Thursday, March 21, 2024 (2:15 pm)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in April
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, April 2
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animals
When: Tuesday, April 2, 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 4
When: Thursday, April 4
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The 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 is $65, military $55, free admission for children 4 and younger. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
Centennial Farm Workshop: Homegrown Tomatoes, April 6
If there is just one edible plant that you should choose to grow at home, it is the tomato. Nowhere else is the contrast in flavor, nutrition and variety between homegrown and store-bought more evident. This how-to presentation will provide all the practical knowledge necessary to begin growing tomatoes. You will see plants with 50 to more than 100 tomatoes on each plant. Learn which varieties to grow, how to plant and care for tomatoes and common diseases and pests that afflict them. Bring your questions and learn how to grow tomatoes easily.
When: Saturday, April 6, 9:30 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by April 3.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $10 class fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Centennial Farm Workshop: Integrating Organic Practices Into Your Garden, April 6
Why is organic gardening important? It’s essential for supporting Mother Nature, maintaining a healthy ecosystem and ensuring our well-being. Healthy soil is the foundation of all life on Earth, and incorporating organic methods can rejuvenate your gardens, lawns and landscapes, making them more resilient to pests and diseases. This class will discuss the advantages of organic versus synthetic approaches and how they affect soil health, plant growth and the safety of your family and the environment. In addition, the speaker will discuss how to seek safe garden products to protect your family, pets and the environment.
When: Saturday, April 6, 1 – 3 p.m.; RSVP online by April 3.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
OC Pet & Reptile Expo, April 6-7
The OC Pet & Reptile Expo is back and bigger than ever. Featuring more animal experts, breeders, pet rescues and our all-new Terrarium Building Workshop. Bring the family out for two fun-filled days of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, cats, dogs and wildlife exhibits. You can also support local rescues and shelters by adopting pets looking for a new home.
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 6-7
Saturday, April 6: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, April 7: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building and OC Promenade
How much: General admission is $15, $10 for kids 4 – 12, free for kids 3 and younger. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Pet & Reptile Expo
Costa Mesa Speedway – Jack Milne Cup, April 13
When: Saturday, April 13
Schedule:
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Qualifier starts at 6 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+) and active military; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Hydrogen Grand Prix Pro, April 13-14
Join us as we revolutionize the racing world with Hydrogen Grand Prix Pro (H2GP Pro), sponsored by Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, the Mirai. Race toward a brighter, greener future — one hydrogen-powered lap at a time! H2GP Pro is a global initiative, offering students the chance to experience the thrill of 1/10th-scale hydrogen-powered RC racing. But it’s not just about speed — it’s about sustainability, innovation and teamwork.
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 13-14, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building
How much: General admission is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit H2 Grand Prix Pro
Imaginology, April 13-14
This free family-friendly event focuses on STEAM fun and hands-on activities. At Imaginology, kids and their families will not only see a world of wonder, but can participate in a wide range of fun and educational activities designed to inspire and encourage academic and career exploration. Imaginology is OC Fair & Event Center’s largest community give-back event and curious people of all ages are invited. There will also be entertainment and food options for purchase.
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 13-14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: General admission is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Imaginology
Garden Bros Nuclear Circus, April 18-21
Garden Bros Nuclear Circus brings all the excitement, laughter and memories to cherish with the whole family. This year’s show is packed with breathtaking special effects, arena seating, concert-style sound and lighting. The very best performers from more than 22 countries make up this action-packed, fast-paced 100-minute performance in a theatrical 5-ring setting, featuring the human cannonball, aerial artists, the wheel of death, motorcycles in the sphere of fear, the funniest clowns, jugglers, dogs and more!
When: Thursday – Sunday, April 18-21
Schedule:
Thursday, April 18: 4:30 & 8:30 p.m.
Friday, April 19: 4:30 & 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 20: 1:30, 4:30 & 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 21: 1, 4 & 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot C
How much: Adult general admission is $35, children $20, kids 3 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Garden Bros Nuclear Circus
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, April 19
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animals
When: Friday, April 19, 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 19-21
Enjoy the experience of tasting, shopping and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be 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 19-21
Schedule:
Friday, April 19: 5 – 11 p.m.
