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

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 (4:06 pm)

I think we can all agree the hottest ticket in town is the 2023 OC Fair! The Fair promises to bring everything from cute, cuddly animals to thrilling shows, exhibits and entertainment. There’s something for everyone in the lineup that will surely keep you and the family coming back for more. But don’t forget to join us for the City of Costa Mesa’s Independence Day Community Celebration happening pre-Fair. And, of course, we’re working to keep the party going post-Fair with some exciting events and exhibits in the fall. Whether pre-, during or post-Fair we can’t wait to host your good time.

See you on the Fairgrounds!

2023 OC Fair Tickets

Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/tickets. Advance admission purchase is required, please choose dates carefully as there are no refunds or exchanges. Buy now – days will sell out. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Our on-site box office will sell admission tickets only until July 13. Tickets will not be available at entry gates during the Fair. There are no transaction fees for admission tickets. Do not purchase tickets elsewhere as they may not be valid. 

EVERY DAY PASSPORT

New for 2023 is the Every Day Passport. Now, you can enjoy the Fair any day or every day – no restrictions or blackout dates!

The Every Day Passport is available for $60. Availability is limited and the offer is valid only while supplies last. To purchase, visit ocfair.com/everydaypass/.

TNT Fireworks Stand, June 30 – July 4

Costa Mesa High School Baseball is selling safe and sane TNT fireworks.
When:  June 30 – July 4, hours vary by day.
Schedule:
June 30, Noon – 10 p.m.
July 1 – 3, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
July 4, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot E
How much: Free admission and parking. Firework prices vary. 
More info: Visit Costa Mesa High School Baseball

Independence Day Community Celebration, July 3

What better way to commemorate America’s 247th birthday than with an Independence Day Community Celebration! The festivities include free entry, activities and a firework show. Bring your picnic, lawn chairs and blanket and create a memorable evening as we celebrate our nation’s independence.

Food and drinks will be available. Glass containers and bottles are prohibited. No hard-sided coolers or outside alcohol permitted.

When: Monday, July 3, 5 – 11 p.m.
Firework show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit City of Costa Mesa 

2023 OC Fair – Happy Together, July 14 – Aug. 13

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 2023 OC Fair, “Happy Together.” Get ready for 23 days of fun-filled live entertainment, exhibits, food, carnival rides, shopping and more!

When: July 14 – Aug. 13
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
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
Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles, $24 for buses and limos
More information: Visit 2023 OC Fair

Entertainment during the 2023 OC Fair

Pacific Amphitheatre

Pacific Amphitheatre is celebrating its 40th anniversary and delivering entertainment you don’t want to miss. Performances include comedians Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham, concerts by Beck, Ne-Yo, War, George Thorogood, Rebelution, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, -X-, Stephen Marley, Cheap Trick, Bee Gees Gold, The Green, Dwight Yoakam, 3 Doors Down, Yung Gravy, Ziggy Marley, The Fab Four, Styx, Chicago, Gerardo Ortiz, Smokey Robinson, Midland, Ramon Ayala, AJR, Common Kings and Sweet & Tender Hooligans.

When: July 1 – Sept. 2
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre

The Hangar

In The Hangar, tribute bands Dead Man’s Party, Twisted Gypsy, Devotional, Journey Unauthorized, Wild Child, Don’t Look Back, Sweet Home Alabama, Zeppelin Live, Elton: The Early Years, Yachty By Nature, Ticket to the Moon, 24K Magic!, Red Corvette, Which One’s Pink?, Start Making Sense, Damage Inc., Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, The Beatles vs The Stones and Queen Nation join Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Spencer Sutherland over the course of the Fair.

When: July 14 – Aug. 13

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: Varies by performer and seating selection

More info: Visit OC Fair

Action Sports Arena

Non-stop adrenaline is scheduled in Action Sports Arena with Monster Truck Nitro, demolition derbies, rodeos, charros and more taking over. There’s sure to be something to keep everyone entertained.

When: July 14 – Aug. 12

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena

How much: Varies by performer and seating selection

More info: Visit OC Fair

* Entertainment tickets include same-day Fair admission for shows

happening July 14 – Aug. 13.

Exhibits during the 2023 OC Fair

‘Armed Only With A Camera’

The World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman is now on display at Heroes Hall. Troutman served his country by photographing the war in the South Pacific Theater including the devastated cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

When: Through Sept. 2023

Where: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

How much: Included with Fair admission

More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Junior Livestock Auction

For a classic fair experience visit OC Fair’s Livestock Show Ring and view the Junior Livestock Auction! OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction supports 4-H and FFA agriculture education programs throughout Orange County. Bidding at the OC Fair will be in person with add-on contributions online only. Market shows will be held in person and viewing will be available during OC Fair public hours.

