Category Archives: Uncategorized

Thursday, July 31, 2025 (9:00 am)

What’s Happening at OC Fairgrounds in August

COSTA MESA (July 15, 2025) – 2025 OC Fair, through Aug. 17

With acres of mouthwatering Fair food, heart-pounding carnival rides, adorable farm animals and spectacular competitions, there’s something for everyone! Grab your family, friends and sense of adventure and come Find Your Happy!

Tickets must be purchased online in advance – buy them online now with no fees!

When: Through Aug. 17
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
How much: 
$13 general admission on Wednesday & Thursday
$15 general admission Friday – Sunday
$9 seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids ages 5 and younger every day
Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for buses and limos. 

Special deals:

• Every Day Passports give Fairgoers access to the Fair any or every day for only $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 back this year, serving up taste-size portions of Fair food favorites for only $5 each every day until 4 p.m.

Free with OC Fair admission:

• Exhibits and demonstrations – check out blue-ribbon winners, explore handcrafts and woodworking, marvel at large-scale movie-poster art and get great tips from chefs during culinary demos.
• Performances on community stages and nightly fun – see local talent, dance the night away and catch a show in Baja Bar & Grill.
• Animal experiences – visit Centennial Farm’s animal educators, All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, livestock displays and Great American Petting Farm.

Ticketed performances:
From high-energy concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre to electrifying shows at The Hangar and jaw-dropping thrills in the Action Sports Arena, there’s something for everyone! Events run from July 18 – Sept. 12, and tickets are selling fast! Buy your tickets now to make this summer one to remember.

More info: Visit Find Your Happy

Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center

 

Centennial Farm

Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Jr. Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm. 

When: Centennial Farm is open to Fairgoers with paid admission through Aug. 17. The Farm reopens to the public on Monday, Aug. 25.
Schedule through Aug. 17:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.

More info: Visit Centennial Farm

Farmers Market and Goodwill donations

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 dumplings, burritos and more.

OC Farm Bureau now partners with Goodwill of Orange County! Drop donations off at the designated donation truck before or after shopping for local produce!

When: Through Aug. 14, Thursdays, 8 a.m. – noon; Starting Aug. 21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.

More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau 

Heroes Hall

Heroes Hall is a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. The two-story exhibition space will rotate themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.

The current exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam,” offers a powerful and immersive journey through one of modern history’s most complex and divisive conflicts. Through a rich collection of artifacts, personal stories, historical facts and poignant memorabilia, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the war’s profound impact on the soldiers who fought and the broader global context. On display through Dec. 21.

When: Heroes Hall is open to Fairgoers with paid admission through Aug. 17.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.

More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Want to keep tabs on our pigs all year long? Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable rascals are up to!

More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Coming up in September

 

Heroes Hall Speaker Series – Orange, California to Pleiku, Vietnam, Sept. 6

Join us for a special speaker series presentation by Heroes Hall docent and Vietnam veteran Paul Todd. 

U.S. Army veteran Todd was teaching middle school history in 1971 when he was drafted. After his advanced training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he received orders for Vietnam. He was stationed at Tuy Hoa, then at Artillery Hill, a firebase located in Pleiku in the Central Highlands. Todd will share his personal story and the lessons he learned. He’ll also share his father’s story, a submariner in World War II who was captured by the Japanese and spent two years in a POW camp in Ofuna.  

When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: RSVP here, or call 714-708-1613
Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 13

Harley Night Finals / Speedway / Sidecars

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes – it’s a race night you won’t forget! 

When: Saturday, Sept. 13
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 6-7 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena 
How much: $30 general admission; free for kids 10 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles. 

More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

Rameelo Raas Garba, Sept. 13

Get ready for the most vibrant Garba night of the year! Join us at the OC Fairgrounds for Navlakh Navratri 2025 featuring the sensational Jigardan Gadhavi (Jigrra) live in concert. Experience authentic Gujarati Garba, Raas and high-energy beats as Jigrra brings his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence to Orange County.

When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: $25 general admission through Aug. 15; $30 general admission starting Aug. 16. Parking is $12.

More info: Visit Rameelo Raas Garba

SoCAL World Guitar Show, Sept. 13 – 14

Bring all the musical instruments or related items you can carry to sell, trade or have appraised. Plus, purchase everything from guitars, amps, banjos, mandolins, drums, violins, effects, memorabilia, sound gear, parts, effects, records, books, clothing, accessories and more!

When: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 13-14
Schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: $25 general admission; free for kids 11 and younger with an adult. Parking is $12.

