Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (9:00 am)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in February
Repticon, Feb. 3-4
Experience the animal kingdom and explore rows of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and more!
Everything to support your hobby will be available: feeders, cages and other supplies. Join your friends and make new ones at a celebration of the reptile hobby in a family-friendly expo.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 3-4
Schedule:
Saturday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: General admission $12, children 5-12 $6, children 4 and under are free. Active and retired military, first responders and teachers are free with ID. Super tickets are $15 for both days. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Repticon Reptile Show
Great Train Show, Feb. 3-4
Great Train Show is the nation’s only coast-to-coast train show. Train shows are designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families and those who are just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 3-4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: $13 – Saturday admission (Saturday ticket good for both days)
$12 – Sunday admission. Children 11 and under are free. Cash only at the door. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Great Train Show
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, Feb. 7
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, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit Discovery Day
UVSA Tết Festival, Feb. 9-11
The Tết Festival (Hội Tết Sinh Viên) of Southern California is recognized as the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival. UVSA’s Tết Festival is an avenue to help people understand and appreciate Vietnamese culture in many ways: vibrant arrays of traditional food, performances, entertainment and cultural exhibitions.
When: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 9-11, 2024
Schedule:
Friday, Feb. 9, 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building, Lot I
How much: General admission is $8. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Tết Festival
FloGrappling WNO 22, Feb. 9
Who’s Number One is a grappling super-fight series that brings the top athletes in the world together to compete.
WNO22 card to include Nick Rodriguez vs Victor Hugo, Dante Leon vs Diego Pato, Mica Galvao vs Kenta Iwamoto, Ffion Davies vs Tubby Alequin, Jacob Couch vs Sebastian Rodriguez, Tainan Dalpra vs Oliver Tazo and more!
When: Friday, Feb. 9, 6 – 10 p.m.
Schedule:
The Hangar doors open at 5 p.m.
First fight starts at 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: General admission $69.99, premium $99.99, VIP $199.99. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit FloGrappling WNO 22
Centennial Farm Workshop: Chocolate bliss – A Valentine’s truffle making class, Feb. 10
Join chef Vina at Centennial Farm for a delightful two-hour journey into chocolate making. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, you’ll learn to craft exquisite ganache, decorate with gourmet toppings and roll your own truffles with fair-trade cacao chocolate. We’ll provide gift boxes for your handmade treats. Indulge your chocolate passion and create delicious memories! This is the perfect experience to share with a loved one, friend or coworker.
When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Feb. 6, 2024.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $40 fee covers ingredients and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Fight Club OC, Feb. 15
Pro boxing and pro MMA.
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 – 10 p.m.
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
SoCal Swordfight 2024, Feb. 16-18
SoCal Swordfight is the largest historical European martial arts event in the United States, attracting competitors, attendees and instructors from around the world. The event features 25 tournaments across multiple weapon sets and divisions, more than 80 hours of classes and lectures on a variety of historical and modern weapons and self-defense techniques, first aid/CPR/AED and active-shooter response certification, antique weapons and more. If you have ever wanted to learn more about medieval history, weaponry or swordfighting, this is the event for you.
When: Friday – Sunday, Feb. 16-18, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $30 – single day admission, $50 – full weekend admission, $175 – full event registration and access to classes. Additional costs: tournament participation, certification and celebrity courses. Free for children 8 and younger. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit SoCal Swordfight OC
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Feb. 22
When: Thursday, Feb. 22, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
Gem Faire, Feb. 23-25
Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Buy directly from wholesalers and importers. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 23-25
Schedule:
Friday, Feb. 23, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Main Mall, Santa Ana Pavilion
How Much: General admission is $7, children 11 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Gem Faire
Jurassic Quest, Feb. 23-25
You’re gonna need a bigger weekend. The world-famous, life-size dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest are meticulously painted and animated to be realer-than-real. Whether you’re 3 or 103, this is a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget.
Don’t miss the Spinosaurus, T-Rex and so much more!
