The OC Fair & Event Center is an entertainment destination that offers exciting events all year round. The Orange County Fair is the most popular event, held here every summer during July and August. Last year, the event welcomed a whopping 1.4 million visitors.
But the fairgrounds is more than just carnival rides and roasted corn. The grounds also houses the resident farm animals and Heroes Hall, a museum dedicated to honoring Orange County Veterans. The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheater are performance and event venues, and the action sports arena, well, you can catch action sports events like rodeos, motorcycle races, and demolition derbies.
Keep reading for a complete run down of the OC Fair & Event Center, the venues, and the upcoming events passing through.
Centennial Farm
The big red barn at Centennial Farm is a family favorite. The 3-acre working farm offers year-round educational programs for the public and local schools and youth groups. The farm is open to the public for free, self-guided exploration during select hours – generally Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm and on the weekends from 10 am to 4 pm. The farm is subject to closure during other events at the fairgrounds. Visitors can explore the gardens and make friends with the animals. Guests will find oxen, pigs, chickens, sheep, and more at the farm and spring time is always a hit when the new babies begin making their appearances. Can’t get enough? Check out the live pig cam for a 24/7 visual.
Heroes Hall
Admission is free so you can come in anytime between 10am and 4pm Wednesday through Sunday to explore the exhibits and education center. Pay tribute to local veterans, view the A-4M Skyhawk, see a performance, or even volunteer. The choice is yours, but don’t miss out on this important community museum set in a renovated Santa Ana Army Air Base barracks building from 1942. Exhibits vary and rotate. Currently on display – Armed Only with a Camera: World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman
Pacific Amphitheatre
Pacific Amphitheatre is a 7,800+ seat concert venue on-site at the OC Fair & Event Center. Due to the proximity to local residences, the venue is restricted to events during the summer only, with the kick-off concert on the 4th of July. Most performances take place during the summer run of the OC Fair, but generally continue through the beginning of September. Admission to the fair is included with Pacific Amp tickets on the day of the event. See more info and history of Pacific Amphitheatre here.
Action Sports Arena
The Action Sports Arena operates primarily during fair season, but there are a handful of other events that take place here in other months. During the fair, you can get tickets to events like Monster X Tour, Demolition Derbies, Extreme Rodeo, and more. Outside of fair season, check out Costa Mesa Speedway’s Harley Nights and Freestyle Motocross Invitational events.
The Hangar
The Hangar hosts live music performances on a smaller scale than Pacific Amp. OC Fair visitors can see a full lineup of musicians here during the summer, plus there are a variety of events that occur here throughout the year.
OC Fair & Event Center Campground
That’s right. There’s a campground at the event center with full amenities. Plenty of room for trailers and RVs for individuals and groups. Features include full hook-ups, picnic area, pet and family friendly, and access to Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall.
The Equestrian Center
There is an equestrian center at the OC Fair & Event Center with barns and stables. A variety of professional services and programs are available here. Please call for more information.
Annual Events
OC Fair
Obviously, this is the biggest event of the year. 2019’s Acres of Fun drew an audience of over 1.4 million. At the annual OC Fair, guests can see all of the above (some with an additional purchase), plus experience special events, ride all the carnival rides, wander through the exhibit halls, max out on fair food, and check out the 4-H animals.
Imaginology
Imaginology is a STEAM event held every spring that gives families the opportunity to dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The free event features science fair displays, 4-H Club activities, cultural arts festivals, hands-on activities, vendor booths, and so much more. This event is always a hit especially with the 10 and under crowd.
Japan Fair
Japan Fair observes Japanese traditions with delicious Japanese food, live performances, hands on activities, and of course – there’s anime. Visitors can enjoy the experience of shopping, tasting, and learning about Japanese culture.
UVSA Tết Festival
The largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival in the U.S. features a cultural village and traditional Vietnamese food, dancing, activities and entertainment.
Winter Fest OC
Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event center into a winter wonderland from mid-December through the beginning of January every year. Complete with a festival of lights, carnival rides, a 9-lane tubing slide, giant walk-through Christmas tree, snow-play area, and outdoor skating rink, it is one of the biggest winter events in the county. The nightly parade with fireworks and tree lighting keep you feeling festive, and Santa and his reindeer do nightly flyover through Christmas Eve. You can even ring in the New Year at Winter Fest. Twice. Once at 6pm and again at midnight.
Ongoing Events
Orange County Swap Meet
The Orange County Swap Meet is one of OCs favorite shopping destinations for everything from home goods to fresh produce. Vendors from all over the region bring a plethora of unique goods to offer the masses including artwork, clothing, spas, and more. The Original OC Swap Meet is currently on hold.
Farmers Market
Every Thursday from 9am – 1pm, local vendors set up to sell honey, produce, flowers, fish, and more. The OC Farm Bureau certified farmers market offers free admission and free parking and is located near gates 2 and 4.
Other Events
- Crossroads of the West Gun Show
- Fight Club OC
- Gem Faire
- Great Train Show
- Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival
- Repticon
- UVSA Tet Festival
Related Articles
The Orange County Fair | Winter Fest OC |
Sporting Events In Orange County | Taste of Orange County Events |
Winter Events | Veterans Day Events in Orange County |