Tuesday, July 2, 2024 (3:42 pm)

COSTA MESA (July 2, 2024) – It’s summer and the annual OC Fair is returning on July 19 for its full 23-day run, bringing the fun through Aug. 18. The theme is “Always a Good Time!”

The fairgrounds’ team is working hard to make sure that kids and families have plenty of opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Rides are rolling in, gigantic stuffed animals are taking their places in game booths, farm animals are getting gussied up and entertainers are polishing up their acts for fairgoers.

It’s time to get tickets and plan this summer’s OC Fair adventure. Advance ticket purchase is required – no transaction fees – and daily capacity is limited; visit ocfair.com or download the OC Fair 2024 mobile app. Days will sell out – don’t miss out!

What’s happening at the Fair?

So many activities and things to see are free with Fair admission. Even the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, The Great American Petting Farm and the Orange County Sand and Sea Exhibit are free!

Things to do

• For kids of all ages, Explorium returns to OC Promenade with new and special activities designed to help everyone learn about the unique Orange County coastline at the Sand and Sea exhibit. Visitors explore sea life in a touch tank and take a deep dive with virtual reality.
• Ever dreamed of singing with a real band? You can do it at the OC Fair! Venture over to Live Band Karaoke in Plaza Pacifica to take the microphone or just be entertained each evening.
• Fairgoers can meet the OC Fair’s costumed characters, the beloved Foodies! Strawberry Jan, Olivia Orange, Sunny Lemon, Carl Cotton Candy and Cornelious Corn are out at various times during the day and are happy to take photos with fairgoers. Too cute!
• The Magic of Frank Thurston brings laughs and surprises to the OC Promenade stage daily. Kids can even participate in the show!
• What’s more fun than a classic pie-eating contest? Contestants can try to be the fastest to chow down a Knott’s Berry Farm boysenberry pie slice or dig into a juicy hunk of watermelon to win a prize.
• Insider tip: Carnival tickets and wristbands are available online for a discount through July 18. The Read and Ride program offers kids 5-11 two free rides in Kidland for reading three books and filling out the online form.

Things to see

• All-Alaskan Racing Pigs will be back on their track in Plaza Pacifica – fairgoers can cheer on their favorites as the little porkers cavort around the course.
• In the Livestock area, there are more animals to teach and entertain. Displays will feature pygmy goats, llamas, global livestock, urban chickens and miniature donkeys.
• At Centennial Farm, the resident animal educators will teach visitors about farm life and fairgoers can check out California crops. Learn about beekeeping, gardening and growing rare fruit.
• Action Sports Arena is back with comedy hypnotism, demolition derbies, monster trucks and BMX bike shows. The new Chris Mabrey Comedy Hypnotist show is free with Fair admission.
• Local residents showcase their talents and attempt to take home coveted OC Fair blue ribbons in categories like photography, fine art, woodworking, floral arrangements, table-setting, cake decorating and growing flowers, vegetables and fruit. Check out the competitions in Visual Arts, Home Arts and OC Promenade. Some entries are still open, visit ocfair.com for more information.

Things to eat and drink

• The popular Taste of the Fair is back and better than ever with smaller-size food options for just $5 every day until 4 p.m. View the menus here.
• Creative concessionaires are cooking up some typically outrageous Fair food so guests looking for something new will not be disappointed. Feeling brave? Try a Dr. Pepper Pickle Soda or Bacon Churro Fries.
• Fairgoers will also enjoy their favorites, including classic funnel cakes, serious BBQ, deep-fried treats, cinnamon rolls, family-sized pizza, exotic floats, ice cream and everything on a stick. There are many options suitable for sharing.
• Adults looking for a break can hit The Courtyard, where award-winning OC Fair wines and a variety of others are served in a shady spot.
• Insider tip: Bring reusable containers to take along extras or purchase take-and-bake options like cookies, pizza and cheesy bread to enjoy more Fair food at home.

Things to hear

• Local talent is on display on community stages every day and night of the Fair. Watch friends, neighbors and up-and-coming performers give it all they’ve got. Look for acoustic music, rock performances, country music, dance groups and more.
• There’s music every night coming from the shows in The Hangar and fairgoers can dance and sing along, enjoying the party in the Main Mall.
• Pacific Amphitheatre is home to amazing shows under the stars. Performances include comedian Trevor Noah, concerts by The Fab Four & The Monkee Men, Stray Cats, Walker Hayes and Kool & the Gang.
• In The Hangar, tribute bands Red Corvette, Twisted Gypsy, No Duh and The Long Run join Embajadores del Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez over the course of the Fair.
• Tickets are available now for all shows at ocfair.com.

