Category Archives: OC Fair
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Wednesday, July 28, 2021 (9:09 am)
California Fresh exhibit debuts at the 2021 OC Fair, celebrates specialty crops
The OC Fair is proud to present for the first time ever the California Fresh Exhibit: Celebrating the Bounty of Our Counties.This special exhibit, which debuted at this year’s fair, was created by OC Fair staff and is aimed at educating consumers and highlighting the state’s diverse specialty crops. The exhibit was developed as part of the California Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. At the end of the fair, the California Fresh exhibit will be on tour educating the public.
WHAT GUESTS CAN DO IN THE EXHIBIT
• Learn about everything from almonds and strawberries to ornamental plants.
• Play the County Bounty Treasure Hunt augmented reality (AR) game – Discover the state’s varied array of agriculture! Just look for the signs with the California Bear and use the QR code to get started or download the app (Apple or Google)
• Coloring sheet for kids – Dress the California Bear for a trip to the OC Fair! The special app also brings the bear to life and he shares information about the state’s many specialty crops.
• There are recipe cards located throughout the exhibit to help fairgoers discover delicious was to enjoy the bounty of specialty crops available.
• A special map in the center of the exhibit illustrates the diversity of the state’s specialty crops by showcasing each county’s key commodity crop.
• Selfie spots – Find all the different and colorful areas to snap pics with your friends, and tag #ocfairfun to be featured!STAGE DEMONSTRATIONS
The exhibit will feature chef demonstrations and culinary experts sharing information on the benefits of these healthy and tasty crops grown in the state’s 58 counties, along with preparation tips.
Michael Marks will demonstrate on stage and introduce the culinary guests on stage. He will discuss the California crops and benefits of eating healthy.
MORE ABOUT SPECIALTY CROPS
Would you guess that Orange County is known for its variety of ornamental plants? California is called the Golden State for many reasons, one being the bountiful specialty crops produced here. These crops include fruit and tree nuts, vegetables, herbs and spices, floriculture and horticulture crops.
Specialty crops are grown and used for food, medicinal purposes and/or aesthetics or beautification in landscaping and more. These crops include the nutritionally delicious almonds and celery in school lunches, olives on your pizza, garlic and ginger that flavors your dinner, cut flowers in holiday centerpieces, trees in the park, and herbs in your medicine.
California produces more than 400 different commodities, many of which are specialty crops. They’re all around us! The goal of the exhibit is to educate consumers about the many benefits of these amazing crops, to promote healthy eating habits and to teach fairgoers about finding locally sourced produce and more.
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Sunday, July 25, 2021 (9:53 am)
Special guide to OC Fair fun for first-timers
There’s something for everyone at the OC Fair, which will run July 16 through Aug. 15, but if this is your very first time, here are some things you won’t want to miss.Don’t miss the fan favorite, the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs. These high-spirited snorters are sure to give you the perfect overload of cuteness and humor. Grab a photo with the winning pigs after the race! Other great animal spots include the Great American Petting Zoo and the Livestock Area.
Another regular must-see stop for first-timers is the Crafters Village. Here you’ll find unique items and handcrafted goods that will make a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your first time visiting the OC Fair. Need more shopping booths? Find them in Carnival of Products, Parade of Products and Festival of Products.
Anyone who hasn’t been to the OC Fair before has surely missed out on seeing our farm animals. Be sure to take time to visit Centennial Farm, which is a three-acre working farm that is open year-round and features the Millennium Barn, several types of farm animals and large crops. Plus, during the Fair, you can take a stop to visit milking demonstrations and dairy exhibits, see the fruit and vegetable competitions or take the kids for a a pony ride.
Be sure to catch a lift on the Sky Ride! Grab an amazing bird’s-eye view to pinpoint what adventure you’ll go to next. The Sky Ride takes riders from one side of the fairgrounds to the other, giving you some peace and relaxation time before you land. It’s also the perfect ride to enjoy with your loved one to relax and give your legs a rest after an entire day of fun. Need an even higher viewpoint? Try La Grande Wheel XL, the nation’s largest traveling observation wheel!
Want to make the most of your visit by watching a live concert inside the fair? Purchase tickets to any show at The Hangar and you will receive free same-day fair admission too! We’ve also got concerts under the stars at Pacific Amphitheatre starting on July 29. Performances happening at Pacific Amphitheatre during fair time also include same-day fair admission. For a full list of who’s playing, go to ocfair.com/entertainment.
For those looking for cute picture locations around the fair, look no further! We’ve got lots of sweet selfie spots. Especially created by the fair’s very own designer Leslie Trasport, you won’t find a space within the fair that isn’t flowing with color or that doesn’t include a cutout, backdrop or fantastic wings for your best pics. Step up your social media game and use the hashtag #ocfairfun so we can all see your favorite pictures from your very first trip to the fair.
Nothing says the fair like something fried followed up by something super sweet. Try one of the many yummy food concoctions at places like Chicken Charlie’s, Biggy’s or Bacon A Fair, and then head over to Cathy’s Cookies or Mom’s Bakeshoppe for some classic chocolate chip cookies, and top those off with some ice cream from one of the many ice cream stands (Can’t decide? Try Olde Tyme’s chocolate-dipped bars).
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Saturday, July 24, 2021 (6:38 pm)
COVID vaccination station coming to the OC Fair
The Orange County Health Care Agency will administer COVID-19 vaccines at a special vaccination station at the 2021 OC Fair. The clinic will be in the Costa Mesa Building starting Wednesday, July 28 and going through the run of Fair, which ends on Aug. 15.
Initial days of operation will be Wednesday–Friday, and back again on Sunday, with hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The county plans to administer approx. 100 vaccines daily. Depending on public feedback and activity at the clinic, that number could increase to up to 200 vaccines daily and the county will adjust hours of operation accordingly.
No appointments are needed for OC Fair guests, staff or partners.
For more information, visit https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-vaccine-resources
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Friday, July 23, 2021 (9:10 am)
Daring diners – this OC Fair is for you!
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!This year’s OC Fair will run July 16-Aug. 15, Wednesdays through Sundays, with limited attendance. The theme is “Time for Fun!”With so much to choose from, here’s a handy guide to this year’s new food at the OC Fair:Latin flavors• Taco de Lengua – Pepe’s Mariscos Fresh Mexican Seafood• Taco de Tripa – Pepe’s Mariscos Fresh Mexican Seafood• Fresas y Lechera Churro – Big Dogs• Watermelon Taco with Tajin – Cowboy Kettle Corn• Sugar-Rimmed Lemonade with flavors including chamoy – SqueezersHot and spicy• Waffle cone with buffalo chicken and mac & cheese – Chicken Charlie’s• Hot Cheeto -n- Cheese Burger – Biggys• Hot Cheeto -n- Cheese Pickles – Biggys• Spicy Deep-Fried Hot Dog Bites – Pink’s Hot DogsSweet stuff• Banana Cream Funnel Cake – Dutchmens Funnel Cake• Fried Ice Cream – Fried A Fair• Chocolate Chip Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich – Totally Baked Cookie Joint• Candy Apples: Mermaid, Unicorn or Baby Shark – Sweeties and Sweet Dreams• Cotton Candy Taco – Sweeties and Sweet Dreams• 50/50 Brownie Parfait with Bavarian cream – Mom’s BakeshoppeCrazy combos• Chicken Lumpia (can top with ice cream) – Chicken Charlie’s• Fried Chicken Funnel Cake – Dutchmens Funnel Cake• Buffalo Brownies (can top with ice cream) – Chicken Charlie’s• Italian Nachos – Pignotti’s in Wine Courtyard– and so much more fun food on sticks, deep fried, wrapped in bacon and topped with whipped cream!OC Fair classics and favorites will return, bringing fairgoers giant turkey legs, deep-fried sweets, bacon-wrapped corn dogs, great BBQ, cotton candy and ice cream galore.Deal alert! $3 Taste of Fair Food on Thursdays is back. Guests can get a sampling of food and treats for only $3 each every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended hours!!) Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more. See $3 Taste of Fair Menu (Thursdays only).The Wine Courtyard will be open during the Fair. Hosted by the Orange County Wine Society, the courtyard features award-winning wines that are available for purchase by the glass as is food and lighter fare.The OC Fair has added more shaded tables and seating areas for dining and has increased sanitization procedures to help keep everyone safe.Tickets to the Fair must be purchased in advance (no fees!) on ocfair.com. Fairgoers should make sure to get tickets for special days and group adventures now, since limited daily capacity days could sell out. -
Wednesday, July 21, 2021 (9:54 am)
Is there vegetarian food at the OC Fair? You bet!
