aug. 25, 2022. The beauty and immediacy of Steve Miller’s work, whether at its most playful or most serious, is palpable. Steve Miller Band’s most recent performance at Pac Amp was in 2018; it was a sell-out show.

ABBA LA and Bee Gees Gold
July 23, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
All seats are $20!

ABBA LA is a Los Angeles-based tribute band that celebrates the timeless music of ABBA. They’re pairing up with Bee Gees Gold, the ultimate experience of seeing the Bee Gees in their prime, live once again. This combo tribute performance is being dubbed “The Greatest Show That Never Was,” and all seats are just $20.

COMING TO THE HANGAR
SOLD-OUT SHOW IN 2021
Which One’s Pink? – A Tribute to the Music of Pink Floyd
July 23, 2022, 8:15 p.m.
Tickets are $20-$25

Los Angeles-based Which One’s Pink? offers a live performance of classic Pink Floyd music with a stunning display of vocals and visual effects. This fan-favorite tribute show sold out during the 2021 OC Fair.

NEW TO THE HANGAR
LA Sound Machine – #1 Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine Tribute
July 24, 2022, 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20-$25

LA Sound Machine is an eight-member band that has great stage rapport, attributed to their experiences together in other projects. This brand new show comes to The Hangar to bring you the multi-Grammy Award winner’s greatest hits in high-energy style. The lead singer embodies Gloria Estefan in vocal quality and stage persona, while the backup singers and rhythm section expertly recreate the moves and enthusiasm of the Miami Sound Machine in concert. LA Sound Machine highlights all of Gloria’s mega-hits from the 80s to today.

SOLD-OUT SHOW IN 2021
24 Karat Magic! – The #1 Bruno Mars Tribute Band
July 28, 2022, 8:15 p.m.
Tickets are $20-$25

24K Magic’s high energy show will have you singing and dancing to all the hits you know and love, like “Uptown Funk,” “Locked Out of Heaven” and, of course, “24K Magic.” The musicians of 24K Magic have worked with the music industry’s best. Together they deliver the ultimate Bruno Mars concert experience, which sold out during the 2021 OC Fair.

Tickets to these shows go on sale to the public Saturday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster. Tickets to concerts occurring during the OC Fair include same-day admission to the OC Fair. The 2022 OC Fair is July 15-Aug. 14 (tentative dates), open Wednesday-Sunday. Advance tickets are required. More information about the 2022 OC Fair will come early next year, and additional shows will be announced through June.

RESCHEDULED SHOWS ALSO ON SALE
These shows were originally scheduled for 2021 and rescheduled for 2022 at Pacific Amphitheatre. They are on sale now.

Trevor Noah
July 16, 2022, 8 p.m.
Tickets are $45-$75

Monday, November 15, 2021 (3:31 pm)

Community Entertainment

Share your talent! Whether you sing, dance or play – solo or as part of a group – the OC Fair Community Entertainment program provides the stages where you can shine.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 4, at 5 p.m.

Apply Now

Vendor Information

Do you sell the best food or product in the county? Become a commercial vendor or concessionaire at the 2022 OC Fair.  Applications will be accepted until Dec. 10, 2022 (returning vendors) and March 4, 2022 (new vendors).

Apply Now

Wednesday, August 11, 2021 (4:45 pm)

Country artist Hank Williams Jr. will appear in concert at Pacific Amphitheatre on Sept. 23. Special guest Jackson Dean will perform with Williams at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, and tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Aug. 13 on Ticketmaster.

On Sept. 11, Pacific Symphony will perform Tchaikovsky’s thrilling “1812” Overture, complete with pyrotechnics, in Pacific Amphitheatre. Plus, critically acclaimed pianist and International Tchaikovsky Competition Silver Medalist George Li will join the orchestra to perform Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. The concert is Saturday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$99 and are available via pacificsymphony.org.

Thursday, March 25, 2021 (11:08 am)

Today the OC Fair announced dates for the much-anticipated annual event – July 16- Aug. 15. The theme is “Time for Fun,” celebrating the joy of the return of Southern California’s favorite summer festival.

“We are grateful to plan for an exciting, and safe, OC Fair this year,” said OC Fair Board Chair Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia. “This milestone will allow the community to come together to celebrate the future and generate much-needed opportunities for economic development and growth in Orange County. The Board and staff have done a fantastic job of responsibly managing our finances and preparing to meet safe reopening guidelines to not just make it through the pandemic, but to emerge resilient and ready for 2021 and beyond.”

OC Fair officials have been working closely with public health agencies to develop protocols to keep fairgoers safe while bringing back carnival rides, fair food, entertainment, competitions, animals and more to fair fans. The plans for the 2021 OC Fair are based on health agency projections for the summer, but could change if warranted by public health conditions.

Advance ticket sales will be required and limited capacity will give fairgoers more elbow room. The number of concessions, rides and shopping vendors will be reduced and spaced out to provide more distance between each. Admission tickets will go on sale May 1 on ocfair.com.