When: Friday – Sunday, Feb. 23-25, 2024
Schedule:
Friday, Feb. 23, noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb 24, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building, Anaheim Building, OC Promenade, Main Mall
How Much: General admission is $22, seniors 65 and over $19, children under 2 are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Jurassic Quest
Centennial Farm Workshop: Backyard bantams – Your guide to urban chicken keeping, Feb. 24
Join us for a unique urban ag-venture tailored for Southern Californians looking to embrace backyard chicken-keeping within the confines of city living. In this course, attendees will discover the world of bantam chickens, the ideal choice for enthusiasts with limited space and keen to comply with city ordinances while maintaining good neighborly relations. Learn about the diverse breeds of these petite and charming chickens, including which are prolific egg producers. Instructor Adam Waugh will guide you through the essentials, from designing the perfect coop to providing optimal nutrition and health management. Plus, get advice on navigating your city’s specific chicken-keeping regulations.
When: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Feb. 21.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How Much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.
More Info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
The Annual OC Home & Garden Show, Feb. 24-25
This year’s OC Home & Garden Show is loaded with activities, DIY seminars, hourly prizes and vendors that feature reclaimed, sustainable, re-imagined and power or water-saving products. In addition, the show will include “A World of Kitchens” and an edible garden competition with a youth category and adult category to promote healthy living with a “Farm to Table” feature.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 24 – 25
Schedule:
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building and Anaheim Building
How Much: Admission is free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit OC Home & Garden Show
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 will rotate themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Excluding holidays and all-grounds events).
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in March
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, March 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: Friday, March 1, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit Discovery Day
California Bridal & Wedding Expo, March 2
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: Saturday, March 2, 12:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Free registration online. $10 general admission at the door. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit California Bridal Shows
Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat & Travel Show, March 7-10
Welcome to California’s premier fishing, tackle, boat, travel & outdoors show! Located in Orange County California the show draws vendors from all over the country including manufacturers, retail sales, travel lodges and dealers of hundreds of outdoor products.
When: Thursday – Sunday, March 7 – 10
Schedule:
Thursday & Friday: noon – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: General admission is $20, children 12 and younger are free. Free admission for active duty military with ID. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Pacific Coast Sportfishing
Centennial Farm Workshop: Make it, take it – Food preservation with UCCE Master Food Preservers, March 9
This class will provide you with up-to-date process recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and explain the reasons behind the process. You’ll also learn about the essential equipment required and effective storage practices.
When: Saturday, March 9, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; RSVP online by Mar. 5, 2024
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $40 class fee covers ingredients, handouts and two (half-pint) canning jars with lids and rings. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Centennial Farm Workshop: Urban Hops – Rabbits as a Diverse Agricultural Journey, March 16
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the enchanting world of rabbits! This comprehensive introduction covers the diverse realm of pedigreed show rabbits, showcasing 52 unique breeds. Explore the advantages of rabbit manure for gardens and gain insights into the fundamentals of raising rabbits as a sustainable food source. Additionally, dive into the process of ethically sourced angora wool, learn how rabbits can enhance your child’s 4-H or FFA youth project and discover why these gentle creatures make fantastic pets and quiet urban companions. As a bonus, this class aligns with a rabbit show at Centennial Farm, offering a post-lecture tour to meet local breeders, appreciate beautiful rabbit breeds and explore the potential of incorporating rabbits into your urban farming endeavors!
When: Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Mar. 13, 2024.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Impalas Magazine Orange County Super Show, March 17
Impalas Magazine’s best in the west low rider tour rolls into OC Fair & Event Center. Check out the amazing classics, low riders, bombs, mini trucks, dubs and low rider bicycles. Plus, live on stage: Kurupt and Daz!
When: Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: General admission is $30, children 12 and younger are free with paid adult admission. Parking is $12.
More info: Sign up at Impalas Magazine
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, March 21
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, March 21, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit Discovery Day
Hope Fest, March 23
Hope Fest is a convergence of movements, non-profits, ministries and churches dedicated to bringing transformational hope to the communities of Orange County. Through a captivating evening of music, video, language and togetherness we believe in the impact that one changed life can have on another and the community.
When: Saturday, March 23, 1 p.m. – TBD
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Donations accepted. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Hope Fest
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, March 28
When: Thursday, March 28, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
Crossroads of the West Gun Show, March 30-31
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 30-31
Schedule:
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building, Main Mall, Santa Ana Pavilion, OC Promenade
How Much: General admission is $22. Children 12 and under are free with a parent or guardian. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Crossroads of the West Gun Show