When: Saturday, July 22, auction begins at 10 a.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Livestock Showring

How much: Included with Fair admission

More info: Visit Junior Livestock Auction

The Art of Music Experience

An experiential exhibit that inspires people of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate the stories and creators behind album cover art.

Embark on an immersive journey through a series of themed gallery and vendor environments, flip through bins of vinyl records at a pop-up independent record store, watch live painting of album cover art, rank your favorite album cover and more.

When: July 14 – Aug. 13

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building

How much: Included with Fair admission

More info: Visit Exhibits

The SAAAB Story

The SAAAB (Santa Ana Army Air Base) Story exhibition celebrates the history of the flight training center, its contribution to the war effort, the servicemembers that served here and its role in the development of the growth of Orange County through film, photographs, maps, oral histories, works of art and ephemera. 

When: Ongoing

Where: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

How much: Included with Fair admission

More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Ongoing at the OC Fair & Event Center

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 and tacos/burritos. 

Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D

How much: Free admission and parking; let parking attendant know you are going to the Farmers Market.

More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau 

Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Want to keep tabs on our pigs during the Fair? 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

Coming up in August

OC Fair Fun Run 5K, Aug. 6

Run, walk or skip through the OC Fair!

When: Sunday, Aug. 6, 8 – 11 a.m.

Schedule:

Bib pickup: 6 – 7:40 a.m.

Race begins: 8 a.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center

How much: $45 until July 13, $25 for youth 6-12, $10 for kids 5 and under.

More info: Visit OC Fair Fun Run 5K

Fight Club OC, Aug. 24

Welcome to Fight Club OC, a hybrid boxing and MMA fight series that does six shows a year. With three high definition cameras always on the action and an LED HD video board with instant replay, we’ll sell you the seat, but you need to bring the edge.

When: Thursday, Aug. 24, 5:30 – 10 p.m.

Schedule:

Baja Bar & Grill happy hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.

First fight 7 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: General admission is $65. Parking is $12. 

More info: Visit Fight Club OC

Gem Faire, Aug. 25-27

The largest jewelry & bead show in SoCal. Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Jewelry repair and cleaning while you shop.

When: Aug. 25 – 27, 2023

Schedule:

Friday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Santa Ana Pavilion, Costa Mesa Building

How much: General admission is $11. Parking is $12.

More info: Visit Gem Faire

Monday, June 19, 2023 (8:05 am)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (8:35 am)

COSTA MESA (June 7, 2023) – The OC Fair has announced its entertainment lineup for the summer, featuring 71 performances across three venues, Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Entertainment tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.

Pacific Amphitheatre is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and will kick off its summer season with two pre-Fair concerts: Stephen Marley on July 1, and The Green/Hirie/Mike Love/Jesse Royal/Common Sense on July 8.

Then, the Toyota Summer Concert Series marks the opening weekend of the 2023 OC Fair with Bee Gees Gold/ABBA LA on July 14, 3 Doors Down/Candlebox on July 15, and The Happy Together Tour on July 16.

Pacific Amphitheatre shows also include Dwight Yoakam/Asleep at the Wheel on July 20, Gerardo Ortiz/Los Farmerz on July 23, X/The English Beat/Save Ferris on July 30, Beck/Phoenix on Aug. 9, Jeff Dunham on Aug. 10, and Ne-Yo/Robin Thicke/Mario on Aug. 4.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Pacific Amphitheatre’s summer season includes four post-Fair shows this year: Los Tucanes de Tijuana/La Original Banda El Limon on Aug. 18, Chicago on Aug. 20, Gabriel Iglesias on Aug. 27 and Common Kings/Fiji and guests on Sept. 2. Visit pacamp.com for the full venue lineup.

This year’s entertainment in The Hangar includes Devotional (Depeche Mode tribute), Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo tribute), Spencer Sutherland/DOUBLECAMP, Twisted Gypsy (Fleetwood Mac tribute), Queen Nation (Queen tribute), and 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 14 and 15. The Monster Truck Nitro Tour, demolition derbies, rodeos, X-Treme Freestyle Moto-X and the Speedway Fair Derby on Aug. 1 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 14-Aug. 13. Shows are selling out so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets now at ticketmaster.com.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 (9:59 am)

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

For the 2023 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
Woodworking

Home Arts & Hobbies
Collections
Fiber Arts
Hand Crafts
Jewelry Arts
Table Setting

Horticulture
Container Plants
Cut Flowers
Floral Arrangements
Fruits & Vegetables
Pressed Botanicals

Culinary
Bars & Brownies
Cookies
Honey
Pies & Cheesecakes
Preserved Food & Liqueur
Sugar Arts & Confections
Yeast & Quick Breads

Wine
Commercial Wine
Home Wine

Livestock
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 2023 deadline for commercial wines, is slated to close May 19. Table settings, a fan favorite, has exceeded entries and is now closed.

