Category Archives: Uncategorized

  • Thursday, May 4, 2023 (10:20 am)

    Employees seeking great summer jobs are needed to put on the annual OC Fair

    COSTA MESA – OC Fair & Event Center needs seasonal workers who are looking for terrific summer jobs and a fun way to earn some income. The theme of this year’s Fair is “Happy Together!”

    About 1,000 seasonal employees are needed for the 2023 OC Fair. Job postings are available at ocfair.com/jobs for people 16 and older. Hiring has begun for several positions, with some start dates closer to the 2023 OC Fair, July 14-Aug. 13.

    Most open positions are seasonal, part-time with opportunities to build exhibits, work as a ticket taker, administrative assistant or customer service representative. Departments such as parking, security, janitorial, landscaping, maintenance and admissions are also seeking workers.

    There are also some year-round jobs available.

    Perks include free admission to the OC Fair, the option to purchase discounted tickets for friends and family and the opportunity to win a Fair employee scholarship.

    Employees will need to follow all health and safety precautions in place at OC Fair & Event Center. More specific information will be provided to applicants and will be based on current protocols from public health agencies.

    For more information, visit ocfair.com/jobs or contact the human resources department at 714-708-1563, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.


    Job fair, June 3

    OC Fair & Event Center will be hosting a hiring event on June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. On-site interviews will take place and applications will be accepted on the spot. Visit ocfair.com/jobs to view open positions. Resumes will be accepted, but are not required.

  • Tuesday, May 2, 2023 (9:59 am)

    OC Fair competition deadlines are near – how to bring home a blue ribbon this year

    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.

  • Monday, April 24, 2023 (9:15 am)

    What’s going on at the OC Fairgrounds in May

    Discovery Day at the Farm, May 3

    Visit Centennial Farm for self-guided tours, radish seed planting, chick education, oxen demonstration, crop education and more!

    When: Wednesday, May 3, 9 a.m. – noon.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: Free Admission and parking

    More info: Visit Centennial Farm Discovery Days

    The SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival, May 5-7

    Celebrate Orange County at the 19th Annual OC Running Festival. Event weekend includes OC Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Kids Run the OC and the Celebrate OC 5K.

    When: May 5-7

    Schedule:

    OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo – Friday, May 5, 4-8 p.m. & Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Kids Run the OC – Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m.-noon

    Celebrate OC 5K – Saturday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. (Finish Line Festival is 1-7 p.m.)

    SDCCU OC Half Marathon start – Sunday, May 7, 6:15 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)

    SDCCU OC Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 5:30 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)

    How much: Visit ocmarathon.com for registration fees. Admission to OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo is free. Parking is $12.

    More info: Visit ocmarathon.com

    Gem Faire, May 12-14

    Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.

    When: Friday, May 12, noon-6 p.m.

    Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

    Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday)

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

    How much: $7 general admission; free for kids 11 and younger. Parking is $12.

    More information: Visit gemfaire.com or email info@gemfaire.com

    Centennial Farm Workshop:  It’s Tea Time – How to host a TEA-rific tea party for any occasion, May 13

    Learn the art of brewing hot and cold teas. Indulge in a delectable spread of traditional treats that will transport you to the heart of England. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or simply looking to add the charm of a classic tea party to your next social gathering, this class is perfect for you.

    When: Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

    RSVP online by May 10. Availability is limited.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: $30 fee covers ingredients and any handouts. Parking is free.

    More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes

    VOICES: Veterans Storytelling Project, May 13

    Heroes Hall in collaboration with Arts Orange County will present “Voices: Veterans Storytelling Project.” The free event will feature local veterans reading their stories.

    When: Saturday, May 13, 5-7 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall

    How much: Free Admission

    More info: RSVP at Voices Projects, or visit Arts Orange County for additional details

    Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night, May 13

    Knobby Night / Speedway / Juniors

    When: Saturday, May 13, 6 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena

    How much: $30 general admission; $20 for juniors ages 13-17, $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.

