Tuesday, September 19, 2023 (12:01 pm)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in October
Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 29 – Oct. 31
Family-fun pumpkin patch! We have inflatable slides, kiddie rides, a petting zoo and a train. Pick out your perfect pumpkin or shop at our farmers market for farm-fresh squash and gourds.
When: Sept. 29 – Oct. 31, 2023
Schedule:
Monday-Thursday, 3 – 9 p.m.
Friday, 3 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Closing at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot C
How much: Free admission. Parking is free Monday-Thursday, $12 Friday – Sunday.
More Info: Visit Seasonal Adventures
Valor & Virtue: Jewish American Medal of Honor Recipients, Oct. 5
Heroes Hall Museum will open a new exhibit called Valor & Virtue: Jewish American Medal of Honor Recipients. The exhibit focuses on all 18 Jewish American recipients, from Civil War’s Benjamin Levy to the most recent, Christopher Celiz, who was posthumously awarded for his actions in the Afghanistan War.
Central to the exhibit is the story of Tibor Rubin, a Holocaust survivor who became a hero fighting for the U.S. Army in Korea before settling in Orange County.
Through personal items, photographs, medals, uniforms and letters, the exhibition chronicles exceptional courage and highlights the military’s long fight to overcome boundaries of race, color and creed.
When: The exhibit will be on display from Oct. 5, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Heroes Hall is open Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Heroes Hall at the OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa
How much: Admission and parking are free except during all-grounds events.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Opening Ceremony: A special event to commemorate this new exhibit will take place on Sunday, Oct. 8. More info.
Orange County Sustainability Decathlon, Oct. 5-8 & 12-15
The Orange County Sustainability Decathlon (OCSD) challenges university teams to design and build model solar-powered homes that address climate change and California’s housing needs. OCSD teams will showcase innovative, market-ready model homes to display in a sustainable village which will be open to the public. OCSD will take place Oct. 5-8 & 12-15 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. The event will feature the OCSD competition, as well as performances and several family-friendly activities.
When: Oct. 5-8 & 12-15
Schedule:
Thursday and Friday: 3 – 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I, Los Alamitos Building
How much: Free admission. Parking is $12
More Info: Visit Orange County Sustainability Decathlon
California Bridal & Wedding Expo, Oct. 8
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: Sunday, Oct. 8, 12:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: Free admission – register online. General admission is $10 at the door. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit CA Bridal Shows
New Exhibit Opening Reception, Oct. 8
Heroes Hall Museum will host an opening reception to commemorate its newest exhibit, Valor & Virtue: Jewish American Medal of Honor Recipients. The event will feature speakers, music and refreshments.
When: Sunday, Oct. 8, 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall
How Much: Free admission – RSVP here
More info: Call 714-708-1613
Gem Faire, Oct. 13-15
The largest jewelry and bead show in Southern California. Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Jewelry repair and cleaning while you shop.
When: Oct. 13-15, 2023
Schedule:
Friday, Noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Main Mall
How Much: General admission is $7. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Gem Faire
OC Home & Holiday Expo, Oct. 14-15
Orange County’s finest home improvement experts are ready to complete your home projects in time for holiday guests. Holiday décor, gifts, special holiday cooking, crafts and interior design classes will be offered.
When: Oct. 14-15, 2023, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: Free admission. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Best Home Shows
Rameelo Raas Garba Festival 2023, Oct. 14
Indulge in an unforgettable evening of culture, cuisine and captivating rhythms at Rang Taali! Join us as we celebrate the spirit of togetherness through the vibrant beats of Raas Garba.
When: Saturday, Oct 14, 6:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission is $20, children 5 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Raas Garba
Discovery Day at the Farm, Oct. 19
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public, and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
- Self-Guided Tours
- Radish Seed Planting
- Chick Education
- Oxen Demonstration
- Crops Education
- See Livestock Animals
When: Thursday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Open to all grade levels, as well as the general public. Reserve your spot online at Discovery Day.
Centennial Farm Workshop: Make it, take it – Mediterranean apricot and date chutney, Oct. 21
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey! Led by the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Food Preservers of Orange County, this hands-on class invites you to create a delectable chutney that captures the essence of the Mediterranean. Learn the art of preserving flavors as you blend succulent apricots and rich dates into a symphony of tastes and textures. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll craft your own jar of this flavorful creation to savor at home.
When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: A $35 fee covers ingredients, handouts and two canning jars with lids and rings. Parking is free.
More Info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes; RSVP by Oct. 18
Maker Faire, Oct. 21
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments and projects.
When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Park Plaza
How much: Pre-event general admission is $18; $20 the day of the event. Children 4 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit OC Maker Faire
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Oct. 26
When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building
More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
Fight Club OC, Oct. 26
Pro Boxing & MMA
Welcome to Fight Club OC, a hybrid boxing and MMA fight series that does six shows a year. With three high definition cameras always on the action and an LED HD video board with instant replay, we’ll sell you the seat, but you need to bring the edge.
When: Thursday, Oct. 26
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
First fight 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: Free general admission is $65. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Fight Club OC
OC Japan Fair, Oct. 27-29
Enjoy Japanese food, culture, traditions and innovations! Grab your friends, and celebrate one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in Southern California. Experience the joy of shopping, tasting and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be live performances, games, Kimono models and more!
When: Friday – Sunday, Oct. 27-29
Schedule:
Friday: 5-11 p.m.
Saturday: Noon – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I, Los Alamitos Building
How much: General admission is $10. Free for kids 6 and younger and seniors 66+. Parking is $12
More Info: Visit OC Japan Fair
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm reopens to the public Aug. 22! The 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: Re-opens Aug. 22
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Sept. 8
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 and tacos/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 reopens to the public Aug. 23. 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: Re-opens Aug. 23
Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Sept. 10
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in November
The Great Junk Hunt, Nov. 3-4
Discover vintage, farmhouse, handmade, industrial, up-cycled and re-purposed goods from over 100 vendors.
When: Nov. 3-4, 2023
Schedule:
Friday, Nov. 3, 4 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Tickets start at $10. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit The Great Junk Hunt
Centennial Farm Workshop: Winter’s sweet harvest with persimmons, Nov. 4
Get ready to uncover the secrets of cultivating bountiful persimmon trees that yield nature’s candy! Led by seasoned horticulturist, Isabel Barkman, you’ll explore the intricacies of different varieties. Proper soil, sunlight and other tips to nurture these exquisite fruits will be covered.
When: Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: A $6 fee covers materials and any handouts. Free parking
More Info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes; RSVP by Nov. 2
Discovery Day at the Farm, Nov. 7
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public, and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
- Self-Guided Tours
- Radish Seed Planting
- Chick Education
- Oxen Demonstration
- Crops Education
- See Livestock Animals
When: Tuesday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Open to all grade levels, as well as the general public. Reserve your spot online at Discovery Day.
Orange County Wine Fest, Nov. 11-12
Enjoy 3 hours of unlimited wine tasting for the price of a good bottle of wine.
The Orange County Wine Fest (OCWF) is bringing you a diverse group of wines from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds, whatever your preferred grape, you’ll find plenty to discover and love at OCWF.
When: Nov. 11-12, 2023
Schedule:
Session 1: Saturday, Nov. 11, Noon – 3 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, Nov. 11, 5 – 8 p.m.
Session 3: Sunday, Nov. 12, Noon – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Tickets start at $55. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Orange County Wine Fest
Centennial Farm Workshop: Crafting a fall charcuterie board, Nov. 18
Indulge in the charcuterie board trend and seize the opportunity to craft your very own exquisite platter! Immerse yourself in a hands-on session led by chef Vina. Whether it’s the allure of holiday hosting or the desire for an exceptional brunch, these boards have you covered!
When: Saturday Nov. 18, 10 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: A $35 class fee covers ingredients and any handouts. Parking is free.
More Info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes; RSVP by Nov. 10
Winter Fest OC, Nov. 24 – 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 so much more!
When: Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024
Schedule:
Nov. 24 – Dec. 9
Thursday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 10. Closed for a private event
Dec. 14 – 17
Thursday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.
Dec. 21, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024
Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.
New Years Eve celebration at Winter Fest OC
Sunday – Dec. 31, 2 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Adults $44.99, kids $39.99, children 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Winter Fest OC