More info: Visit Amigo SoCAL

Sand Sports Super Show, Sept. 19 – 21

Join us for three days of fun! Get up close to the latest sand rails, ATVs, UTVs/side x sides, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more. 

When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 19-21
Schedule:
Friday, Sept. 19, 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m .- 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: Presale through Sept. 18 – $16 general admission, $6 children 6-12, $33 weekend pass. Gate prices – $20 general admission, $10 for children 6-12, $15 for military. Children under 5 are free. Parking is $12.

More info: Visit Sand Sport Super Show

OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Sept. 25

When: Thursday, Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m. 
Where: OC Fair and Event Center Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 27

Knobby Night Invitational #2 / Speedway / Jrs.

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes – it’s a race night you won’t forget! 

When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 6-7 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena 
How much: $30 general admission; free for kids 10 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles. 

More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

OC Pride Festival & Parade, Sept. 27

Join us for Orange County’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration of the year!

This year’s theme, Revolutionary, is a bold call to action—a celebration of unity, visibility and the unshakable power of community. Whether you’re marching in the FREE pride parade, dancing at the pride stage or exploring vibrant zones throughout the festival, be part of the movement.

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: General admission is $20. Parking is $12.

More info: Visit OC Pride Festival

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 (3:00 pm)

The OC Fair is the place to Find Your Happy – opening day is this Friday so grab your tickets

COSTA MESA (July 15, 2025) – Summer’s most anticipated celebration is returning this week for its 23-day run, July 18-Aug. 17.

This year’s OC Fair theme is “Find Your Happy,” and fairgoers will find a plethora of delicious and exciting opportunities to do just that.

There’s fun every day, with activities ranging from interacting with animals in the petting zoo to checking out exhibits, enjoying performances by local groups on community stages and more.

Ten terrific tips to help plan your OC Fair visit

• Carnival – New rides have arrived at this year’s Fair, including Aviator, Soundstorm and the Royal Wheel in the main carnival midway. Frog Hopper will make its debut in the kids’ carnival. There will be more than 60 rides and a thrilling lineup of games delivering a rush of adrenaline and plenty of chances to win giant stuffed animals. ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/carnival/. Pro tip: purchase carnival wristbands online now for Wednesdays and Thursdays before prices go up on opening day, when wristbands must be purchased onsite.

• Food – The popular $5 Taste of Fair is back each day until 4 p.m.! Concessionaires will be serving smaller-size Fair favorites for only $5 each. Check out the food finder to scope out crazy new creations, like bacon cotton candy, and to track down your faves: ocfair.com/oc-fair/food-finder/. Pro tip: Grab shareable options and pack reusable containers to take extras home.

• Entertainment – Tickets to shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena include same-day Fair admission – it’s your all-day pass to fun! Post-Fair show tickets include admission on any Wednesday or Thursday during the Fair. From ZZ Top to Mowterized Mayhem lawnmower races, there’s something for everyone: ocfair.com/oc-fair/entertainment/.

• Kid stuff – Yes, the OC Fair is a kids’ paradise! Here are some don’t-miss, kid-friendly things to do: All-Alaskan Racing Pigs shows, Sand and Sea exhibits and experiences highlighting the Orange County coastline and our aquatic friends, and Megan the Bubbleologist will be roaming the fairgrounds. Look for the OC Fair Foodies – costumed characters ready for their closeups with kids of all ages. Pro tip: Look for the new baby pigs at Centennial Farm.

• Every Day Passport – Get Fair access any day or every day with no restrictions or blackout days. Pass holders also get special two-for-one offers on select concerts and entertainment. The Every Day Passport is $60 and supplies are limited. ocfair.com/oc-fair/admission.

• Daily schedule – Check out each day’s activities and choose your adventure. Find pro athlete pop-up visits, live painting demonstrations at Rewind: A VHS Comeback, entertainment schedules, livestock shows and more. ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/activities/.

• Shopping – Savvy shoppers wait all year long for those only-at-the-OC Fair deals. Look for your favorite vendors and discover new sellers, several are OC staples. Pro tip: Look for vendors with take-and-bake options to bring a taste of the Fair home. ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/shopping/.

• Learn something fun – Check out wine and food seminars in the Wine Courtyard, participate in handcraft demonstrations and crafts, catch chef talks in the culinary building and head to Centennial Farm to chat with master gardeners, beekeepers and exotic fruit growers.

• Stay cool and comfy – Sun hat? Check! Sunscreen? Check! Refillable water bottle? Check! Walking shoes? Check! Fair map? Pick one up at an info booth to find exhibit buildings, indoor entertainment, water stations and more. Pro tip: There’s always a nice breeze on Sky Ride, and it takes you across the fairgrounds.