Results for the 2022 OC Fair Competitions are available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests/results/.

ABOUT THE 2023 OC FAIR

“Happy Together” is the theme of this year’s OC Fair, which takes place July 14-Aug. 13. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

New this year, the OC Fair is offering an Every Day Passport which allows guests to enjoy the Fair any day or every day of the 2023 season – no reservations or restrictions. The Every Day Passport is on sale now for $60, while supplies last.

There is limited daily capacity at the OC Fair and advance admission ticket purchase is required – tickets are on sale now. Prices are $13 general admission on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 general admission on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are $9 all days. The OC Fair will absorb transaction fees. Parking is $12; $24 for buses and limos.

Tickets are on sale for performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena and The Hangar. Carnival tickets are also on sale with a $44 discounted ride wristband available for purchase until July 14. Guests can access unlimited rides and two free games from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wristbands must be redeemed by 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For more information, visit ocfair.com. Photos and video for media are available here.

Thursday, December 15, 2022 (4:02 pm)

COSTA MESA (Dec. 15, 2022) – Today the OC Fair announced that “Happy Together” will be the theme of the 2023 event that will run July14-Aug. 13, highlighting community inclusion.

Advance ticket purchase will again be required with limited capacity for summer’s best party, which will be open Wednesday through Sunday.

Admission tickets will go on sale online in early 2023 and will be restricted to 45,000 admissions available per day. This is the third year the Fair has imposed a limited-capacity model and days are again expected to sell out.

A new offering, the OC Fair Every Day Passport, will also be on sale in early 2023 and will allow guests to visit the Fair any day of its 23-day run without advance tickets required. The price will be $60 for all and sales will be limited to 10,000 passports.

“There is no better way to celebrate summer than to be ‘Happy Together’ at the OC Fair,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO. “We’ve been working all year to once again bring the community together for all the special fun and goodness the OC Fair offers – food, rides, animals, entertainment, shopping, exhibits and more. We can’t wait for opening day on July 14!”

Ticket prices will slightly increase this year with general admission prices going up by $1 for the first time since 2014 to $13 general admission on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Weekend admission prices were raised by $2 in 2017. Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-13 are $9 all days, a $2 increase, also the first since 2014. OC Fair will again absorb the online admission ticket transaction fees since advance purchase is required. Admission tickets will not be available for sale at OC Fair entry gates. Parking will be $12, a $2 increase year-round.

New hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are now available for purchase for the first OC Fair concerts announced for Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar. Live music performances include Dwight Yoakam and Asleep at the Wheel, Bee Gees Gold with ABBA LA and Queen Nation.

Returning OC Fair favorites include magician Frank Thurston, Brew Hee Haw craft beer festival, monster trucks, demolition derbies, All-Alaskan pig races and, of course, zany fair food.

The Junior Livestock Auction will be back in person on July 22 and the traditional OC Fair competitions will begin accepting entries in February.

Also on display during the Fair at Heroes Hall will be Armed Only with a Camera: World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman. 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 OC Fair is looking for local people to participate in the annual 2023 event. Community entertainment (unpaid) applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 9 at https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/community-entertainment/ Applications for vendors and concessionaires are now open at https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/be-a-part-of-the-fair/vendors/ Sponsorship and marketing information is available at https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/sponsors/

The 2022 OC Fair had attendance of 1,055,173 with 11 sold-out days. The Fair returned to an in-person event in 2021 after going virtual in 2020.

Friday, September 23, 2022 (4:20 pm)

From OC Register, Sept. 22, 2022

Best of Orange County 2022: Best fair/festival

Still going strong after 130+ years, the OC Fair is one of the area’s most anticipated events and draws more than a million people annually. Many are return visitors. No surprise there: trying to experience all the fair has to offer in a single day can be an exercise in futility.

OC Fair Communications Director Terry Moore calls the monthlong event a “much-loved summer tradition.”

“We hear wonderful stories about young families making memories just like the parents did when they were growing up,” she said. “It’s about friends seeing concerts under the stars and winning giant stuffed animals in the carnival. Most of all, it’s about being together and enjoying the fun you can only find at the fair.”

