Exhibits showcase the best in local talent and creativity – all are free with OC Fair admission

COSTA MESA (June 21, 2024) – From cake decorating to the loveliest rose to brilliant photography and woodworking, the OC Fair showcases top local talent every year and awards its coveted blue ribbons to the best of the best.

Additional demonstrations and exhibits bring experts and unique experiences to fairgoers every day.

All exhibits are free with Fair admission. The 2024 theme is “Always a Good Time” and runs July 19-Aug. 18.

Featured exhibits
The Art of Music Experience
This experiential exhibit inspires people of all ages to discover and appreciate the stories and creators behind album cover art. Fairgoers can explore iconic album covers and learn about the creators behind the art. The exhibit features more than 150 hand-painted recreations, neon displays, a themed cocktail lounge, a pop-up record store and interactive experiences.

Rides & Rhythms
The work of OC Fair photographers Michael Goulding and Miguel Vasconcellos documents the excitement of the Fair as captured through the lenses of these photo professionals over the past several years. This exhibit will be on display in the Visual Arts Gallery for the duration of the Fair.

Master woodcarver Boris Khechoyan’s eclectic display of furniture, wall art and sculpture will be showcased in July. Visit the Visual Arts & Woodworking Gallery for the exhibit and live demonstrations.

Artist Mimi Kuo’s travel sketchbook journals will be featured in July. Her artwork showcases characters inspired by her daughter’s stuffed animals, Peter DeMouse and friends.

Mixed-media artist Jaqueline Valenzuela’s paintings and work on car parts using bold colors, portraiture, lowrider custom paint, and elements of the urban landscape will be on display in August. Check out the display in the Visual Arts Gallery and bring the kids along to get their creative lowrider kits.

Chicano Heritage Month will be celebrated with activities and exhibits during the month of August in the Visual Arts Gallery and OC Promenade.

Here’s a list of exhibits at the 2024 OC Fair

• Orange County Sand and Sea – Kids can explore iconic beachside landmarks, wander through seaside experiences, discover a touch tank and take a deep dive into beachy virtual reality.
• Woodworking and Scroll Saw Demonstrations – Masters will be demonstrating different techniques, styles and steps of woodworking.
• Culinary Activities & Contests – The OC Promenade stage hosts daily activities and demonstrations, including a fun food-related contest.

Heroes Hall
Main exhibit – The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen.
Hands-on History – Visitors will be able to see, handle and wear military artifacts.
The SAAAB Story – Celebrate the history of the Santa Ana Army Airbase flight training center.

Arts, animals and more
Cow milking demonstrations
Great American Petting Farm
OC Tole & Decorative Painters
OC Quilters Guild
Chef Ray fruit and vegetable carver
UCCE Master Food Preservers of OC
OC Beekeepers
Pygmy goats
Llamas
Urban chickens
Global livestock
California Rare Fruit Growers Club

Competitions on display
Collections
Handcrafts and Fiber Arts
Jewelry Arts
Culinary Arts
Horticulture including fruit, vegetables and floral
Table Settings
Photography
Fine Arts
Woodworking
Miniature Donkey Competition
OC Equestrian Vaulting
Angora Goat Competition
Rabbit (cavy) Competition

For more details and additional exhibitions at the OC Fair, visit ocfair.com/exhibits. 

Key things to know about the 2024 OC Fair – July 19-Aug. 18

• • A limited number of tickets are available each day – dates will sell out
  •  Advance online ticket sales are required – no transaction fees
  • Tickets are good only for the date purchased; please choose days carefully – no refunds

• With the Every Day Passport fairgoers can enjoy the Fair any day or every day for $60 with no restrictions or blackout dates – quantities are limited
• Same-day Fair admission is included with tickets to performances during the Fair

OC Fair schedule:
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
11 a.m. – midnight Friday & Saturday

General admission tickets – no fees: $13 weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Tickets for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) are $9 every day and children 5 and younger are always free.

Special deals:

• Every Day Passports give fairgoers access to the Fair any day or every day for $60 – while supplies last. No restrictions or blackout days!
• Purchase carnival tickets and wristbands online in advance until opening day at discounted prices.
• $5 Taste of Fair is now every day until 4 p.m. Fairgoers can enjoy taste-size portions of Fair food favorites for only $5 each.

Free with OC Fair admission:

• Exhibits and demonstrations – check out blue-ribbon winners, explore handcrafts and woodworking, marvel at large-scale album-cover art and get great tips from chefs during culinary demos
• Performances on community stages and nightly fun – see local talent, sing karaoke with a live band, catch a show in Baja Bar & Grill and dance in La Cantina
• Animal experiences – visit Centennial Farm’s animal educators, All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, livestock displays and Great American Petting Farm
• Bonus – new hypnotist Chris Mabrey performs free in Action Sports Arena Aug. 7-11

Ticketed performances:
Shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena are on sale now – some performances are selling out. Shows start July 9 and run through Aug. 14. More information is at ocfair.com/entertainment. Please arrive early to avoid traffic.

The 2024 OC Fair mobile app is now available with information on daily activities as well as a map, news & information and tickets. Search for “OCFair 2024” in your app store

More information is at ocfair.com. Got questions? Check out our FAQs.

Photos and video for media, as well as OC Fair’s media access request form, are available on the Media Center.