 

• Getting there – Leave the driving to someone else! Hop on the OC Fair Express bus from one of six OCTA locations straight to the Fair for only $2 each way. Fair tickets are required to board. The bus drops passengers right at Yellow Gate. Rideshare is a great option to save time and parking fees. The rideshare drop-off and pick-up is located at Gate 1.

• The OC Fair opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and at midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• General admission is $13 Wednesday and Thursday and $15 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for seniors (60+) and youth (6-12) are $7 every day—no fees.
• Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for buses and limos.
• A limited number of tickets are available each day – advance online purchase required.

  More information is at ocfair.com/thefair.

Got questions? Check out our FAQs.

Photos and video for media, as well as OC Fair’s media access request form, are available on the Media Center.

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. OC Fair & Event Center also hosts year-round events. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (2:30 pm)

2025 OC Fair opens this month and runs through Aug. 17 – what’s free with admission?

COSTA MESA (July 1, 2025) – OC Fair fans have been waiting all year for the return of summer’s best party – and it starts July 18! Here are some awesome things that are free with Fair admission that will help you Find Your Happy.

For a full OC Fair schedule, visit ocfair.com. Advance tickets are required – no fees. The Fair runs July 18 – Aug. 17.

ENTERTAINMENT

• NEW! OC Fair After Dark at Plaza Pacifica is the place to find dancing and music Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights – swing dancing, DJ sets and Latin music set the beat
• Roving entertainment including the OC Fair Foodies costumed characters, Megan the Bubbleologist, Red Light Brass Band and strolling pianos – throughout the Fairgrounds
• Community entertainment featuring local music groups, dance troupes and more – daily on three stages; evenings in Promenade/Culinary
• Live music in a more intimate setting – nightly in Baja Bar & Grill
• Latin music and dancing – nightly in La Cantina
• The Hangar and Action Sports Arena – performances accessible via standing room with Fair admission (or via paid ticket for reserved seating)
• Comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik returns with a week of entertainment in Action Sports Arena
• Performance of Taps – 6 p.m. nightly at Heroes Hall

ANIMALS

• Aquatic touch tank – Explorium/Sand and Sea
• All-Alaskan Racing Pigs – daily in Plaza Pacifica
• Animal judging and displays – daily in Livestock
• Great American Petting Farm – daily near Yellow Gate
• OC Fair’s resident animal educators including pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, rabbits, peacocks and sheep – daily at Centennial Farm. Look for the baby animals!
• Pro tip: Look up on the berm area surrounding Pacific Amphitheatre to see our animal landscapers at work

DEMONSTRATIONS

• Llama show – adult and youth competitions in livestock (rotating)
• Milking – daily in Millennium Barn
• Food preservation, chef’s tips and more – daily in OC Promenade/Culinary
• Chef Ray creates amazing sculptures out of produce – daily in Promenade/Culinary
• Crafts and handmade goods – daily in Home Arts & Collections Gallery plus Cane’s Craft Corner with hands-on fun for everyone
• Pro tip: Hands-on scroll saw demonstrations in woodworking

EXHIBITS

• FEATURED EXHIBIT – REWIND: A VHS Revival: This exhibit showcases hand-painted large scale reproductions of album covers and movie posters, live-painting demonstrations and more that bring the VHS era to life
• 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
• Fine arts and visual arts competitions and displays in addition to featured artists – daily in Visual Arts Gallery

KID STUFF

• Explorium kids’ Orange County Sand and Sea learning and play area – daily in OC Promenade. Pro tip: Beach games at noon
• Food-related contests for kids – daily in OC Promenade
• Photos with OC Fair Foodies – daily throughout the Fairgrounds
• Color postcards for troops and veterans – daily at Heroes Hall
• Kids’ carnival area
• Fair favorite magician Frank Thurston – Daily on the Promenade/Culinary stage

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

Things to know before you go

• Advance ticket purchase is required – days will sell out – get tickets at ocfair.com for the days you want to attend. No fees on admission tickets.
• The Fair will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to midnight weekends (Friday and Saturday) July 18 – Aug. 17.
• General admission is $13 on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 general admission on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are always $9.
• Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles and $30 for buses and limos.
• Performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during Fair-time include same-day Fair admission – it’s an all-day pass to enjoy the Fair. Admission for post-Fair shows include Fair admission any Wednesday or Thursday through Aug. 17. 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. Prices increase after July 17.

More information is at ocfair.com/thefair.

Got questions? Check out our FAQs.

Photos and video for media, as well as OC Fair’s media access request form, are available on the Media Center.

