March 2022 events at OC Fair & Event Center
Costa Mesa, Calif. (March 1, 2022) – OC Fair & Event Center will host several events in March, including a speaker series at Heroes Hall Museum, garden classes at Centennial Farm, and the weekly Farmers Market. Plus, OC Fair looks ahead to April for the return of Imaginology.
♦ Discovery Day at the Farm, March 4 & March 14
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: Friday, March 4, and Monday, March 14, 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
♦ Garden Class: Summer Crops, March 5
Learn about summer vegetables and how to care for them, and plant your own vegetable to take home. A Master Gardener will lead the class. The purpose of the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program is to extend research-based, scientifically accurate information to the public about home horticulture and pest management.
Hours: Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m.-noon
Where on the fairgrounds: Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: $6 includes ingredients and handouts.
More info: Reserve your spot at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ Speaker Series: 54th Coast Artillery Regiment, March 5
During World War II, an all-Black Coast Artillery Regiment helped protect California’s Central Coast, but their story has been largely forgotten. Military historian Erik Brun talks about the search for more information about this important part of California history. This speaker series is in conjunction with the museum’s newest exhibit, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII.
Hours: Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Registration is required and limited; go to ocfair.com/heroeshall/rsvp
♦ Bridal & Wedding Expo, March 6
Featuring a selection of wedding professionals ready to help brides find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and more.
Hours: Sunday, March 6, 12:30-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Costa Mesa Building
How much: Free admission with advance registration. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit cabridalshows-of.com/free-pass
♦ FIRST Robotics Competition Orange County Regional, March 10-12
Dubbed a varsity Sport for the Mind™, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. The Orange County Regional is a high-energy, high-tech spectator sporting event that teams professionals and young people together to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way.
Please note: This event is closed to spectators but media is invited.
Hours: Thursday-Saturday, March 10-12, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: The Hangar and Anaheim Building
How much: Free admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit cafirst.org.
♦ The Original O.C. Swap Meet, March 12 & March 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, March 12 & 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
♦ OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, March 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.
♦ Canning Workshop, March 26
Make low-calorie strawberry jam in the make it, take it workshop. This class will bring you up to date on the latest process recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and tell you why you are doing it that way. You will learn what equipment is needed and proper storage methods. A simple recipe will be taught and prepared in class for participants to take home.
Hours: Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m.-noon
Where on the fairgrounds: Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: $25 fee includes ingredients and handouts. Bring two half-pint Ball or Kerr canning jars with lids and rings, along with an apron.
More info: Reserve your spot 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
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
Coming up in April
♦ OC Fair’s Imaginology, April 9-10
Imaginology is where curious kids and families go to discover and learn all about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) with a variety of exhibits. Limited food options will also be available for purchase. Imaginology was canceled in 2020 but held virtually in 2021. The OC Fair-produced event debuted in 1989 as Youth Expo and was renamed Imaginology in 2014, focusing on STEAM and offering a weekend of free family activities.
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, April 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: Free admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit ocfair.com/imaginology
Also in April:
♦ Orange County Wine Fest, April 2-3
♦ Flying Miz Daisy Outdoor Vintage Market, April 2
♦ Fight Club OC, April 14
♦ The Original O.C. Swap Meet, April 23-24
♦ The SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival, April 29-May 1