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.

Monday, April 4, 2022 (10:08 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors is seeking public comments on a draft three-year strategic plan to determine the future direction of the state-owned property.

The Board is considering the following: New vision and mission statements and strategic direction for the annual OC Fair, year-round events program, educational assets/foundations, the equestrian center, community support and implementation steps.

The draft plan is posted on our website for public review and comment. Please submit your comments using the online form by April 26.

Friday, March 18, 2022 (4:12 pm)

Please join us in congratulating Heroes Hall Supervisor Carol Singleton, who was named one of the 2022 Women of Distinction, presented by Rep. Michelle Steel.

Rep. Steel presented the 2022 Women of Distinction awards to 18 of Orange County’s best and brightest female leaders in the categories of Education, Health & Wellness, Compassionate Community, Public Service, Veterans’ Services, Public Safety, Community Partnership, Financial Service, and Youth Champions.

Throughout the rest of #WomensHistoryMonth, Rep. Steel will be sharing profiles of each of these exceptional women on her Facebook page: facebook.com/RepSteel. Be sure to follow along to learn about their remarkable contributions to our area.

Friday, March 11, 2022 (11:24 am)

(COSTA MESA, CA) — Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) announced the 37th Senate District’s Woman of the Year honoree, Michele Richards. An Orange County resident, Richards serves as General Manager and CEO of OC Fair & Event Center where she oversees one of the largest fairgrounds in California. The OC Fairgrounds hosts over 150 events a year, including entertainment at the world class Pacific Amphitheater, and attracts approximately 4.3 million guests annually. It is an economic driver for Costa Mesa that generates $300 million for the region.

“On behalf of the 1.1 million residents here in California’s 37th Senate District, I am honored to recognize Michele Richards as the 37th Senate District 2022 Woman of the Year,” Min said. “Michele Richards is not just the General Manager and CEO of the Orange County Fairgrounds – she is a pillar of the Orange County community.” Min continued, “Since the onset of the pandemic, Ms. Richards’ stewardship not only steered the Fair’s financial recovery but leveraged its shuttered facilities for COVID-19 response. From food distribution center to vaccine supersite, we are incredibly grateful for her leadership.”

“I’m beyond honored to be named by Senator Min as Woman of the Year,” Richards said. “There are many exceptional women leaders in our community and it is a great privilege to be counted among them. I am surrounded by an amazing team at OC Fair & Event Center. What we do is important to the community, and to be able to help so many people during the pandemic and bring back the OC Fair has meant so much to all of us. Thank you for this recognition.”

Ms. Richards’ full bio can be found below.

Michele Richards was named OC Fair & Event Center’s General Manager and CEO in December, 2019 where she has led the organization through the pandemic and eventual recovery. Michele took the helm at a critical time just before the pandemic shut down all public access and revenue-generating event business at OC Fair & Event Center, including the 2020 OC Fair. Working with the employees she credits as being the heart of the team, Michele led the organization back to financial stability with the reopening of public events and return of the 2021 OC Fair, the most successful in the fair’s history. During the shutdown, Michele worked with state, county and local government agencies and nonprofits to host emergency food distribution events and COVID testing, and used the OC Fair & Event Center as a vaccination Super POD to serve the community. Prior to being appointed CEO, she served as Vice President of Business Development for more than seven years. Most notably, she was responsible for guiding initiatives which significantly increased attendance at the annual OC Fair, launching new sales programs which generated additional year-round events revenue, leading a rebranding effort and advancing the organization’s youth STEAM event, Imaginology.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 (3:32 pm)

OC Fair was featured as a “Grant Spotlight” in the 2021 California Department of Food & Agriculture report for its new exhibit, California Fresh.

The report mentions the backstory of the Specialty Crop Block Grand Program, which was originally granted to Cal Expo in 2020. The State Fair could not host their event in 2021, so Cal Expo granted a “subaward” to its Orange County counterpart – that’s us! 

OC Fair’s Exhibits & Education team developed the exhibit and made it adaptable for display at Cal Expo as well. During the 2021 OC Fair, the exhibit was on display in the OC Promenade.

The CDFA report says, “A tip of the hat to all involved, with CDFA’s thanks for making sure this project ended up where the public could enjoy it, even with all the hurdles the past few years have thrown in everyone’s way.”

See the full 2021 CDFA report

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 (10:44 am)

Western Fairs Association honored  OC Fair & Event Center with 19 Achievement Awards at its annual convention in Reno this month.

First-place awards included the new fair exhibit, California Fresh, and new children’s program for the OC Fair’s Experience the Great Outdoors exhibit. Other honors included the fair theme – Time for Fun – the fair logo, fair TV commercial, Junior Livestock Auction and several first-place photography awards. OCFEC also received second-place honors for agricultural programming. 

Western Fairs Association is a trade group supporting the fair and festival industry.