Activities include midway games, rides, the large Ferris wheel and entertainment shows at three different venues. The Action Sports Arena returned with demolition derbies, speedway races and monster trucks after being dark in 2020-21. The Hangar offered the usual tribute band favorites and the Pacific Amphitheatre’s music and comedic talent rivaled neighboring county fairs. Jackson Browne, Trevor Noah, Brett Eldredge, the Offspring, Counting Crows, Smokey Robinson, Culture Club were among this season’s performers.

Elsewhere, the fair’s visual and photographic art contest winners guarantee something stunning, while a visit to the war-themed Heroes Hall Museum and Education Center proves enlightening. The craft beer roundup, plus all the deep-fried and barbecue food are modern fair traditions.

— George A. Paul

Read the entire article: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/09/22/best-of-orange-county-2022-best-fair-festival/

Thursday, August 18, 2022 (10:09 am)

COSTA MESA – The 2022 OC Fair is a wrap and there were a whole lot of summer memories for fairgoers who wanted to “Feel the Sunshine,” the theme of this year’s Fair which ran from July 15 through Aug. 14.

Advance tickets were required again this year so daily capacity could be limited to provide a better experience for our guests, neighbors and partners. There was no increase in ticket prices again this year.

“The annual OC Fair is very special and important to the community. It gives us such pleasure to present it every year. It’s a thrill for our team to plan and produce an event that resonates with our guests throughout Southern California and beyond,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO. “It’s always sad to see the annual OC Fair end each year, but rest assured our team is already working on next year’s Fair. We can’t wait to welcome back all our guests again in 2023,” said Richards.

Here’s a look at this year’s Fair by the numbers:

Preliminary figures show that 1,055,173 fairgoers came out to enjoy summer’s most-anticipated event and there were 11 sold-out days. In 2021, OC Fair attendance was 1,055,770 and there were 16 sold-out days.

10,000 competition entries from 3,068 exhibitors vied for blue-ribbons. In Home Arts, there were 399 entries, 1,292 entries in Culinary, Visual Arts had 3,754 entries and there were 4,426 entries in Horticulture. Entries were up 20 percent over 2021.

2.5 million carnival rides were enjoyed by fairgoers and their favorites were La Grande Wheel XL, Skyride and Rave Wave. The top games were Bottle Up, Big Water Race and Bank A Ball. The most-requested midway prizes were Squishmallows and Ramen Noodle stuffies.

7,990 kids took advantage of the Read and Ride program by reading books and earning carnival rides.

70,600 fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies were made from scratch at Mom’s Bakeshoppe.

16,682 hot dogs were sold by Pink’s, along with 13,754 orders of fries and 1,272 veggie dogs.

5 top food items from Biggy’s were pizza, fried Oreos, Dole Soft Serve, corn dogs and funnel cakes.

8,800 pounds of Ten Pound Buns were served up at this year’s OC Fair.

20,000 deep-fried Oreos, 2,000 Kool-Aid chicken sandwiches, 9,000 Canadian lobster tails, 5,000 bacon-wrapped pickles and 3,000 fried avocados were served up at the Chicken Charlie’s stands throughout the fairgrounds.

One new OC Fair Foodie costumed character was introduced this year, Sunny Lemon, who posed for photos daily and paraded through the fairgrounds with the OC Fair Foodie crew.

20 piglets, five goats and four peachicks were born at Centennial Farm.

13,958 phone calls during the Fair were answered by the Guest Experience team.

44,611,100 social media impressions on OC Fair’s various profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

231,736 cars were parked in general parking during this year’s event.

35 tons of organic waste was diverted from landfills, 55,000 pounds of trash was recycled and 7,500 gallons of cooking grease was repurposed by the OC Fair facilities team.

$242,967.76 was paid out to agriculture students through the Junior Livestock Auction and this year we saw the sale of 153 animals.

13,514 visitors to Heroes Hall during the Fair also had the chance to see a real Huey helicopter and to decorate 1,000 postcards for the troops.

12 concerts were sold out in The Hangar, 11 events were sold out in Action Sports Arena and so far there have been eight sold-out shows in Pacific Amphitheatre.

Concerts under the stars are continuing with these upcoming shows in Pacific Amphitheatre:
Aug. 18 – Boy George & Culture Club / Berlin
Aug. 19 – Cole Swindell / Honey County
Aug. 25 – Steve Miller Band
Aug. 28 – Ramon Ayala / Conjunto Primavera
Aug. 31 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo / Ann Wilson
Sept. 2 – Jackson Browne
Tickets are for sale on Ticketmaster.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank the community for supporting the OC Fair this year. We’re very proud to provide this great family event each year that means so much to so many,” said OC Fair Board Chair Doug La Belle.

