Press Release

2019 OC Fair tips: 10 ways to make the most of early-bird deals


COSTA MESA (May 14, 2019) – It might be hard to believe, but it’s already time to get started on your 2019 OC Fair adventure. It’s only 60 days away!

By taking advantage of early discounts – and making sure you get those concert tickets before they sell out – fairgoers can maximize their summer fun.

The 2019 OC Fair theme celebrates the county’s agricultural roots and invites everyone to enjoy “Acres of Fun” July 12-Aug. 11.

Here are 10 top OC Fair pro tips:

Tip 1Get 30% more carnival tickets if you buy before May 31. Options include a 52-ticket ride pass for $20, a 130-ticket pass for $50 and a 260-ticket pass for $100. Rides require multiple tickets. Buy tickets online at ocfair.com/carnival.

Tip 2 If you plan to come to the OC Fair more than once, you need a Super Pass. For one low price, fairgoers can come to all 23 days of the Fair. Through May 31, general admission Super Passes are $35, seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) passes are just $28. OC Fair general admission is $12 Wednesday through Friday and $14 on weekends. Senior and youth admission is $7 every day. Visit ocfair.com/superpass.

Tip 3 – Enter competitions and get free admission. If you are a table-setting virtuoso, an extraordinary avocado grower or a top-notch cake baker, this is the way to go. New this year, the OC Fair Exhibitor Renaissance Award will recognize an adult and a youth competitor with multiple skill sets. More information is at ocfair.com/competitions.

Tip 4 – Visit other fairs and get into the OC Fair for free. Save your San Diego County Fair, Riverside County Fair, San Bernardino County Fair, or Ventura County Fair ticket stub for one free admission to the OC Fair. Bonus tip: Save your 2019 OC Fair admission ticket for one free admission at the 2020 Riverside County Fair (Feb. 14-23).

Tip 5 – Concert and show tickets come with free admission. Shows are selling out, so make sure to get tickets now for Pacific Amphitheatre concerts, The Hangar shows and thrills in the Action Sports Arena. Don’t miss Brandi Carlile, the Queen Nation tribute band or the newest addition to the Action Sports Arena: lawn mower racing. Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/entertainment.

Tip 6 – OC Fair Express is only $4 round-trip and bus riders get $4 Fair admission. This amazing deal also helps cut traffic and eliminates a parking fee. Catch the OC Fair Express from one of nine OC locations every Saturday and Sunday. More info is at ocfairexpress.com. Bonus tip: Another option on weekends: fairgoers can park for free at Experian and grab a free shuttle to the OC Fair.

Tip 7 – Students get carnival rides for reading. The OC Fair Read & Ride gives three free rides to bookworms ages 5-11 who read two books. Forms can be downloaded online and redeemed for ride tickets. More information is at ocfair.com/deals.

Tip 8 – Donate items on a We Care Wednesday. Receive free admission on Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. by donating school supplies, canned food, children’s books or kids clothing to local nonprofits. Visit ocfair.com/deals for a schedule.

Tip 9 – Kids Day is a great deal for families. Kids 12 and younger get in to the OC Fair free each Thursday. It’s also a terrific day to sample those only-at-the-Fair goodies at $3 Taste of the Fair from noon to 4 p.m. each Thursday.

Tip 10 – Work at the OC Fair. OC Fair & Event Center is hiring now to fill more than 1,300 seasonal, part-time positions. Not only do employees get free Fair admission, but they can purchase up to 20 tickets for friends and family for just $1 each. Apply online at ocfair.com/jobs.


OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. Throughout the year events ranging from recreation shows to cultural festivals are held at the fairgrounds. For more information, visit ocfair.com. ‌

OC Fair photos and video are available for media use at flickr.com/photos/ocfaircm/albums and ocfair.com/about-us/media-center/media-center-photos.

Media access requests for coverage can be submitted at ocfair.com/about-us/media-center/requesting-media-access.