Monday, August 21, 2023 (11:32 am)

What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in September

Shoreline Dog Fanciers Association, Sept. 1-3
Three American Kennel Club sanctioned all-breed dog shows.

When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 1 -3
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa building, Huntington Beach building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: General admission is free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Shoreline Dog Fanciers Association

Common Kings / Fiji / Sammy J / Jakob’s Castle / Western Conference, Sept. 2
Pacific Amphitheatre’s 40th anniversary continues with a special post-Fair concert by Common Kings, Fiji, Sammy J, Jakob’s Castle and Western Conference.

When: Saturday, Sept. 2, 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Varies by seating selection ($29.50-$69.50). Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Fair Events

Chicago, Sept. 5
Pacific Amphitheatre’s 40th anniversary continues with a special post-Fair concert by Common Kings, Fiji, Sammy J, Jakob’s Castle and Western Conference.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 5, 8:15 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Varies by seating selection ($42.50-$82.50). Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Fair Events

Cruisin’ For A Cure, Sept. 9
Cruisin’ for a Cure is the world’s largest one-day charity car show with more than 3,000 vehicles on display and over 150+ vendors and exhibitors. Be assured that your participation in the event and any donations go directly to prostate cancer research at the KSK Cancer Center of Irvine to help find a cure.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 6 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $17, kids 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Cruisin’ For A Cure

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 9
Harley Night Finals / Speedway / Sidecars

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream!

When: Saturday, Sept. 9
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

Sand Sports Super Show, Sept. 15-17
The world’s biggest sand sports expo! Join us for three days of fun and get up close to the latest sand rails, ATVs, UTVs/side x sides, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more!

When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 15–17
Schedule:
Sept. 15, 4 – 10 p.m.
Sept. 16, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sept. 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission $16, kids (6-12) $6, kids 5 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Sand Sports Super Show

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 23
53rd U.S. National Speedway Championship

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream!

When: Saturday, Sept. 23
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

SoCal VegFest, Sept. 23-24
A vegan festival that offers a range of activities for attendees to enjoy, including free food samples, food and drink for purchase, a cruelty-free marketplace, inspirational speakers, food demonstrations, appearances by celebrity chefs and social media influencers, live music from famous musicians and DJs, comedy performances, yoga sessions, games, a kids area and much more!

When: Saturday – Sunday, Sept. 23-24, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: General admission is $10, kids 11 and under, seniors 65+, veterans and active military are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit SoCal VegFest

Discovery Day at the Farm, Sept. 28
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: Volunteers are present to provide information.
• Radish Seed Planting: Children will plant a radish seed to take back to school.
• Chick Education: Learn about the chick development process.
• Oxen Demonstration: Demonstration days vary depending on the volunteers’ schedules.
• Crops Education: Seasonal varieties.
• See Livestock Animals: Swine, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits and poultry.

When: Thursday, Sept. 28, 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

OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Sept. 28

When: Thursday, Sept. 28 & Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or Virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Information

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.

No pets allowed.

When: Friday, Sept. 29 – Tuesday, Oct. 31
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 Pumpkin Patch

Centennial Farm Workshop: Handspun magic – Basics of spinning yarn with a drop spindle
Delve into the time-honored craft of transforming fibers into artistry as you learn the age-old techniques of the drop spindle. Guided by local fiber artisans, unlock the secrets of drafting, twirling and crafting your own yarn, bridging the gap between ancient tradition and modern creativity. Hands-on instruction from the experts will follow a brief lecture on the history and technique of handspun yarn. Guests will be provided with a drop spindle and fiber to take home!

When: Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; RSVP online by Sept. 27, 2023.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: A $25 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 class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).

Parking is free.

More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes

Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 30
Fall Classic / Speedway / Sidecars / Juniors

See “mad men” on high-compression single-cylinders powering down short straights before throwing their bike on its ear and sliding at impossible lean angles around each end of the track. It’s a spectator’s dream!
When: Saturday, Sept. 30
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Races start at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: General admission $30; juniors (13-17), military and seniors (65+) $20; children (3-12) $10; kids 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

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

Serenity Walk

Located outside of Heroes Hall, this newest addition to the Fairgrounds was designed to honor veterans and to provide a place of rest and contemplation for the community. Take a stroll and admire the Serenity Walk’s winding pathway and intricate landscaping honoring Purple Heart recipients!

Hours: 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

Youth Plaza Contest, through Dec. 31

Calling all youth artists! OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) is seeking to install artwork created by local youth on the two largest light towers in Plaza Pacifica. The theme of the artwork will focus on celebrating the rich diversity of Orange County and the surrounding region. Enter today!

When: Through Dec. 31
More info: Visit OC Fair & Event Center

Coming up in October

Orange County Sustainability Decathlon, Oct. 5-15
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. The Decathlon will take place Oct. 5-15, 2023, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA. The event will feature the OCSD competition, as well as performances and several family-friendly activities.

When: Oct. 5-15, 2023
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

Heroes Hall Exhibit: Valor & Virtue Opening Reception, Oct. 8

Heroes Hall’s newest exhibit Valor & Virtue focuses on all 18 Jewish American recipients of the Medal of Honor. Central to the exhibit is the story of Tibor Rubin, a Holocaust survivor who became a hero fighting with the U. S. Army in Korea before settling in Orange County. The exhibit chronicles exceptional courage while highlighting the military’s long fight to overcome boundaries of race, color and creed.”

When: Sunday, Oct. 8, 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall
How Much: Free admission and parking. Please RSVP.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

Rameelo Raas Garba Festival 2023, Oct. 14-15
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. Savor a delectable array of culinary delights, immerse yourself in the joyous festivities and dance the night away with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience!

When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: General admission is $20. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is $12.
Early bird pricing ends Aug. 31.
More info: Visit Rameelo Raas Garba Festival

OC Home & Holiday Expo, Oct. 14-15
OC’s finest home improvement experts are ready to complete your home projects in time for holiday guests. Holiday decor, gifts, special holiday cooking, crafts and interior design classes will be offered. Presenters include 5-star Chef Chad Pritchard, succulent specialist Paige Hunt, and award-winning designer Tiffani Baumgart. 

When: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 14-15
Schedule: Oct. 14: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Oct. 15: 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

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

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