Thursday, December 21, 2023 (8:30 am)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in January
Winter Fest OC, Through Jan. 7
Southern California’s largest Winter Fest returns! This year, we’re introducing an outdoor ice skating trail and a real snow play area, including snowball-throwing zones, sledding and a snow carousel for the little ones. Also, we’ve got an all-new holiday market featuring talented local artisans. Returning attractions include sliding down the thrilling 150-foot-long ice tubing slide and a tour through the magical “North Pole Journey” with four unique lands filled with wonder, interactive discoveries and more.
When: Through Jan. 7, 2024
Schedule:
New Year’s Eve celebration at Winter Fest OC
Sunday – Dec. 31, 2 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Jan 1-7
Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Adults $55, children 3 – 12 are $50, children 2 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Winter Fest OC
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, Jan. 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, Jan. 19, 2024, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit Discovery Day
Crossroads of the West Gun Show, Jan. 19-21
When: Friday-Sunday, Jan. 19-21, 2024
Schedule:
Friday, Jan. 19, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 21. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building, Anaheim Building, Main Mall
How Much: General admission: Three-day ticket $22 (Friday-Sunday), two-day ticket $20 (Saturday & Sunday). Children 12 and under are free with a parent or guardian. Single-day tickets are not available online or in person. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Crossroads of the West Gun Show
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Jan. 25
When: Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
Centennial Farm Workshop: Fruitful Pruning, Jan. 27
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned fruit tree enthusiast, enhance your pruning skills with this insightful class. Dive into the optimal timing for pruning various fruit trees, including stone fruit, citrus and avocado. This class covers the essential techniques of pruning and delves into why Southern California’s pruning season is unique compared to the rest of the United States.
When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Jan. 24.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Refund policy – There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).
Parking is free.
More Info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Orange County Brick Convention – LEGO® Fan Expo, Jan. 27-28
Brick Convention is the greatest LEGO® fan event! Bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO® building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 27-28, 2024
Schedule:
Saturday, Jan. 27, Session I: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Session II: 3 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 28, Session I: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Session II: 3 – 6 p.m.
Please note that each session offers the same exhibits and activities.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How Much: General admission is $15 online or $18 at the door. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Brick Convention
SoCal World Guitar Show, Jan. 27-28
Buy, sell or trade music-related items including new, used and vintage guitars, amplifiers, sound equipment, pedals, violins, drums, banjos, parts, books, clothing and more. Meet authors, appraisers, vintage dealers, retail sellers, builders, foreign and domestic buyers, collectors and professional musicians.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 27-28, 2024
Schedule:
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: General admission for adults and children 12 and up is $20. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit SoCal World Guitar Show
Newport-Mesa Unified School District College & Career Night, Jan. 31
Save the date for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District College & Career Fair. There will be opportunities to meet college, university and international school representatives, as well as workshops on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE) demonstrations and more.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Santa Ana Pavilion
How Much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit NMUSD College & Career Night
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 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, 2024
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. 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, 2024, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: $12 – Saturday admission (Saturday ticket good for both days)
$11 – Sunday admission. Free for children 11 and under. Cash only at the door. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit 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, 2024, 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 info coming soon. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Tết Festival
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. Refund policy – There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 4 days (96 hours) of a class, as supplies and ingredients will have been ordered. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).
Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Fight Club OC, Feb. 15
Pro boxing and pro MMA.
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024
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, Huntington Beach Building
How much: $30 – single day Spectator Pass, $50 – full weekend Spectator Pass, $150 – 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, 2024, 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, 2024
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. Refund policy – There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).
Parking is free.
More Info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes