Friday, April 26, 2024 (4:22 pm)

COSTA MESA (April 26, 2024) – On April 25, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors proudly proclaimed April as Arab-American History Month. This special declaration was received by Nahla Kayali.

Nahla Kayali is a Palestinian refugee from Syria who founded the nonprofit organization Access California Services (AccessCal) in 1998. Each year, AccessCal serves approximately 12,000 underserved and vulnerable individuals, including immigrants and refugees.

The proclamation was presented by Director Dimetria Jackson and Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia, representing both the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.

(1:10 pm)

COSTA MESA (April 26, 2024) – At yesterday’s OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) Board of Directors meeting, CEO Michele Richards expanded on the new vision for the current equestrian center at the fairgrounds. Rebranded as The Ranch Community Equine Center, the facility will focus on community programming for all while maintaining the current boarding and training activities. 

The Ranch Community Equine Center will effectively become an extension of the organization’s agriculture education programs in support of its mission, similar to the free public programming offered at Centennial Farm.

The Board has been working to continue the organization’s emphasis on education and to expand opportunities for the public to interact with, learn about and enjoy hands-on experiences with horses. The vision also includes providing equine-assisted therapy for veterans and others, conducting educational tours for students and community groups, hosting horse shows free to the public and developing hands-on equine exhibits.

“I’m very encouraged to see this new vision continue to move forward,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “It’s great to offer access to a broader group of public constituents who otherwise would never have the chance to experience these wonderful animals.”

At last month’s meeting, the Board voted to increase rental rates for current boarders to cover OCFEC’s costs for operating the boarding and training activities at the center. The Board also agreed that staff should continue to look for ways to reduce costs and pass along those savings in the form of rental reductions. Richards announced today that basic stall rental rates will be cut by $151 per month from the rates presented at the March Board meeting. Effective June 15 rental increases will be phased in three steps, resulting in the final increase on January 1, 2025, to $979 per month for a standard 12’x12’ stall.

“Now that we’ve provided a more optimistic outlook regarding rates at the equestrian center for boarders and trainers, I’m glad that staff can now focus on building on the bold public vision for The Ranch Community Equine Center,” said Richards.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (4:37 pm)

We bid a heartfelt adieu to Joan Hamill, an esteemed member of the OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) family, whose dedication and passion have illuminated our institution for the past 31 years.

Joan’s journey began in 1993 as a part-time fair staff assistant, and from that moment on, her presence has been transformative. With boundless enthusiasm and commitment, she embraced every opportunity, leaving an indelible mark on OCFEC and many who have had the pleasure of working alongside her.

What made Joan’s tenure truly remarkable was her deep connection to the organization and community. Beyond the responsibilities of her role, she fostered a sense of camaraderie and belonging that made OCFEC feel like home. Her wisdom and guidance served new and seasoned staffers, instilling in them a sense of purpose and pride in their work.

Throughout her time here, Joan contributed to many memorable moments, from Fair themes that brought joy to thousands (like “Cowabunga!” – a Fair theme involving intense collaboration that was a salute to Herefords, surfers and sand) to meaningful initiatives that touched the lives of our community’s youth. One of her fondest memories is taking Centennial Farm’s Ranch After-School Program kids to the state capital for CA Ag Day where they met CDFA’s former agriculture secretary and then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her passion and creativity have been contagious, inspiring those who have crossed her path.

As Joan embarks on a new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for her 31 years of dedicated service. Her legacy will endure as a testament to the power of passion, commitment and the profound impact one individual can have on an organization.

So here’s to Joan! As she takes leave, we say goodbye with heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes for all the adventures that lie ahead for her. Though she may be departing from our daily lives, her spirit will remain a part of the OCFEC family.

Thank you for shining bright and lighting the way for others to follow in your footsteps.

Thursday, January 25, 2024 (4:05 pm)

Today the OC Fair Board voted to implement a new vision for the Fairground’s equestrian center that focuses on providing free and low-cost educational and recreational programming to serve a wider public audience.

Some of the public programming elements discussed by the Board include:

– Hands-on equine experiences for tour groups
– Equine and agricultural exhibits
– Accredited equine-assisted therapeutic activities
– Small regional horse shows open to the public
– Riding instruction by hired or contracted trainer(s)
– Emergency large animal evacuation
– Partnership with city and county mounted law enforcement units
– Boarding of privately owned horses can be offered after programs and schedules are established

At its December 2023 meeting, after hearing hours of public comment, the Board voted to cancel the process of producing a request for proposal (RFP) to identify an independent operator for the equestrian center which is used by private trainers and boarders of privately owned horses. The Board instead instructed the staff to recommend a new operating model for the equestrian center which would provide hands-on experiences with horses as well as exhibitions and events to educate and entertain the general public.

