Thursday, December 19, 2024 (3:00 pm)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in January
Winter Fest OC, through Jan. 5
Winter Fest OC returns to bring the ultimate winter wonderland to Orange County! Over a million lights create this dazzling holiday scene, transforming the OC Fair & Event Center into an enchanted dream! Enjoy magical snowfall, thrilling rides, festive entertainment and delightful treats and eats. From ice skating under the stars to exploring whimsical holiday displays, there’s something for everyone!
When: Through Jan. 5, 2025
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Early bird admission is available for a limited time, starting at $30 for adults, $25 for children 3-12, free for children under 2. General admission prices increase on Nov. 21. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Winter Fest OC
More happening at OC Fairgrounds in January
Discovery Day at the Farm, Jan. 10
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, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
Centennial Farm Workshop Greek Yogurt Masterclass – Culturing Creamy Goodness at Home, Jan. 11
Celebrate National Milk Day by diving into the world of yogurt making and learning how to create delicious, probiotic-rich yogurt with customizable flavors. Take home a jar of your homemade yogurt starter!
When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. – noon. RSVP online by Jan. 6.
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
OC Brick Convention: Lego Fan Event, Jan. 11-12
LEGO lovers unite! Brick Convention is the ultimate event for LEGO lovers of all ages! The numerous play areas treat fans of all ages to a day of hands-on fun, games, and life-size LEGO models. Attractions include amazing LEGO creations, meet-and-greets with professional LEGO artists and vendors selling the latest LEGO accessories, sets, mini-figures and even retired and hard-to-find LEGO.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 11-12
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Online general admission is $15, $20 at the door. Admission is valid for your chosen day and time period only. Children 2 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Brick Convention
Cruisin’ 2 Freedom Car Cruise, Car Show & Dinner, Jan. 18
Join In-N-Out Burger® and the Slave 2 Nothing® Foundation for the unforgettable Cruisin’ 2 Freedom™ Car Cruise, Car Show and Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 18, to support organizations that fight human trafficking. Start the day with a classic car show in Huntington Beach, then head over to OC Fair & Event Center for a Double-Double® made fresh to order from the In-N-Out Burger cookout trucks! All attendees may participate in raffle giveaways, bid on exciting silent and live auction items and receive a commemorative t-shirt and gift.
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 4 – 10 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: General admission is $75. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Cruisin’ 2 Freedom
Centennial Farm Workshop Branching Out: Beginner’s Guide to Grafting Fruit Trees, Jan. 18
Discover the art of grafting fruit trees in this beginner-friendly class, featuring hands-on demonstrations and expert tips, perfectly timed with the California Rare Fruit Growers’ scion wood exchange at Centennial Farm.
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, noon – 2 p.m. RSVP online by Jan. 15.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $7 class fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
SoCAL World Guitar Show, Jan. 25-26
Bring all the musical instruments or related items you can carry to sell, trade or have appraised. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small cart with up to eight items to roll around the show
See everything from guitars, amps, banjos, mandolins, drums, violins, effects, memorabilia, sound gear, parts, records, books, clothing, accessories, builders, appraisers, repair vendors and more!
When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 25-26
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission is $25. Children 11 and younger are free with adult admission. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit SoCAL World Guitar Show
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Jan. 30
When: Thursday, Jan. 30, 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. Closed on Nov. 28 and Dec. 26.
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. 11. Join us on Feb. 12 for the installation of our upcoming exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam.”
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in February
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
Centennial Farm Workshop Valentine’s Chocolate Truffles, Feb. 8
Learn to craft decadent chocolate treats with chef Vina 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
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, 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
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