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

What’s going on at the OC Fairgrounds in July

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

See you on the Fairgrounds!

 

2023 OC Fair Tickets

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

 

EVERY DAY PASSPORT

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

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

 

TNT Fireworks Stand, June 30 – July 4

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

Independence Day Community Celebration, July 3

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

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

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

 

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

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

When: July 14 – Aug. 13
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much:
$13 general admission on Wednesday & Thursday
$15 general admission on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
$9 seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids ages 5 and younger
Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles, $24 for buses and limos
More information: Visit 2023 OC Fair

Entertainment during the 2023 OC Fair

Pacific Amphitheatre

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

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

 

The Hangar

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

When: July 14 – Aug. 13

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: Varies by performer and seating selection

More info: Visit OC Fair

 

Action Sports Arena

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

When: July 14 – Aug. 12

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena

How much: Varies by performer and seating selection

More info: Visit OC Fair

* Entertainment tickets include same-day Fair admission for shows

happening July 14 – Aug. 13.

 

Exhibits during the 2023 OC Fair

‘Armed Only With A Camera’

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

When: Through Sept. 2023

Where: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

How much: Included with Fair admission

More info: Visit Heroes Hall

 

Junior Livestock Auction

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

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

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Livestock Showring

How much: Included with Fair admission

More info: Visit Junior Livestock Auction

 

The Art of Music Experience

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

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

When: July 14 – Aug. 13

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building

How much: Included with Fair admission

More info: Visit Exhibits

 

The SAAAB Story

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

When: Ongoing

Where: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

How much: Included with Fair admission

More info: Visit Heroes Hall

 

Ongoing at the OC Fair & Event Center

Farmers Market every Thursday

Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos. 

Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D

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

More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau 

 

Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Want to keep tabs on our pigs during the Fair? Watch the Centennial farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable animals are up to!

More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam

 

Coming up in August

OC Fair Fun Run 5K, Aug. 6

Run, walk or skip through the OC Fair!

When: Sunday, Aug. 6, 8 – 11 a.m.

Schedule:

Bib pickup: 6 – 7:40 a.m.

Race begins: 8 a.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center

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

More info: Visit OC Fair Fun Run 5K

 

Fight Club OC, Aug. 24

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

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

Schedule:

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

Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.

First fight 7 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

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

More info: Visit Fight Club OC

 

Gem Faire, Aug. 25-27

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

When: Aug. 25 – 27, 2023

Schedule:

Friday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday.

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

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

More info: Visit Gem Faire

Thursday, April 7, 2022 (3:05 pm)

Imaginology is this weekend!

Imaginology returns in person this Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10! We’ve got a packed schedule of take-home crafts, science experiments, live performances by local entertainers, youth competitions and more.

The free two-day event gives students the chance to explore careers in the S.T.E.A.M. fields –that’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math – as well as agriculture education.

After being canceled in 2020 and going virtual in 2021, this year the family fest returns IN PERSON with activities and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Programming includes:

Science exploration

Local exhibitors like Compass Charter Schools, YMCA of Orange County and Gemology will provide hands-on experimenting. Plus, try a little physical science with activities like hula hoops, Recess Revolution’s free-play area, or Heroes Hall Museum’s Fort Blisters Boot Camp.

Tech lessons

The Coder School and National College Resources Foundation will be on hand to talk about the future and the history of computers. Plus, OC Fair has a fun augmented reality activity in which kids can make their own coloring page come alive!

Engineering playtime

From woodcarving and scroll saws to Rigamajigs and module trains, there will be plenty to put together at Imaginology. Harbor Soaring Society will host aerospace adventures, Brain Builders will show off robots and LEGOs and Imaginology’s cardboard engineering competition will be on display.

Arts in crafts, displays and more

Local entertainers such as dance groups, DJs and music groups will provide live entertainment at the Main Stage. There is also a plethora of hands-on crafting – many of which come with a take-home project! Plus, Imaginology’s mural competition will be on display.

Math by way of strategy

We can find math in just about everything (like having students count out the cash for a burger and brat!). But logic and mathematical reasoning is the way to win at chess, and the local Academic Chess chapter will host their annual Tournament of Champions on Saturday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Registration is $30 at strategickids.com.

Agricultural education

Livestock competitions and exhibits will be on display throughout Imaginology. Plus, OC Fair & Event Center’s year-round Centennial Farm will feature activities such as radish seed planting, a terrarium makeshop, oxen demos and more – and don’t miss a peek at the piglets born March 16. There will also be blacksmithing demonstrations at the Farm.

When: Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: Admission is free and most activities are included. Parking is $10. Food will be available for purchase.

For more information including a full list of exhibitors and food that will be available, visit ocfair.com/steam.

Thursday, September 30, 2021 (1:57 pm)

October events at OC Fair & Event Center

OC Fair & Event Center will host several large events in October and November, including three weekends of the food fest 626 Night Market OC.

♦ 626 Night Market OC – 3 weekends! Oct. 1-3, Oct. 8-10 and Oct. 22-24
The iconic California festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages. Come happier and hungrier together with friends and family! Hours: Friday & Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-10 p.m. (Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-10); Friday, Oct. 22, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 23-24, noon-10 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: OC Promenade, Lot G and Lot I
How much: $5 admission plus fees. Parking is $10. Most vendors accept cash only; ATMs are available. Get more info at 626nightmarket.com.

♦ Gem Faire, Oct. 8-10
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.  Hours: Friday, Oct. 8, noon-6 p.m. (wholesale preview 10 a.m.-noon); Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $7 general admission. Parking is $10. Get more info at gemfaire.com.

♦ Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 8-31
Pumpkin patch featuring kiddy rides, petting zoo and inflatable slides, bounce house and obstacle course. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot C
How much: Entrance is free; prices for activities and pumpkins vary. Parking fee varies. Get more info at seasonaladventures.com.

♦ Fight Club OC, Oct. 14
Pro Boxing & MMA live inside The Hangar. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC! Hours: Thursday, Oct. 14 & Nov. 11, 7 p.m. (happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Main Mall
How much: $60 general admission tickets available via Fight Club OC. Parking is $10; enter at Gate 1 off Fair Drive.
More info: Visit socafights.com

♦ OC Japan Fair, Oct. 15-17
The 11th annual OC Japan Fair will give everyone the opportunity to experience and learn about Japan, from observing Japanese traditions to learning (and tasting!) the Japanese culinary culture that’s been designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Hours: Friday, Oct. 15, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 16, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Los Alamitos Building and Lot I
How much: $10 general admission. Parking is $10. Get more info at oc-japanfair.com. 

♦ OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, Oct. 28
OC Fair’s Board of Directors typically meets monthly via Zoom and in person at OC Fair & Event Center. The agenda and location for this meeting will be available later in the month at ocfair.com/public-information/public-meetings. The public is invited to watch or participate in Board meetings via Zoom or in person. The meetings, which begin at 9 a.m., will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.

♦ OC Boo Ha Ha – A Haunted Oktoberfest, Oct. 29 & 30
In partnership with the amazing Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festivals, this event will feature unlimited beer tasting, live music, costume contests and ghoulish decor. Live music includes Lit with special guests MEST and Handsome Devil on Oct. 29 and A Flock of Seagulls with special guest The M80’s on Oct. 30. Hours: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 29-30, 6 p.m.-midnight
Where on the fairgrounds: Plaza Pacifica
How much: Friday, Oct. 29, general admission is $47.50-$55 and VIP is $57.50-$99; Saturday, Oct. 30, general admission is $47.50-$67.50 and VIP is $57.50-$99.50. Parking is $10. Get more info at theboohaha.com.