“The Board is very excited to introduce the vision for a reimagined equine center,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “It’s an opportunity for OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) to expand our agriculture-related education and recreation programs to the public, allowing all in the community to interact with and learn about horses.”

The staff will be engaging with community resources including equine experts, education resources, nonprofits, equestrian show promoters and city and county partners who will act as advisors to execute the Board’s vision.

The next steps include working in partnership with these resources to develop programming, create an execution plan, recommend an operating budget and develop a timeline for rollout. Staff will update the Board and the public monthly.

The OCFEC Equestrian Center sits on the northeast corner of the Fairgrounds and consists of about 7.5 acres currently used mostly by private businesses and boarders. OCFEC staff assumed direct management and operations at the equestrian center in January 2023 and spent the year evaluating the property and its finances. The equine center was previously managed by an outside contractor.

After reporting a projected annual loss of more than $1 million, the Board began the process to find a new operator to take over the full operation and costs of the equestrian center. The Board opted to cancel the RFP process last month and instead requested the staff to provide recommendations for a new vision and operating model, focusing on greater public benefit.

Using a similar model to Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall at OCFEC, tours, exhibits, educational programs and horse shows at the equestrian center will be aimed at providing access to equine experiences and expanding visitors’ knowledge of the importance of horses.

The equestrian center will continue to partner with the County of Orange to provide a site for large-animal evacuation in the event of emergencies.

This new vision changes the business model of the equestrian center, moving away from renting to private businesses and horse owners. The Board emphasized that this new operating model could include boarding of privately owned horses only after public programs and schedules are established.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 (11:51 am)

Thursday, August 17, 2023 (2:22 pm)

COSTA MESA – The 2023 OC Fair is a wrap and there were a whole lot of summer memories for Fairgoers who wanted to get “Happy Together.” This year’s Fair ran July 14 through Aug. 13.

“It is an absolute joy for our team to bring the OC Fair to the community each year,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards. “There is definitely something for everyone at the OC Fair and this year was no exception. From animals and agriculture, exhibits and entertainment, food and fun, the 2023 OC Fair was the place to be this summer. We want to thank our guests for supporting the OC Fair and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2024.”

Advance tickets were required again for the third year so daily capacity could be limited to provide a better experience for guests, neighbors and partners.

The Fair welcomed 1,048,181 Fairgoers who came out to enjoy summer’s most-anticipated event and there were 12 sold-out days during the 23-day run. In 2022, OC Fair attendance was 1,055,173 and there were 11 sold-out days.

“The Board of Directors is very pleased with the performance of this year’s Fair,” said OC Fair Board Chair Newton Pham. “Once again, our attendance model is proving to be a huge success for the organization. By controlling our daily attendance, we have achieved a high level of per capita spending, while greatly minimizing the impact of the Fair on our surrounding neighborhoods and creating a great guest experience.”

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

16,255 competition entries came in from 3,784 exhibitors who vied for blue-ribbons. In Home Arts, there were 1,322 entries, 1,592 entries in Culinary, Visual Arts had 4,768 entries and there were 5,068 entries in Horticulture. Entries were up 21 percent over 2022.

2.3 million carnival rides were enjoyed by Fairgoers and their favorites were Sky Ride, La Grande Wheel XL, Raptor Coaster, Rave Wave and Crazy Coaster. More than 400,000 stuffed toys were won by Fairgoers trying their luck in the carnival midway.

112 53-ft. trailers delivered all the carnival rides to the OC Fair.

91,200 fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies were made from scratch at Mom’s Bakeshoppe.

35,000 pounds of fries were served up at Biggy’s and these were topped with 400 pounds of Parmesan cheese and 1,500 pounds of garlic. It took one truckload of Kennebec potatoes to get these in to feed hungry Fairgoers. Biggy’s also doled out seven miles of foot-long Big Daddy corn dogs.

29,914 tickets were purchased for performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

42 concerts were sold out in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during the course of the Fair.

8,400 pounds of Ten Pound Buns were served up at this year’s OC Fair along with 2,758 Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

80,000 deep-fried Oreos, 10,000 bacon-wrapped pickles, 6,000 fried Twinkies and 50,000 pounds of fries were served up at the Chicken Charlie’s stands throughout the Fairgrounds.

