Thursday, August 1, 2024 (9:00 am)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in August
It’s “Always a Good Time!” at the OC Fair! Continue to enjoy fun, food and entertainment while the good times roll. You don’t want to miss out!
When: July 19 – Aug. 18.
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 – Sunday, $9 seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day, free for kids ages 5 and younger every day, parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for buses and limos
More info: Visit OC Fair
*Advance ticket purchase is required. No fees on admission tickets when purchased online. Purchase your tickets at ocfair.com/tickets.
Things to do and see at the 2024 OC Fair
Orange County Sand and Sea
Kids can explore iconic beachside landmarks, wander through seaside experiences, discover a touch tank and take a deep dive into beachy virtual reality.
When: Through Aug. 18
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC Fair Exhibits
Rides & Rhythms
The work of OC Fair photographers Michael Goulding and Miguel Vasconcellos documents the excitement of the Fair as captured through the lenses of these photo professionals over the past several years. This exhibit will be on display for the run of the Fair in the Visual Arts Gallery.
When: Through Aug. 18
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Visual Arts Building
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC Fair Exhibits
The Art of Music Experience
The popular experiential exhibit returns to the OC Fair to inspire 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: Through Aug. 18
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC Fair Exhibits
Chicano Heritage Month
In August, Celebrate Chicano Heritage Month with cultural activities and exhibits like making and coloring a mini paper lowrider, creating vibrant paper florals and viewing live painting demonstrations by featured artists.
When: Through Aug. 18
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Visual Arts Building
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC Fair Exhibits
OC Fair Fun Run 5K, Aug. 11
Run, walk or skip through the OC Fair! Every runner gets an awesome medal, a technical runners t-shirt and FREE race photos. Huge thanks to our partner OC Marathon for making this event possible!
When: Sunday, Aug. 11, 8 – 10 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Registration is $61 for teens and adults, $34 for youth (6-12) and $12 for kids 5 and under. Parking is free for registered runners.
More info: Visit OC Fair 5K
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 airmen 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: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
“The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen”
Experience Heroes Hall’s featured exhibit, “The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen,” running through Dec. 22, 2024. Explore the war through letters, memorabilia, photographs and more than 30 paintings and sketches produced by combat artist Ed Bowen during and after his tour of duty in Vietnam.
When: Through Dec. 22
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Entertainment during the 2024 OC Fair
Pacific Amphitheatre
The beat goes on at Pacific Amphitheatre with upcoming performances by Stray Cats, The Fab Four & The Monkee Men, Brett Young, Walker Hayes, Rebelution, Chris Lane, Rick Springfield & Richard Marx, Alice Cooper, The Aquabats, Trevor Noah, Squeeze & Boy George, NEEDTOBREATHE, Iration & Pepper, Musica Femenina Hispana, 311, Big Time Rush, Counting Crows, Steel Pulse, John Fogerty and Bonnie Raitt.
When: Through Sept. 14
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre
The Hangar
Sway to the classic grooves emitted by the tribute bands in The Hangar like Don’t Look Back, Listen to the Music, Live From Earth, Queen Nation, No Duh, Which One’s Pink?, I Am King, The Long Run, Devotional, Twisted Gypsy and Zeppelin Live. Or take in performances by fan favorites Embajadores del Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez or TUPUA.
When: Through Aug. 18
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Varies by performer and seating selection
More info: Visit OC Fair
Action Sports Arena
Thrill seekers will find non-stop excitement in Action Sports Arena with demolition derbies, BMX Big Air Triples and comedy hypnotist Chris Mabrey.
When: Through Aug. 18
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 through Aug. 18. Entertainment tickets for post-Fair shows include single-day admission on any Wednesday or Thursday during the OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18.
Events in August
Fight Club OC, Aug. 29
Series of six boxing & MMA fights, presented by Roy Englebrecht Promotions
When: Thursday, Aug. 29
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour 5:30 p.m.
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 varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
Gem Faire, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
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, Aug. 30 – Sunday, Sept. 1
Schedule:
Friday: noon – 6 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1
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
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: Reopens to the public Aug. 27.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Even when the Farm is closed to the public, you can still keep tabs on our resident rascals. 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, 8 a.m. – noon
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: Reopens to the public Aug. 28.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in September
California Bridal & Wedding Expo, Sept. 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, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Get your free passes online, or pay $10 general admission at the door.
More info: Visit CA Bridal & Wedding Expo
Centennial Farm’s 35th Celebration, Sept. 14
Join us as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of Centennial Farm with a family-friendly celebration that’s sure to be a hit with all ages! Dive into the rich history and bright future of our community’s beloved Centennial Farm, a beacon of agricultural education for students from Orange County and beyond that highlights the vital role of farming in our everyday lives. The day will be packed full of fun, learning and delicious food!
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Presale through Aug. 30: $40 adult, $20 youth (6-17), kids 5 and under are free. Beginning Aug. 31: $45 adult, $25 youth (6-17), kids 5 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm BBQ Bash
Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night #2,
Sept. 14
When: Saturday, Sept. 14
Schedule:
Gates open 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+), active military and fire; $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 Show, Sept. 20-22
Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together for the largest dune and dirt sports expo in the world. Join us for three days of fun and get up close to the latest sand rails, UTVs, ATVs, side x sides, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more.
When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 20-22
Schedule:
Friday, Sept. 20: 4 – 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 22: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Enter via Gate 3 off Fairview Drive.
How much: Online general admission: $16 for one day, $33 for the weekend. Prices increase Sept. 19. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sand Sport Super Show
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Sept. 26
When: Thursday, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
How much: Get your free passes online, or pay $10 general admission at the door.
More info: Visit Public Meetings
Cruisin’ for a Cure, Sept. 28
Cruisin’ for a Cure is a one-day car show on the West Coast with over 2,500 cars, live music and fun for the entire family. Free prostate cancer screening will be available for men 40+, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Appointment not necessary.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 6 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Schedule:
Opening ceremony at 9 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $20, military with ID is $18, children under 12 are free. Parking is $12
More info: Visit Cruisin for a Cure
Costa Mesa Speedway: Harley Night Finals, Sept. 28
When: Saturday, Sept. 28
Schedule:
Gates open 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+), active military and fire; $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