We know the OC Fair is known for its crazy food, but fairgoers might not know there are plenty of healthier options to choose from. There are even amazing food choices for vegetarians!For a popular vegetarian option, go to Ten Pound Buns for a delicious avocado toast. Or try the original version with cheese or The King – based on Elvis’ favorite sandwich, it’s got peanut butter, bananas and honey.At the classic Hot Dog on a Stick, go for a vegetarian corn dog or even two types of cheese on a stick. Tip: The lemonade is also great.If you prefer food with even more pizzazz, mosey on down to the main carnival area for Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Pickles at Biggys or a Watermelon Taco with Tajin at the Dole Soft Serve stand next to the Euroslide.The grills are fired up at the OC Fair and there are plenty of fresh veggies being cooked up throughout the fairgrounds.There are more fried veggie options, such as zucchini curls, at the Chicken Charlie’s locations where fried hummus, pickles and pineapple are also on the menu.There are no shortage of potato options at the OC Fair. New this year is The Tater Bar located in the Main Mall area where you can choose an array of toppings. The signature Tasti Chips also come with lots of terrific topping options including garlic parmesan or even plain with a side of ketchup.At Fresh Frys, there are classic choices or crazier ones, and you can always opt for the giant blooming onion, which is great for sharing. (Visitors can also look for the cinnamon sugar yammies while there.) For even more spuds, check out Australian Battered Potatoes for their popular potato slices with many choices of add-ons to make it your own. Baked potatoes are available too.If you prefer corn, and like it roasted, the OC Fair is the place to be! At Bob’s Corn, you can find elote as well as the standard cob or cut into a cup. The veggie kabobs here get great reviews and baked potatoes are available there too.Crazy Nachos offer a meatless version and veggie tacos are available at Noel’s (avocado tacos and quesadillas are here too) and Pepe’s Mariscos, where veggie burritos are also for sale.Going Italian will work for vegetarians as well with pizza being served at Gino’s Pizza and Pignotti’s Pasta, which also has, of course, pasta. At Pignotti’s Gourmet Snacks in the Wine Courtyard, there are vegetable and cheese plates available.At Eddie’s Asian Inspired Cuisine there is vegetable tempura, chow mein, veggie rice and more meatless choices.Terri’s Berries has plenty of fresh choices including fruit cups and bowls – some also include cucumber – smoothies, chocolate-dipped apples and strawberries and juices. There are even fancy fairy-dusted lemonades!And the apples! There are abundant choices if you like your apples dipped in chocolate, drizzled in caramel or candied with lots of choices at Terri’s Berries in addition to many locations throughout the fairgrounds.Grab your healthy buddies, get your tickets online in advance, and head to the OC Fair for a one-of-a-kind foodie experience.There is an abundance of sweet treats that will satisfy vegetarians and others looking for a snack. Dole Soft Serve, doughnuts, cotton candy, churros, shave ice, kettle corn, funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls and cookies are all plentiful.Please note: Although ingredients may be vegetarian or vegan, food may be prepared on surfaces where non-vegetarian items are cooked. Customers should inquire at food stands if they have dietary restrictions or concerns. -
Sunday, July 18, 2021 (4:56 pm)
OC Fair sells out for first time; advance ticket buy required – limited capacity
For the first time ever, the OC Fair sold out on Saturday, July 17. With limited daily capacity this year, advance ticket purchase is required.Other days are also on track to sell out, so fairgoers are encouraged to plan ahead and buy their admission tickets on ocfair.com or on the 2021 OC Fair mobile app – no service fees.Concerts and shows in the Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar include same-day Fair admission for performances taking place during the OC Fair, which ends its run on Aug. 15.Key things to know about the 2021 OC Fair:· A limited number of tickets are available each day· Advance online ticket sales only – no transaction fees· 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· OC Fair is not currently planning to increase capacity which is capped at 45,000 daily· Masks are required indoors for unvaccinated guestsTickets are $12 weekday general admission (Wednesday, Thursday) and $14 weekend general admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Admission for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) is $7 every day and children 5 and younger are free.The 2021 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news & information and tickets. Search for “ocfair 2021” in your app store.The Fair will open each day at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and midnight on weekends.General parking is still $10, $20 for buses and limos, credit card only. The free shuttle from Experian and OCTA’s OC Fair Express bus service will not be available this year. Carnival tickets are also on sale now so fairgoers can skip the ticket booths, and tickets for concerts in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre can be found at ocfair.com/entertainment. -
Thursday, April 8, 2021 (1:01 pm)
FAQs about the 2021 OC Fair
The theme of this year’s OC Fair is “Time For Fun,” and we can’t wait to celebrate this summer from July 16 through Aug. 15.
When will tickets for the OC Fair go on sale?
Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/oc-fair/buy-tickets. The 2021 OC Fair will be July 16-Aug. 15, 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 16 and Aug. 15 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Advance online ticket sales will help ensure we stay within our capacity limits. 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.
I am fully vaccinated. Do I have to wear a mask at the fair?
No. Masks are only required for unvaccinated guests inside OC Fair buildings.
What are the other restrictions?
There is limited capacity at the 2021 OC Fair, so advance tickets are required. In addition to a mask requirement for unvaccinated guests indoors, and increased sanitization, we will have more elbow room on the fairgrounds, distancing will be encouraged and some events will be on hold.
Will you be selling a season pass this year?
No. Due to capacity limitations, the Super Pass will not be for sale for the 2021 season.
What about my 2020 Super Pass?
If you purchased a 2020 Super Pass and did NOT request a refund, your pass will be valid for any day of the 2021 OC Fair. Those existing pass holders will receive 2021 passes in the mail prior to opening day of the OC Fair. Refunds are no longer being offered at this time.