18,000 sheets of tissue paper were used to make approximately 2,250 flowers for the Chicano Heritage Month celebration.

$254,437 was paid out to agriculture students through the Junior Livestock Auction and this year we saw the sale of 179 animals.

800 pounds of pepperoni topped slices at Enzo’s Pizza along with 500 pounds of pickles for the new Hot Cheeto Cheese Pickle Pizza.

223,778 Fairgoers visited the Art of Music Experience in the Huntington Beach building. The debut exhibit featured a pop-up vinyl shop and there were 3,100 albums sold.

Concerts under the stars are continuing with these upcoming shows in Pacific Amphitheatre:

Aug. 18 – Los Tucanes de Tijuana / La Original Banda El Limon
Aug. 20 – Chicago
Aug. 27 – Gabriel Iglesias
Sept. 2 – Common Kings / Fiji / Sammy J and guests

Tickets are for sale on Ticketmaster.

UPDATE: The Chicago concert in Pacific Amphitheatre has been rescheduled to Sept. 5. The performance was originally slated for Aug. 20 and was postponed due to weather.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023 (9:10 am)

COSTA MESA (Aug. 8, 2023) – The 2023 OC Fair is heading into its final days and there are plenty of exciting things to do in the last week – don’t miss out!

Attractions include plenty of animals, culinary treats, X-Treme Freestyle Moto-X, music, carnival fun and exhibits found only at the OC Fair.

The theme this year is “Happy Together” and the final day is Sunday, Aug. 13. Advance ticket purchase is required, buy online now at ocfair.com/tickets – days are selling out!

Here are 10 top tips to enjoy the final days of OC Fair fun:

• Don’t stop the music: Concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre during the final week include Beck / Phoenix and Rebelution (three shows). All Fair-time shows include free same-day Fair admission. Post-Fair shows include Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Chicago, Gabriel Iglesias and Common Kings.
• Last chance to dance: Hit La Cantina for Latin music or head to the new Western Saloon & Whiskey Bar – put your boots on and get out on the dance floor.
• Last chance for Fair romance: Get that final sunset kiss on the Ferris wheel or the Sky Ride and grab a photo booth pic to capture the memories.
• Final $4 Taste of Fair Food on Thursday: Check out the special offerings from concessionaires that give Fairgoers sample-size portions: ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/food/
• Unlimited ride carnival wristbands: The one-day wristbands can be used Wednesday and Thursday, 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. until 8 p.m. 
• Chicano Heritage Month: In celebration of Chicano Heritage Month, the OC Fair offers special exhibits and activities in the Visual Arts building. Every day, craft tissue flowers and showcase them on a display wall with quotes of what it means to be Chicano/a. Be sure to also visit the Chicano wardrobe display, too. Featured artists will offer painting demonstrations in the Visual Arts building.
• Take the Fair home with you: Hit the shopping buildings and get the only-at-the OC-Fair deals, grab take-and-bake options like cookie dough, cinnamon rolls and Ten Pound Buns.
• Camel dairy: Another popular yearly attraction is the camel dairy. These special animals come to the OC Fair and show off their size, agility and personalities. Don’t miss learning about camel milk and its uses including powdered milk, chocolate and soaps and lotions.
• What about wine? The final OC Fair weekend will feature wine seminars at The Courtyard with tastings including OC Fair Gold Medal-winning wines and food pairings.
• The Art of Music Experience: Free with Fair admission, this featured exhibit debuted at this year’s OC Fair and offers visitors the chance to see large-scale, hand-painted iconic album covers, shop in the pop-up vinyl record store and enjoy renderings of legendary musicians, neon signs and displays.

Key things to know about the 2023 OC Fair

• • 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.
  • General parking is $12, $24 for buses and limos, credit card only.
  • Tickets for concerts in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre can be found at ocfair.com/entertainment.
  • The 2023 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news & information and tickets.
  • 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.

Friday, August 4, 2023 (6:05 pm)

COSTA MESA (Aug. 4, 2023) – Many Fair fans return every year to enjoy summer fun and make memories with friends and family. We’ve got tips for those long-time Fairgoers as well as first-timers so anyone can do the Fair like a pro!

Top tip – don’t miss out! The OC Fair closes on Aug. 13 and days do sell out. Get tickets now at ocfair.com/tickets.

Planning ahead

Tickets to the 2023 OC Fair must be purchased in advance online for specific days.

There are four new water bottle filling stations with cold water so be sure to bring your refillable bottles and stay hydrated.

Bring sandwich bags to store your leftover Fair food. There are many great shareable options, but even the mightiest of stomachs can get full, so don’t let good food go to waste.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes (or you could be subject to spills, animal droppings or having to wear funny plastic covers available at certain rides for protecting your little piggies).

Wear sunscreen – and don’t forget to reapply. We also recommend wearing a hat or something to shade yourself from the sun. Also, dress in loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.

Bring some quarters! Your feet will love Footsie Wootsies, the colorful foot massage chairs located throughout the Fairgrounds.

Follow us on social media. We post sold-out updates, clips from live performances and more! We’re on Facebook (@ocfair), Instagram (@oc_fair), Twitter (@ocfair) and TikTok (@oc_fair).

Getting here

Map to 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, but then follow the directional signs, not the lines of cars. Signs will tell you which gates are open, which should help you get to your parking spot as fast as possible. 

If you have tickets to a Fair performance, remember to arrive early so you don’t miss a minute of the show if parking gets a little crowded.

In case you get separated, take a picture of your children and what they are wearing. Just in case, pick a landmark to meet up. There is a Lost Child area on the Fairgrounds – it’s with Security and First Aid, all located to the right of The Hangar building. 

Looking for deals? Plan to be here by the time we open at 11 a.m. We’ve got unlimited ride wristbands available on Wednesdays and Thursdays ($49 each, one per person/day, purchase/redeem by 5 p.m., use from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.). PLUS on Thursdays we have our $4 Taste of Fair Food promotion, which features sample-size bites from our food vendors for just $4 each. 

Monday, July 31, 2023 (9:00 am)

COSTA MESA (July 31, 2023) – From table settings to the largest squash to fine art and woodworking, the OC Fair always showcases the best in local talent and awards coveted blue ribbons to the cream of the crop.

All exhibits are free with Fair admission. The 2023 theme is “Happy Together” and the Fair runs through Aug. 13.

Featured exhibit – The Art of Music
In addition to the exhibits and competitions that are the traditional heart of the Fair, there is a featured exhibit this year located in the Huntington Beach Building.

Debuting at the OC Fair is The Art of Music, an experiential exhibit that inspires people of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate the stories and creators behind album cover art.

Fairgoers can 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 their favorite album cover and more.

Here’s a list of exhibits at the 2023 OC Fair

Bug Bizarre Exhibit – Explore the exotic world of bugs and learn how different cultures use insects in their daily lives.

Explorium – A special area for the younger crowd. This year’s theme is buzzing with bugs. Kids can participate in crafts and other interactive activities.

Woodworking and Scroll Saw Demonstrations – Masters will be demonstrating the different techniques, styles and steps of woodworking.

Culinary Activities & Contests – Daily stage activities and demonstrations take place on the OC Promenade stage, including a fun food-related contest.

Oasis Camel Dairy – Showcasing camels and providing educational camel milking demonstrations.

Heroes Hall
Armed Only with a Camera: World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman.
Living History – Visitors will be able to see, handle and wear military artifacts.
The SAAAB Story – Celebrate the history of the flight training center.

Arts, animals and more
Cow Milking Demonstrations
UCCE Master Food Preservers of OC
Explorium crafts & activities for kids
Great American Petting Zoo
OC Tole & Decorative Painters
OC Quilters Guild
Friesian Horse Club of Southern California
Chef Ray Duey Vegetable Carver
UCCE Master Food Preservers of OC
OC Beekeepers
Bird Exhibit
Chef Exhibits & Demonstrations

Competitions on display
Collections
Hand Crafts and Fiber Arts
Jewelry Arts
Culinary Arts
Horticulture including fruit, vegetables and floral
Table Settings
Photography
Fine Arts
Woodworking
Youth Competitions (ages 5-12)
Miniature Donkey Competition
OC Equestrian Vaulting
Angora Goat Competition
Miniature Donkey Competition
Rabbit Competition

For more details and additional exhibitions at the OC Fair, visit ocfair.com/exhibits.

Monday, July 24, 2023 (9:00 am)

COSTA MESA (July 24, 2023) – The OC Fair always brings the fun and we know that families count on making summer memories when they visit. Here are some tips for a great trip to the Fair with kids:

Explorium adventure: Located in OC Promenade, the Explorium area for kids has been transformed into a fun and informative Bug Bizarre. Explore this year’s Bug Bizarre Exhibit where touchable displays and hands-on demonstrations will immerse you into the exotic world of bugs! Visitors will also have the chance to learn from an expert entomologist about these critters’ intricate ecosystems, ecological importance and how different cultures utilize insects in their daily lives.