♦ The Original OC Swap Meet, Oct. 30
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. The swap meet showcases products and goods for all to buy and enjoy.                                            Hours: Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Enter at Gate 10
How much: Free admission, $10 parking (credit card only). 
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355

 Ongoing events 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
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org 

♦ Heroes Hall – Now open for self tours Wednesdays-Sundays
 Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
 Hours: Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm; enter at Gate 1
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

♦ Centennial Farm – Now open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
 Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (except holidays and all-grounds events)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property; enter at Gate 1
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm

At a Glance: November Highlights
 The SDCCU OC Running Festival, Nov. 5-7
Fight Club, Nov. 11
Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival, Nov. 11-13
Repticon, Nov. 13-14
IMS Outdoors Southern California, Nov. 19-21
Seasonal Adventures Tree Lot, Nov. 22-Dec. 19
Night of Lights OC, Nov. 26-Jan. 2

Saturday, November 21, 2020 (9:33 am)

UPDATE: Winter Fest OC’s Night of Lights OC drive-thru announces new dates, Dec. 10 – Jan. 10, and new hours

Winter Fest OC’s Night of Lights OC, an immersive winter wonderland drive-thru experience, has announced new plans to operate at the OC Fair & Event Center, with changes in place to safely meet all government guidelines. The previously postponed event is back and will run Dec. 10-Jan. 10 (excluding Christmas Eve), with sessions ending at 9:30pm nightly.

Guests can to enjoy more than 1,000,000 lights from the safety of their own vehicles. The guided experience through a mile-long route features themed holiday scenery, special effects such as snow flurries and bubbles and animated light shows and tunnels synchronized to music through a car radio or smartphone. 

Entry to the event is through online ticket purchase only at NightOfLightsOC.com. Entrance begins at 5 p.m. with timed sessions available until 9:30 p.m. Limited reservations are available per session and guests are encouraged to buy in advance to reserve their date and session before they sell out. 

Early bird general admission starts at $39.99 per vehicle (up to five people) on select nights. Larger vehicle tickets (six to nine people) start at $59.99 on select nights. Vehicle height is limited to eight feet or less, due to the light tunnels. Pricing will increase after early bird tickets are sold out.

Holiday favorite treats are available before entering the Night of Lights OC experience through pre-order when purchasing tickets. Seasonal favorites include hot cocoa, cinnamon sugar donuts, as well as Mom’s Bake Shoppe cookie buckets and brownies, tamales, holiday ‘Family 4 Pack’ meals, and more. Food is available to order online by 10am on the date of admission and will be available to pick-up prior to entering the drive-thru experience.

Every Monday, Night of Lights OC will honor local community heroes with a special $5 off coupon for teachers, military personnel, law enforcement, medical workers and firefighters.

For more information, visit NightOfLightsOC.com.

 

Thursday, August 27, 2020 (4:10 pm)

New farmers market program provides more fresh produce to low-income people in OC

A new program to provide local families and individuals receiving CalFresh benefits with additional healthy produce is starting Sept. 3 at the Costa Mesa Certified Farmers Market at OC Fair & Event Center.

The Market Match program provides nutrition incentives to help low-income residents stretch their CalFresh shopping dollars to afford more healthy, locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables. As a direct result, the program also supports small- and mid-sized local farms and boosts the local economy.

Thanks to a grant from the Gus Schumacher Incentive Program, those receiving CalFresh EBT (electronic benefits transfer) can use their cards to get more healthy food from the the Costa Mesa Certified Farmers Market held at OC Fair & Event Center.

Participants can swipe their card at at the Market Manager’s Booth to receive up to an additional $20 in Market Match incentives per visit through the use of tokens/scrip.

Matching funds can be spent on eligible CalFresh items such as fresh fruits and vegetables. CalFresh Market Match signs will be posted at the farmers market to help program participants navigate the offerings.

The Costa Mesa Certified Farmers Market takes place each Thursday at OC Fair & Event Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Pacific Amphitheatre box office in Lot D.

The Centennial Farm Foundation was organized in 1991 to support educational programs at the farm and to solicit and disburse funds to operate Centennial Farm and other agriculturally and youth-related education programs and exhibits of OC Fair & Event Center. For more information, visit https://ocfair.com/community-programs/centennial-farm/centennial-farm-foundation/

For more information on the Orange County Farm Bureau, visit https://www.ocfarmbureau.org/