Key things to know about the 2024 OC Fair – July 19-Aug. 18

• A limited number of tickets are available each day – dates will sell out
• Advance online ticket sales are required – no transaction fees
• Tickets are good only for the date purchased; please choose days carefully – no refunds
• With the Every Day Passport fairgoers can enjoy the Fair any day or every day for $60 with no restrictions or blackout dates – quantities are limited

Same-day Fair admission is included with tickets to performances during the Fair

OC Fair schedule

• 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
• 11 a.m. – midnight Friday & Saturday
• General admission tickets – no fees: $13 weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Tickets for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) are $9 every day and children 5 and younger are always free.

Special deals

• Every Day Passports give fairgoers access to the Fair any day or every day for $60 – while supplies last. No restrictions or blackout days!
• Purchase carnival tickets and wristbands online in advance until opening day at discounted prices.
• $5 Taste of Fair is now every day until 4 p.m. Fairgoers can enjoy taste-size portions of Fair food favorites for only $5 each.

Free with OC Fair admission

• Exhibits and demonstrations – check out blue-ribbon winners, explore handcrafts and woodworking, marvel at large-scale album-cover art and get great tips from chefs during culinary demos
• Visit the Art of Music Experience to wander through more than 150 hand-painted recreations, neon and displays, a themed cocktail lounge, a pop-up record store or participate in one of the many interactive experiences
• Performances on community stages and nightly fun – see local talent, sing karaoke with a live band, catch a show in Baja Bar & Grill and dance in La Cantina
• Animal experiences – visit Centennial Farm’s animal educators, All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, livestock displays and Great American Petting Farm
• New – hypnotist Chris Mabrey performs free in Action Sports Arena, Aug. 7-11

Ticketed performances

• Shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena are on sale now – some performances are selling out. Shows start July 9 and run through Sept. 14. More information is at ocfair.com/entertainment. Please arrive early to avoid traffic
• The 2024 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news & information and tickets. Search for “OC Fair 2024” in your app store

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 (9:30 am)

The OC Fair is “Always a Good Time” and this year we’re bringing you more food, more rides, more entertainment and more fun to keep the good times rolling from July 19 – Aug. 18. With so much in store, we thought a few pointers for our most loyal fans were in order. So, without further ado, here’s the inside scoop on making the most of your time at the 2024 OC Fair. See you on the Fairgrounds!

Daily capacity is limited and advance admission purchase is required. Bonus: no transaction fees on Fair admission tickets! Visit ocfair.com/tickets or download the OC Fair 2024 mobile app for information on daily activities, maps, news & information and to purchase tickets or the Every Day Passport.

OC FAIR HOURS
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
11 a.m. to midnight Friday & Saturday

OC FAIR ADMISSION
$13 Wednesday & Thursday
$15 Friday – Sunday
$9 for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids 5 and younger

The popular Every Day Passport returns for another year. Enjoy the Fair any day or every day – no restrictions or blackout dates!

Passports are available for $60. Availability is limited and the offer is valid while supplies last. To purchase, visit ocfair.com/everydaypass.

It’s Always A Good Time…

It’s always a good time to wander through art galleries and rows of shopping, make new animal friends, taste new and exotic foods, or simply spend time with family and friends on the Fairgrounds. We’re bringing art, entertainment, new foods, and fun and interactive experiences the whole family will love.

To make new memories

Orange County Sand and Sea in the OC Promenade is sure to make a splash with kids and families! Prepare to be transported to Orange County’s beach communities while learning about the ongoing ocean and conservancy efforts in play to preserve aquatic life and our beaches. Day trip down the OC Coastline, learn about famous landmarks and take a dive under the sea with a live touch tank and VR experience. Partake in a variety of engaging, hands-on crafts and activities, including a stimulating scavenger hunt!

Heroes Hall is the place to be to check out two exhibits, “The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen” featuring the paintings, photography and memorabilia of a combat artist, and “The SAAAB Story” which tells the history of the Santa Ana Army Air Base that operated on the Fairgrounds from 1942 to 1946. While you’re there, don’t forget to write and decorate postcards that will be sent to veterans and active duty service members, handle and wear military artifacts at the Hands-on History booth and take in a nightly “Taps” performance honoring our heroes around the globe.

