Friday, August 9, 2024 (9:00 am)

The 2024 OC Fair is racing towards its grand finale, and there’s no better time to experience the magic before it wraps up on Sunday, Aug. 18.

With a slew of new attractions, daily events and unforgettable experiences, the final days promise to be a celebration of fun, culture and entertainment!

Enjoy these don’t-miss OC Fair favorites before they’re gone:

Celebrate Chicano Heritage Month: Engage in vibrant cultural activities including making and coloring mini paper lowriders, crafting colorful paper florals and enjoying live painting demonstrations by featured artists. It’s a unique opportunity to explore and honor Chicano culture.

Orange County Sand and Sea: Explore the sun-soaked splendor of OC’s sandy shores! Dive into beachside fun with interactive exhibits like a touch tank, virtual reality deep dive and iconic seaside landmarks perfect for kids and families.

The Art of Music Experience: Return to this beloved exhibit to delve into the stories behind iconic album cover art. Peruse themed galleries, browse through a pop-up vinyl record store, watch live album cover art painting and more in this immersive experience.

Exhibits and galleries: Enjoy a captivating photo exhibit by Fair photographers Michael Goulding and Miguel Vasconcellos, capturing the vibrant excitement of the Fair through their lenses. View the photography, paintings, furniture, jewelry, knitting, mosaics and other creative endeavors submitted by talented locals. Visit Heroes Hall to take in the featured exhibit, “The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen” for an insider’s view into the life of a combat artist, or explore life on the Santa Ana Army Air Base via the “SAAAB Story.”

Daily entertainment: Experience live entertainment daily, including comedy hypnotist Chris Mabrey, BMX Big Air Triples, The Magic of Frank Thurston, a nightly performance of “Taps” and a range of roving acts like the OC Fair Foodies, Red Light Brass Band and Veekay the Clown. Plus, local music groups and dance troops perform across three stages, nightly live band karaoke in Plaza Pacifica and Latin music in La Cantina keep the energy high.

Family fun: Engage in free activities like the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, the Great American Petting Farm, color postcards for troops, participate in food-related contests and get photos with the OC Fair Foodies. Cool down in the water fountain at Main Mall, then catch a refreshing drink from one of the four chilled water stations around the Fairgrounds brought by Mesa Water.

$5 Taste of Fair: Savor smaller portions of your favorite Fair foods for just $5 daily until 4 p.m. Enjoy a few of these tasty bites while exploring the Fair with family and friends.

Concerts galore: Catch exciting performances at Pacific Amphitheatre including Rebelution, Chris Lane, Rick Springfield and Richard Marx, Alice Cooper, The Aquabats and Trevor Noah. All Fair-time concerts include free same-day Fair admission. The beat continues post-Fair with shows featuring big names like Squeeze and Boy George, NEEDTOBREATHE, Iration, 311, Big Time Rush, Counting Crows, Steel Pulse, John Fogerty and Bonnie Raitt.

Wine seminars: Indulge in wine seminars at The Courtyard featuring tastings of OC Fair gold medal-winning wines paired with delectable food.

Shop and take the Fair home: Meander through the shopping buildings for exclusive Fair deals and score take-and-bake goodies like cookie dough, pizza, cinnamon rolls and Ten Pound Buns.

Things to know

• A limited number of tickets are available each day – days are selling out.
• Advance online ticket sales only – no transaction fees at ocfair.com/tickets.
• Tickets are good only for the date purchased; please choose dates carefully – no refunds.
• Same-day Fair admission is included with tickets to concerts during the Fair.
• Tickets are $13 weekday general admission (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 weekend general admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $9 every day and children 5 and younger are free.
• The Fair will open each day at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. except on Fridays and Saturdays, when it closes at midnight.
• General parking is $15, $30 for buses and limos.
• Tickets for concerts in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre can be found at ocfair.com/entertainment.
• Ride an OCTA bus from one of four locations directly to the Fair! Bus fare is $2 one way or $4 round-trip on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., depending on location. Youth 18 and under ride for free. Advance ticket purchase for the OC Fair is required prior to boarding. For complete details and location information, visit ocfairexpress.com. 

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 (9:00 am)

This year, the OC Fair is serving up a feast of flavor and fun with a spectacular array of inventive eats and culinary delights.

The theme for the 2024 OC Fair is “Always a Good Time,” running through Aug. 18, Wednesday through Sunday.

To elevate the fair experience, last year’s popular Taste of Fair returns! Now, guests can enjoy sample-sized offerings of their favorite Fair treats for only $5 every day until 4 p.m. This incredible offer allows visitors to explore a diverse menu of delicious options sure to satisfy every palate. View the menus here.

Fair-going gourmands are in for a mouthwatering adventure, served up by creative concessionaires.

OC Fair exclusives

• Bacon Churro Fries – Bacon Nation
• Rainbow Original – Ten Pound Buns
• Mondo Birria Beef Burger – Tasti Burger
• Dr. Pepper Pickle Drink – Chicken Charlie’s
• Cookie Butter Croissant Cone – Swirl
• Honey Sriracha Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly On a Stick – Biggy’s
• Birria Burger – Tasti Burger
• Chocolate Drizzle Strawberry Cup – Swirl
• Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly On a Stick – Biggy’s
• Le Crookie – Mom’s Bakeshoppe
• Honeycomb Sriracha Soft Serve – Swirl

New at OC Fair

• Pickle Split – Pineapple Whip
• Cali Dog – Pink’s
• Nashville Hot Chicken Tots – Biggy’s
• Candied Watermelon On a Stick – Cowboy Kettle Corn
• Spicy BBQ Bacon Jam Tasti Chips – Tasti Chips
• The Mario Lopez Dog – Pink’s
• Hot Honey Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich – Chicken Charlie’s
• Calamari Tacos – The Hook
• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Sundae – Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls
• Asian Frys – Eddie’s Asian Inspired Cuisine
• Michefrescas – Noel’s Mexican Food
• Beignets – Funnel Cake
• NEW STAND – Wahlburgers, Livestock Lane
• NEW STAND – Spud Ranch, Family Fairway
• NEW STAND – Cantina Nacho & Fruit Bar, La Cantina
• NEW STAND – Vegging Out, Main Mall

Lighter Fair food and plant-based options

• Guacamole & ceviche – Northgate Market Stand
• Plant-based & gluten-free burgers, nachos & tacos – Vegging Out
• Salads – Wahlburgers
• Vegan & gluten-free hot dogs – Pink’s
• Seafood tacos – The Hook
• Fish, veggie & avocado tacos & burritos – Noel’s Mexican Food
• Gluten-free, vegan pastries – MoonGoat Coffee
• Corn on the cob & more – Corn Shack

Returning Fair favorites

• Bangin’ Berries
• Papi’s Puffy Tacos
• Sugar Puff Candy
• Garlicky’s
• Pepe’s Mariscos Fresh Mexican Seafood
• MoonGoat Coffee
• Turkey legs – various locations
• Michelaugas and aguas frescas – various locations
• Cotton candy, candied apples, kettle corn, popcorn – various locations
• Ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, floats – various locations
• Deep-fried treats on a stick – various locations
• Hotdogs, corndogs, hamburgers, fries, pizza – various locations
• Funnel cakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls – various locations
• Nachos, chicken bowls, roasted corn, baked potatoes – various locations

… and more!

The basics – what to know before you go

OC Fair runs July 19-Aug. 18.

Advance ticket purchase is required for admission to summer’s best event, which will be open Wednesday through Sunday with limited daily capacity. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets for the specific days they want to attend as soon as possible – days will sell out. Visit ocfair.com/tickets – there are no fees on admission tickets.

