Thursday, August 27, 2020 (4:10 pm)

A new program to provide local families and individuals receiving CalFresh benefits with additional healthy produce is starting Sept. 3 at the Costa Mesa Certified Farmers Market at OC Fair & Event Center.

The Market Match program provides nutrition incentives to help low-income residents stretch their CalFresh shopping dollars to afford more healthy, locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables. As a direct result, the program also supports small- and mid-sized local farms and boosts the local economy.

Thanks to a grant from the Gus Schumacher Incentive Program, those receiving CalFresh EBT (electronic benefits transfer) can use their cards to get more healthy food from the the Costa Mesa Certified Farmers Market held at OC Fair & Event Center.

Participants can swipe their card at at the Market Manager’s Booth to receive up to an additional $20 in Market Match incentives per visit through the use of tokens/scrip.

Matching funds can be spent on eligible CalFresh items such as fresh fruits and vegetables. CalFresh Market Match signs will be posted at the farmers market to help program participants navigate the offerings.

The Costa Mesa Certified Farmers Market takes place each Thursday at OC Fair & Event Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Pacific Amphitheatre box office in Lot D.

The Centennial Farm Foundation was organized in 1991 to support educational programs at the farm and to solicit and disburse funds to operate Centennial Farm and other agriculturally and youth-related education programs and exhibits of OC Fair & Event Center. For more information, visit https://ocfair.com/community-programs/centennial-farm/centennial-farm-foundation/

For more information on the Orange County Farm Bureau, visit https://www.ocfarmbureau.org/

Wednesday, August 19, 2020 (10:07 am)

The Orange County Health Care Agency will begin conducting drive-through COVID-19 testing at OC Fair & Event Center starting Aug. 26, two days later than originally planned. Testing is by appointment only and will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in parking lots E and F. Guests will enter and exit through Gate 4.

Setup began on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Testing is being conducted in collaboration with 360 Clinic and is scheduled to continue through Oct. 23.

“OC Fair & Event Center is proud to provide use of the fairgrounds to assist the County in providing this valuable testing to Orange County residents,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards. “It’s part of our emergency service to the community.”

For information on testing, visit 360clinic.md. For information on COVID-19 in Orange County, visit covid19info.ocgov.com or contact the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020 (12:23 pm)

OC Fair and Autosonic Concerts have announced a two-night summer drive-in concert experience featuring The Fab Four, a local favorite that pays tribute to The Beatles, on July 31 and Aug. 1.

Both nights will feature two one-hour showtimes – 7 and 9 p.m. The drive-in concert experience is an Autosonic Concerts production and will take place at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

The live band will be set up on a stage, and two large video screens will also be available for viewing. See a map of the stage and vehicle setup at autosonicconcerts.com.

How it works:
Arrive at Gate 1 off Fair Drive. Gates will open one hour prior to show time; staff will scan guests’ mobile devices for contact-free entry.

Park. Vehicles will be positioned on a first-come, first-served basis in the general admission area. Oversized vehicles will be directed to designated areas.

Enjoy the concert from the car! Vehicles will be spaced apart to promote social distancing. Guests will tune in through their FM radio for audio sent directly from the stage. (A pre-show presentation will inform ticketholders of the station and instructions, as well as sound advisories.)

Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and refreshments as no concessions will be available on the fairgrounds. Restrooms will be available with social distancing protocols in place.

Masks are required for guests who choose to roll down their vehicle windows or use the restrooms.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 1, at autosonicconcerts.com, for $75-$150 per vehicle (up to four guests allowed per vehicle). Pricing: $150 front row, $125 premium oversized vehicle, $125 premium general admission, $100 general admission (behind video screens), $75 back row oversized vehicle.

More information about the drive-in concert experience:
Frequently asked questions
Oversized vehicles (measurements)
Buy tickets

Friday, June 26, 2020 (10:39 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors unanimously issued a proclamation on June 25, 2020, in support of the Black Community and stands united against discrimination and committed to inclusion, diversity and equality.

Recognizing this painful time for many members of our community, the Board voted to reaffirm its commitment to denounce discrimination or violence in any form.

The following statement was approved at today’s Board of Directors meeting:

Proclamation of the Board of Directors of the 32nd District Agricultural Association

WHEREAS, the mission of the 32nd District Agricultural Association (the 32nd DAA) is the “Celebration of Orange County’s Communities, Interests and Heritage”; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA is against discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or marital, parental or military status; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA condemns the deeply troubling actions that occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which led to the inexcusable and senseless death of Mr. George Floyd; and the same troubling actions that have taken the lives of so many other Black men, women, boys and girls, even since Mr. Floyd; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA stands in solidarity with those that peacefully protest against violence, inequality and excessive force; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA recognizes the community is in turmoil, and looking to its leaders to affirm their commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA stands with the members of our Black Community and all people of color who have been ignored, marginalized and disenfranchised;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of the 32nd District Agricultural Association hereby does proclaim on June 25, 2020, that it stands in solidarity with the Black
Community and reaffirms its commitment to denounce discrimination or violence in any form.

Friday, May 1, 2020 (3:01 am)

Joan Hamill was appointed Chief Business Development Officer May 1, 2020 to lead Communications & Guest Experience, Exhibits & Education, Entertainment, Event Sales & Services, Marketing & Creative Services and Sponsorship & Sales. She worked in various positions for OC Fair & Event Center in the exhibits department and served as the department director since 2003. During this time she developed and directed numerous programming and exhibits for OC Fair and Imaginology as well as year round educational programs and events for Centennial Farm. She lead the development and creation of permanent and rotating exhibitions and educational programs for Heroes Hall since its opening in 2017.

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.”

Friday, April 17, 2020 (1:52 pm)

OC Fair ticket booths are helping love triumph during the pandemic.

Three booths are on loan to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department so they can offer marriage licenses and civil marriage ceremonies, with social distancing in place, to couples during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“It warms our hearts that our OC Fair & Event Center ticket booths are providing safe windows to love and marriage during these challenging times,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “We are glad to partner with the County to share such a hopeful sign for the future.”

Marriage services are available at Honda Center by appointment only. Visit ocrecorder.com for more information, or call the county’s Marriage Service Hotline at (714) 834-2740.

Friday, April 10, 2020 (9:49 am)

OC Fair & Event Center leadership is in communication with state, county and city agencies regarding the use of the fairgrounds for emergency purposes during the coronavirus pandemic.

We have received an updated notice that 10 temporary trailers will be delivered today, April 10, to the corner of parking lot G, nearest Gate 10, for potential emergency housing. These trailers were requested by the City of Costa Mesa from the State of California to assist with housing if needed for unsheltered residents who may have risk factors that make them vulnerable to COVID-19. It is not yet known if or when the trailers will be utilized for this purpose. The trailers will be placed in a secured area.

Also, three buildings in the Main Mall area of the fairgrounds are being considered for emergency medical use. The Orange County Health Care Agency has assessed the property and is considering it to assist with hospital overflow. Details about how the facilities will be utilized and who will occupy them is not yet known. If the buildings are put into use, the area will be secured. The timetable is also in the works as coordination continues.

“Fairgrounds all over the state are being called into service to assist their communities and we are happy to do our part in helping Orange County through this pandemic,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO.

Thank you for your continued support as it is determined how the fairgrounds will be used to assist our community during this unprecedented crisis.

Thursday, April 2, 2020 (9:00 am)

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.