What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in September

Shoreline Dog Fanciers Association, Sept. 1-3
Three American Kennel Club sanctioned all-breed dog shows.

When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 1 -3
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa building, Huntington Beach building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: General admission is free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Shoreline Dog Fanciers Association

Common Kings / Fiji / Sammy J / Jakob’s Castle / Western Conference, Sept. 2
Pacific Amphitheatre’s 40th anniversary continues with a special post-Fair concert by Common Kings, Fiji, Sammy J, Jakob’s Castle and Western Conference.

When: Saturday, Sept. 2, 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Varies by seating selection ($29.50-$69.50). Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Fair Events

Cruisin’ For A Cure, Sept. 9
Cruisin’ for a Cure is the world’s largest one-day charity car show with more than 3,000 vehicles on display and over 150+ vendors and exhibitors. Be assured that your participation in the event and any donations go directly to prostate cancer research at the KSK Cancer Center of Irvine to help find a cure.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 6 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $17, kids 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Cruisin’ For A Cure

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 9
Harley Night Finals / Speedway / Sidecars

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream!

When: Saturday, Sept. 9
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

Sand Sports Super Show, Sept. 15-17
The world’s biggest sand sports expo! Join us for three days of fun and get up close to the latest sand rails, ATVs, UTVs/side x sides, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more!

When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 15–17
Schedule:
Sept. 15, 4 – 10 p.m.
Sept. 16, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sept. 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission $16, kids (6-12) $6, kids 5 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Sand Sports Super Show

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 23
53rd U.S. National Speedway Championship

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream!
When: Saturday, Sept. 23
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

SoCal VegFest, Sept. 23-24
A vegan festival that offers a range of activities for attendees to enjoy, including free food samples, food and drink for purchase, a cruelty-free marketplace, inspirational speakers, food demonstrations, appearances by celebrity chefs and social media influencers, live music from famous musicians and DJs, comedy performances, yoga sessions, games, a kids area and much more!

When: Saturday – Sunday, Sept. 23-24, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $10, kids 11 and under, seniors 65+, veterans and active military are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit SoCal VegFest

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 30
Fall Classic / Speedway / Sidecars / Juniors

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream!
When: Saturday, Sept. 30
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center

Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm reopens to the public Aug. 22! The Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock, and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Junior Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.

When: Re-opens Aug. 22
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Sept. 8
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 animals are up to!

More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam

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.

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 reopens to the public Aug. 23. 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.

When: Re-opens Aug. 23
Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Sept. 10
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Coming up in October

Orange County Sustainability Decathlon, Oct. 5-15
The Orange County Sustainability Decathlon (OCSD) challenges university teams to design and build model solar-powered homes that address climate change and California’s housing needs. OCSD teams will showcase innovative, market-ready model homes to display in a sustainable village which will be open to the public. The Decathlon will take place Oct. 5-15, 2023, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA. The event will feature the OCSD competition, as well as performances and several family-friendly activities.

When: Oct. 5-15, 2023
Schedule:
Thursday and Friday: 3 – 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I, Los Alamitos Building
How much: Free admission. Parking is $12
More Info: Visit Orange County Sustainability Decathlon

California Bridal & Wedding Expo, Oct. 8
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: Sunday, Oct. 8, 12:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: Free admission – register online. General admission is $10 at the door. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit CA Bridal Shows

Fight Club OC, Oct. 26
Pro Boxing & MMA

Welcome to Fight Club OC, a hybrid boxing and MMA fight series that does six shows a year. With three high definition cameras always on the action and an LED HD video board with instant replay, we’ll sell you the seat, but you need to bring the edge.

When: Thursday, Oct. 26
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
First fight 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: Free general admission is $65. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Fight Club OC

OC Japan Fair, Oct. 27-29
Enjoy Japanese food, culture, traditions and innovations! Grab your friends, and celebrate one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in Southern California. Experience the joy of shopping, tasting and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be live performances, games, Kimono models and more!

When: Friday – Sunday, Oct. 27-29
Schedule:
Friday: 5-11 p.m.
Saturday: Noon – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I, Los Alamitos Building
How much: General admission is $10. Free for kids 6 and younger and seniors 66+. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit OC Japan Fair