Friday, July 22, 2022 (4:12 pm)

OC Fair fans have been waiting all year for the return of summer’s best party – and they know how to get the best value out of their visit. Here are some awesome things that are free with Fair admission.

For a full OC Fair schedule, visit ocfair.com, or download the 2022 OC Fair app. Advance tickets are required – no fees – and capacity is limited.

ENTERTAINMENT
Comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik – nightly in Plaza Pacifica
The Magic of Frank Thurston – daily in OC promenade
Roving entertainment including Dragon Knights Stilt Show, Red Light Brass Band and Ellas mariachi group (limited run) – daily throughout the fairgrounds
Community entertainment featuring local music groups, dance troops and more – daily on three stages
Tupua Polynesian dance group – nightly in Plaza Pacifica
Live music – nightly in Baja Blues
Latin music and dancing – nightly in Hussong’s Cantina
The Hangar and Action Sports Arena – performances accessible via standing room (or via paid ticket for reserved seating)
Performance of Taps – 6 p.m. nightly at Heroes Hall

ANIMALS
All-Alaskan Racing Pigs – daily in Plaza Pacifica
Animal judging and displays – daily in Livestock
Great American Petting Farm – daily near Green Gate
OC Fair’s resident animal educators including pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, rabbits, peacocks and sheep – daily at Centennial Farm

DEMONSTRATIONS
Cow milking – daily in Millennium Barn
Food preservation, chef’s tips and more – daily in OC Promenade/Culinary
Camel dairy – limited run in livestock
OC Vaulting horse acrobatics – limited run in livestock
Wine talks and pairings – daily in The Courtyard
Crafts and handmade goods – daily in Home Arts & Collections Gallery

EXHIBITS
Produce and floral competitions – daily at Centennial Farm
Woodworking, quilting, table setting, baking and more – daily in Home Arts & Collections Gallery and OC Promenade/Culinary
Cal Fresh exhibit featuring the state’s crops – daily in OC Promenade
Fine arts and visual arts competitions – daily in Visual Arts Gallery

KID STUFF
Explorium Fun on the Farm learn & play area – daily in OC Promenade
Food-related contests for kids – daily in OC Promenade
Photos with OC Fair Foodies – daily throughout the fairgrounds
Color postcards for troops & veterans – daily at Heroes Hall

For more ideas on what to do & see at the OC Fair, visit https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/

Things to know before you go

The Fair will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and 11 a.m. to midnight weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
General admission is $12 on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $14 general admission on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are $7 all days.
Parking is $10 for cars and motorcycles and $20 for buses and limos.
Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance with no fees on ocfair.com. Fairgoers should make sure to get tickets for special days and group adventures now, with limited capacity days could sell out (in 2021 17 out of 23 days sold out).
Performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during fair-time include same-day Fair admission. Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit ocfair.com.
Unlimited ride carnival wristbands are back this year for $49. The one-day wristbands can be used Wednesdays and Thursdays, must be purchased or redeemed by 5 p.m. and include unlimited rides and two free games; guests can ride and play from 11 a.m. till 8 p.m.
Carnival ride and game tickets can also be bought online now and are $1.25 each. Tickets required for each ride range from two to 14 tickets and games require between two and eight tickets each. For more information on this year’s rides and games, visit our website.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022 (2:54 pm)

Today we held auditions for our new Foodie, and this was one of our favorites – we hired them on the spot!

We thought it’d be the perfect way to introduce our Lemon’s name. *drumroll*

Meet SUNNY!!

This year, Sunny will join his Foodie friends Olivia (the Orange), Arturo the Churro, Cornelius and Strawberry Jan every day at the OC Fair.

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our naming contest on social media – we had 250+ votes! John Lemmon came in real close, and there were lots of votes for Twist/Twisty and Drop/Lemon Drop.

Some of the write-ins were also pretty great. We got tons of variations of Squeezy, Zesty, Lemony and Lemonade. Some of you went with citrus themed, suggesting names like Pucker, Sour and Tart. Others went literal with names like Meyer and Bonnie Brae. Lots recommended we name the Lemon after famous people or characters such as Miley Cytrus, Lemon Stefani, Jack Lemon, Liz Lemon LuluLemon and even Pikalemon. A few gave the Lemon fun last names like Bigfair, McLemonFace and Picket. We especially enjoyed the creative ones like Nomel (lemon spelled backwards) and the French-sounding Sunny Le Monet.

Don’t forget to say hi to Sunny this summer at the OC Fair!