What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in May
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, May 1
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animals
When: Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Days
OC Marathon, May 3-5
The 20th annual Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival returns to the seaside streets of Orange County, California the weekend of May 3-5. The Hoag OC Running Festival showcases three days of events, including Kids Run the OC, U.S. Bank OC 5K at sunset on Saturday and Sunday’s full and half marathons. The race is a perfect destination event for runners, with the beaches, theme parks and near-perfect weather.
When: Friday-Sunday, May 3-5
Schedule:
Friday, May 3, 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 7 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: Registration varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Marathon
Gem Faire, May 10-12
Visit the largest jewelry and bead show in Southern California. Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday – Sunday, May 10-12
Schedule:
Friday, May 10, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Main Mall
How much: General admission is $7. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire
Centennial Farm Workshop: Mother’s Day Floral Arrangement, May 11
Prepare for Mother’s Day this year with a heartfelt, handmade floral arrangement for your mom! Led by certified floral designer Marie Gregory, you’ll learn how to create a striking floral arrangement. Whether you’re a seasoned floral enthusiast or a beginner, this class will equip you with the skills, supplies and inspiration to make and take home a memorable Mother’s Day gift.
When: Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $75 fee covers materials (including vase) and any handouts. Participants should bring floral shears/scissors and gloves. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Heroes Hall Exhibit Opening Reception: The Vietnam War Through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen, May 11
Join us in celebrating the life and artwork of Ed Bowen, who passed away in Dec. 2023. This free event will include speakers, music and refreshments.
When: Saturday, May 11, 4 – 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall
How much: Admission and parking are free. RSVPs are recommended.
More info: RSVP Heroes Hall Exhibit Opening Reception
Costa Mesa Speedway – Harley Night #1, May 11
When: Saturday, May 11
Schedule:
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Qualifier starts at 6 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+) and active military; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
31st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 16
Enjoy a celebration of flavor, community and philanthropy as foodies and philanthropists gather to support the mission of serving others in need at Share Ourselves’ 31st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night!
A team of chefs from across Orange County are serving up taco creations, with each vying for the title of best taco. All proceeds go directly to Share Ourselves, providing critical social services, alleviating food insecurity and providing affordable and accessible healthcare to the underserved and underinsured.
When: Thursday, May 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Plaza Pacifica
How much: Early bird general admission is $85 and $160 for VIP through May 1. General admission after May 1 is $95 and $180 for VIP.
More info: Visit Share Ourselves
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, May 16
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animals
When: Thursday, May 16, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Costa Mesa Speedway – Knobby Night, May 18
When: Saturday, May 18
Schedule:
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Qualifier starts at 6 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+) and active military; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Sand Sports Super Swap, May 18
Sand Sports Super Swap is a single-day opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to “swap” their sand toys and equipment. Sellers of new and used quads, dune buggies, motorcycles, tires, engine parts, helmets and anything for the off-road enthusiast are welcome!
When: Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I
How much: Online general admission is $6.50 through May 17. General admission increases to $10 starting May 18. Children 12 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sand Sports Super Swap
Night Nation Run, May 18
The Night Nation Run is a running music festival. Experience a music-filled course with live DJs, light shows, bubble zones and neon and black lights. Cross the finish line into a main stage after-party featuring top headliner DJs.
When: Saturday, May 18, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Country Meadows, Crafters Village, Pacific Amphitheatre, Park Plaza, Plaza Pacifica
How much: Registration varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Night Nation Run
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, May 20
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animals
When: Monday, May 20, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Scottish Fest, May 25-26
A family-friendly event celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture. Enjoy two days of fun with bagpipes, drums and highland dancing, Scottish clans and genealogy, Scottish athletics, shopping, food and so much more! You don’t have to be Scottish to have fun at Scottish Fest!
When: Saturday-Sunday, May 25-26
Schedule:
Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: $30 general one-day admission, $26 seniors (62+), $6 youth (6-17), children 5 & younger are free, military and first responders are free with ID. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Scottish Fest
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, May 23
When: Thursday, May 23, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
626 Night Market OC, May 31 – June 2
626 Night Market is back at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. The festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an event that appeals to all ages. Experience warm summer days and bright nights this season!
When: Friday – Sunday, May 31 – June 2, 4 – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade and Lot I
How much: General admission for adults, seniors and children older than 3 is $6. Children 3 and younger are free.
Parking is $12.
Most vendors accept cash only. ATMs will be available
More info: Visit 626 Night Market OC
View original full press release here: https://conta.cc/49QhUwc