“We have worked through many different scenarios for the 2021 OC Fair and we are so excited to move forward with this plan because it means that we really can bring back the fun, and that’s why I love this year’s theme,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “We want everyone to continue to follow health guidelines and get vaccinated so we can finally celebrate summer together again.”

The Fair Board voted to keep ticket prices at the 2019 OC Fair rates, $12 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday), and $14 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The current plan is for the fair to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as it traditionally has been. There is a change to move Friday into weekend pricing and OC Fair will absorb the online ticket sale fees.

Announcements regarding concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar will be coming soon.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 (11:53 am)

Autosonic Concerts presents a second drive-in concert experience Sept. 25, 26 and 27 at OC Fair & Event Center, adding another weekend of  live summer music under the stars.

The music series will feature performances by live tribute bands with two 60-minute shows nightly that concertgoers can enjoy from the comfort of their own vehicles. In addition to viewing the live performances on stage and on large screens, the music will be broadcast to car radios.

When: Friday, Sept. 25, 6:30 & 9 p.m. featuring Which One’s Pink? / Saturday, Sept. 26, 6:30 & 9 p.m. featuring Queen Nation / Sunday, Sept. 27, 6 & 8:30 p.m. featuring Dead Man’s Party
How much: $75-$199 per vehicle (up to 4 people per vehicle)
More info: Visit autosonicconcerts.com for details, maps and tickets.

Monday, April 27, 2020 (9:52 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors voted unanimously today to cancel the 2020 OC Fair, one of the most anticipated and enduring summer celebrations in Southern California for 130 years. The Board considered ongoing guidance and updated information from State and County health care and government officials about the status of the coronavirus pandemic and the improbability that mass gatherings like the OC Fair could safely and responsibly take place this summer.

In addition to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the Board called a second April meeting specifically to review all options and discuss whether or not to move forward with the 2020 OC Fair. The action comes amid unprecedented community stay-at-home and social distancing orders and will protect guests, vendors and staff during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The decision to cancel the 2020 OC Fair was not taken lightly by the Board. As Governor-appointed representatives the Board has a responsibility to provide a safe experience to the community-at-large, the hundreds of people who depend on county fairs for their livelihood, fairgoers and OC Fair staff,” said Board Chair Sandra Cervantes. “While many of our guests have expressed extreme disappointment over the idea of the 2020 Fair being canceled, we strongly believe it is the right thing to do in this current situation. However, we will keep the spirit of the OC Fair alive with virtual fair concepts such as contests, competitions, entertainment and concessions to bring the fair experience to guests through ocfair.com and social media.”

The 23-day OC Fair welcomes more than 1.3 million fairgoers each year and has an estimated economic impact of $350 million annually. The Fair was canceled 1942-1947 during wartime, but otherwise has been a summer staple since 1890. Information on refunds for concert tickets and Super Passes that have already been purchased can be found at ocfair.com/refunds.

“We love the OC Fair as much as our guests do. And, while it’s disappointing that the Fair can’t take place this year, we fully support the Board’s decision,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “But please know OC Fair & Event Center will still be here to serve the community as we plan for the next OC Fair and the eventual return of our wonderful events.”

Thursday, March 12, 2020 (7:16 pm)

(Updated June 11, 202o) 

Out of an abundance of caution and to help stem the spread of coronavirus, OC Fair & Event Center announces a full public closure of the facilities, including Heroes Hall Veterans Museum, Centennial Farm, Equestrian Center and the administration building lobby until further notice.

OC Fair & Event center will continue to follow public health directives.

The following events previously scheduled to take place at OC Fair & Event Center have been impacted: 

• Orange County Market Place – weekends, canceled until further notice
• Farmers Market – Thursdays, canceled until June 18
• OC Wine Fest – June 13-14, canceled
• BrideWorld – June 14, canceled
• OC Market Place Taco Fest – June 20, canceled
• Costa Mesa Speedway – June 20, canceled
• FamFest – June 20-21, canceled
• Pacific Symphony – July 4 & Aug. 21, canceled
• 2020 OC Fair – July 17-Aug. 16, canceled
• SoCal World Guitar Show – Aug. 22-23, canceled
• Irish Festival – Sept. 5-6, canceled

The following is a list of events originally scheduled for earlier this year that have been rescheduled for a later date: 

• AAOC Trade Show and Conference – March 26, postponed to Sept. 10
• Mom Made Market – March 28-29, postponed to Oct. 10-11
• Fight Club – April 9 & June 11, postponed until Oct. 15 & Nov. 12
• OC Marathon – May 1-3, postponed to Nov. 6-8
• OC Night Market – May 8-10 & May 15-17, postponed to Oct. 23-25 & Oct. 30-Nov. 1 

For a complete list of upcoming scheduled events, please visit ocfair.com/events.