    More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

    SOS 30th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 18

    The biggest fundraising event for Share Our Shelves. All proceeds from the event go toward providing critical social services, alleviating food insecurity and health care that is affordable and accessible to the underserved and underinsured in our community.

    When: Thursday, May 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Plaza Pacifica

    How much: General Admission: $85. Early bird general admission sale ends April 30.

    Parking is free in Lot E & F

    More info: RSVP at Share Our Shelves

    Discovery Day at the Farm, May 18

    Visit Centennial Farm for self-guided tours, radish seed planting, chick education, oxen demonstration, crop education and more!

    When: Thursday, May 18, 9 a.m.- noon.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: Free Admission and parking

    More info: Visit Centennial Farm Discovery Days

    Sand Sport Super Swap, May 20

    The Sand Sports Super Show is hosting a one-day opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to “swap” their sand toys and equipment. Sellers of new and used quads, dune buggies, motorcycles, tires, engine parts, helmets and anything for the off-road enthusiast are welcome.

    When: Saturday, May 20, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I

    How much: Presale tickets (until May 19 online only) are $5; day-of-show tickets are $10 (online and onsite); children 12 & younger are free. Parking is $12.

    More info: Visit Sand Sports Super Show

    Costa Mesa Speedway: Speedway / Hooligans, May 20

    Speedway / Hooligans

    When: Saturday, May 20, 6 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena

    How much: $30 general admission; $20 for juniors ages 13-17, $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.

    More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

    OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Jan. 26

    When: Thursday, May 25, 9:30 a.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom

    More info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings


    Ongoing at 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 ocfarmbureau.org

    Centennial Farm open daily

    Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.

    Hours: Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

    Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property

    How much: Free admission and parking

    More info: Visit Centennial Farm

    Centennial Farm Pig Cam

    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

    Heroes Hall Museum open Wed.-Sun.

    Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.

    Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

    Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking

    More info: Visit Heroes Hall

    Exhibit: ‘Armed Only With A Camera’ through Sept. 2023

    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.

    Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

    Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking

    More info: Visit Heroes Hall


    Looking ahead to June

    OC Fair Job Fair

    Join us for a job fair to learn about the 1,000+ openings for those 16 and older. We’ll be conducting walk-up interviews. Resumes are recommended but not required. Bring family and friends who are looking for a fun summer job!

    Hours: Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event – Lot F

    How much: Free admission and parking; enter at Gate 4 off Arlington Drive.

    More info: Apply ahead at OC Fair Jobs

  • Tuesday, January 31, 2023 (11:46 am)

    OC Fair Board approves first phase of master site plan

    COSTA MESA – The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors has approved the first phase of a master site plan that will improve the fairgrounds and position it for the future.

    Phase 1 includes the expansion of the OC Fair & Event Center administration building at an estimated cost of $25 million. This will add 15,659 feet of space and will make room for employees who will be displaced by future master site plan projects.

    In addition to work space, there will be meeting rooms, archive and storage areas, restrooms and additional security measures in the expanded building. The project is scheduled to begin this year and to be completed by the end of 2024.

    Future master site plan projects include a new Century Barn at Centennial Farm, an agriculture education center, expanded exhibit buildings, new public restroom facilities, Pacific Amphitheatre facility improvements, Action Sports Arena upgrades and an agriplex that will provide a place for livestock shows and educational space.

    “I am proud of the work that the staff and Board have put into this plan and I know it is a great path forward for OC Fair & Event Center,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards. “We are on solid financial ground and the master site plan projects will bring the property new opportunities to serve the community, generate family fun and fulfill our mission.”

    Work on the eight-phase master site plan is expected to continue through 2032 and the Board will review and approve each project in sequence. The estimated total cost of all master site plan phases is $229 million.

    The Board approved the first phase of the master site plan at its Jan. 26 meeting by unanimous vote.

    View the master site plan PowerPoint presentation here, under Facility reports.

  • Tuesday, January 24, 2023 (4:32 pm)

    OC Fair & Event Center wins 14 industry awards

     
    OC Fair & Event Center earned 14 Achievement Awards from the Western Fairs Association, including eight first-place honors.
     