Will you offer free or discounted admission days?
No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.
Will Opening Day be free?
No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.
Can military/veterans get in free?
No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.
Will you offer any ride or food promotions?
Yes! We will have Taste of Fair Food on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring $3 food options. The Read & Ride program for kids (ages 5-11) will also be available during fair time. Unlimited ride wristbands will not be available this year.
Will you have unlimited ride wristbands?
No, not this year. Carnival tickets for rides and games are available for purchase in packs of 40, 100, and 200. We recommend purchasing in advance online or getting the FunPass app to avoid lines on the fairgrounds.
I have a free voucher from the 2020 virtual 5k/Goodwill donation. Will that still work?
Yes. Virtual 5k participants can bring their voucher any day of the 2021 OC Fair for one admission. Goodwill donors can bring their voucher any weekday (Wednesday-Friday) of the 2021 OC Fair for one admission. These printed vouchers have been accounted for in our capacity limits.
What about my 2020 concert tickets?
If you purchased tickets for the 2020 entertainment season and did NOT receive a refund, your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled 2021 date. Please check pacamp.com for the lineup.
Does my concert ticket include Fair admission?
Yes. Tickets to concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre or The Hangar that occur during the 2021 OC Fair include same-day admission to the OC Fair. Parking is not included.
Will there be Action Sports Arena performances?
No. Action Sports Arena will be closed; typical motorized sports and rodeo shows will not take place during the 2021 OC Fair.
Can I be a vendor?
The application deadline to be a vendor, sponsor or platinum partner at the 2021 OC Fair has passed.
Can I perform at the OC Fair?
The application deadline to be a part of the community entertainment program at the 2021 OC Fair has passed.
Will there be competitions this year?
Yes. Competition guides are available on our website at ocfair.com/competitions. Entries are now open.
We will continue to add information to our website at ocfair.com/oc-fair as it becomes available.
Other frequently asked questions:
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.
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.
However, a new event, the Original O.C. Swap Meet on May 29, will likely welcome many of the same vendors as the former swap meet. More info on our event calendar.
Is the farm open?
No. Due to the vaccination site on the fairgrounds, the entrance to Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall is inaccessible. The farm and veterans museum will reopen July 16.
Is the campground open?
No. OC Fair & Event Center’s campground and RV parking site is still currently closed.
For a list of upcoming events at OC Fair & Event Center, go to ocfair.com/events.
Got another question? We are working hard to plan for the 2021 OC Fair, but there are still a few things pending. We appreciate your patience as we work out the logistics! If you have a question regarding a specific issue, please use our contact form.
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Friday, March 26, 2021 (12:08 pm)
Fair Board pays tribute to Women’s History Month
At yesterday’s OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors meeting, CEO Michele Richards, representing the Community Affairs Committee, paid tribute to Women’s History Month.
The presentation highlighted the contributions women have made to Orange County’s communities, education and heritage, and to agriculture throughout California.
View the full presentation: ocfair.com/womenshistorymonthocfec/ -
Thursday, March 25, 2021 (11:08 am)
Dates announced for 2021 OC Fair!
Today the OC Fair announced dates for the much-anticipated annual event – July 16- Aug. 15. The theme is “Time for Fun,” celebrating the joy of the return of Southern California’s favorite summer festival.
“We are grateful to plan for an exciting, and safe, OC Fair this year,” said OC Fair Board Chair Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia. “This milestone will allow the community to come together to celebrate the future and generate much-needed opportunities for economic development and growth in Orange County. The Board and staff have done a fantastic job of responsibly managing our finances and preparing to meet safe reopening guidelines to not just make it through the pandemic, but to emerge resilient and ready for 2021 and beyond.”
OC Fair officials have been working closely with public health agencies to develop protocols to keep fairgoers safe while bringing back carnival rides, fair food, entertainment, competitions, animals and more to fair fans. The plans for the 2021 OC Fair are based on health agency projections for the summer, but could change if warranted by public health conditions.
Advance ticket sales will be required and limited capacity will give fairgoers more elbow room. The number of concessions, rides and shopping vendors will be reduced and spaced out to provide more distance between each. Admission tickets will go on sale May 1 on ocfair.com.
“We have worked through many different scenarios for the 2021 OC Fair and we are so excited to move forward with this plan because it means that we really can bring back the fun, and that’s why I love this year’s theme,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “We want everyone to continue to follow health guidelines and get vaccinated so we can finally celebrate summer together again.”
The Fair Board voted to keep ticket prices at the 2019 OC Fair rates, $12 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday), and $14 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The current plan is for the fair to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as it traditionally has been. There is a change to move Friday into weekend pricing and OC Fair will absorb the online ticket sale fees.
Announcements regarding concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar will be coming soon.
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Friday, September 25, 2020 (9:10 am)
Fair Food Drive-Thru event extended through October
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