Explore the fascinating the world of agriculture with countless fun activities at Centennial Farm. Start by ambling around the property and admiring the friendly livestock and meticulously maintained crops. Take home your own piece of the Farm from the produce bin where freshly harvested vegetables from the gardens are available for purchase. Then, check out the breathtaking florals or awe-inspiring produce local horticulturists are exhibiting. Don’t forget to stop by the Millennium Barn to watch afternoon cow milking demonstrations before ending your farm tour with a cold bottle of coveted chocolate milk from Scott Bros. Dairy.

The immersive Art of Music Experience returns to the Fairgrounds to once again spotlight the creators and stories behind iconic album cover art. This year, the exhibit will feature more art with over 150 large-scale, hand-painted album covers; displays and neon; search bins of vinyl and purchase merchandise at a pop-up record store; watch live painting of album cover art and roam through themed activations. Top off the experience with a cocktail in the music-themed lounge.

To be amused

Laugh until you cry with Master of Comedy Hypnosis Chris Mabrey in Action Sports Arena. Bonus: Chris Mabrey’s performances are free with Fair admission. Magician Frank Thurston returns to the OC Promenade with his crowd-pleasing, family-friendly performances. La Cantina will continue its dance and party notoriety with live mariachi and banda music, DJs and more. The beat goes on with performances by local bands in Baja Bar & Grill. And, there’s always a party in Main Mall where you can hear music wafting from the nightly performances in The Hangar.

In Plaza Pacifica, squeal alongside your favored swine as it sprints around the track during an All-Alaskan Racing Pigs show. Capture the memory with a family photo with the winner.

Get up close with creatures big and small, familiar and exotic in the livestock area. See zebras, sheep, llamas, goats, miniature donkeys and so much more. Lastly, see which miniature donkey dons the best costume and wins for best theme.

Our galleries will be bursting with enchanting works of art by local artisans. View beautiful tablescapes, quirky collections, colorful quilts and more in the Home Arts & Hobbies gallery. In the Visual Arts gallery, appreciate the art and craftsmanship that’s gone into the photography, woodworking, painting and sculptures. You also won’t want to miss Rides & Rhythms featuring the work of OC Fair photographers Michael Goulding and

Miguel Vasconcellos which will showcase the excitement of the Fair through their lenses. For those visiting in August, celebrate Chicano Heritage Month with cultural activities and exhibits like making and coloring a mini paper lowrider, creating vibrant paper florals and viewing live painting demonstrations by featured artists.

Want to partake in the excitement as a pressed floral artist, or are you skilled at arranging a bouquet or have a green thumb and want to flaunt the florals or vegetables you grow? There’s still time to enter these competitions! Visit, ocfair.com/competitions to view the competition guidelines and register.

To share a meal

This year, taste your way through the Fair without breaking the bank! Enjoy sample-sized fair treats to your heart’s content for only $5 per selection; daily till 4 p.m. View the menu and plan your culinary excursion here.

Adventurous eaters will have a field day with the quirky creations our innovative concessionaires are whipping up this year. Delight your tastebuds with tajin, chamoy, hot honey Sriracha and more enticing flavors.

For those who crave traditional fair food, your beloved treats will be plentiful. Dig into ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies, frozen confections like gelato and ice cream, mouthwatering BBQ, perfectly powdered funnel cakes, creamy floats and freakshakes and convenient foods on a stick.

If you relish a good glass of vino, visit The Courtyard for an array of award-winning OC Fair wines. Sign up for a weekend seminar to uncover the secrets of perfect pairings and regional differences. For those that love a classically refreshing drink, quench your thirst with frozen cocktails, at beer booths or at michelada stands found around the Fairgrounds.

To rock out to music

We’ve brought even more to entertain you with this year, with 83 phenomenal performances across Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Pacific Amphitheatre is serving up icons and up-and- comers with Bonnie Raitt, CANNONS, Tash Sultana, CAKE, All Time Low, Keyshia Cole, X & Reverend Horton Heat, Kool & the Gang, Rebelution, Chris Lane, The Aquabats, Squeeze & Boy George, NEEDTOBREATHE, Paquita La Del Barrio, 311, Big Time Rush, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Ziggy Marley, Stray Cats, Walker Hayes, Iration, Rick Springfield & Richard Marx, The Fab Four, Steel Pulse, the Happy Together Tour, John Fogerty, Chris Young, Counting Crows, Trevor Noah,

Sublime w/ Rome, Brett Young, Alice Cooper, ABBA LA & Bee Gees Gold and UB40 all taking the stage.