    The annual program recognizes innovation and excellence among fairs and festivals in the Western U.S.
     
    OC Fair & Event Center also received four second-place awards, one third-place and an honorable mention.
     
    Five of the first-place awards were in the photography categories. The top animal photo was also selected as an overall winner and the best entertainment photo also received an award of excellence. Other top photo winners were in the exhibits, community outreach and people at the Fair categories. 
     
    First-place honors also went to the OC Fair’s new miniature donkey competition, a television ad for the Fair, and the Heroes Hall speaker series that was part of the Fighting for the Right to Fight exhibit.
     
    Second-place photo awards were received in the carnival and food categories. The OC Fair’s overall marketing campaign and logo also won second-place honors and the Fair’s commemorative poster received a third-place award. An honorable mention was given to a special event logo for the culinary program at the Fair.
     
    The Western Fairs Association presented the awards for 2022 achievements its annual conference last week in Reno.
  • Friday, December 23, 2022 (10:09 am)

    What’s going on at the OC Fairgrounds in January

    The New Year is off to a fun and festive start at OC Fair & Event Center – come join us!

    Centennial Farm Garden Class: Pruning Fruit Trees -The Basics, Jan. 14

    Learn the best time to prune stone-fruit trees, citrus trees and avocado trees in Southern California. Isabel Barkman will cover the basics of pruning and why the pruning season here is different than the rest of the country and will also prepare attendees for the hands-on fruit pruning workshop in January.

    When: Saturday, January 14, 2023, 10 a.m.-noon; RSVP online by Jan. 11, 2023.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: $6 fee covers materials and any handouts. There will be NO refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees). Free parking.

    More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

    JAMZ Palms & Pyramids, Jan. 14

    Come. Play. Perform. Inspire. This JAMZ-packed cheer and dance event has tons of awards up for grabs. Get your bid to The Pinnacle! JAMZ Palms & Pyramids sets up dance and cheer athletes to go all out and qualify for nationals.

    When: Saturday, Jan. 14, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar, Anaheim Building and OC PromenadeHow much: $20 general admission, $10 kids admission (Ages 6-15), free for children 5 and younger. Parking is $12.

    More info: Visit jamz.com/palms-and-pyramids

    Jurassic Quest, Jan. 14-16

    Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Observe our herd of life-size animatronic dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, T-Rex and an incredible 50-foot long Megalodon. Interact with our trainers, baby dinos and watch a live raptor show. Explore our dinosaur rides, giant fossil dig, inflatables, fossil science exhibit, “Triceratots” soft play area and more.

    When: Jan. 14-16; Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

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

    How much: $22 general admission for all ages, free for children 2 and younger, $19 seniors (65+).Parking is $12.

    More info: Get tickets at tickets.jurassicquest.com/costamesaca2023/events

    Centennial Farm Garden Class: Rose Care, Jan. 21

    Interested in growing roses or taking care of the ones you already have? Learn about how to properly care for them in this class taught by a Master Gardener. The purpose of the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program is to extend research-based, scientifically accurate information to the public about home horticulture and pest management. Master Gardeners perform volunteer services sharing the information they have learned to the public. For information about the Master Gardener program, visit https://mgorange.ucanr.edu/

    When: Saturday, January 21, 2023, 10 a.m.-noon; RSVP online by Jan. 18, 2023.Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial FarmHow much: $6 fee covers materials and any handouts. There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees). Free parking.

    More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

    OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Jan. 26

    When: Thursday, January 26, 9:30 a.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom

    More info: Visit ocfair.com/public-information/public-meetings/

    UVSA Tet Festival, Jan. 27-29

    The Tết Festival (Hội Tết Sinh Viên) of Southern California is recognized as the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival in the area. The aim of Tết Festival is to create an avenue for everyone to have a better understanding of the Vietnamese culture in many ways: vibrant arrays of traditional food, traditional performance and entertainment, and cultural exhibitions.

