Sunday, July 19, 2020 (4:00 pm)

We took our mascot Olivia the Orange on a tour of Centennial Farm! Did you know our farm is a real working farm? We grow crops and have lots of animals including pigs, goats, cows and chickens. Our friend Evy has lots of fun facts to share with you.

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.”

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 (10:02 am)

Centennial Farm, which is currently closed to the public, sure does miss its after-school program, class tours and visitors. 

But in the meantime, we are doing what we can to help our community by donating produce to OC Food Bank. Our hard-working farm staff has harvested several pounds of carrots, different types of lettuce and more.

The farm staff is also making sure the livestock at Centennial Farm continues to be fed and cared for. Most of the rest of OC Fair & Event Center staff is working from home while the fairgrounds are closed.

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. 

Tuesday, September 10, 2019 (10:21 am)

There’s going to be a hoedown at Centennial Farm and the community is invited to join in to celebrate 30 years of agriculture education and fun.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 (11:39 am)

Centennial Farm is turning 30! Join us for a community BBQ celebration.

The Centennial Farm 30^th Anniversary Community BBQ and Hoedown is a family-friendly event with food, entertainment, games, farm tours and more for adults and children. The event will be held at Centennial Farm, the year-round working farm at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

All are welcome to celebrate 30 years of agriculture education provided to the community through after-school programs, garden and food preservation classes, Jr. Farmer Tours, field trips and the annual OC Fair.

When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2-6 p.m.

How much: Tickets are $25 through Oct. 4 and $30 at the door.  Get tickets now.

Saturday, August 10, 2019 (10:45 am)

When: Saturday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m.

Where: In front of Millennium Barn during the OC Fair

The winning couple of our Love is in the Fair wedding contest have been chosen and they’ll say “I do” in front of 20 of their guests — plus the entire OC Fair! The wedding will take place at 1 p.m. on Aug. 10 and will include the ceremony, special entertainers and an unforgettable OC Fair experience.

Meet the couple!

Names: Leslie Leong and Michael Nguyen

Professions: Leslie is a veterinary assistant/nursing student; Michael is a behavior analyst for children with autism 

How/when did you meet?

“In 2002, we met online in a music chat room, where Michael was trying to promote his high school band. We were internet friends for a long time. We didn’t meet in person until college. We lost touch for awhile but reconnected through social media and started dating four years ago.”

What do you like to do as a couple?

Camping, traveling, visiting national parks and laughing uncontrollably. 

Tell us about your engagement.

Michael: “I had several plans since January of this year, but our vacation plans kept getting cancelled for various reasons. On July 1, the day before our 4th anniversary, I decided I didn’t want to keep postponing it because it didn’t matter if we were on a mountain or by the ocean, as long as we were together. I cooked her dinner. Afterward, I let her “open her anniversary gift” early. Leslie collects rocks and crystals, so I hid the ring inside of a geode. After a short engagement, we finally got to take a short camping vacation. When we got reception, we learned we had won the contest!”

Why is the OC Fair special to the two of you?

“Our anniversary is July, so the OC Fair was one of the first public places we attended as a couple. We’ve been every year since 2015.”

What was it like trying to pull this all together in just a week? 

Michael: Vows are “til death do us part” and we managed to not kill each other. 

Leslie: It’s been stressful trying to get everything put together in a week, there’s so much to do and so many phone calls to make!

What do your friends and families think of this unusual wedding?

“Our family is more traditional so they think we’re crazy. Our friends say it’s a perfect fit.”

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 (3:25 pm)

A baby calf and baby piglets were recently born at Centennial Farm during the 2019 OC Fair.

On Tuesday, July 23, a baby calf was born and currently can be seen in the Century Barn in the Centennial Farm area.

On Wednesday, July 31, a Yorkshire mix sow  gave birth to several piglets. The mother will get a day to rest and get used to the little piglets before all will be on display at Centennial Farm.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 (12:15 pm)

We know you’re taking selfies. We see you with the clowns and in front of the rides, taking selfies with friends and loved ones. And we want you to win something for them!

From now through July 28, we’re hosting an OC Fair Selfie Scavenger Hunt! Below are zoomed-in photos of 10 different selfie spots throughout the fairgrounds. Find the spot, snap a selfie, and upload the image at contest.app.do/selfie-2615393. You get one entry per image – so if you find all 10, that’s 10 chances!

Now the prize: On July 29, we’ll randomly pick three winners to come on back to the OC Fair for its final week of the summer – on us! Each winner will get 4 tickets, 2 ride vouchers (good for 3 rides each!) and $20 in food vouchers. 

Let’s see those smiling selfies!! Enter on Facebook!

Tuesday, July 2, 2019 (2:48 pm)

Love is in the Fair! We know that couples love the OC Fair. It’s an amazing date-night destination, the best spot for a memorable first kiss and a magical place to get engaged.

We want to give one couple that loves the OC Fair almost as much as they love each other, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get married during the Fair. The wedding will take place Saturday, Aug. 10, at Millennium Barn with fairgoers, farm animals and clowns as special guests.

Imagine the story this lucky pair of OC Fair fans will have when someone asks about their wedding!

To enter the Love is in the Fair contest, couples must shoot a one-minute video showing why they are the perfect pair to get married at the OC Fair, post it on social media and tag it #ocfairwedding. We’ll announce the winners on Aug. 3 – one week before the big day.

More info is available at ocfair.com/wedding.