The Orange County Fair
The Orange County Fair is one of Orange County's biggest annual events, drawing thousands of people to the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa for food, fun, music, and games.
The 2026 OC Fair ran July 17 through August 16, 2026, with the theme "Your Adventure Awaits." The fair has concluded; check the official OC Fair website for announcements about the next fair.
The next OC Fair's dates, ticket prices and schedules will be added as they are officially announced.
Here is the OC Fair Concert & Entertainment Schedule
Explore the OC Fair's concerts, exhibits, carnival rides, fair food, parking and money-saving tips. Past prices, attractions and schedules are provided for reference and may change for the next fair.
2026 Orange County Fair Dates, Hours & Prices (Past Event)
Friday, July 17 - August 16, 2026
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
OC Fair Hours
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Thursday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Friday - Saturday: 11 AM - Midnight; Sunday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Tickets
2026 advance-ticket information (expired)
Kids 5 and under are free
Youth ages 6-12 and seniors ages 65+ were $9 per day
General admission varied by day and purchase date; 2026 weekend adult admission rose to $18 after opening day
2026 OC Fair Every Day Passport: $60 (historical price; no longer on sale)
The 2026 fair used daily attendance limits; check current limits and ticket availability before visiting
2026 parking was listed at $15 for passenger vehicles and $30 for buses and limousines; future rates may change
2026 Smart Start advance ticket offer: $11 for qualifying Wednesday and Thursday early admission (expired)
2026 Carnival Ticket Prices (historical)
80 Tickets - $100
40 Tickets - $50
16 Tickets - $20
Unlimited Ride Wristbands valid Wed & Thurs
What To See
Exhibits
Every year, the Orange County Fair features a variety of exciting and diverse exhibits and displays throughout the halls and exhibition buildings. These vary from year to year, but areas of focus for exhibitions often include:
- Culinary Arts: Chef and food demonstrations, workshops, tastings, and hands on activities, courtyard wine seminars.
- Agriculture: Junior livestock auction and livestock shows, Farm Lounges with educational and interactive displays, and breeding shows and contests.
- Animals: Live animals at Centennial Farm, pig races, and camel dairy shows.
- Garden & Floral: Hands-on farming demonstrations, fruit and veggie competitions, flower arranging and plant competitions, and pop-up shops.
- Explorium: Rainforest Experience, magic show, creative corner for kids, Pet Vet, kids cooking area, play area for toddlers, and eating contests.
- Crafts & Hobbies: Jewelry, fiber art, woodworking, craft workshops, toy train exhibits, quilting, spinning, painting, beading, gemology, and more.
- Visual Arts: Ceramics, woodcarvers, Japanese Floral arranging, scroll saw art,photo shoot-out, and plein air contest.
- Heroes Hall: Medal Of Honor Courtyard & OC Walk Of Honor, A-4M Skyhawk, The SAAAB Story, and special rotating exhibit.
- The Art of Music: Highlights posters, album covers and artwork extolling the intersection of two key American art forms. Also on display will be community fine art and photography entries, home arts, woodworking, agriculture competitions and more.
Vendors
Shop from a collection of vendors throughout the fair grounds and inside the Carnival of Products, Parade of Products, and Festival Of Products. Shopping hours vary by vendor and fair day. Shoppers can browse and buy a variety of unique goods from kitchen gadgets to hot tubs. View the OC Fair website for a full list of vendors.
Competitions
Deadlines to enter competitions vary. See the full list of competitions and contests to enter here.
What To Do
Eat
The OC Fair is known for creative fair food, from classic favorites to unusual seasonal specialties. You could spend the whole day just wandering the fair searching for new treats to try.
Past fairs have featured food contests on the Promenade Stage. Check the upcoming fair schedule for times, age groups and participation details.
Examples of foods featured at previous OC Fairs (vendors and items may not return):
- Deep fried hot dog bites from Pink's Hot Dogs, available in regular or spicy
- Chili Cheese Fry-Topped Blooming Onion from Fresh Frys
- Brisket Mac & Cheese Sandwich from Chuckwagon
- Fried chicken funnel cakes from Dutchmens Funnel Cake
- Fried hummus from Chicken Charlies
- Candy apples and cotton candy tacos from Sweeties and Sweet Dreams
- Chicken sandwiches dipped in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Cap’n Crunch, or syrup made from Kool-Aid
- Cap’n Crunch Funnel Cake
- Hot Cheeto Float
View this post on Instagram
Play & Ride
The OC Fair carnival typically features rides, games and attractions for different ages, with areas such as Kidland and the Main Carnival. The selection of rides and height requirements can change each season; check the official fair guide before visiting.
