What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in March
Breaking Barriers: Black Marines Reflect on War, Service and Sacrifice, March 1
Join us for a compelling panel discussion with three Black Marines whose service spans from World War II to Desert Shield, with a focus on their Vietnam War experiences. All three are members of the Montford Point Marines Association, which celebrates the first all-Black unit in the Marine Corps and its significant role in breaking racial barriers within the military.
When: Saturday, March 1, 2–3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Admission and parking are free.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall, RSVP here or call 714-708-1613.
California Bridal & Wedding Expo, March 1
The Bridal & Wedding Expo features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and much more!
When: Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Get your free passes today or general admission is $10 at the door.
More info: Visit CA Bridal & Wedding Expo
Interested in exhibiting: Visit CA Bridal & Wedding Exhibitors
Make It, Take It – Food Preservation with UCCE Master Food Preservers, March 1
This class will provide you with up-to-date process recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and explain the reasons behind the process. You’ll also learn about the essential equipment required for food preservation and effective storage practices.
When: Saturday, March 1, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. RSVP online by Feb. 25.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $45 class fee covers ingredients, handouts and two canning jars with lids and rings. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and closed-toe shoes are required. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle and Boat Show, March 6-9
The Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle and Boat Show is the West Coast’s premier outdoor show. Located in beautiful Orange County, the show draws vendors from all over the country, including manufacturers, retail sales, travel lodges and dealers of hundreds of outdoor products.
When: Thursday-Sunday, March 6-9
Schedule:
Thursday & Friday, noon–7 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: General admission is $20. Active duty military and children 12 and under are free. Parking is $12
More info: Visit Pacific Coast Sportfishing
Discovery Day at the Farm, March 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
Crop education
When: Friday, March 7, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Overland Expo SoCal, March 15-16
Overland Expo® is the ultimate gathering for adventure travel enthusiasts, whether you’re a seasoned 4×4 driver or a thrill-seeking motorcyclist. This dynamic event offers hundreds of hours of hands-on classes, expert-led workshops and inspiring talks from renowned speakers and trainers from around the globe. Dive into interactive roundtable discussions, live demonstrations and discover cutting-edge gear from over 300 vendors showcasing the latest in adventure vehicles, bikes, camping equipment and services. With a lively mix of food, exploration and community spirit, Overland Expo® is where the adventure begins.
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 15-16
Schedule:
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: Weekend passes are $40, single-day general admission is $20, active military and veterans are $16 with ID, children 14 and younger are free. Prices increase March 1. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Overland Expo
Discovery Day at the Farm, March 18
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: Friday, March 18, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Hydroponics for the Home Gardener: Build Your Own System, March 22
Join UCCE Master Gardeners for an engaging hands-on class that takes hydroponic gardening to the next level! This session will introduce participants to the fundamentals of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water. Attendees will learn about plant care, nutrient solutions, lighting requirements and system maintenance. Additionally, the class will feature a DIY portion where participants will assemble their own simple hydroponic system designed for a single plant, which they can take home and use right away. All supplies, including a lettuce seedling, will be provided. Whether you have a small patio, a second-story balcony or a free spot indoors, hydroponic gardening is a space-efficient and sustainable way to grow fresh food year-round!
When: Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m.–noon. RSVP online by March 19.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $15 fee covers all materials, including a simple hydroponic system and a lettuce seedling to take home. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, March 27
When: Thursday, March. 27, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
Lessons Learned from Vietnam Veterans, March 29
History does indeed tend to repeat itself. We can look at what happened to our service members in past wars to predict what might happen in the future. We can also look at the kinds of things that happened in the civilian world during a war to predict what might affect our veterans.
Please join us for a special presentation by Justice Eileen Moore, former combat nurse in Vietnam.
When: Saturday, March 29, 2–3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Admission and parking are free.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall, RSVP here or call 714-708-1613.
SoCal Super Show, March 29
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of California car culture! Featuring over 700 remarkable lowriders, motorcycles, bombs, dubs and mini-trucks from all corners of California. Enjoy a full-throttle experience with jaw-dropping rides, mouthwatering food, live music and a whole lot more! This is an event you won’t want to miss!
When: Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: General admission is $40. Children 12 and under are free with paid adult admission. Price increases after March 28. Parking is $12
More info: Visit Impalas Magazine
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
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.
Starting March 6, the farmers market will host a Goodwill donation truck. Drop off donations and get some shopping done!
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.
Our 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 April
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: Wednesday, April 1, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
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
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 Fair’s Imaginology, 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,
How much: Admission is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Imaginology
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: Friday, 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
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