Upcoming May events at OC Fair & Event Center
Costa Mesa, Calif. (May 9, 2022) – 626 Night Market OC and Costa Mesa Speedway are both back at the OC Fairgrounds this month. The fairgrounds is also hosting several other events before we head into the summer for the annual OC Fair.
♦ 626 Night Market OC, May 13-15
626 Night Market is back! The festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages.
When: May 13-15, June 17-19
Hours: Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 1-11 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: OC Promenade, Lot G and Lot I
How much: $5 admission plus fees; free for children 3 and younger. Parking is $10. Most vendors accept cash only; ATMs are available.
More info: Visit 626nightmarket.com/tickets-oc
♦ Gem Faire, May 13-15
Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold, silver, minerals and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.
Hours: Friday, May 13, noon-6 p.m. (wholesale preview 10 a.m.-noon), Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 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
♦ The Original O.C. Swap Meet, May 14
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: Saturday, May 14, 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
♦ SOS Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 19
Orange County’s most generous chefs will join Share Our Selves in an evening of fun, friendship and amazing tacos. In the spirit of friendly competition and to support a great cause, these chefs will create gourmet tacos you won’t find anywhere else!
Hours: Thursday, May 19, 2022, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (VIP pre-party begins at 4:30 p.m.)
Where on the fairgrounds: Plaza Pacifica
How much: $80 early-bird general admission (increases to $90 on May 1); $150 early-bird VIP (increases to $170 on May 1). Tickets include all-you-can eat tacos, margaritas, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. All proceeds benefit SOS and the vital services they provide to address issues including food insecurity, housing insecurity and overall wellness for our low-income and homeless neighbors.
More info: Visit shareourselves.org/event/29th-annual-wild-crazy-taco-night/
♦ Sand Sports Super SWAP, May 21
The Sand Sports Super Show is hosting a one-day opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to “swap” their sand toys and equipment. Sellers of new and used quads, dune buggies, motorcycles, tires, engine parts, helmets and anything for the off-road enthusiast are welcome!
Hours: Saturday, May 21, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot I
How much: Presale tickets (until May 20 online only) are $5; day of show tickets are $10; children 12 & younger are free. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit sandsportssupershow.com
♦ Costa Mesa Speedway, May 21
Jack Milne Cup / Speedway / Sidecars / Juniors / Vintage Bike Show – Legends
Hours: Saturday, May 21, gates open at 5:30 p.m. / Qualifying 6 p.m. / First Race 7:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit costamesasspeedway.net
♦ OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, May 26
OC Fair’s Board of Directors typically meets monthly in the Administration Building 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 the Board meetings, which begin at 9:30 a.m. Each meeting will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.
♦ Scottish Fest, May 28-29
Scottish Fest is Southern California’s largest Scottish, Celtic, American Festival. Experience two days of world class Celtic music, piping and drumming competitions, Highland dancing contests, Scottish heavy athletics, Scottish gifts and foods, Scottish clans and genealogy, a fantastic children’s glen and so much more!
Hours: Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. & Sunday, May 29, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
How much: $30 general one-day admission, $26 seniors (62+), $5 for children 12 & younger, free for children 5 & younger, free for military and first responders. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit scottishfest.com
ONGOING
♦ 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.
♦ 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; let parking attendant know you are vising Heroes Hall
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall
♦ 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
♦ Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office – Open Saturdays
Purchase tickets to shows we have on sale and get your Fair tickets.
Hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Free admission and parking; let parking attendant know you are going to the box office
More info: Visit pacamp.com
♦ 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; let parking attendant know you are going to the farm
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm
COMING IN JUNE
♦ Fight Club OC, June 2
♦ SoCal World Guitar Show, June 4-5
♦ Costa Mesa Speedway, June 4 & June 11
♦ The Classic – Volkswagen and Porsche Car Show, June 5
♦ The Original O.C. Swap Meet, June 12
♦ Bride World Expo, June 12
♦ 626 Night Market OC, June 17-19
♦ Repticon, June 18-19