What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in April
Imaginology returns to OC Fair & Event Center, April 12-13
Each April, OC Fair & Event Center transforms into Imaginology, a free family event produced by OC Fair staff that focuses on STEAM education and hands-on learning.
Children, teens, families and school groups dig into science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Imaginology provides unique experiences for attendees of all ages – from preschool to high school, and their parents and grandparents – to build, create, play, observe and interact through activities that help them see the possibilities of a future in STEAM fields.
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 12–13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm, Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building, Plaza Pacifica, Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: Admission is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Imaginology
Discovery Day at the Farm, April 1
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
When: Tuesday, April 1, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
The Rental Housing Show, April 3
Maintain your competitive edge as a rental housing provider, industry supplier or other multifamily or real estate industry professional. The Rental Housing Show is the perfect way for rental-housing professionals to get connected and get informed. The show features more than 100 industry suppliers, free educational seminars and maintenance demonstrations, networking and business development opportunities with nearly 1,000 show attendees, two $500 cash drawings and more!
When: Thursday, April 3, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building
How much: General admission is free. Register online by March 24. On-site registration will be available at the door. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit AAOC
OC Japan Fair, April 4-6
Grab your friends and celebrate Japanese culture at one of the largest festivals in Southern California. Enjoy tasting, shopping and learning all things Japanese!
Experience a cosplay show, tuna cutting show, popular Japanese artists/comedians performances, traditional instrument performances, games, kimono models meet and greet and more!
When: Friday – Sunday, April 4–6
Schedule:
Friday, 4–10 p.m.
Saturday, noon–10 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, Main Mall, OC Promenade, Lot I and The Hangar
How much: General admission is $15 through April 3. Free admission for ages 6 and younger or 66 and older. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Japan Fair
Sow and Grow! Start Your Own Container Garden, April 5
Starting a garden from seeds is a rewarding journey that not only saves money compared to purchasing nursery seedlings but also connects you with the full cycle of plant growth. Join local gardener Kylie Gilliam in this hands-on class to learn the essentials of starting a garden from scratch, perfect for small container gardening. Participants will explore how to select, germinate and grow seeds successfully in soil, gaining practical skills they can apply at home. You’ll receive salad and herb seeds from California Specialty Crops, soil, plant tags and a small planting container to kick-start your gardening journey. Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a sunny apartment window, this DIY class will inspire you to incorporate fresh, homegrown produce into your life!
When: Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; RSVP online by March 28.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $25 fee covers all materials, including a small container box, soil and seeds. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Costa Mesa Speedway, April 12
Jack Milne Cup / Speedway / Sidecars
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes—it’s a race night you won’t forget!
When: Saturday, April 12
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour 6–7 p.m.
First race starts at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission is $30, children 10 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
OC Wine Fest, April 12-13
Enjoy three hours of wine tasting for the price of a good bottle of wine. Experience a diverse group of wine from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds, whatever your preferred grape, you’ll find plenty to discover and love at the Orange County Wine Fest.
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 12-13
Schedule:
Saturday, April 12
Session 1: noon – 3 p.m.
Session 2: 5 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 13
Session 1: noon – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Admission prices vary. VIPs get 30 minutes early access. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Wine Fest
OC Pet & Reptile Expo, April 12-13
The OC Pet & Reptile Expo is back and bigger than ever! Featuring more animal experts, breeders, pet rescues and our all-new terrarium building workshop. Bring the family out for two fun-filled days of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, cats, dogs and wildlife exhibits. Support local rescues and shelters by adopting pets looking for a new home. We’ll see you there!
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 12-13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building and OC Promenade
How much: General admission is $15, $10 for kids 4-12, free for kids 3 and younger. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Pet & Reptile Expo
Discovery Day at the Farm, April 17
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crop education
When: Thursday, April 17, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Fight Club OC, April 17
The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in Orange County! Boxing and MMA fights are presented by Roy Englebrecht Promotions.
When: Thursday, April 17
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
First fight starts at 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
Paradise in Bloom: A Beginner’s Guide to Plumeria Care, April 19
With their vibrant, tropical blooms and captivating fragrance, plumerias bring a touch of paradise to any garden! Understanding rooting, water requirements and soil preferences are critical for successfully growing plumerias, and this workshop is designed to guide you through a successful growing season. This hands-on class will include everything you need to root a plumeria cutting, including the cutting itself, a one-gallon nursery pot and soil. April is the perfect time to learn the basics of plumeria care, and under the guidance of Kim Schultz, UCCE-certified Master Gardener and past president of the Southern California Plumeria Society, you’ll gain practical knowledge and skills and take home a plumeria of your own!
When: Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by April 14.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $25 fee covers a plumeria cutting, pot and soil. We recommend bringing a pair of garden gloves.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, April 24
When: Thursday, April 24, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
Heroes Hall Speaker Series – From Camp Pendleton to Vietnam: Married Marines Reflect on Flights of Terror to Rescuing Refugees, April 30
Join us for a special presentation by Marine Corps veterans Norman and Alice Marshall. The Marshalls served three decades in the Marine Corps, both attaining the rank of colonel. Their careers intersected with the Vietnam War, during which they both played roles in the conflict and the aftermath. Col. Norman Marshall flew single-seat fighter jets (F-8 and A-4) and completed more than 200 combat missions during his two tours in Vietnam. Col. Alice Marshall served as an assistant operations officer for the Vietnamese Refugee Relocation Center at Camp Pendleton, established in 1975 following the fall of Saigon.
Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
When: Wednesday, April 30, 6-8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: RSVP here, or call 714-708-1613.
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Jr. Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.
When: Monday – Friday, 1–4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Want to keep tabs on our pigs all year long? Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable rascals are up to!
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Farmers Market and Goodwill donations
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 dumplings, burritos and more.
OC Farm Bureau is excited to partner with Goodwill of Orange County. Drop donations off at the designated donation truck before or after shopping local produce!
When: Thursdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau
Heroes Hall
Heroes Hall is a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. The two-story exhibition space will rotate themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
The current exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam,” offers a powerful and immersive journey through one of modern history’s most complex and divisive conflicts. Through a rich collection of artifacts, personal stories, historical facts and poignant memorabilia, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the war’s profound impact on the soldiers who fought and the broader global context. On display through Dec. 21.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in May
Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival, May 2-4
The 21st Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival returns to the seaside streets of Orange County, California and will showcase three days of events, including the Kids Run the OC Empowered by Hoag, the U.S. Bank OC 5K at sunset on Saturday and Sunday’s half and full marathons. The race is a perfect destination event for runners, with the beaches, theme parks and near-perfect weather.
When: Friday – Sunday, May 2 – 4
Schedule:
Friday, May 2, 3 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, 5:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All-fairgrounds
More Info: Visit OC Marathon
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 7
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
When: Wednesday, May 7, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Heroes Hall Speaker Series – Breaking Their Silence: Filmmakers Capture Stories of Japanese American Vietnam Veterans, May 10
Don Bannai and George Wada launched the Japanese American Vietnam Era Archives in 2022 in an effort to collect the oral histories of Japanese American Vietnam veterans, whose numbers were quickly dwindling. Many of these veterans were descendants of the brave soldiers who served in World War II in the Military Intelligence Service and the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, highly decorated units. Over the past few decades, the focus had been on World War II veterans with little attention paid to Vietnam veterans, whose return from war was largely met with hostility and contempt.
Bannai and Wada began the project knowing that members of their generation who had served and survived the Vietnam War also had stories that needed to be captured. Thus far, they have recorded more than 100 sessions, with dozens posted to the Library of Congress website.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: RSVP here, or call 714-708-1613.
32nd Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 14
Get ready for a fiesta like no other! Join Share Ourselves for their 32nd Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, where the tacos are wild, the fun is endless and the cause is meaningful. This is your opportunity to give back by supporting Share Ourselves’ mission of providing accessible health and social services to those in need. Enjoy live entertainment, all-you-can eat tacos and drinks, and a vibrant community spirit.
When: Wednesday, May 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; VIP Admission at 4:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Plaza Pacifica
How much: Early bird general admission is $100 and $200 for VIP. Admission increases after May 5.
More info: Visit Share Ourselves
The Ranch Discovery Day, May 14
Join us for the inaugural Ranch Discovery Day at The Ranch Community Center on the OC Fairgrounds.
Experience an educational adventure all about horses! The Ranch will come alive with horses, livestock and interactive demonstrations, creating a memorable day for visitors of all ages!
What to expect:
Meet horses, chickens and rabbits
Explore horse care and grooming
Learn about horses in the military
Discover the world of bees
Stick horse rodeo activity for kids
Watch horse demonstrations
Check out our horse boarding areas including box stalls, arenas and other amenities
When: Wednesday, May 14, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
905 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Enter through Gate 8 off Arlington Drive.
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: RSVP at The Ranch Discovery Day
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 15
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
When: Thursday, May 15, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Discovery Day at the Farm, May 19
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
When: Monday, May 19, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, May 22
When: Thursday, May 22, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
Heroes Hall Speaker Series – Beyond the Battlefield: Navigating the Journey of Veterans with PTSD, May 31
Please join us for a special speaker series presentation focusing on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military veterans. The event will start with the viewing of the documentary film “The Volunteer,” followed by a panel discussion on PTSD.
Nick Berardino, Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam; Tom Clark, Vietnam veteran and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient; and Tim Higle, veteran and director of the South County Veterans Center, will engage in a panel discussion about PTSD and its impact on veterans and their families. They will also address the alarming increase in suicide among veterans, particularly those who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
When: Saturday, May 31, 2-4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: RSVP here, or call 714-708-1613.