After I apply, when will I be notified of my performance date and time?

You will be notified by the Entertainment Coordinator via email in early May. If your original availability changes before you are notified, please email Katie Hastings at khastings@ocfair.com. 

What are the dates of the 2023 OC Fair?

The 2023 OC Fair is Friday, July 14, through Sunday, August 13 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

When are the Community Entertainment performances scheduled?

Community Entertainment performances are scheduled Wednesday through Friday, from approximately noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening time slots are not available.

Can I pick the stage I wish to perform on?

No, the stage is chosen by the Community Entertainment Coordinator. It is decided based on availability, group size and performance type.

What can help me get scheduled to perform at the Fair?

Turn in your application as early as possible. We receive over 700 applications with a very limited number of time slots. Also, be flexible when providing your availability. Weekend and late afternoon stage time is in very high demand. Make yourself as available for as many dates as possible, including weekdays.

Do I get paid for this performance?

No. This is an UNPAID performance. If you are looking to be paid, do not fill out the application. Please email Katie Hastings directly at khastings@ocfair.com for more information. As a reminder, paid performances are VERY limited.

Will a sound system be supplied?

Yes, we will provide a full PA, sound technician and stage manager to assist you with your performance. DO NOT bring your own sound board.

Do I need to bring a person to run the sound?

No, the Fair will provide a sound technician and stage manager to help facilitate the performance. The group leader may coordinate with them once arriving to the stage. No one will be allowed in the sound booth with the stage manager or sound technician.

What do I bring to my performance?

You will need to bring all of your gear including instruments, cables and a limited amount of amps. We do not provide backline. DO NOT bring more than one drum set, your own sound board, or wireless mics. Please remember that the stages are small and we do have noise restrictions.

How should I provide my pre-recorded music?

If you are performing to pre-recorded music, please provide the files on a smartphone or thumb drive. Please bring a backup thumb drive just in case. If you are using an iPhone 7 or higher, make sure to bring your adapter (dongle) and cord to plug in the phone to the cord.

If I perform for free, do I get free food vouchers, ride passes or admission tickets for family and friends?

No, only performers and crew members will be provided with admission and off-site parking passes. Each performance is strictly on a volunteer basis. We do not give out food or ride vouchers. If you plan on having friends and family attend your performance, they will need to purchase their admission tickets online in advance. Please see ocfair.com for more information and to purchase tickets prior to going to the OC Fair. Admission tickets will and do sell out.

Do performers and crew members need admission tickets?

Yes, everyone who is performing needs an admission ticket to enter the fairgrounds. We will provide you with tickets for performers and minimal crew/administration. Tickets provided to you will not be replaced. Yes, even children will need an admission ticket to enter the Fair. Guardians may use the limited amount of crew tickets for admission but it will not cover the rest of the family or friends.

How early should I arrive for my performance?

Performers should arrive at least two hours before their scheduled performance. If you are the first performer of the day (noon on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends) please arrive 90 minutes prior to start time. Gates do open early for performers and crew as long as they have their admission tickets.

Where do Community Entertainment performers park?

All Community Entertainment performers will be provided complimentary off-site parking at the Merrimac/ Lot E located on the Orange Coast College campus. Specific parking directions for your performance day are located in your ticket packet. However, you may also choose to pay to park ($10) in the Fair parking lot. We do not provide parking on the fairgrounds.

Where do I unload my gear?

If you are dropping off heavy equipment first, please have your Gate 4 ½ Hang Tag ready and available. Loading/Unloading (Gate 4 ½) is located on Arlington Drive, beyond Gate 4 and across the street from Davis Magnet School. Someone from your group must stay with the equipment at all times. We do not take responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items.

How do I get from the performer lot at Orange Coast College to the fairgrounds?

A shuttle is provided from the performer lot to the OC Fair Gate 5 drop off on Arlington Drive. Make sure to have your admission tickets ready. You can NOT purchase tickets at Gate 5. This entrance is for those who already have tickets. Be aware that everyone will be screened at all gates.

My dance team has several small children in it. Can each child have extra admission tickets for their parents or driver?

Performance groups with several small children can request extra crew/administration tickets, but will be provided only at the discretion of the Community Entertainment Coordinator. Those tickets can be given to parents and/or family assisting performers backstage. We also highly suggest having chaperones carpool.

Can I perform more than once?

Due to an overwhelming amount of applications and the elimination of the Heritage Stage, we only allow entertainers to perform once per season. If there is an opportunity to perform more than once, it will be at the discretion of the Community Entertainment Coordinator.

What if I cannot perform on the date/time that was assigned?

Contact the Community Entertainment Coordinator immediately. We will work on getting you a new date or time but cannot make any guarantees for an alternate performance time.

Do I have to complete a Megan’s Law screening and what is it?

Yes, every selected performer and crew member must complete a Megan’s Law Screening form. It is the representative’s responsibility to verify all performance group members and crew members (age 14 and over) have been processed through Megan’s Law screening, and that each individual, as certified by the Representative, is not a registered sex offender per the Megan’s Law registry. To screen all performers and crew go to www.meganslaw.ca.gov and enter the complete names. If nothing comes up, list the cleared name on the form provided and return back to the Community Entertainment Department. This is only needed once you are scheduled.

Do you provide cart assistance to the stages for heavy equipment?

Yes. Hand cart assistance will be available from the equipment drop off area at Gate 4 ½. If you have heavy equipment, please request a drop off pass and the amount needed so our crew can assist you to the stage you were assigned. (Max 5)

How long is each time slot?

All time slots are 40 minutes with 10 minutes to set up equipment and 10 minutes to take down. Bands will not receive a full sound check.

What are the stage dimensions?

Hangar: 40’x24’
Meadows: 16’x24’
Plaza: 24’ x 24’

Can we invite members of the audience up on stage to participate in our performance?

For insurance reasons, we cannot allow anyone other than performers on the stages.

Does the Fair provide a dressing room?

Yes, each stage will have dressing rooms. They are small and may be shared with other performers. We do suggest that you come dressed and ready to perform (especially large dance groups).

Can I sell merchandise?

Yes. The OC Fair will provide each stage with a covered table and two chairs. The table will also be shared with other groups before and after your scheduled performance so please only use the table during your scheduled performance time. Do not bring your own table and chairs.

What do I do if I have to cancel my performance last minute (day of)?

Please call or text Katie Hastings at (714) 349-7781 or email khastings@ocfair.com.

*** Covid Protocols ***

Every performer will be expected to fully adhere to the Covid safety protocols which will minimally include wearing a mask at all times when not on stage and social distancing. If you are unable to adhere to these requirements, please cancel your performance. For more information regarding our Covid safety protocols, please check our website ocfair.com/public-information/health-safety/

As a reminder:

• We do not provide backline. You must bring all of your own instruments, amps and cords. We also do not provide risers for choral groups.
• We do provide all mics, mic stands, speakers and a professional sound technician.
• This is an unpaid performance.