Thursday, April 8, 2021 (1:01 pm)

FAQs about the 2021 OC Fair


The theme of this year’s OC Fair is “Time For Fun,” and we can’t wait to celebrate this summer from July 16 through Aug. 15.

When will tickets for the OC Fair go on sale?

Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/oc-fair/buy-tickets. The 2021 OC Fair will be July 16-Aug. 15, open Wednesdays-Sundays. 

Do I have to purchase my tickets in advance?

Yes. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster; you will be able to select a date between July 16 and Aug. 15 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Advance online ticket sales will help ensure we stay within our capacity limits. Bonus: no transaction fees for Fair admission tickets! 

What if I buy tickets for the wrong day?

Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please select your ticket date carefully before purchasing. 

Will tickets be available at the gate?

No. We cannot guarantee tickets will be available for purchase at the gate during the run of the OC Fair. Please purchase your tickets online in advance. We’d hate to have to turn you away if we are at full capacity, and parking fees are non-refundable. 

I am fully vaccinated. Do I have to wear a mask at the fair?

No. Masks are only required for unvaccinated guests inside OC Fair buildings. 

What are the other restrictions?

There is limited capacity at the 2021 OC Fair, so advance tickets are required. In addition to a mask requirement for unvaccinated guests indoors, and increased sanitization, we will have more elbow room on the fairgrounds, distancing will be encouraged and some events will be on hold. 

Will you be selling a season pass this year?

No. Due to capacity limitations, the Super Pass will not be for sale for the 2021 season.

What about my 2020 Super Pass?

If you purchased a 2020 Super Pass and did NOT request a refund, your pass will be valid for any day of the 2021 OC Fair. Those existing pass holders will receive 2021 passes in the mail prior to opening day of the OC Fair. Refunds are no longer being offered at this time.

Will you offer free or discounted admission days?

No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.

Will Opening Day be free?

No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.

Can military/veterans get in free?

No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.

Will you offer any ride or food promotions?

Yes! We will have Taste of Fair Food on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring $3 food options. The Read & Ride program for kids (ages 5-11) will also be available during fair time. Unlimited ride wristbands will not be available this year.

Will you have unlimited ride wristbands?

No, not this year. Carnival tickets for rides and games are available for purchase in packs of 40, 100, and 200. We recommend purchasing in advance online or getting the FunPass app to avoid lines on the fairgrounds. 

I have a free voucher from the 2020 virtual 5k/Goodwill donation. Will that still work?

Yes. Virtual 5k participants can bring their voucher any day of the 2021 OC Fair for one admission. Goodwill donors can bring their voucher any weekday (Wednesday-Friday) of the 2021 OC Fair for one admission. These printed vouchers have been accounted for in our capacity limits. 

What about my 2020 concert tickets?

If you purchased tickets for the 2020 entertainment season and did NOT receive a refund, your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled 2021 date. Please check pacamp.com for the lineup. 

Does my concert ticket include Fair admission?

Yes. Tickets to concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre or The Hangar that occur during the 2021 OC Fair include same-day admission to the OC Fair. Parking is not included. 

Will there be Action Sports Arena performances?

No. Action Sports Arena will be closed; typical motorized sports and rodeo shows will not take place during the 2021 OC Fair. 

Can I be a vendor?

The application deadline to be a vendor, sponsor or platinum partner at the 2021 OC Fair has passed. 

Can I perform at the OC Fair?

The application deadline to be a part of the community entertainment program at the 2021 OC Fair has passed. 

Will there be competitions this year?

Yes. Competition guides are available on our website at ocfair.com/competitions.  Entries are now open.

We will continue to add information to our website at ocfair.com/oc-fair as it becomes available.


Other frequently asked questions:

Is the swap meet open?

No. The OC Market Place, also known as the weekend swap meet, is no longer operating at OC Fair & Event Center. The company that was contracted to operate the OC Market Place through a formal agreement with OC Fair & Event Center has opted not to reopen. 

Why can’t the OC Fair run the OC Market Place?

As a state agency, OC Fair & Event Center is not permitted to operate a swap meet business.

However, a new event, the Original O.C. Swap Meet on May 29, will likely welcome many of the same vendors as the former swap meet. More info on our event calendar.

Is the farm open?

No. Due to the vaccination site on the fairgrounds, the entrance to Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall is inaccessible. The farm and veterans museum will reopen July 16. 

Is the campground open?

No. OC Fair & Event Center’s campground and RV parking site is still currently closed.

For a list of upcoming events at OC Fair & Event Center, go to ocfair.com/events.


Got another question? We are working hard to plan for the 2021 OC Fair, but there are still a few things pending. We appreciate your patience as we work out the logistics! If you have a question regarding a specific issue, please use our contact form