October 2019 events at the OC Fair & Event Center
COSTA MESA (Sept. 24, 2019) – Events happening in October include Centennial Farm’s 30th birthday, a new exhibit at Heroes Hall, a pumpkin patch, Boo Ha Ha and more.
♦ Oct. 4-31, Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch
Come to pick out some pumpkins, and stay for the rides, games, inflatable bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses.
When: Starting Friday, Oct. 4, through Oct. 31; hours are Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
How much: Free admission and parking; prices vary for pumpkins and activities.
More info: Visit seasonaladventures.com
♦ Oct. 5, Centennial Farm 30th Anniversary Community BBQ
Centennial Farm is turning 30! Join us for a community BBQ celebration. The family-friendly event will feature a BBQ dinner with all the fixin’s, plus music, farm tours, tractor rides, lawn games and line dancing.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2-6 p.m. at Centennial Farm.
How much: $25 through Oct. 4; $30 at the door. Children 5 and under are free.
More info: Visit ocfair.com/farmbbq
♦ Oct. 5, Heroes Hall Exhibit Grand Opening + Voices – Veterans Storytelling Project
Heroes Hall will host a grand opening of its new exhibit, “Fighting on the Home Front: Propaganda Posters of WWII.” Following that, another installment of the Voices – Veterans Storytelling Project will commence, where veterans share their most memorable military experiences. The content of these stories is raw and unfiltered and is sure to bring both tears and laughter.
When: Saturday, Oct 5., 3-5 p.m. for exhibit grand opening; 7 p.m. for Voices – Veterans Storytelling Project at Heroes Hall
How much: Free admission
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall
♦ Oct. 5, Costa Mesa Speedway – Harley Night Finals / Sidecars
For more than 50 years, Speedway motorcycle races have entertained spectators with the thrill of speed, precision and sliding around turns. This event is the final night of the 2019 season.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5. Gates open at 6 p.m., first race is at 7:30 p.m. at Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $15 seniors (65+), military and juniors (ages 13-17); $10 children (ages 3-12); free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $9.
More info: Visit costamesaspeedway.net
♦ Oct. 10, 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, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. at The Hangar
How much: $60 admission. Parking is $9.
More info: Visit socafights.com
♦ Oct. 11-13, Gem Faire
Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals and much more will be on display at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors will be featured. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring-sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, Oct. 11, Noon-6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: $7 general admission (admission is good for all three days); children 11 and younger are free. Parking is $9.
More info: Visit gemfaire.com
♦ Oct. 12-13, OC Home & Holiday Expo
Everything for home improvement needs plus a special Holiday Cooking stage hosted by Sur La Table and other local chefs. Special guests Paula and Cecily, the hottest mother/daughter design team who host “This Made Up Life,” will be doing workshops on everything from holiday decor to holiday fashion, and even “Costumes on a Dime”! There will be hourly prizes, hourly workshops, hourly cooking classes — even a kids pumpkin painting area with free pumpkins while they last!
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: $8 admission, $6 for seniors (60+) and military, children under 12 are free. Parking is $9.
More info: Visit thebesthomeshow.com
♦ Oct. 15, Orange County Design Connect
Discover the latest innovative products and resources for commercial interiors.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5 p.m. at The Hangar.
How much: Pre-sale tickets are free for IIDA members and students, $10 for non-members. At-the-door prices are $20 for members/students, $30 for non-members.
More info: Visit iida-socal.org/upcoming-events
♦ Oct. 18-20, OC Japan Fair
Grab your friends and celebrate one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in Southern California. Enjoy the experience of shopping, tasting and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be live performance, games, Kimono models and more.
When: Friday, Oct. 18, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 19, Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: $8 admission; free for seniors (65+) and children 6 and under. Parking is $9.
More info: Visit oc-japanfair.com
♦ Oct. 19, Make It, Take It – Spooky Fresh Floral Hoop Craft
With Halloween right around the corner, up your ghostly decor game with this DIY Spooky Fresh Floral Hoop Craft. We will be taking a regular needlepoint hoop and transforming it with colored yarn, ribbon, fresh floral blooms, berries, greens and other ghoulish accents for a frighteningly fun and easy arrangement!
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. at Centennial Farm
How much: $45 fee covers materials and/or handouts.
More info: Visit ocfair.com/gardenclasses
♦ Oct. 19-20, SoCal VegFest
Celebrate life through food, drinks, music and lifestyle products. Expect a VIP area with free food and drink samples, guest speakers, children’s area, vegan food trucks, vendors and more.
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
How much: $10 general admission. Free admission for seniors (65+), children ages 12 and under, veterans and military. $5 tickets presale online. $50 VIP weekend package. Parking is $9.
More info: Visit socalvegfest.org
♦ Oct. 25-26, Boo Ha Ha – A Haunted Oktobeerfest
The event will feature hours of unlimited beer tastings from some of the nations top breweries! We will have a strong focus on Oktoberfest and German-style lagers but will of course have all the West Coast favorites as well! The event will feature live music from Dead Man’s Party on Friday, and Metalachi on Sunday. We strongly encourage costumes! Boo Ha Ha is a 21 and older event.
When: Friday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m.-midnight.
How much: $45 general admission; $70 for VIP. Parking is $9.
More info: Visit theboohaha.com
♦ Oct. 26, The Art of Making Pasta and Bruschetta
Learn how to mix, knead and roll out fresh dough to create beautifully cut shapes. The tender results will be paired with a flavorful bruschetta sauce made and steam canned by you. Bring your friends and join us. Space is limited.
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-noon at Centennial Farm. Must register by Oct. 24.
How much: $25 fee covers ingredients 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
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