What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in July

2026 OC Fair, July 17 – Aug. 16

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 2026 OC Fair! “Your Adventure Awaits,” so get ready for 23 days of fun-filled live entertainment, exhibits, food, carnival rides, shopping and more!

When: July 17-Aug. 16
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.–midnight
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Tickets and carnival deals are on sale now with value-packed bundles. Plus, don’t miss your chance to lock in last year’s prices!
Admission presale

  • Weekday adult: $13; weekend adult: $15 (weekend adult goes up to $18 after July 16)
  • Kids (6–12): $9
  • Seniors (65+): $9 (senior tickets increase to $10 after July 16)

Every Day Passport – come any day or every day

  • $60; available online now
  • Exclusive deals including two-for-one concerts and more

NEW Smart Start – early entry value

  • $11 adult; available through July 16
  • Must enter the Fair between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays

NEW Carnival Dream Pass

  • $46; available through July 16
  • 10 rides or carnival games
  • Must be purchased with an admission ticket

NEW Weekday Unlimited Family Bundle

  • $150; introductory offer ends July 16
  • 4 admission tickets (2 adult and 2 kid tickets)
  • 2 Unlimited Ride Wristbands
  • 2 $10 kids meals

NEW Family Dream Bundle

  • $155; introductory offer ends July 16
  • 4 admission tickets (2 adult and 2 kids tickets)
  • 2 Carnival Dream Passes (10 rides or games – mix and match)
  • 2 $10 kids meals

Parking: $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for oversized vehicles, buses and limos. 
More info: Visit Your Adventure Awaits


City of Costa Mesa 4th of July Celebration, July 3

The City of Costa Mesa is hosting a free Independence Day Community Celebration on July 3 at the OC Fairgrounds.
Bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and blanket and create a memorable day, as we celebrate our nation’s independence! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Glass containers and bottles are prohibited. No hard-sided coolers or outside alcohol permitted.

When: Friday, July 3, 5–11 p.m.
Schedule: Fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Admission and parking are free.
More info: Visit City of Costa Mesa

TNT Fireworks, June 30–July 4

Costa Mesa High School Baseball will be selling TNT Fireworks. 

When: Tuesday–Saturday, June 30–July 4
Schedule:
Tuesday, June 30, noon–10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Thursday, July 2, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday, July 3, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday, July 4, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa – Lot E (on the corner of Fairview and Arlington)
How much: Firework prices vary. Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit TNT Fireworks

Walk Intuit: Our Space, Your Community Open House, July 10

Curious about what we do? Come visit our space and get a firsthand look at our programs and community!
During the open house, you can:

  • Tour our new facility and see our spaces in action
  • Meet our team and ask questions about our programs and services
  • Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved

Whether you’re new to our organization or have been following us from afar, this is a great opportunity to connect, explore and discover what we’re all about.

When: Friday, July 10, 5–7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Registration is free. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit

Walk Intuit: Horses & Hearts Connection, July 11

Join our herd for a morning of connection with horses, community, and nature. This special event is open to all ages and is a beautiful way to experience the healing bond between humans and animals.

When: Saturday, July 11
Session 1: 9:30–11 a.m.
Session 2: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $25. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit


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 daily hours so the public can visit our year-round working farm. 

When: Closed to the general public for the annual OC Fair season, July 1 – Aug. 25.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free to Fairgoers with 2026 OC Fair admission, July 17–Aug. 16. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm

Farmers Market

Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and a variety of offerings. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch, such as dumplings, burritos and more.

When: Thursdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. through July 16; 8 a.m.–noon, July 23–Aug. 13.
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 with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.

The current 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. On display through Sept. 20.

When: Closed to the general public for the annual OC Fair season, July 1 – Aug. 25.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free to Fairgoers with 2026 OC Fair admission, July 17–Aug. 16. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

The Ranch Community Center

The Ranch Community Center celebrates horses, ranching and nature. Free and low-cost public programs include The Ranch Discovery Days, The Ranch After-School Program, horse shows and equine-assisted therapy. Visitors can connect with the equestrian community year-round during daily hours.

When: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays and all holidays.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit The Ranch

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


Coming up in August

Walk Intuit: Horses & Hearts Connection, Aug. 1

Join our herd for a morning of connection with horses, community and nature. This special event is open to all ages and is a beautiful way to experience the healing bond between humans and animals.

When: Saturday, Aug. 1
Session 1: 9:30–11 a.m.
Session 2: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $30. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit

OC Fair Fun Run 5K, Aug. 9

Run, walk or skip through the OC Fair! Every runner gets an awesome medal, a technical runners’ T-shirt and free race photos.

When: Sunday, Aug. 9
Schedule: Bib pick-up at 6 a.m.
5K race start at 8 a.m.
1.1 mile race start at 8:10 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds 
How much: Registration varies. Sign up before July 11 for discounted registration. Parking is free.
More info: Visit ocfair5k.com

Walk Intuit: Our Space, Your Community Open House, Aug. 14

Curious about what we do? Come visit our space and get a firsthand look at our programs and community!

During the open house, you can:

  • Tour our new facility and see our spaces in action
  • Meet our team and ask questions about our programs and services
  • Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved

Whether you’re new to our organization or have been following us from afar, this is a great opportunity to connect, explore and discover what we’re all about.

When: Friday, Aug.14, 5–7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Registration is free. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit

Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night Invitational #2, Aug. 22

Knobby Night Invitational / Speedway / Juniors

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes – it’s a race night you won’t forget! 

When: Saturday, Aug. 22
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 6–7 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission, children 10 and under are free. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

Shoreline Dog Fanciers Association, Aug. 28-30

All-breed dog show and obedience trial.

When: Friday–Sunday, Aug. 28–30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, OC Promenade 
How much: Free general admission. Parking is $15. 
More info: Visit Shoreline Dog Fanciers Association

 

Gem Faire, Aug. 28-30

The largest jewelry and bead show in SoCal. Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.

When: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 28–30
Schedule:
Friday, Aug. 28, noon–6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug, 30.
Wholesale preview on Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Main Mall, Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: General admission is $7. Free for children under 12 and seniors 70 and over. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Gem Faire