OC Fair ticket prices are $13 general admission Wednesday and Thursday and $15 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are $9 all days; children 5 and under are free. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles and $30 for buses and limos.

Returning for another year, the popular Every Day Passport gives Fairgoers access any day – or every day – to all 23 days of the OC Fair for $60 with no restrictions or blackout days. Supplies are limited. Learn more at ocfair.com/everydaypass/.

Ride an OCTA bus from one of four locations directly to the Fair! Bus fare is $2 one way or $4 round-trip on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., depending on location. Youth 18 and under ride for free. Advance ticket purchase for the OC Fair is required prior to boarding. For complete details and location information, visit ocfairexpress.com. 

Free with Fair admission

Exhibits

Orange County Sand and Sea in the OC Promenade allows guests to discover iconic beachside landmarks, wander through culinary entries, explore a touch tank and take a deep dive into virtual reality. 

See large-scale album cover art in the Art of Music Experience, featuring 150 hand-painted recreations, neon and displays, a themed cocktail lounge, a pop-up record store and interactive experiences.

In Heroes Hall, guests discover what life was like on the Santa Ana Army Air Base (SAAAB) when it operated in Costa Mesa from 1942-1946 via the SAAAB Story, or view the featured exhibit, “The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen” to explore the U.S. military’s use of combat artists during the war.

Take in thousands of competition entries from local artisans across the Fairgrounds in our Home Arts & Collections Gallery, Visual Arts & Woodworking Gallery, OC Promenade and Centennial Farm.

Demonstrations

Watch chefs whip up a quick, healthy meal, learn about olive oils, get insider tips on sourdough starters, watch nightly food contests and more in the OC Promenade. Guests can also watch live cow-milking demonstrations on Centennial Farm.

Entertainment

Enjoy a host of community entertainers on stages around the Fairgrounds, in Baja Bar and Grill or at The Hangar during the day. Take in a nightly “Taps” performance at Heroes Hall. Capture memories with the OC Fair Foodies. Listen to jaunty tunes emitting from roaming entertainers, Red Light Brass Band. Let loose and belt out a power ballad at live band karaoke and more.

In the OC Promenade, the Magic of Frank Thurston returns to delight guests daily with his family-friendly antics. Comedy hypnotist Chris Mabrey makes his OC Fair debut in Action Sports Arena, Aug. 7-11.

Animals

Cheer on your favorite swine as these happy pigs race daily in Plaza Pacifica. Near Yellow Gate, Great American Petting Farm gives guests up close and personal interactions with creatures big and small. Various animal exhibits and livestock competitions happen daily in the Livestock Arena, or visit Centennial Farm to explore the livestock and crops on display on a three-acre, year-round working farm. 

Download the 2024 OC Fair app for tickets, events, food, shopping, maps and more!

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Food photos for media use are available here.

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

Friday, June 30, 2023 (9:36 am)

COSTA MESA (June 30, 2023) – Concessionaires have been working hard to create even more unusual and tasty food to serve to adventurous and hungry guests at the 2023 OC Fair.

The theme this year is “Happy Together” and the dates are July 14 to Aug. 13, Wednesday through Sunday.

Here is what these fairway gourmets have been cooking up:

• Candied Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly Bites – Bacon-A-Fair
• Campfire Breakfast on a Bun – Ten Pound Buns
• Mediterranean Bowl – Chicken Charlie’s
• Fruit Pizza – Bangin’ Berries
• Pineapple Whip Dumplings with Fruit Rollups – Swirl
• Eggroll Turkey Dog – Pink’s
• Ice Cream Sundae Flight – Sweets by Cardinali
• New vegan and vegetarian options – California Grill
• Double Trouble dual ice cream cone – Swirl
• Hot Cheetos Cheese Chicken on a Stick – Biggy’s
• Maple Bacon Smoothie – Bacon-A-Fair
• Frozen Grapes with Tajin and Fruit Rollup on a Stick – Swirl
• Mini Pies: Strawberry, apple and peach – Bangin’ Berries

Friday, July 23, 2021 (9:10 am)

The OC Fair concessionaires have been concocting tasty new treats to delight fairgoers who have been waiting for their favorite summer tradition to return – crazy Fair food!

