From livestock competitions to everyone’s favorite racing swine, what’s the OC Fair without a passel of goats and cows? Here are the main spots to meet animals at the Fair. Most areas close by 10 p.m. so the animals can get their beauty rest.
Centennial Farm
Visit our three-acre working farm, where a variety of livestock will be on display to help educate the public on agriculture and the role it plays in our daily lives. Centennial Farm is located between Blue Gate and Heroes Hall.
Centennial Farm is where you will find a new litter of piglets, bouncing goat kids and clucking laying hens. There are also cows, peacocks (technically pea fowl), rabbits and the stars of the barnyard – Hoss and Howie the majestic oxen.
Head to Millennium Barn to watch cow milking demonstrations at 2:15, 4:15 & 6:15 p.m.
Pro tip: Gaze toward Pacific Amphitheatre and try to spot our animal landscape crew of angora goats and their faithful guard crew grazing to keep the steep berm free of weeds. A mini-donkey, a miniature steer, a llama and a special Maremma sheep dog keep watch over the goats, keeping a keen eye out for coyotes.
Livestock area
Each year, FFA and 4-H students work hard to get their animals ready to show at the OC Fair. They learn responsibility, hard work, animal husbandry and showmanship. Fairgoers can visit the livestock barns to see goats, steers, sheep, hogs and chickens and can watch the competitions.
The annual OC Fair Junior Livestock Auction supports agriculture education programs throughout Orange County. The public can participate in a live auction on July 25 that supports the growth and education of young farmers. More info at ocfair.com/junior-livestock-auction.
Rotating animal exhibits include llamas, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, Friesian horses and a Barnyard Fashion Parade on Aug. 5. Here is a full list of animal exhibits. https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/animals
Great American Petting Farm
Visitors of all ages can pet exotic animals as well as farmyard favorites like goats, sheep, pigs and calves in this fun petting zoo. Admission to this wonderland of touchable animals is free.
Located near Yellow Gate, the petting farm also offers visitors the option of purchasing small cones of food to share with new animal friends.
Be sure to snap some photos and stay alert for curious goats who like to nibble.
All-Alaskan Racing Pigs
Cheer on your favorite swine as these happy pigs race daily in Plaza Pacifica. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early for a shady spot.
New this year are screens outside the swine racing arena so fairgoers don’t have to miss a single race!
Admission is free, but photos with the little racers are available for a fee after the shows. Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: 2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 & 8 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays: 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 & 8 p.m.
Pony rides
It’s a classic childhood photo – a tot in a cowboy had atop gentle pony – and we know just where you can snap one! OC Fair ponies march out from their camping spot each morning to the two shady pony ride stations near Centennial Farm and the livestock area. There, kids 1-10 can hop into a little saddle and enjoy riding in easy circles around the ring.
There is a charge for the pony rides and tickets can be purchased at carnival ticket booths.
Cute little buggers
Local beekeepers are on hand to talk to fairgoers about the importance of these plucky pollinators to keep our yards and farms healthy and thriving. Get purchase a taste of local honey in a jar or straw.
Near Centennial Farm, there is a butterfly paradise where these winged beauties flutter by smiling visitors and will gently land on a swab to pose for photos. There is a fee to enter.
Outside the barnyard
For something unexpected, head into the OC Promenade and get interactive with the aquatic touch tank. This hands-on experience provides a unique opportunity to touch and learn about stingrays, sharks, crabs and sea stars. Open noon to 6:30 p.m.
Colorful and curious lorikeets can be found in their special enclosure near livestock and love to enjoy tasty nectar on offer from friendly visitors. There is a fee to enter.
