Press Release

What’s happening at the OC Fairgrounds in October


There are loads of great year-round events and the start of the fall season with a pumpkin patch, craft beer at Boo Ha Ha, garden classes at Centennial Farm and more.

Seasonal Adventures – Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 30 – Oct. 31 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-9 p.m. 

Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot C

How much: Entrance is free; prices for activities and pumpkins vary. Parking fee varies depending on Fairgrounds events.

More info: Visit seasonaladventures.com

Costa Mesa Speedway: National Speedway Championship, Oct. 1

52nd United States National Speedway Championship

When: Saturday, Oct. 1 – 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 

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Original OC Swap Meet, Oct. 8 and Oct. 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

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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

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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

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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 performances, 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

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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

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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 by Berlin and The Mismiths and tastings will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. with concessions available afterward. Costumes are encouraged! 

When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. – midnight

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

Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
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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 

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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

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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 November events

Sugar Plum Arts, Crafts, Antiques & Collectibles, Nov. 10-12

Sugar Plum welcomes in the seasons by offering a fun and unique holiday shopping experience. Celebrating 44 years, Sugar Plum is the biggest family-owned arts & crafts show in Southern California. They offer thousands of handmade crafts from over 175 artisans, personalized gifts and ornaments, holiday clothing for both men and women, beautiful jewelry, holiday decorations for your home and garden, shabby chic, country farmhouse, rustic and vintage furniture & palate-pleasing delight. Sugar Plum has gifts to warm the heart and accessories that make a home. 

When:

Thursday, November 10: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. ($5  entry fee – this day only)

Friday, November 11: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 12: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building

How much: Free admission; parking is $10. Enter at Gate 8 off Arlington for closer parking.

More info: Visit sugarplumfestivals.com

Repticon, Nov. 12-13

Repticon is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, family-oriented fun for everyone!

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building

How much: Ticket options are $15 adult for all day, both days / $12 adult for all day Saturday OR Sunday / $10 adult for Saturday after 1 p.m. ($6 children ages 5-12 any ticket, 4 and under are free)

More info: Visit repticon.com

Costa Mesa Cat Extravaganza, Nov. 12-13

A family furr-iendly event for all cat lovers. Featuring an international cat competition where judges will stage, present and reward the most beautiful cats in the world. There will be an incredible lineup of demos and speakers in Kitty Corner, where you can also meet your favorite cats on the catwalk. Pick up a treat for your own kitty from one of the shopping stalls. Events sell out ahead of time and space is limited. Tickets are valid both days.

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: Ticket options are $18 adult, $14 seniors (65 and older), $12 children ages 5-12, 1 and under are free. Parking is $10.

More info: Visit lcwwgroup.us

Veterans Day Celebration at Heroes Hall, Nov. 12

Heroes Hall Museum will host a Veterans Day Celebration. The event will feature a ground breaking ceremony for the upcoming serenity garden, music, kids’ activities and food.

When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall

How much: Free in partnership with Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation

The Original O.C. Swap Meet, Nov. 13 and 26

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: Sunday, Nov. 13

Also: Saturday, Nov. 26

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

Winter Fest OC, Nov. 25-Jan. 1

Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s favorite annual holiday tradition, returns Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. Enjoy 26 days of affordable fun as the fairgrounds are transformed into a massive winter wonderland of attractions and live entertainment.

When: Various days Nov. 25-Jan. 1

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

How much: Weekdays: $20 general admission, $15 children 12 and younger, free for children 2 and younger. Weekends: $25 general admission, $20 children 12 and younger, free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $10.

More info: Ticket discounts, packages, VIP and party rental information is available at winterfestoc.com.