February 2020 events at OC Fair & Event Center
COSTA MESA (Jan. 28, 2020) – Events happening in February include the Great Train Show, Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival, Gem Faire and more.
♦ Feb. 1, Composting 101
Attendees will learn the value of composting and discover there are lots of do’s and a few don’ts. In this talk, Dr. Francene Kaplan will help you navigate a path to make your compost bin a thriving ecosystem.
When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-noon at Centennial Farm
How much: $5 fee covers ingredients and handouts
More info: Visit ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ Feb. 8, How to Make a Simple Flower Arrangement
Learn how to design your own tabletop arrangement with seasonal greens and flowers like a pro. Everything you will need is included.
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-noon at Centennial Farm
How much: $45 fee covers ingredients and handouts
More info: Visit ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ Feb. 8-9, Great Train Show
The train show is designed for all ages: modelers, collectors and enthusiasts, families in search of good old-fashioned fun, and for those who are simply curious. The show features hundreds of tables of trains, accessories, scale models and collectible toys for sale as well as huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, free seminars, educational opportunities and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 8-9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
How much: $11 adult admission on Saturday (good for both days) or $10 on Sunday (good for Sunday only); free for children 11 & younger. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit trainshow.com/costamesa
♦ Feb. 12, Discovery Day
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public, and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
- Radish Seed Planting: Children will plant a radish seed to take back to school.
- Chick Education: Chick Development Process (no petting chicks).
- Oxen Demonstration: Demonstration days vary depending on the volunteers’ schedules.
- Crops: Seasonal varieties.
- Livestock Animals: Swine, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits and poultry.
- Cow Milking Demonstration: Provided there is lactating cow; call 1-2 days before your tour to verify).
When: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 9 a.m.-noon at Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking. Reservations required for groups of 6 or more.
More info: Visit ocfair.com/discoverydays
♦ Feb. 14-16, Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival
California’s premier sportfishing, tackle, boat and travel show.
When: Friday, Feb. 14, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 15-16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: $15 general admission; active-duty military and children ages 12 and younger are free. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit sportfishingfestival.com
♦ Feb. 15, Grafting Techniques 101
Attendees will learn different methods for grafting fruit trees and will have the opportunity to see a hands-on demonstration of different grafting techniques.
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m.-noon at Centennial Farm
How much: $5 fee covers ingredients and handouts
More info: Visit ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ Feb. 20, Fight Club OC
Pro Boxing and Pro MMA come together for a show featuring a 40-foot big screen with instant replay, 14 VIP Suites and guaranteed fun.
When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. at The Hangar
How much: $60 admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit socafights.com
♦ Feb. 21-23, OC Home & Garden Show
Everything for home improvement projects, some garden displays and classes, hourly DIY workshops, 4H gardening competition, hourly prizes and a free gift for the first 100 each day.
When: Friday, Feb. 21, noon.-6 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: Free admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit thebesthomeshow.com
♦ Feb. 22, Starting Plants From Seeds
Learn when to plant seeds, what kind of potting medium and containers to use, and what to do after they sprout. The focus will be on edibles, but the principles can be applied to ornamental plants as well.
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-noon at Centennial Farm
How much: $5 fee covers materials and handouts
More info: Visit ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ Feb. 22-23, U.S. CoffeeChamps Orange County Championships & Qualifiers
The Specialty Coffee Association presents the U.S. CoffeeChamps Qualifying Event, featuring the Coffee in Good Spirits, Cup Tasters, and Roaster qualifying competitions. Plus: the U.S. Coffee Championships, featuring the U.S. Barista Championship and U.S. Brewers Cup.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 22-23, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
How much: Parking is $10.
More info: Visit sca.coffee/events/global
♦ Feb. 25, PTO Today Live
This event is specifically designed for parent group leaders, including booster clubs and other school volunteers who work hard to make schools super. Guests can talk to vendors, attend information sessions, meet other leaders, get free samples and win prizes.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
How much: $5 admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit ptotoday.com/events
♦ Feb. 28-March 1, Gem Faire
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, Feb. 28, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, March 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: $7 general admission (admission is good for all three days); free for children 11 and younger. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit gemfaire.com
♦ Feb. 29, Homegrown Tomatoes
This how-to class for all levels of gardeners will provide all the practical knowledge necessary to begin growing tomatoes. Learn which varieties to grow, how to plant and care for tomatoes and common diseases and pests that afflict them.
When: Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-noon at Centennial Farm
How much: $10 fee covers materials and handouts
More info: Visit ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ Ongoing events
OC Market Place
Saturdays & Sundays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission is $2; free for kids 12 & younger. Located in Lot A
For more info, visit ocmarketplace.com
Certified Costa Mesa Farmers Market
Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free admission and parking
Located in Lot D
Open year-round
Centennial Farm
Open daily (closed Feb. 17)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free admission and parking
Heroes Hall
Open Wednesday-Sunday
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free admission and parking
♦ A look ahead: Events coming up in March
- March 6: Discovery Day
- March 7-8: Four Wheeler Adventure Expo
- March 14: Food Preservation Class
- March 16: Discovery Day at the Farm
- March 19-April 19: VOLTA by Cirque du Soleil
- March 21-22: Crossroads of the West Gun Show
- March 26: AAOC Trade Show & Conference