Friday, January 24, 2025 (9:00 am)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in February
Orange County Winter International Open Jiu-Jitsu, Feb. 1-2
A series of Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches. Watch as these athletes grapple while demonstrating their discipline for and dedication to the sport of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 1-2, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: General admission is free. Parking is $12
More info: Visit OC Winter International Open
Discovery Day at the Farm, Feb. 5
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
When: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
WNO 26, Feb. 7
Immerse yourself in the energy of a passionate crowd united by your love for jiu-jitsu as submissions are threatened, escapes are made and hands are raised.
When: Friday, Feb. 7, 6-9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission starts at $49.99, and children 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Sign up at WNO 26
Centennial Farm Workshop: A Valentine’s Truffle Making Class, Feb. 8
Learn to craft decadent chocolate treats at Centennial Farm. Create handmade truffles decorated with gourmet toppings and explore perfect pairing tips with California specialty crops for a delicious experience!
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – noon. RSVP online by Feb. 3.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $45 class fee covers ingredients and the use of equipment. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and closed-toed shoes are required. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Fight Club OC, Feb. 13
The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in Orange County! Boxing and MMA fights are presented by Roy Englebrecht Promotions.
When: Thursday, Feb. 13
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 varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
Redo Market, Feb. 14-15
A community gathering uniting vintage fans and local artisans of California. Stroll through a curated collection of vintage finds and an authentic assortment of makers, including home, clothing, surfboards and jewelry. Live music, hands-on experiences and a selection of delicious food and drink will make it a weekend for all to enjoy.
When: Friday & Saturday, Feb. 14-15
Friday, Feb. 14, 2-7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, OC Promenade, Los Alamitos Building
How much: Early bird admission is $20 on Friday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m., and $15 from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is $12 on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 to 10 a.m., and $10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Redo Market
Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam, Feb. 15 – Dec. 21
Our upcoming exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam,” offers a powerful and immersive journey through one of modern history’s most complex and divisive conflicts. Through a rich collection of artifacts, personal stories, historical facts and poignant memorabilia, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the war’s profound impact on the soldiers who fought and the broader global context. The exhibit features items such as uniforms, weaponry, photographs and letters detailing firsthand accounts that highlight the cost of war and its lasting effects on individuals and society. This comprehensive display seeks to honor the experiences of those involved while providing historical insights into the war’s political, social and cultural repercussions.
When: On display Feb. 15 through Dec. 21. Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center will be open Wednesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Feb. 15. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall
How much: Admission and parking are free.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour, Feb. 15-16
World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour is a high-quality model railroad show designed to introduce the general public to model railroading, focusing on consumers and die-hard modelers alike. The event features many exciting attractions for attendees, including a free rideable Thomas the Tank Engine train, a play area, operating model railroad layouts, product demonstrations, hobby shops, industry manufacturers, how-to seminars and much more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 15-16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $25 – two-day pass, $20 – Saturday admission, $15 – Sunday admission. Free for children 15 and younger. Parking is $12.
Save on admission when you purchase passes and tickets online!
More info: Visit World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour
Homegrown Tomatoes, Feb. 22
If there is just one edible plant to grow at home, it’s the tomato. Nowhere else is the contrast in flavor, nutrition and variety between homegrown and store-bought more evident. As a specialty crop of California, tomatoes play a vital role in the state’s agricultural heritage. This how-to lecture will provide all the practical knowledge necessary to begin growing tomatoes. You’ll see tomato plants producing 50 to more than 100 tomatoes each! Learn which varieties to grow, how to plant and care for them, and how to manage common diseases and pests. Bring your questions and learn how to grow tomatoes easily!
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Feb. 19.
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 Home and Garden Show, Feb. 22-23
The 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.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 22-23
Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit The Best Home Show
OC Pathways, Feb. 27
Discover the future of college and career at the OC Pathways showcase! Get ready to see students take the stage and explore how education is evolving to meet OC’s changing job market. Connect with students, parents, educators, local businesses and see how Orange County companies are building innovative programs, pushing boundaries and driving growth.
When: Monday, Feb. 27, 4-7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: General admission and parking are free. Guests are encouraged to register for the event via OC Pathways.
More info: Visit OC Pathways
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Feb. 27
When: Thursday, Feb. 27, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
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 Jr. Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.
When: Monday – Friday, 1 – 4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
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 rascals are up to!
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Farmers Market
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 dumplings, burritos and more.
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: Closed through Feb. 14. Join us on Feb. 15 for the opening of “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam.” Starting Feb. 15, the museum will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in March
Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle and Boat Show, March 6-9
The Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle and Boat Show is the West Coast’s premier outdoor show. Located in beautiful Orange County, 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 6-9
Thursday & Friday, March 6-7, noon – 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $20. Active duty military and children 12 and under are free. Parking is $12
More info: Visit Pacific Coast Sportfishing
Discovery Day at the Farm, March 7
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crop education
When: Friday, March 7, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Discovery Day at the Farm, March 18
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for parent groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crop education
When: Friday, March 18, 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, March 27
When: Thursday, March. 27, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
SoCal Super Show, March 29
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of California car culture! Featuring over 700 remarkable lowriders, motorcycles, bombs, dubs and mini-trucks from all corners of California. Enjoy a full-throttle experience with jaw-dropping rides, mouthwatering food, live music and a whole lot more! This is an event you won’t want to miss!”
When: Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $40. Children 12 and under are free with paid adult admission. Price increases after March 28. Parking is $12
More info: Visit Impalas Magazine