May events at OC Fair & Event Center
COSTA MESA (April 24, 2018) – OC Fair & Event Center hosts more than 150 year-round events throughout the fairgrounds. Here’s what’s coming up this weekend and throughout May.
♦ April 27-29: America’s Family Pet Expo
The 29th annual America’s Family Pet Expo is the largest pet- and pet-product event of its kind. Exhibits include retailers, groomers, hobbyists, rescue organizations, breeders and pet experts.
Hours: Friday, April 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, April 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m
Cost: $15 general admission, $13 seniors (60+), $10 children (ages 6-12), free for kids 5 and younger. Active and retired military members are free with valid ID. Parking is $8.
Info: petexpooc.org
♦ May 4-6: OC Marathon Running Festival
Now in its 14th year, this world-class event will feature the SDCCU Marathon and Half Marathon, Wahoo’s 5k, Kids Run the OC, and the OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo.
Hours: OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo is Friday, May 4, 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Kids Run the OC is Saturday, May 5, 8 a.m.-noon. Wahoo’s 5K begins Saturday, May 5, at 5 p.m. Full Marathon begins at Newport Center on Sunday, May 6, 5:30 a.m. and Half Marathon at 6:15 a.m. Finish Line Party at OC Fair & Event Center is Sunday, May 6, 7 a.m.-noon.
Cost: Registration fees vary. Parking is $8 on Friday, $10 on Saturday & Sunday.
Info: ocmarathon.com
♦ May 9: Orange County Hiring Fair
Find information and employment opportunities in either the public or private sector. It is also an opportunity for local businesses to find qualified candidates and promote their work.
Hours: Wednesday, May 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Info: ochiringfair.com
♦ May 11: Voices – Veterans Storytelling Project
The voices of veterans come alive at Heroes Hall as former military men and women share their very personal and poignant stories of service.
Hours: Friday, May 11
Cost: Free admission
Info: ocfair.com/heroeshall
♦ May 12: Food Preservation Workshop
This workshop, led by OC Fair’s Culinary Supervisor Pam Wnuck, is a hands-on lesson in steam canning, during which participants will make dill pickle spears. Leave the class with three pints of pickles to enjoy at home, give as a gift or enter in the 2018 OC Fair competitions.
Hours: Saturday, May 12, 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $25 includes materials and handouts. Please bring three 1-pint canning jars with lids and rings.
Info: Pre-registration is required. Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses.
♦ May 12: Costa Mesa Speedway
Featuring the Jack Milne Cup, celebrating 50 years of Legendary Speedway Racing, Costa Mesa Speedway has put fans right on top of all the action from the comfort of arena-style grandstand seating since 1969.
Hours: Saturday, May 12, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 general admission, $15 seniors (65+), $15 juniors (ages 13-17), $10 children (ages 3-12), free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $8.
Info: costamesaspeedway.net
♦ May 18-20: Gem Faire
Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals and more at manufacturer’s prices, sold by nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world.
Hours: Friday, May 18, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, May 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $7 admission; children 11 & younger are free. Parking is $8.
Info: gemfaire.com
♦ May 18-20: OC Night Market
Produced by 626 Night Market, OC Night Market features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in one event for all ages.
Hours: Friday & Saturday, May 18-19, 4 p.m.-midnight, and Sunday, May 20, 4-11 p.m.
Cost: $5 admission. Parking is $8.
Info: ocnightmarket.com
♦ May 26-27: Scottish Fest USA
Celebrates Celtic culture with 50+ Celtic merchants, genealogy with 70+ Scottish clans, sheep herding, child inflatables, junior athletics, archery, Celtic food including haggis and more. New Irish stage added to four other stages with Celtic music featuring the most-recorded piper Eric Rigler from Bad Haggis and the popular Wicked Tinkers.
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, May 26-27, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $18 admission; $16 seniors (62+); $3 children ages 4-11. Free for children 3 & younger and military and first responders. Parking is $8.
Info: scottishfest.com
We’re hiring!
OC Fair & Event Center has several openings for seasonal and part-time positions. To learn more and to apply online, visit ocfair.com/jobs.
Save the date
♦ July 13-Aug. 12, 2018: OC Fair
Get ready for 23 days of fun at the 2018 OC Fair, where you can “Free Your Inner Farmer” and enjoy all the rides, food, games and entertainment you can handle. Performances are being announced at pacamp.com.
Cost: $12-$14 general admission / $7 senior (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) / free for children 5 and younger. Parking is $10.
More info: ocfair.com
Ongoing events
Certified Costa Mesa Farmers Market – Thursdays
Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free admission and parking
Orange County Market Place – Saturdays and Sundays (except May 5-6)
Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (new hours!)
$2 admission; free parking in designated lots
Centennial Farm – Open daily (except May 5-6)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free admission and parking
Heroes Hall – Wednesdays-Sundays (except May 5-6)
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free admission and parking