OC Fair & Event Center earned the following awards:

Single Television Ad

1st Award and Judges’ Choice 

Fair Logo

1st Award

Year-Round Logo

1st Award

Special Event Logo

1st Award and Judges’ Choice 

Virtual & Live Auctions

1st Award for pre-Fair Junior Livestock Auction

Agricultural Programming

2nd Award for Centennial Farm’s partnership with Don Knipp, a.k.a. “Mr. Fertilizer,” and La Verne Nursery during the 2021 OC Fair

Theme Program

1st Award and Judges’ Choice for Time For Fun and its  programming during the 2021 OC Fair

New Fairtime Exhibit 

1st Award for California Fresh: Celebrating the Bounty Of Our Counties

New Children’s Program

1st Award and Judges’ Choice for Explore the Great Outdoors

Give It Your Best Shot: Animals

Two 1st Awards

Give It Your Best Shot: Carnival

Two 1st Awards, Award of Excellence – Overall Best Photo, and Award of Excellence – Third Best Overall Photo

Give It Your Best Shot: Exhibits

1st Award and 2nd Award

Give It Your Best Shot: Entertainment

1st Award and 2nd Award

Give It Your Best Shot: People at the Fair

1st Award and 2nd Award

Monday, December 27, 2021 (8:03 am)

Congratulations to OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards on being named one of the most influential people of 2021  in Orange County by the OC Register.

“Michele Richards

As CEO of the OC Fair & Event Center, Richards helped shepherd the return of the OC Fair during the coronavirus pandemic with several sold-out dates. Even with caps on attendance, the fair turned a profit in 2021.”

Read the full article:

Most influential: Meet Orange County’s 125 top influencers for 2021

Thursday, December 16, 2021 (11:15 am)

FAQs about the 2022 OC Fair

(Updated May 13, 2022)

The theme of the 2022 OC Fair is “Feel the Sunshine,” and we can’t wait to celebrate from July 15 through Aug. 14.

When will tickets for the 2022 OC Fair go on sale?

Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/oc-fair/buy-tickets. The 2022 OC Fair will be July 15-Aug. 14, open Wednesdays-Sundays. 

Do I have to purchase my tickets in advance?

Yes. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster; you will be able to select a date between July 15 and Aug. 14 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Dates may sell out. Bonus: no transaction fees for Fair admission tickets! 

What if I buy tickets for the wrong day?

Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please select your ticket date carefully before purchasing. 

Will tickets be available at the gate?

No. We cannot guarantee tickets will be available for purchase at the gate during the run of the OC Fair. Please purchase your tickets online in advance. We’d hate to have to turn you away if we are at full capacity, and parking fees are non-refundable. 

Is it safe to buy tickets online?

The only authorized seller for OC Fair tickets online is Ticketmaster. OC Fair & Event Center is not affiliated with any other vendor for the purchase of OC Fair admission or concert tickets. 

I am fully vaccinated. Do I have to wear a mask at the fair?

Information about Covid precautions, vaccination and mask requirements, etc. will be updated as we get closer to the event, but please expect to follow state/county regulations as OC Fair & Event Center is a state agency.

What are the other restrictions?

We have a limit on the number of tickets available; when days sell out, no more tickets will be added. Information about Covid precautions, vaccination and mask requirements, etc. will be updated as we get closer to the event, but please expect to follow state/county regulations as OC Fair & Event Center is a state agency. 

Will you be selling a season pass this year?

No. The Super Pass will not be for sale for the 2022 season. Super Passes from past years will not be valid. We so appreciate our loyal fans, but with limited ticket sales, we aren’t able to offer an unlimited pass. We hope you’ll still be able to Feel the Sunshine a couple times next summer ! 

Will you offer free or discounted admission days?

No. We are sorry that we will not be able offer admission options that were available in the past.

Will Opening Day be free?

No. We are sorry that we will not be able offer admission options that were available in the past.

Can military/veterans get in free?

No. We are sorry that we will not be able offer admission options that were available in the past.

Will you offer any ride or food promotions?

This information has yet to be determined but will be posted here as it becomes available.

Will you have unlimited ride wristbands?

This information has yet to be determined but will be posted here as it becomes available.

When can I buy carnival tickets?

This information has yet to be determined but will be posted here as it becomes available.

When will concert tickets go on sale?

All performances in Action Sports Arena and The Hangar are on sale now. Most of the performances planned for Pacific Amphitheatre are on sale now as well. Visit ocfair.com/entertainment to plan your summer. 

Does my concert ticket include Fair admission?

Yes, if the performance date is during Fair-time. Tickets to shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena or The Hangar that occur during the 2022 OC Fair, July 15-Aug. 14, include same-day admission to the OC Fair. Parking is not included. 

Will there be Action Sports Arena performances?

Yes! We are so excited to bring back monster trucks, demo derbies and speedway! Go to ocfair.com/oc-fair/entertainment/action-sports-arena/ for tickets.

Can I be a vendor?

The deadline to apply to be a vendor was March 4. If you’re interested in being a Platinum Partner, which is handled through our sales department, the application is  available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair

Can I perform at the OC Fair?

The deadline to apply to be a part of the community entertainment program was March 4. To join the waitlist, the application is still available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/community-entertainment

Will there be competitions this year?

Yes. Entries are now open and competition guides are available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests. Deadlines begin soon!

We will continue to add information to our website at ocfair.com/oc-fair as it becomes available.

Other frequently asked questions are below, or go to ocfair.com/about-us/faq/. For a list of upcoming events at OC Fair & Event Center, go to ocfair.com/events.

Is the swap meet open?

No. The OC Market Place, also known as the weekend swap meet, is no longer operating at OC Fair & Event Center. The company that was contracted to operate the OC Market Place through a formal agreement with OC Fair & Event Center has opted not to reopen. 

However, a new event, the Original O.C. Swap Meet, features many of the same vendors as the former swap meet. More info on our event calendar.

Why can’t the OC Fair run the OC Market Place?

As a state agency, OC Fair & Event Center is not permitted to operate a swap meet business.

Is the farm open?

Yes. Centennial Farm is open daily for visitors and is currently accepting reservations for school and group tours. See hours and more info at ocfair.com/centennial-farm/calendar-hours

Got another question? We are working hard to plan for the 2022 OC Fair. We appreciate your patience as we work out the logistics! If you have a question regarding a specific issue, please use our contact form. 

Friday, November 19, 2021 (10:49 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center received six Awards of Excellence during the International Association of Fairs and Expositions 2021 Virtual Awards Show on Nov. 18.

First place awards honored OCFEC in the categories of online advertising and unique exhibits. Second place was given to the organization for miscellaneous marketing programs.

Three third place awards recognized OCFEC for out-of-the-box marketing, a newly established or evolving agriculture program and a technique to correct an issue or challenge to an agriculture program.

The industry awards were presented during the 2021 Virtual Awards Show on Zoom and Facebook Live. The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional and county
agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions and expositions.

Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs, shows, expositions and allied fields.

For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 (8:00 am)

COVID Testing

When: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., through Dec. 31 (closed Saturdays & Sundays)

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot E (corner of Fairview and Arlington; enter at Gate 4)

How much: Free drive-through COVID-19 testing

More info: Make an appointment online. PCR test results take 24-48 hours.

Discovery Days at the Farm

Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public, and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:

• Self-Guided Tours: Volunteers are present to provide information.
• Radish Seed Planting: Children will plant a radish seed to take back to school.
• Chick Education: Learn about the chick development process
• Oxen Demonstration: Demonstration days vary depending on the volunteers’ schedules.
• Crops Education: Seasonal varieties.
• See Livestock Animals: Swine, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits, and poultry.

When: 9 a.m.-noon on the following dates
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Friday, December 17, 2021

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Open to all grade levels, as well as the general public. Reserve your spot online at ocfair.com/community-programs/centennial-farm/tours-and-reservations/self-guided-tours/

Progressive IMS Outdoors – Southern California

Experience the Ultimate Powersports Weekend at Progressive IMS Outdoors, the all-new version of Progressive International Motorcycle Shows. Grab your friends, get outside and ride! Take motorcycle demo rides from top manufacturers, 4-wheel offroad test rides, electric bicycle demos, learn-to-ride courses and put the kids on 2-wheels in the Kids Zone with Strider. See bikes, bikes and more bikes in the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and IMS Vintage collections. You can also meet the industry’s top brands, shop, enjoy live music, food and attractions.

When: Friday, Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center

How much: Tickets are available online, $20-$35. Kids 12 and younger are free. Parking is $10.

More info: Go to motorcycleshows.com/southern-california

Seasonal Adventures Christmas Tree Lot

When: Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 26-Dec. 17

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot C (corner of Fair and Fairview)

How much: Free admission and parking; tree prices vary

More info: Visit seasonaladventures.com 

Night of Lights OC

After last year’s sold-out event, Night of Lights OC is back! Don’t miss a magical and interactive Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Experience. From the safety and comfort of your own vehicle, guests will be guided through a mile-long course featuring:

Over one million dazzling lights
Themed holiday scenery & immersive vignettes
Characters and dancers including Santa (through Dec. 24), Snow Princess, Toy Soldiers, Yeti, Snow Angels and more
Animated light shows to music through your car radio
Light tunnels
Snow flurries and bubbles falling on your car!

When: Nov. 26, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022 
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, 5-10 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 5-11 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center 

How much: Tickets per car start at $39 for general admission and $59 for VIP (early bird pricing, limited supply)

More info: Visit NightofLightsOC.com, email Info@NightofLightsOC.com or call (657) 333-2520

Crossroads of the West Gun Show

When: Saturday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
              Sunday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I (enter at Gate 10 off Newport and park in Lots A & H) 

How much: $18 two-day admission. $17 for seniors (65+) and military; children 12 and younger are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parking is $10 daily, credit card only; the parking lot will be open one hour prior to event time.

More information: Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online prior to the event. Visit crossroadsgunshows.com, call (801) 544-9125 or email gunshows@crossroadsgunshows.com. 

The Original O.C. Swap Meet

This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. Showcasing products and goods for all to buy, with the thought of bringing common items and at times unique ones for all to enjoy.

When: Saturday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – NEW LOCATION! Enter the event at Green Gate, which is located on the north side of Pacific Amphitheatre

How much: Free admission, $10 parking

More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355