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 (9:54 am)

Friday, September 25, 2020 (9:10 am)

The drive-up food fun will continue through October, making the fall even sweeter for fans of delicious fair fare.

The Fair Food Drive Thru will take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25 at OC Fair & Event Center. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. There is no parking and no entrance fee. Guests drive up and order from the vendors and some take credit cards only.

Sept. 25-27 was the last week for Cathy’s Cookies, Dippin’ Dots, Hot Dog on a Stick, Hawaiian Chicken Bowls and Tasti Chips.

Remaining through October are Dole Soft Serve, Funnel Cake, Roasted Corn, Juicy’s, Fried A Fair and Who Fried the Cheese.

On Oct. 2, these vendors will be added to the lineup: Australian Battered Potatoes, Chicken Charlie’s, Kettle Corn, Mom’s Bakeshoppe, Pink’s Hot Dogs and Old Time Ice Cream. And JP’s Old West Cinnamon Rolls joins the fun on Oct. 9.

Menu items will vary and new choices will be added each week. View the weekly maps and menus here: ocfair.com/drivethru

Friday, September 4, 2020 (8:57 am)

Starting Sept. 4, there is even more for OC Fair foodies to love about the new drive-thru event – two new stands have added to the lineup, Juicy’s  Corn and Fried a Fair.

Roasted ears of fresh corn are $5 and bring a county fair classic to the popular event. Fried a Fair is serving up lots of  fan favorites including fried Oreos, fried cheesecake and fried cookie dough for $8 as well as cotton candy, caramel apples and candy apples, for $5-$10.

Returning for the second weekend are Hawaiian Chicken Bowls featuring turkey legs, Dippin’ Dots, Juicy’s Funnel Cakes, Hot Dog on a Stick and Cathy’s Cookies.

When: Fridays & Saturdays, noon-8 p.m.
Sundays, noon-6 p.m., through Sept. 27

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Lot G (enter through Gate 1 off Fair Drive)

How much: No admission charge; menu items vary in price. Go to ocfair.com/drivethru to view map and menu. Credit card preferred. 

More info: To go only; no walkups permitted and no parking will be available. 

Thursday, August 27, 2020 (11:48 am)

OC Fair fans won’t have to miss out on their food fix this year after all. Starting Aug. 28, the Fair Food Drive-Thru will offer summer treats from four food vendors bringing a taste of the OC Fair to go.

Guests longing for their favorite delightful indulgences can head to the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa and choose from special menus from one or all of the following:

Cathy’s Cookies
Dippin’ Dots
Hawaiian Chicken Bowl
Hot Dog on a Stick
Juicy’s Funnel Cakes

Menu items include turkey legs, teriyaki chicken bowls, hot dog and cheese dog on a stick, and chocolate chip cookies. See a map and full menu at ocfair.com/drivethru.

Guests will enter through Gate 1 off Fair Drive, and will be directed toward the order lane or passing lane. Guests will be required to stay in their vehicle and wear a mask while ordering from the vendor. Credit card payment is preferred. No walkups will be allowed and no parking will be available.

Fair Food Drive-Thru, starting Aug. 28
Fridays & Saturdays, noon-8 p.m.
Sundays, noon-6 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020 (2:00 pm)

Ten Pound Buns wants to show you how to make their delicious Avocado Toast! Big thanks to our friend Schuyler. His food stand is typically located over by Centennial Farm during the annual OC Fair. 

Bonus video: Find out how to make the original Ten Pound Bun! Go to ocfair.com/oc-fair/virtual/videos-galleries/ and click on Food & Drink.