Friday, January 10, 2025 (2:24 pm)

Large-animal evacuation information for Southern California fires

OC Fair & Event Center has not yet been activated as a large-animal evacuation site, but stands ready to assist as soon as notification is given by the California Office of Emergency Services. Coordinated efforts are important to keep animals and people safe during these devastating fires.

Here is a list of emergency services from LA County Animal Care:

Emergency Animal Shelter Information

Los Angeles County Fires: Due to the ongoing Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, the following shelters are available for animals affected by the evacuation orders. Please note capacity details and staffing information:

Large Animals

Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536

Antelope Valley Fair 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744

Capacity for 200 horses; not staffed by DACC

Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

Receiving horses only

Small Animals

Baldwin Park Animal Care Center 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Carson Animal Care Center 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248

Downey Animal Care Center 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242

Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536

Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

Need assistance evacuating? Call (562) 940-6898.

Monday, October 7, 2024 (2:48 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center receives Ally of the Year Award

Thank you to OC Pride for honoring OC Fair & Event Center with the Ally of the Year award during last weekend’s pride celebration at the Fairgrounds. We are proud to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Monday, September 16, 2024 (2:44 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center sheltered 107 animals evacuated from Southern California fires

Over the past week, OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) sheltered 107 animal evacuees from wildfires across Southern California. Our facility welcomed 94 horses, four goats, four chickens, three ducks and two geese, offering them a safe haven during these challenging times.

“Thank you to everyone for your help with this vital evacuation. Once again, OCFEC is there for the community,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO.

We’re incredibly grateful to be able to support the equestrian and farming communities in this time of need, working closely with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to coordinate efforts. The swift action and collaboration ensured these animals had a secure place to stay.

As always, OC Fair & Event Center remains dedicated to serving our community – standing ready to offer our resources when needed.

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 (10:52 am)

OC Fair & Event Center takes in 93 horses evacuated from Southern California fires

OC Fair & Event Center is now sheltering 93 horses that have been evacuated from danger zones as fires rage across Southern California.

The displaced horses are in stables at the OC Fairgrounds’ equestrian center and space is still available for more large animals that need to move to safety.

The fairgrounds’ staff is working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to coordinate evacuation efforts and to support the equestrian community and others with large animals that must be relocated. Temporary stalls have been constructed to house additional animals on the property and horse owners have complete access to care for their animals.

For more information on evacuations, please check Resources During a Disaster | Orange County California – Sheriff’s Department (ocsheriff.gov)

“We continue to be a resource for the community as these emergencies progress and will do all that we can to make sure animals have safe shelter as long as needed ,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO. “The OC Fair & Event Center is here to serve and we have the resources to help.”

The OC Fair staff is working to support the needs of the evacuated horses and their owners. At this time, volunteer efforts are not needed at the Fairgrounds.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 (2:01 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center takes in animals evacuated from Southern California fires

COSTA MESA (Sept. 10, 2024) – As wildfires burn across Southern California, horses are being housed safely at OC Fair & Event Center as large animals are evacuated from danger zones.

Some 23 displaced horses are currently in stables at the OC Fairgrounds’ equestrian center and it is anticipated that more will be coming to the facility today; potentially some horses from outside the county.

The fairgrounds’ staff is working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to coordinate evacuation efforts and a total of 85 stalls are available to support the equestrian community and others with large animals that must be relocated. Temporary stalls can also be constructed to house more animals on the property if the need arises.

For more information on evacuations, please check Resources During a Disaster | Orange County California – Sheriff’s Department (ocsheriff.gov)

“This is what we do – we support the community during times of crisis. We have the space and the expertise here to help animals that must be moved to safety during these fires,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO. “Having just wrapped up the 2024 OC Fair, the public knows we are here in times of celebration, but we are also here in times of need. Right now it is imperative that we provide a large-animal evacuation center where displaced horses and their owners from all over Southern California can find a safe escape from the wildfires.”

The OC Fair staff is working to support the needs of the evacuated horses and their owners. At this time, volunteer efforts are not needed at the Fairgrounds.

Monday, August 26, 2024 (3:43 pm)

Centennial Farm selected to receive CDFA ‘Specialty Crop Block Grant Program’ funds

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) selects “The Centennial Farm Story of California Specialty Crops” grant proposal to receive a 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) Farm Bill award. 

The funding will allow OC Fair & Event Center to address the ongoing critical need to connect the region’s youth to locally grown specialty crops, while educating them about how these crops get to their plates. Through storytelling and first-hand, experiential learning, youth will be encouraged to engage with agriculture as an industry, as a field of study and as it impacts many facets of their lives.

Learn more about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Specialty_Crop_Competitiveness_Grants/.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 (4:49 pm)

The 2024 OC Fair by the numbers!

COSTA MESA (Aug. 21,2024) – The 2024 OC Fair is in the rearview mirror and Southern California is looking back on so many iconic summer memories. Fairgoers celebrated for 23 days, from July 19 through Aug. 18, and they brought home blue ribbons, stuffed prizes and experiences they will always remember.

During the run of the Fair, more than 1.13 million guests passed through the gates and there were 12 days that exceeded 50,000 in attendance, nine of those were total sell-outs. (These preliminary numbers are subject to change.) The theme was “Always a Good Time” and attendees agreed with that sentiment, scoring the Fair an overall 4.20 (out of 5) for total enjoyment, according to our on-site survey. In 2023, the OC Fair welcomed 1,048,181 Fairgoers.

“Each summer, it is a privilege and a delight for our staff and partners to put on the annual OC Fair for the community and this was an exceptional year,” said OC Fair CEO Michele Richards. “The entertainment was stellar, the competitions were top-notch, the $5 Taste of the Fair was a hit and by staying with our limited daily attendance model, we again minimized the impact on our neighbors and provided a great experience for fairgoers. We want to thank all who visited and supported the 2024 OC Fair. You helped provide the funding for our community give-back programs including Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall and Imaginology.”

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

16,259 competition entries vied for prizes in all categories and this year there was a record for the auction price of the grand champion steer – $14,000. In total, 170 animals were sold at auction and sales were $270,593. Also, more than $38,275 in prize money was paid out to competitors in culinary arts, fine arts and the hobbies & handcrafts contests.

130,000 fairgoers enjoyed shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, 32,000 people rocked out in The Hangar and 30,000 attended the spine-tingling shows in Action Sports Arena. The new OC Fair Radio station helped some 7,000 fans get information and discounts for this year’s entertainment.

16,280 guests visited Heroes Hall to learn about the stories of our veterans and more than 2,370 postcards were created to honor our active-duty military and veterans.

16,005 gallons of free chilled water were distributed at four refill stations. That’s the equivalent of 128,040 water bottles saved and they would equal about 16 miles if placed end-to-end – approximately the distance from Costa Mesa to Lake Forest.

70 tons of organic waste was diverted from landfills along with 30,000 pounds of cardboard, 9,000 gallons of cooking grease and another 70 tons of animal bedding.

17 piglets were born at Centennial Farm during the Fair along with one little peachick.

80,000 beads were used by visiting crafters to create Sand and Sea-themed bracelets at the make-and-take tables in the OC Promenade.

750 pounds of melons and 150 pounds of turnips were carved into incredible designs for fairgoers’ enjoyment by Chef Ray Dewy.

1 million dollar winner at the California Lottery booth at the OC Fair!

And then there was the food!

6,000 pounds of corn dog batter, enough to fry 2.5 miles of foot-long dogs on a stick, was cooked up at Big Daddy Corn Dogs.

1 ton of fresh-chopped garlic and 1,200 pounds of grated Parmesan cheese made up garlic fries at Biggy’s.

1 orchard of lemons for lemonade, 6 tons of sugar for cotton candy and sweet treats and 2,000 gallons of whip cream were used at RCS concessions in the midway.

86,000 Ten Pound Buns were served up along with 145,000 Hot Dogs on a Stick, 20,000 ICEEs, 3,000 samples of Red Beard’s Hot Sauce and 6,000 dill pickles from Timbo’s.

111,000, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies were made from scratch at Mom’s Bakeshoppe, where they averaged about 5,000 cookies a day.

17,370 chicken drumsticks, 9,450 deep-fried Oreos and 2,000 Hot Honey Funnel Cake Sandwiches sold at Chicken Charlie’s stands throughout the Fairgrounds.

3,219 vanilla cones were served at Sweets by Cardinali, outpacing the second-place Fair favorite, the swirl cone, with 2,273 dished up.

3,850 pounds of popcorn seeds and 2,825 pounds of sugar became bags of kettle corn at The Snax Shack.

2,455 $5 Tastes of the Fair were sold at Bacon Nation, 1,228 at Spud Ranch, 2,338 at The Ranch and 1,845 were served at The Hook.

And the fun isn’t over yet! Concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre continue through Sept. 14:

Big Time Rush / Crash Adams on Aug. 30
Counting Crows / Toad The Wet Sprocket on Aug. 31
Steel Pulse / The Green / Sammy J on Sept. 1
John Fogerty / Hearty Har on Sept. 3
Bonnie Raitt / James Hunter on Sept. 14
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Ticket prices vary per show, section and seat. 
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre

(Click here to view a PDF version of the Press Release)