Featured Exhibits

The OC Fair showcases California’s talents and uniqueness in various exhibits and displays. 

Exhibition buildings close at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  


The OC Fair is proud to present the featured exhibit

REWIND: A VHS Comeback

Located in the Huntington Beach Building

REWIND: A VHS Comeback is an immersive tribute to the VHS era, celebrating retro pop culture with hand-painted movie poster reproductions, soundtrack displays, live-painting demonstrations, an ’80s vintage arcade and The Hitchcock speakeasy

Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the art.


El Pachuco Zoot Suit Fashion Show & Lowrider Exhibit

Located at the Plaza Pacifica Stage

Celebrate the rich history, artistry and traditions of Chicano culture at the El Pachuco Zoot Suit Fashion Show & Lowrider Exhibit. Admire beautifully restored and custom-built lowriders while enjoying a Zoot Suit Fashion Show that explore the history, symbolism and lasting influence of this iconic style.

Join us Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a celebration of heritage, creativity and community.


More Exhibits at the OC Fair 

Orange County Sand and Sea

Located in the OC Promenade Presented by

Discover iconic beachside landmarks, wander through culinary entries, explore a touch tank and take a deep dive into virtual reality. 


Featured Artists

Monica Esparza & Gil Ortega

Explore the handcrafted artistry of Monica Esparza and the cultural legacy of Gil Ortega. Together, their work celebrates heritage, tradition and community.


Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam

This exhibit features a rich collection of artifacts, personal stories, historical facts and poignant memorabilia, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the war’s profound impact on the soldiers who fought and the broader global context. 

More Info 

 

 

The SAAAB Story Exhibit

The SAAAB Story tells the history of the Santa Ana Army Air Base that operated in Costa Mesa from 1942-1946.

More Info 

 

Competition entries on display

Highlighting the best of local talent! Explore the incredible entries and winning works from our annual competitions. 

  • Handcrafts and Fiber Arts Competitions – Hobbies & Handcrafts Gallery
  • Table Settings Competition – Hobbies & Handcrafts Gallery
  • Collections Competitions – Hobbies & Handcrafts Gallery
  • Fine Arts Competitions – Visual Arts & Woodworking Gallery
  • Photography Competition – Visual Arts & Woodworking Gallery
  • Woodworking Competition – Visual Arts & Woodworking Gallery
  • Fruit & Vegetable Competitions – Centennial Farm
  • Cut Flower Competitions – Centennial Farm 

The Art of the Pour

Located in the OC Promenade

New to the OC Fair, paid, limited-seat cocktail and beer tasting experiences for Fairgoers 21 and older. Learn to craft your new favorite cocktail from a professional mixologist or sample a flight led by a certified cicerone.  Available on select Fridays and Sundays throughout the OC Fair: July 24, 26, 31, Aug. 2, 7, 9, 14 and 16. Fair admission sold separately.

Sunday, Aug. 2 – $55

Whiskey Business – Variety in a Bottle

Take one bottle of whiskey and create five completely different cocktails! This hands-on class teaches you how to please any crowd using just a single base spirit. You will explore the incredible versatility of whiskey as we taste and mix our way through five distinct flavor profiles: the legendary old fashioned, a refreshing and bubbly ginger whiskey buck, a tart and classic whiskey sour, a fresh mint julep and the sophisticated, bittersweet boulevardier. Learn the professional techniques behind balancing spirit, citrus, sugar and bitters so you can confidently host your next gathering with just one bottle.

Friday, Aug. 7 – $55

Know Your IPA: Hop, Skip and a Jump

A matchup that’s been brewing for years. Learn how to identify the differences between an East Coast and West Coast IPA and discover where they meet in the middle. Led by acclaimed chef, mixologist and brewer, Sam Burgess, taste your way across the U.S.

Sunday, Aug. 9 – $55

Beyond the Margarita: Exploring the World of Agave Spirits

Take a deep dive into the rich, complex world of Mexico’s premier spirits! Led by mixologist Faith Marvin, this dynamic class explores how different ages, expressions and varieties of agave spirits completely transform a drink. You’ll learn how to match the right tequila or mezcal to the perfect cocktail template, tasting your way through five distinct flavor profiles including a refreshing paloma, a complex naked and famous, a sophisticated tequila old fashioned and more. Master the art of professional modifiers and flavor-balancing techniques so you can confidently design your own agave-forward creations at home.

Friday, Aug. 14 – $55

The Liquid Kitchen – Infusions, Clarified and Fat Washes

Bring the techniques of the culinary world into your glass! In this class chef and mixologist Noah Rosen will take you through the food science and craft cocktail techniques that top bars use to elevate their menus so you can do the same at home. Get hands-on with infusions, fat washing and clarifications. This is the perfect interactive cocktail class for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts looking to level up their home-bar tricks.

Sunday, Aug. 16 – $55

Beyond the Margarita: Exploring the World of Agave Spirits

Take a deep dive into the rich, complex world of Mexico’s premier spirits! Led by mixologist Faith Marvin, this dynamic class explores how different ages, expressions and varieties of agave spirits completely transform a drink. You’ll learn how to match the right tequila or mezcal to the perfect cocktail template, tasting your way through five distinct flavor profiles including a refreshing paloma, a complex naked and famous, a sophisticated tequila old fashioned and more. Master the art of professional modifiers and flavor-balancing techniques so you can confidently design your own agave-forward creations at home.