OC Japan Fair brings Japanese food, culture, entertainment and shopping to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Following its spring event, the fair returns October 16-18, 2026, with Japanese food vendors, live performances, traditional culture, anime and cosplay, shopping, games and special demonstrations.
OC Japan Fair Details
Official OC Japan Fair Website
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Location: OC Fair & Event Center
Address: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Spring: April 3-5, 2026
Fall: October 16-18, 2026
Date/Hours
Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tickets & Parking: Pricing can vary by event and purchase date. Check the official OC Japan Fair website for current fall ticket and parking prices.
Event details, performers, vendors, schedules and prices can change. Confirm current information with the organizer before attending.
Things to do at OC Japan Fair
- Performances: Enjoy a mix of J-pop, taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, traditional dance, kimono presentations and other stage entertainment. The lineup varies by event.
- Cultural Exhibits & Workshops: Past fairs have included shodo (Japanese calligraphy), kimono experiences, traditional games and other hands-on cultural activities.
- Japanese Food: Food is a major part of the fair, with offerings that may include sushi, ramen, yakisoba, yakitori, takoyaki, taiyaki, mochi, wagyu dishes, karaage and other Japanese favorites.
- Drinks: Depending on the event, adult guests may find sake tastings and Japanese beer along with nonalcoholic drinks.
- Shopping: Browse vendors offering Japanese-inspired art, apparel, jewelry, collectibles, crafts, anime merchandise, kawaii goods and more.
- Anime & Cosplay: Cosplay, anime merchandise and Japanese pop-culture activities are regular parts of the festival experience.
- Oiran Dochu Procession: Some editions feature a stylized historical procession inspired by Edo-period entertainment districts in Japan. Check the current program to confirm whether it is scheduled.
- Tuna Cutting Show: A whole-tuna cutting demonstration has been a popular festival feature, showing the preparation of maguro for sushi. Check the current stage schedule for availability.
- Photo & Themed Experiences: Past events have included Japanese-inspired photo areas, garden displays, games and themed café experiences.
Food at OC Japan Fair
Food is one of the biggest draws at OC Japan Fair. Past editions have featured sushi, ramen, takoyaki, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, karaage, Japanese desserts and other specialties. Vendor lineups change between the spring and fall fairs, so check the official event website for the current lineup.
Past participants have included a wide range of ramen, sushi, takoyaki, yakisoba, gyoza, barbecue, dessert and specialty-food vendors. Because vendors change by edition, use the current OC Japan Fair vendor list when planning what to eat.
View the Current OC Japan Fair Schedule
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OC Japan Fair FAQ
When is OC Japan Fair?
The 2026 spring fair was April 3-5. The fall OC Japan Fair is scheduled for October 16-18, 2026.
Where is OC Japan Fair?
OC Japan Fair is held at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, California.
Is OC Japan Fair family-friendly?
Yes. The fair includes food, shopping, cultural activities, performances, anime and cosplay, and other attractions that families can enjoy. Individual activities may have separate age requirements.
What food is available at OC Japan Fair?
Offerings vary by event, but past fairs have featured ramen, sushi, takoyaki, yakisoba, karaage, Japanese desserts and many other Japanese and Japanese-inspired foods.
Is there cosplay at OC Japan Fair?
Cosplay and anime-related activities are commonly part of OC Japan Fair. Check the current schedule for specific cosplay events and programming.