Saturday, April 20: noon-10 p.m.
Sunday, April 21: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, OC Promenade and Lot I
How much: General admission is $10, free admission for ages 6 and younger or 66 and older. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Japan Fair
Orange County Wine Fest, April 20-21
Partake in three hours of wine tasting with more than 30 wineries pouring 100+ wines.
Enjoy a diverse group of wines from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds, whatever your preferred grape, you’ll find plenty to discover and love at the Orange County Wine Fest.
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 20-21
Schedule:
Saturday, April 20
Session 1: noon – 3 p.m.
Session 2: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 21
Session 1: noon – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General Admission is $60. Parking is $12
More info: Visit OC Wine Fest
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, April 25
When: Thursday, April 25, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
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 Junior Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.
When: Monday – Friday, 1 – 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Excluding holidays and all-grounds events).
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, tacos and 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 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 rotates themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
When: Closed April 1 – 23. Join us on April 24 for our newest exhibit, “The Vietnam War through the Art and Photography of Ed Bowen.”
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in May
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, May 1
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animals
When: Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Gem Faire, May 10-12
Visit the largest jewelry and bead show in Southern California. Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday – Sunday, May 10-12
Schedule:
Friday, May 10: noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 11: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 12: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, May. 12
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Main Mall
How much: General admission is $7. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire
Centennial Farm Workshop: Mother’s Day Floral Arrangement, May 11
Prepare for Mother’s Day this year with a heartfelt, handmade floral arrangement for your mom! Led by certified floral designer Marie Gregory, you’ll learn how to create a striking floral arrangement. Whether you’re a seasoned floral enthusiast or a beginner, this class will equip you with the skills, supplies and inspiration to make and take home a memorable Mother’s Day gift. From selecting the right flowers to mastering the art of arrangement, you’ll leave this workshop with a gorgeous bouquet and the confidence to continue your floral design journey. This class is perfect for signing up with a friend or loved one to double the fun!
When: Sunday, May 11, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $75 fee covers materials (including vase) and any handouts. Participants should bring floral shears/scissors and gloves. Additional decorative accents will be limited – feel free to bring your own to personalize your arrangement. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Costa Mesa Speedway – Harley Night #1, May 11
When: Saturday, May 11
Schedule:
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Qualifier starts at 6 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+) and active military; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
31st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 16
Embark on a culinary adventure at Share Ourselves’ 31st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night! Enjoy a vibrant celebration of flavor, community and philanthropy as foodies and philanthropists gather to support the mission of serving others in need.
A team of talented chefs from across Orange County are dedicated to serving up sensational taco creations, each vying for the title of best taco. All proceeds go directly to Share Ourselves, providing critical social services, alleviating food insecurity and providing affordable and accessible healthcare to the underserved and underinsured.
When: Thursday, May 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Plaza Pacifica
How much: Early bird general admission is $85 and $160 for VIP. Early bird general admission and VIP end May 1. General admission after May 1 is $95 and $180 for VIP.
More info: Visit Share Ourselves
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, May 16
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animals
When: Thursday, May 16, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Costa Mesa Speedway – Knobby Night, May 18
When: Saturday, May 18
Schedule:
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Qualifier starts at 6 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+) and active military; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Sand Sports Super Swap, May 18
Sand Sports Super Show is hosting a one-day opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to “swap” their sand toys and equipment. Sellers of new and used quads, dune buggies, motorcycles, tires, engine parts, helmets and anything for the off-road enthusiast are welcome!
When: Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I
How much: Online general admission is $6.50 through May 17, general admission increases to $10 starting May 18. Children 12 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sand Sports Super Swap
Night Nation Run, May 18
The Night Nation Run is the world’s first running music festival – an ultimate blend of a music festival and a fun run. Experience a music-filled course with live DJs, light shows, bubble zones, neon and black lights. Cross the finish line into an epic main stage after-party featuring top headliner DJs.
When: Saturday, May 18, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Country Meadows, Crafters Village, Pacific Amphitheatre, Park Plaza, Plaza Pacifica
How much: Registration cost varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Night Nation Run
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, May 20
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animals
When: Monday, May 20, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, May 23
When: Thursday, May 23, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information