The Hangar will continue the trend by delivering crowd-pleasing tribute bands and special performances by TUPUA – The Spirit of Aloha, I Am King, Live From Earth, Don’t Look Back, Listen to the Music, Embajadores del Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Queen Nation, Elton – The Early Years, Dead Man’s Party, 24K Magic!, No Duh, Red Corvette, Which One’s Pink?, Zepplin Live, Start Making Sense, Atomic Punks, Twisted Gypsy, Hollywood U2, The Long Run, One More Night, Devotional and Ticket to the Moon.

Hear even more music as you stroll around the Fairgrounds. Enjoy the local bands and entertainers who will take to the community stages to dazzle Fairgoers throughout the day. Cheer on a dance troupe, rock out to punk and alternative, be serenaded by acoustic performances, twirl to lively banda music and so much more. With an array of free and fun entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Need a dose of adrenaline instead? Visit Action Sports Arena for the always thrilling Monster Truck Nitro Tour, a series of demolition derbies that will leave you on the edge of your seat and a front-row seat to the tricks performed by the riders in BMX Big Air Triples. Or, join the jaunty crowd of beer lovers at OC Brew Hee Haw A Craft Beer Round Up, July 19-20.

Tickets are available now for all shows at Etix or at the Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office on the OC Fairgrounds. The box office is open Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Know Before You Go

General admission is $13 on weekdays (Wednesday & Thursday) and $15 on weekends (Friday – Sunday). Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are $9 every day.

Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles and $30 for buses and limos.

Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance. Bonus – no fees on admission tickets. Visit ocfair.com/tickets to purchase. Tickets are good only for the dates purchased; please choose days carefully – no refunds. Fairgoers should make sure to get tickets for special days and group outings now as days could sell out.

Performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during fair-time include same-day Fair admission. Tickets to shows before or after the 2024 OC Fair include Fair admission on any Wednesday or Thursday between July 19-Aug. 18. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit ocfair.com/entertainment.

Unlimited carnival ride wristbands can be purchased for $44 presale online through July 18. The one-day wristbands include unlimited rides and two free games on a Wednesday or Thursday. Redeem by 5 p.m., ride and play from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Carnival ride and game tickets can be purchased for 20% off for a limited time. FunPasses loaded with 50 or 100 tickets can be purchased for $1 per ticket through July 18. During the Fair, carnival ride and game tickets increase to $1.25 each. Tickets required for each ride range from three to 14 tickets, games require between four and eight tickets each. For more information on this year’s rides and games, visit ocfair.com/carnival.

More information is at ocfair.com/thefair.

Got questions? Check out our FAQs.

Monday, June 24, 2024 (11:12 am)

2024 OC Fair, July 19 – Aug. 18

Fun times, here we come! 

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to the OC Fair where it’s “Always a Good Time!” Get ready to enjoy fun, food and entertainment. You don’t want to miss out!

Advance ticket purchase is required – buy online now with no fees. Choose your days and plan your summer!

When: July 19 – Aug. 18
Schedule:
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
11 a.m. – midnight Friday & Saturday
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
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 every day
Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for buses and limos

Special deals:
Every Day Passports give fairgoers access to the Fair any day or every day for $60 – while supplies last. No restrictions or blackout days!

Purchase carnival tickets and wristbands online in advance until opening day at discounted prices.

$5 Taste of Fair is now every day until 4 p.m. Fairgoers can enjoy taste-size portions of Fair food favorites for only $5 each.

Free with OC Fair admission:
Exhibits and demonstrations – check out blue-ribbon winners, explore handcrafts and woodworking, marvel at large-scale album-cover art and get great tips from chefs during culinary demos

Performances on community stages and nightly fun – see local talent, sing karaoke with a live band, catch a show in Baja Bar & Grill and dance in La Cantina

Animal experiences – visit Centennial Farm’s animal educators, All-Alaskan Pig Races, livestock displays and Great American Petting Farm

Bonus – new hypnotist Chris Mabrey performs free in Action Sports Arena Aug. 7-11

Ticketed performances:
Shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena are on sale now – some performances are selling out. Shows start July 9 and run through Sept. 14. More information is at ocfair.com/entertainment. 

More info: Visit OC Fair

City of Costa Mesa 4th of July Celebration, July 3

The City of Costa Mesa is hosting a free Independence Day community celebration.

Gather your friends and family to create a memorable day celebrating our nation’s independence! Remember to bring snacks, lawn chairs and blankets. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

*Glass containers and bottles, hard-sided coolers and outside alcohol are prohibited. No exceptions.

When: Wednesday, July 3, 5 – 11 p.m.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Fireworks begin 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 Mesa

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 Junior Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm. 

When: Centennial Farm will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm

Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Even when the Farm is closed to the public, you can still keep tabs on our resident rascals. 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

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, tacos and burritos. 

When: July 4, 11 & 18: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Beginning Thursday, July 25, 8 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau

Heroes 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 semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.

When: Heroes Hall will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall 

“The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen,” through Dec. 22

Experience Heroes Hall’s latest featured exhibit, “The Vietnam War Through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen,” running through Dec. 22, 2024. Explore the war through letters, memorabilia, photographs and more than 30 paintings and sketches produced by combat artist Ed Bowen during and after his tour of duty in Vietnam.

When: Heroes Hall will be closed to the general public starting July 1 in preparation for the annual OC Fair. It will be open to Fairgoers from July 19 to Aug. 18.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Friday, May 17, 2024 (9:01 am)

The OC Fair has announced its entertainment lineup for the summer, featuring 83 performances across three venues, Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Entertainment tickets are on sale now at etix.com.

Pacific Amphitheatre will kick off its summer season with five pre-Fair concerts: Cake and DakhaBrakha on July 9, Tash Sultana and Chiiild on July 10, All Time Low and The Band Camino on July 12, Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Voz de Mando on July 14, and Ziggy Marley and Lettuce on July 18.

 Then, the Toyota Summer Concert Series marks the opening weekend of the 2024 OC Fair with Chris Young and Connor Smith on July 19, ABBA LA and Bee Gees Gold on July 20 and Happy Together on July 21.

 Pacific Amphitheatre shows also include Keyshia Cole, Joe and Eric Bellinger on July 25; Sublime with Rome and Fortunate Youth on July 27 Stray Cats on Aug. 1 & 2, Walker Hayes and Kylie Morgan on Aug. 7, Chris Lane on Aug. 14, and Trevor Noah on Aug. 18.

 But the fun doesn’t stop there. Pacific Amphitheatre’s summer season includes nine post-Fair shows this year: Squeeze and Boy George on Aug. 21; NEEDTOBREATHE and JOHNNYSWIM on Aug. 22; Iration, Pepper, DENM and Artikal Sound System on Aug. 23 & 24; 311, AWOLNATION and Neon Trees on Aug. 27; Big Time Rush and Crash Adams on Aug. 30; Counting Crows and Toad The Wet Sprocket on Aug. 31; John Fogerty and Hearty Har on Sept. 3; and Bonnie Raitt and James Hunter on Sept. 14. Visit pacamp.com for the full venue lineup.

 This year’s entertainment in The Hangar includes Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo/Danny Elfman tribute), Ticket To The Moon (Electric Light Orchestra tribute), 24K Magic! (Bruno Mars tribute), No Duh (No Doubt tribute), I Am King (Michael Jackson tribute) and Embajadores del Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. See ocfair.com for the complete venue lineup.

 Action Sports Arena will launch the Fair season with OC Brew Hee Haw, a craft beer roundup with live music, on July 19 & 20. Monster Truck Nitro Tour, demolition derbies, comedy hypnotist Chris Mabrey and BMX Big Air Triples will round out the entertainment. Check out ocfair.com for the detailed venue lineup.

 Fair-time entertainment tickets include free same-day admission to the OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18. Shows are selling out so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets now at etix.com.

 The 2024 OC Fair runs July 19 through Aug. 18 and offers 23 days and nights of entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits and more. The theme is “Always A Good Time.”

 Daily Fair capacity is limited to provide a better experience for fairgoers and advance tickets are required. Visit ocfair.com/tickets to purchase now – days will sell out.

 Photos and video are available for media use at ocfair.com/media-center.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (1:59 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center needs employees who are looking for terrific summer jobs and a fun way to earn some income. The theme of this year’s Fair is “Always a Good Time!”

About 750 seasonal employees are needed for the 2024 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 2024 OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18.

OC Fair & Event Center will be hosting a hiring event on June 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the administration building at the corner of Arlington Drive and Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Applications are required and must be submitted before the event. On-site interviews will take place. Resumes will be accepted, but are not required. To view open positions and apply, visit ocfair.com/jobs.

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 and the option to purchase discounted tickets for friends and family.

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.

ABOUT THE 2024 OC FAIR

“Always a Good Time” is the theme of this year’s OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are on sale now for Fair admission, the carnival and performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Again this year, the Fair will limit daily attendance and require that tickets be purchased online in advance for specific days – no fees. The Every Day Passport provides admission any day or every day of the Fair for $60 with no restrictions. Quantities are limited.

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

OC Fair photos and video are available for media use at ocfair.com/newsroom.

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. OC Fair & Event Center also hosts year-round events. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.

Thursday, May 2, 2024 (3:19 pm)

Calling all artists, growers and creators! OC Fair’s competition entry deadlines are quickly approaching.

For the 2024 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
Collections
Fiber Arts
Jewelry Arts
Woodworking
Container Plants
Cut Flowers
Floral Arrangements
Fruits & Vegetables
Pressed Botanicals
Bars & Brownies
Cookies
Honey
Pies & Cheesecakes
Preserved Food & Liqueur
Sugar Arts & Confections
Yeast & Quick Breads
Commercial Wine
Home Wine
Breeding Livestock Shows
Market Livestock Shows

There 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 2024 deadline for commercial wines, is slated to close May 17. Table settings, a fan favorite, has exceeded entries and is now closed.

Results for the 2023 OC Fair Competitions are available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests/results/.

ABOUT THE 2024 OC FAIR

“Always a Good Time” is the theme of this year’s OC Fair, which takes place July 19-Aug. 18. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Again this year, the Fair will limit daily attendance and require that tickets be purchased online in advance for specific days – no fees. The Every Day Passport provides admission any day or every day of the Fair for $60 with no restrictions. Quantities are limited.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 OC Fair, the carnival and performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

For more information, visit ocfair.com. 

Friday, March 29, 2024 (3:56 pm)

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 (9:30 am)

Tickets for the annual OC Fair are going on sale March 1 at ocfair.com, with advance purchase required. The Every Day Passport will also be available offering fairgoers access any day with no restrictions.

The 2024 Fair will run July 19-Aug. 18, open Wednesday through Sunday with controlled capacity. This year’s theme is “Always a Good Time!”

General admission ticket prices are $13 weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $9 every day and children 5 and younger are free. The OC Fair will cover the online admission ticket fees. General parking is $15. Daily admission is restricted; this is the fourth year the Fair will use a limited-capacity model and days are again expected to sell out.

The Every Day Passport gives fairgoers access every day – and any day – of the Fair with no reservations or restrictions for one price of $60 and sales will be limited to 10,000 passports.

Controlled capacity gives fairgoers more elbow room, shorter lines and eases parking issues while reducing the impact on neighboring communities.

The Fair will open each day at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. Fairgoers will need to download or print their admission tickets prior to arriving to help move the lines along through the touchless screening system. The 2024 OC Fair app is in development and will soon be available to help guests with their plans and purchases in advance. Carnival tickets will soon be available for online purchase at ocfair.com/oc-fair/.

Shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena are on sale now and more will be added soon. Concerts include CAKE, Bonnie Raitt, Walker Hayes and Rebelution. Tickets are available at etix.com.

A special feature exhibit, “The Art of Music,” will return, highlighting album covers and artwork extolling the intersection of two key American art forms. Also on display will be community fine art and photography entries, home arts, woodworking, agriculture competitions and more.

For all those hoping to bring home a blue ribbon, the Fair’s competition program and competition guides are available an ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests/. The Junior Livestock Auction will take place on July 27.

The OC Fair is looking for local people to participate in the annual 2024 event. Community entertainment (unpaid) applications are being accepted at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/community-entertainment/. Applications for vendors and concessionaires are now open at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/vendors//.Sponsorship and marketing information is available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/sponsors/.

Also on display during the Fair at Heroes Hall will be a new exhibition, The Vietnam War through the Art and Photography of Ed Bowen. The SAAAB Story exhibit continues on the second floor educating visitors on the history of the Santa Ana Army Air Base. Admission is free with Fair entry.

The 2023 OC Fair had an attendance of 1,048,181 with 12 sold-out days. The Fair returned to an in-person event in 2021 after going virtual in 2020.

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Photos and video for media are available here.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 (3:11 pm)

Friday, January 26, 2024 (8:20 am)