February events at OC Fair & Event Center
Upcoming events at OC Fair & Event Center
Costa Mesa, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2022) – OC Fair & Event Center has several events planned for February, including the annual UVSA Tet Festival and a new exhibit opening at Heroes Hall Museum.
♦ Truffle-Making Workshop, Feb. 5
In this hands-on class taught by Chef Vina you’ll learn about chocolate’s origin, how to make your own ganache, and how to decorate with several gourmet toppings.
Hours: Saturday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-noon or 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: $30 includes ingredients and handouts
More info: Reserve your spot at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ UVSA Tet Festival, Feb. 5-6
The Tết Festival (Hội Tết Sinh Viên) of Southern California is recognized as the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival. UVSA’s vision to hosting the Tết Festival stays true, and that is to create an avenue for everyone to have a better understanding of the Vietnamese culture in many ways: vibrant arrays of traditional food, traditional performance and entertainment, and cultural exhibitions. This year, everyone is welcome to celebrate Tết with at the 40th annual UVSA Tết Festival.
Hours: Saturday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot I (outdoors)
How much: $8 general admission tickets available online. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit tetfestival.org
♦ The Original OC Swap Meet, Feb. 12 & 26
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. The swap meet showcases products and goods for all to buy and enjoy.
Hours: Saturdays, Feb. 12 and Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot D
How much: Free admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355
♦ Discovery Day at the Farm, Feb. 15
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and perfect for group visits. Docents are on hand to answer questions during your self-guided tours and there will be extra activities to help students learn about agriculture.
Hours: Tuesday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-noon
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: See complete list of dates and reserve your spot at ocfair.com/discoveryday
♦ New exhibit opening at Heroes Hall Museum, Feb. 16 (ceremony Feb. 19)
Heroes Hall Museum will open a new special exhibit called Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II. Produced by The National WWII Museum, the exhibit features artifacts, photographs and oral histories to highlight some of the extraordinary achievements and challenges of African Americans during World War II, both overseas and on the Home Front. An opening ceremony will be held to commemorate the exhibit. The event will feature speakers, performances and kids activities.
Hours: Exhibit debuts Feb. 16; Heroes Hall Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ceremony will take place Saturday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroes-hall
♦ Fight Club OC, Feb. 17
Pro Boxing & MMA live inside The Hangar. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC!
Hours: Thursday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. (happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Where on the fairgrounds: The Hangar
How much: $60 general admission tickets available via Fight Club OC. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit socafights.com
♦ Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat, Travel Show, Feb. 18-20 Orange County’s Premier Outdoors Show will again bring a great selection of top boats, tackle, and travel destinations. Looking for a new boat, fishing tackle, or to plan the trip of a lifetime? Don’t miss this show! There will be tons of fun for the family as well including a free kids trout pond.
Hours: Friday, Feb. 18, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach buildings, and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $15 general admission; children ages 12 and younger are free; $10 for active military with ID. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit sportfishingfestival.com
♦ OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, Feb. 24
OC Fair’s Board of Directors typically meets monthly via Zoom and in person at OC Fair & Event Center. The agenda and location for this meeting will be available later in the month at ocfair.com/public-information/public-meetings. The public is invited to watch or participate in Board meetings via Zoom or in person. The meetings, which begin at 9:30 a.m., will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.
♦ Gem Faire, Feb. 25-27
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.
Hours: Friday, Feb. 25, noon-6 p.m. (wholesale preview 10 a.m.-noon); Saturday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $7 general admission; free for kids age 11 and younger. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit gemfaire.com or email info@gemfaire.com
♦ Repticon, Feb. 26-27
Repticon Los Angeles is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes.
Hours: Saturday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m. & 1:15-4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. & 1:15-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Huntington Beach Building
How much: Online tickets are $10 general admission, $5 children ages 12 & younger, free for children ages 4 & younger. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit repticon.com/california/los-angeles-costa-mesa/
♦ OC Home & Garden Show, Feb. 26-27
Featuring home improvement products and services, garden supplies,, two garden displays, hourly DIY workshops and prizes.
Hours: Saturday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Los Alamitos Building How much: Admission is free. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit thebesthomeshow.com
♦ Garden Class: Homegrown Tomatoes, Feb. 26
This how-to class for all levels of gardeners will provide all the practical knowledge necessary to begin growing tomatoes today. Learn which varieties to grow, how to plant and care for tomatoes and common diseases and pests that afflict them.
Hours: Saturday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-noon
Where on the fairgrounds: Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: $10 fee covers materials and/or handouts
More info: Reserve your at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ Garden Class: How to Graft Fruit Trees, Feb. 26
Not all fruit trees can be grafted, and not all grafting techniques are appropriate for all situations. Attendees will learn different methods for grafting fruit trees and will have the opportunity to see a hands-on demonstration of different grafting techniques.
Hours: Saturday, Feb. 26, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: $6 fee covers materials and/or handouts
More info: Reserve your at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
Ongoing events at OC Fair & Event Center
♦ COVID testing – Open Monday-Friday
Free COVID testing on the fairgrounds.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot E (corner of Fairview and Arlington; enter at Gate 4)
How much: Free drive-through COVID-19 testing
More info: Make an appointment online. PCR test results take 24-48 hours.
♦ Farmers Market – Every Thursday
Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos.
Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org
♦ Heroes Hall Museum – Open Wednesday-Sunday starting Feb. 16
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans. The museum is currently closed for exhibit installation but will reopen on Feb. 16.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall
♦ Centennial Farm – Open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm