What’s happening at the fairgrounds in September
COSTA MESA, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2022) – The OC Fairgrounds are buzzing again with great year-round events and the final summer concert in Pacific Amphitheatre!
- Jackson Browne, Sept. 3
When: Saturday, Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Tickets are $50-$90. Special post-Fair show, Fair admission not included
More info: Purchase on Ticketmaster
- Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office hours, through Sept. 3
When: Aug. 29-Sept. 3
Wednesday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday & Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
(Closed Monday & Tuesday)
How much: Free admission and parking; let parking attendant know you are going to the box office
More info: Visit pacamp.com
- K-PLAY FEST, Sept. 3-4
K-PLAY! FEST has plenty of activities in store with a scavenger hunt and fashion show, and attendees will be sure to experience new K-Pop fan favorite activities.
When: Sept. 3-4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Main Mall + buildings, The Hangar, Lot I
How much: $15 general admission, parking is $10
More info: Visit kplayfest.com
- Original OC Swap Meet, Sept. 10 & 25
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. Showcasing products and goods for all to buy, with the thought of bringing common items and at times unique ones for all to enjoy.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission, parking is $10.
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355
- Maker Faire Orange County, Sept. 10
Maker Faire is a gathering of people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments and projects.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, OC Promenade
How much: $15 general admission, parking is $10
More info: Visit oc.makerfaire.com
- Heroes Hall Speaker Series, Sept. 10
The Formation of the Tuskegee Airmen: First Black Fighter Pilots of WWII is the final installment in the series.
This speaker series is in conjunction with the museum’s exhibit, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking. No RSVP necessary.
- Orange County Wine Festival, Sept. 10-11
Orange County Wine Fest is bringing a diverse group of wine from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds you’ll find plenty to discover and love.
When: Sept. 10-11
Session 1: Saturday, Sept. 10, noon-3 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, Sept. 10, 5-8 p.m.
Session 3: Sunday, Sept. 11, noon-3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Tickets are $60, parking is $10.
More info: Visit orangecountywinefest.com
- Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night, Sept. 10
Knobby Night / Speedway / Juniors
When: Saturday, Sept. 10 – Gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $10 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
- California Wedding & Bridal Expo, Sept. 11
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, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Free admission with registration or $10 at the door; parking is $10.
More info: cabridalshows-of.com/free-pass
- Sand Sports Super Show, Sept. 16-18
Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together for the biggest dune and dirt sports expo in the world. It’s three days of fun and get up-close to the latest Sand Rails, UTVs, ATVs, Side x Sides, accessories, apparel and more.
When: Friday, Sept. 16, 4-10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Online general admission (through Sept. 15): $16 for one day, $33 for the weekend. Prices increase starting Sept. 16 and at the door. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit Sand Sport Super Show
- Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show, Sept. 24
More than 3,000 hot rods, classics, muscle cars, exotics, customs, trucks, corvettes, motorcycles and more. Cars will cruise inside the fairgrounds on a 1.5-mile course. Event will feature live music, 100+ vendors, food, prizes. Monies raised goes to the KSK Cancer Center of Irvine for prostate cancer research.
When: Sept. 24, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gate 4 will open at 5 a.m. to stage cars; cars will be directed to Green Gate at 6 a.m. Open to spectators at 6 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: $17 admission; free for children 12 and younger. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit Crusin’ for a Cure
- Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 24
Speedway / Sidecars / Juniors
When: Saturday, Sept. 24 – Gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $10 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Ongoing events at the fairgrounds
- 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: Open daily, 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 ocfair.com/centennialfarm
- 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 ocfair.com/heroeshall
Looking ahead to October events
- Original OC Swap Meet, Oct. 8 and 29
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. Showcasing products and goods for all to buy, with the thought of bringing common items and at times unique ones for all to enjoy.
When: Saturday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission, parking is $10.
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355
- Costa Mesa Speedway, Harley Night Finals / Sidecar Championship, Oct. 8
When: Saturday, Oct. 8 – Gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $10 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
- Gem Faire, Oct. 14-16
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, Oct. 14, noon-6 p.m. (wholesale preview 10 a.m.-noon)
Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – 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
- OC Japan Fair, Oct. 21-23
Celebrate one of the largest Japanese cultural festival in Southern California. Enjoy the experience of shopping, tasting and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be live performance, games, Kimono models and more.
When: Friday, Oct. 21, 5-11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 22, noon-10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building and Lot I
How much: $10 general admission, free admission for ages 6 and younger or 65 and older. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit oc-japanfair.com
- Fight Club OC, Oct. 27
Pro Boxing & MMA live. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC!
When: Thursday, Oct. 27 – doors open at 6 p.m., first fight at 7 p.m. (Baja Blues happy hour is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: $60 general admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
- Boo Ha Ha, Oct. 28 & 29
Boo Ha Ha will feature three hours of unlimited beer tastings from some of the nation’s top breweries. There will be live music and tastings will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. with concessions available afterward. Costumes are encouraged!
When: Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: $47.50-$67.50 for general admission, $57.50-$99.50 for VIP. Parking is $10.
More info and to purchase tickets: Visit theboohaha.com