What’s going on at the OC Fairgrounds in May
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 3
Visit Centennial Farm for self-guided tours, radish seed planting, chick education, oxen demonstration, crop education and more!
When: Wednesday, May 3, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free Admission and parking
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Discovery Days
The SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival, May 5-7
Celebrate Orange County at the 19th Annual OC Running Festival. Event weekend includes OC Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Kids Run the OC and the Celebrate OC 5K.
When: May 5-7
Schedule:
OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo – Friday, May 5, 4-8 p.m. & Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kids Run the OC – Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m.-noon
Celebrate OC 5K – Saturday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. (Finish Line Festival is 1-7 p.m.)
SDCCU OC Half Marathon start – Sunday, May 7, 6:15 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
SDCCU OC Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 5:30 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
How much: Visit ocmarathon.com for registration fees. Admission to OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit ocmarathon.com
Gem Faire, May 12-14
Fine jewelry, precious & 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 and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, May 12, noon-6 p.m.
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday)
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $7 general admission; free for kids 11 and younger. Parking is $12.
More information: Visit gemfaire.com or email info@gemfaire.com
Centennial Farm Workshop: It’s Tea Time – How to host a TEA-rific tea party for any occasion, May 13
Learn the art of brewing hot and cold teas. Indulge in a delectable spread of traditional treats that will transport you to the heart of England. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or simply looking to add the charm of a classic tea party to your next social gathering, this class is perfect for you.
When: Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
RSVP online by May 10. Availability is limited.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $30 fee covers ingredients and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
VOICES: Veterans Storytelling Project, May 13
Heroes Hall in collaboration with Arts Orange County will present “Voices: Veterans Storytelling Project.” The free event will feature local veterans reading their stories.
When: Saturday, May 13, 5-7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall
How much: Free Admission
More info: RSVP at Voices Projects, or visit Arts Orange County for additional details
Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night, May 13
Knobby Night / Speedway / Juniors
When: Saturday, May 13, 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 for juniors ages 13-17, $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
SOS 30th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 18
The biggest fundraising event for Share Our Shelves. All proceeds from the event go toward providing critical social services, alleviating food insecurity and health care that is affordable and accessible to the underserved and underinsured in our community.
When: Thursday, May 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Plaza Pacifica
How much: General Admission: $85. Early bird general admission sale ends April 30.
Parking is free in Lot E & F
More info: RSVP at Share Our Shelves
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 18
Visit Centennial Farm for self-guided tours, radish seed planting, chick education, oxen demonstration, crop education and more!
When: Thursday, May 18, 9 a.m.- noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free Admission and parking
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Discovery Days
Sand Sport Super Swap, May 20
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.
When: Saturday, May 20, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I
How much: Presale tickets (until May 19 online only) are $5; day-of-show tickets are $10 (online and onsite); children 12 & younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sand Sports Super Show
Costa Mesa Speedway: Speedway / Hooligans, May 20
Speedway / Hooligans
When: Saturday, May 20, 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 for juniors ages 13-17, $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Jan. 26
When: Thursday, May 25, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
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; let parking attendant know you are going to the Farmers Market.
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org
Centennial Farm open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Watch the Centennial farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable animals are up to!
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Heroes Hall Museum open Wed.-Sun.
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Exhibit: ‘Armed Only With A Camera’ through Sept. 2023
The World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman is now on display at Heroes Hall. Troutman served his country by photographing the war in the South Pacific Theater including the devastated cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Looking ahead to June
OC Fair Job Fair
Join us for a job fair to learn about the 1,000+ openings for those 16 and older. We’ll be conducting walk-up interviews. Resumes are recommended but not required. Bring family and friends who are looking for a fun summer job!
Hours: Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event – Lot
How much: Free admission and parking; enter at Gate 4 off Arlington Drive.
More info: Apply ahead at OC Fair Jobs