Watch
- All-Alaskan Racing Pigs
- Chef demos and displays
- Comedic acts and concerts
- Hobby & Art Competitions
- Floral, Visual Arts competition displays
- Livestock shows and auctions
Enjoy
The fair has hosted a variety of special events over the years. The following are examples from previous seasons, not a confirmed lineup for the next fair:
- OC Brew Hee Haw
- Monster Truck Nitro Tour
- Motorhome Madness Demolition Derby
- Orange Crush Demolition Derby
- Damsels of Destruction Demolition Derby
- Junior Livestock Auction
- Out At The Fair
- Annual OC Fair Fun Run 5K
- City Day Celebrations
- The Courtyard Wine Seminars
- OC Fair Barn Wedding
Be Entertained
Hours of entertainment await at the OC Fair. From concerts with major headliners at the Pacific Amphitheatre to free entertainment on one of five stages to live action in the Action Sports Arena, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
View the OC Fair Concert and Entertainment Schedule.
- Grounds entertainment includes performers strolling through the fair grounds.
- Pacific Amphitheatre - Live Concerts, check each concert ticket for its fair-admission terms.
- The Hangar - The Hangar hosts live music and ticketed performances. Check each event's ticket details to see whether fair admission is included. See the 2026 calendar here.
- Baja Bar & Grill- Live Music nights and weekends.
- Meadows Stage - A rotation of Americana and country entertainers and musicians.
- Plaza Pacifica Stage - Daily comedy entertainment and karaoke every night.
- Promenade Stage - Magic, live performers, and community bands, cooking demos, nightly food contests.
- Explorium Stage - A place for kids, this stage includes a magic show, Rainforest Experience, Pet Vet, Creative Corner, and more.
- Action Sports Arena - Moto-X, Monster Trucks, rodeos, derbies, and more! These events may require separate tickets; check whether admission to the fair is included.
View this post on Instagram
OC Fair Discounts & Freebies
In past years, certain ticketed concerts and arena events included same-day fair admission. Check the specific event's current ticket terms before purchasing.
Past Promotions
The offers below are historical examples from previous fair seasons and are not current promotions. Do not rely on these prices or admission offers for a future visit.
Opening Day
Enjoy free admission and free parking from Noon to 3:00 p.m. on Opening Day.
Active Military & Veterans
Military members and veterans receive free admission every day and may purchase an additional six general admission tickets at half price. A valid military ID is required at the time of purchase.
First Responders & Law Enforcement
During the week of August 7 - 11, first responders and law enforcement personnel will receive free admission with the option to purchase up to four general admission tickets at half off. A valid agency ID is required to receive the discounted admission.
We Care Wednesdays
Pitch in and bring a requested donation to public entrances at the Blue, Yellow, or Green Gates on We Care Wednesdays and receive free general admission and one free carnival ride. This offer is only valid from Noon to 3:00 p.m. and tickets must be used on the day of the donation.
Reader's Discount
Kids ages 5 - 11 can earn three free carnival rides by reading two books and completing book report forms. Turn the completed forms in to the Kidland Information Booth during fair hours to redeem your tickets.
Kids Day Thursdays
Free fair admission for all kids 12 and under all day on Thursdays.
Taste Of Fair Food
From Noon to 4:00 on Thursdays enjoy samples of select fair foods for only $3.
Senior Fridays
Seniors 60 and over receive $5 fair admission and free rides on the ferris wheel and merry go round all day Friday.
OC Fair Tips
- Check the current competition rules to see whether participants receive admission benefits.
- Work at the OC Fair & Event Center and get free fair admission plus friends and family passes at a deep discount.
- Look for an official multi-day pass or early-purchase offer if one is announced for the next fair; past passes and benefits may not return.
- Food can be expensive, eat before you go.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and snacks.
- Review the official OC Fair rules for permitted water bottles, food and other items before arriving.
- Many exhibits and demonstrations have been included with fair admission in past years; check the current fair guide for included activities.
- Avoid the crowds and try to go during non-peak times.
OC Fair Map
The maps below are archived 2022 property and facility maps and may not reflect current entrances, parking or exhibit layouts. Check the official OC Fair website for the latest visitor map.
OC Fair Property Map with Legend (image)
OC Fair Property Map with Legend (pdf)
OC Fair Facility Map (image)
OC Fair Facility Map (pdf)
Related Articles
| Orange County Fair & Event Center | Pacific Amphitheatre |
| OC Japan Fair | Fairs & Festivals in Orange County |
| Farmers Markets in Orange County | Sporting Events In Orange County |