Daily crafts, contests and games are at the adjacent Promenade Stage. See the 2023 OC Fair app or visit ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/activities/ for a daily schedule.

Read & Ride + carnival: Of course the kids will want to go on rides, and what better way to motivate them beforehand than with the Read & Ride program. Kids ages 5-11 can earn two free carnival rides by reading three books and writing (or drawing) a short summary. Use the form at ocfair.com/readandride and turn it in to the RCS guest services booth in the main carnival area. And families can snap photos of the kids with those giant stuffed animals! Here’s all the info on carnival rides and games: ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/carnival/

Painted faces and smiling faces: There are two face painting booths where Fairgoers can be transformed into superheroes, favorite animals or flower-festooned fairies. Also look for henna and festival glitter booths for more temporary body art. Don’t forget to stop by one of the photo booths to capture those happy moments.

Animals you can touch or watch: The Great American Petting Farm is the place to be if the kids are obsessed with animals. Located next to Green Gate, this petting zoo is full of animals that are far from shy – in fact, they’ll follow you around all day if you let them! Don’t forget to stop by Centennial Farm as well, OC Fair’s year-round working farm that features goats, cows, bunnies and brand-new piglets that were recently born!

Animals you can cheer on: One of the Fair’s most popular attractions is the All-Alaskan Pig Races, located this year in the Plaza Pacifica area. The races are a hoot for all ages, and take place daily. Plus, the Oasis Camel Dairy exhibit will be in the livestock area for the final two weeks of the Fair and families can watch the babies and learn all about these exotic creatures.

Entertainment: Magician Frank Thurston puts on kid-friendly shows daily in OC Promenade and there are local performers of all ages on community stages during the day. Roving entertainers include the Red Light Brass Band, Veekay the clown and others delighting guests as they move throughout the Fair. The OC Fair’s own costumed characters, The Foodies, Oliva Orange, Strawberry Jan, Sunny Lemon, Arturo Churro and Cornelius Corn are at the giant OC Fair letters and outside The Hangar daily for picture opportunities.

New this year: The Flying Royals, located near Green Gate, thrill Fairgoers with their aerial acrobatics and daring feats way up high. Shows take place every 30 minutes. Back this year – the splash fountain in front of The Hangar is back on!

Food and treats: $4 Taste of the Fair Food is offered on Thursdays until 4 p.m., giving Fairgoers a chance to try select samples of food from every vendor for just $4 each – and these are the perfect size for the kids as well! It’s a great way to try the foods without filling up on too much sugar. To just look at sugar, check out the sugar arts winners on display in the OC Promenade – the cakes are amazing. Many food options are great for sharing and there are several take-and-bake choices or buckets of goodies to bring home.

Arts & crafts: Stop by the tent in front of Heroes Hall so the kids can color postcards for veterans and troops while they learn all about the sacrifice our servicemen and servicewomen make every day. In the Visual Arts Building kids and adults can see all the blue ribbon-winning competition entries that include youth project divisions. It’s always fun to look at the woodworking, quilts and more in the home arts area. And this is the perfect spot to cool off during the day. Look for special entries from local Girl Scout troops.

Shop for fun: The shopping buildings located in the Main Mall have some toy booths and fun options, plus plenty of family items for purchase. There are also great shopping options in Crafters Village where artisan and other shops sell everything from fossils to sun hats.

Bonus! Here are 5 tips for parents and families:

Photo ops: There are classic photo booths as well as several cutouts throughout the Fairgrounds. There is a great concentration of these in the OC Promenade. Also check food vendors like Eddie’s Asian Inspired Cuisine and Australian Battered Potatoes for more cutouts.

Baby changing station: Located to the left of The Hangar building and behind the west end of the Sky Ride.

No lines in the mornings: The Fair opens at 11 a.m. and parking is a breeze, no lines for rides and games and there is plenty of elbow room.

What to bring: Bring along your wagon, snacks, extra baggies for leftover Fair food and a soft-sided cooler to keep it all fresh. Factory-sealed water bottles are OK as are refillable water bottles that can be filled at our water stations.

Safety: Find a landmark and designate it as a meeting place if you plan on separating. Be aware that the Guest Services and Lost & Found offices are located to the left of The Hangar building.

· A limited number of tickets are available each day – some days are selling out

· 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 guests

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 2023 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news & information and tickets. Search for “ocfair 2023” in your app store.

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 $12, $24 for buses and limos, credit card only. 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.