    When: Friday, Jan. 27, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

    Valid only on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. – 12pm. Free entrance for visitors who wear traditional outfits (no religious outfits), military and scout uniforms, no costumes.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I

    How much: $8 general admission tickets available online; free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $12.

    More info: Visit tetfestival.org

    SoCal World Guitar Show, Jan. 28-29

    This is an international buy-sell-trade event for guitars, amplifiers and other musical gear. Vendors and buyers from across the country and around the world come to buy, sell and trade with each other and public attendees. Event attendees may bring all the musical gear they can carry to sell, trade or have appraised.

    When: Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m-4 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

    How much: $20 general admission; free for children 11 and younger. Parking is $12.

    More info: Visit amigoguitarshows.com/socalwinter/

    Ongoing at 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 ocfarmbureau.org

    Centennial Farm open daily

    Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.

    Hours: Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

    Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property

    How much: Free admission and parking

    More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm

    Heroes Hall Museum open Wed.-Sun.

    Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.

    Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

    Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking

    More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

    Exhibit: ‘Armed Only With A Camera’ through Sept. 2023

    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.

    Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

    Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

    How much: Free admission and parking

    More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

    Looking ahead to February

    SoCal Swordfight, Feb. 17-19

    SoCal Swordfight is the largest historical European martial arts event in the United States attracting competitors, attendees and instructors from around the world. The event features 15 tournaments across multiple weapon sets and divisions, more than 80 hours of classes and lectures on the use of a variety of historical and modern weapons and self-defense techniques, first aid/CPR/AED and Active Shooter Response Certification, antique weapons and much more.

    When: Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

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

    How much:$20 – Single-Day Spectator Pass

    $40 – Full-Weekend Spectator Pass

    $150 – Full-Event Registration and Access to Classes

    Additional cost for: Tournament participation, certification courses and celebrity courses. Free for children 12 and younger

    Parking is $12.

    More info: Visit socalswordfight.com/

    Gem Faire, Feb 24-26

    Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.

    When: Friday, Feb. 24, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Feb 26. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday)

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

    How much: $7 general admission; free for kids age 11 and younger. Parking is $12.

    More information: Visit gemfaire.com or email info@gemfaire.com

    Make it and Take it – Gifts from the Kitchen, Feb. 25

    This class will bring you up to date on the latest canning recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and explain the reasons behind it. You will learn what equipment is needed and proper storage methods. A simple recipe will be taught and prepared in class for participants to take home.

    When: Saturday, February 25, 2023, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; RSVP online by Feb. 23, 2023.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

    How much: $35 class fee covers ingredients, handouts and two half-pint canning jars with lids and rings. Knives will be provided, but you may bring your own if preferred. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and close-toed shoes are required. There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded, not booking fees. Free parking.

    More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

    46th Annual OC Home & Garden Show, Feb. 25-26

    Featuring home improvement products and services; garden supplies and displays with new water saving garden products, hourly DIY workshops and prizes.

    When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building, Anaheim Building

    How much: Admission is free, parking is $12.

    More info: Visit www.thebesthomeshow.com

     

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

    Dates announced for 2023 OC Fair; ‘Happy Together’ is chosen as the theme

    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.

  • Monday, November 28, 2022 (2:14 pm)

    Please help OC Fair & Event Center by taking a quick survey

    Community input is important to us. If you have a few minutes to spare, please take this survey about a potential OC Fair season pass.

    Thank you in advance for your feedback to help OC Fair & Event Center improve!

    Take the survey now!

  • Tuesday, October 25, 2022 (2:21 pm)

    OC Fair & Event Center wins international industry awards

    OC Fair & Event Center was awarded four top honors from the International Festival & Events Association at its annual Pinnacle Awards competition in September.

    A gold award recognized the organization’s e-newsletter as the best in show. Silver awards honored OCFEC’s TV promotion and outdoor billboard and a bronze award was given for best promotional poster.

    Each year IAFE recognizes the top organizations internationally in the festival and events world.

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

    The 2022 OC Fair by the numbers

    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.