Wednesday, June 28, 2023 (4:06 pm)
What’s going on at the OC Fairgrounds in July
I think we can all agree the hottest ticket in town is the 2023 OC Fair! The Fair promises to bring everything from cute, cuddly animals to thrilling shows, exhibits and entertainment. There’s something for everyone in the lineup that will surely keep you and the family coming back for more. But don’t forget to join us for the City of Costa Mesa’s Independence Day Community Celebration happening pre-Fair. And, of course, we’re working to keep the party going post-Fair with some exciting events and exhibits in the fall. Whether pre-, during or post-Fair we can’t wait to host your good time.
See you on the Fairgrounds!
2023 OC Fair Tickets
Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/tickets. Advance admission purchase is required, please choose dates carefully as there are no refunds or exchanges. Buy now – days will sell out. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Our on-site box office will sell admission tickets only until July 13. Tickets will not be available at entry gates during the Fair. There are no transaction fees for admission tickets. Do not purchase tickets elsewhere as they may not be valid.
EVERY DAY PASSPORT
New for 2023 is the Every Day Passport. Now, you can enjoy the Fair any day or every day – no restrictions or blackout dates!
The Every Day Passport is available for $60. Availability is limited and the offer is valid only while supplies last. To purchase, visit ocfair.com/everydaypass/.
TNT Fireworks Stand, June 30 – July 4
Costa Mesa High School Baseball is selling safe and sane TNT fireworks.
When: June 30 – July 4, hours vary by day.
Schedule:
June 30, Noon – 10 p.m.
July 1 – 3, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
July 4, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot E
How much: Free admission and parking. Firework prices vary.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa High School Baseball
Independence Day Community Celebration, July 3
What better way to commemorate America’s 247th birthday than with an Independence Day Community Celebration! The festivities include free entry, activities and a firework show. Bring your picnic, lawn chairs and blanket and create a memorable evening as we celebrate our nation’s independence.
Food and drinks will be available. Glass containers and bottles are prohibited. No hard-sided coolers or outside alcohol permitted.
When: Monday, July 3, 5 – 11 p.m.
Firework show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit City of Costa Mesa
2023 OC Fair – Happy Together, July 14 – Aug. 13
We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 2023 OC Fair, “Happy Together.” Get ready for 23 days of fun-filled live entertainment, exhibits, food, carnival rides, shopping and more!
When: July 14 – Aug. 13
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much:
$13 general admission on Wednesday & Thursday
$15 general admission on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
$9 seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids ages 5 and younger
Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles, $24 for buses and limos
More information: Visit 2023 OC Fair
Entertainment during the 2023 OC Fair
Pacific Amphitheatre
Pacific Amphitheatre is celebrating its 40th anniversary and delivering entertainment you don’t want to miss. Performances include comedians Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham, concerts by Beck, Ne-Yo, War, George Thorogood, Rebelution, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, -X-, Stephen Marley, Cheap Trick, Bee Gees Gold, The Green, Dwight Yoakam, 3 Doors Down, Yung Gravy, Ziggy Marley, The Fab Four, Styx, Chicago, Gerardo Ortiz, Smokey Robinson, Midland, Ramon Ayala, AJR, Common Kings and Sweet & Tender Hooligans.
When: July 1 – Sept. 2
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre
The Hangar
In The Hangar, tribute bands Dead Man’s Party, Twisted Gypsy, Devotional, Journey Unauthorized, Wild Child, Don’t Look Back, Sweet Home Alabama, Zeppelin Live, Elton: The Early Years, Yachty By Nature, Ticket to the Moon, 24K Magic!, Red Corvette, Which One’s Pink?, Start Making Sense, Damage Inc., Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, The Beatles vs The Stones and Queen Nation join Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Spencer Sutherland over the course of the Fair.
When: July 14 – Aug. 13
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit OC Fair
Action Sports Arena
Non-stop adrenaline is scheduled in Action Sports Arena with Monster Truck Nitro, demolition derbies, rodeos, charros and more taking over. There’s sure to be something to keep everyone entertained.
When: July 14 – Aug. 12
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit OC Fair
* Entertainment tickets include same-day Fair admission for shows
happening July 14 – Aug. 13.
Exhibits during the 2023 OC Fair
‘Armed Only With A Camera’
The World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman is now on display at Heroes Hall. Troutman served his country by photographing the war in the South Pacific Theater including the devastated cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
When: Through Sept. 2023
Where: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Included with Fair admission
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Junior Livestock Auction
For a classic fair experience visit OC Fair’s Livestock Show Ring and view the Junior Livestock Auction! OC Fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction supports 4-H and FFA agriculture education programs throughout Orange County. Bidding at the OC Fair will be in person with add-on contributions online only. Market shows will be held in person and viewing will be available during OC Fair public hours.
When: Saturday, July 22, auction begins at 10 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Livestock Showring
How much: Included with Fair admission
More info: Visit Junior Livestock Auction
The Art of Music Experience
An experiential exhibit that inspires people of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate the stories and creators behind album cover art.
Embark on an immersive journey through a series of themed gallery and vendor environments, flip through bins of vinyl records at a pop-up independent record store, watch live painting of album cover art, rank your favorite album cover and more.
When: July 14 – Aug. 13
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: Included with Fair admission
More info: Visit Exhibits
The SAAAB Story
The SAAAB (Santa Ana Army Air Base) Story exhibition celebrates the history of the flight training center, its contribution to the war effort, the servicemembers that served here and its role in the development of the growth of Orange County through film, photographs, maps, oral histories, works of art and ephemera.
When: Ongoing
Where: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Included with Fair admission
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Ongoing at the OC Fair & Event Center
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 OC Farm Bureau
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Want to keep tabs on our pigs during the Fair? 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
Coming up in August
OC Fair Fun Run 5K, Aug. 6
Run, walk or skip through the OC Fair!
When: Sunday, Aug. 6, 8 – 11 a.m.
Schedule:
Bib pickup: 6 – 7:40 a.m.
Race begins: 8 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: $45 until July 13, $25 for youth 6-12, $10 for kids 5 and under.
More info: Visit OC Fair Fun Run 5K
Fight Club OC, Aug. 24
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, Aug. 24, 5:30 – 10 p.m.
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: General admission is $65. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
Gem Faire, Aug. 25-27
The largest jewelry & bead show in SoCal. Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Jewelry repair and cleaning while you shop.
When: Aug. 25 – 27, 2023
Schedule:
Friday: Noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Santa Ana Pavilion, Costa Mesa Building
How much: General admission is $11. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire