It’s summer and the annual OC Fair is returning on July 19 for its full 23-day run, bringing the fun through Aug. 18. The theme is “Always a Good Time!”
The fairgrounds’ team is working hard to make sure that kids and families have plenty of opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Rides are rolling in, gigantic stuffed animals are taking their places in game booths, farm animals are getting gussied up and entertainers are polishing up their acts for fairgoers.
It’s time to get tickets and plan this summer’s OC Fair adventure. Advance ticket purchase is required – no transaction fees – and daily capacity is limited; visit ocfair.com or download the OC Fair 2024 mobile app. Days will sell out – don’t miss out!
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What’s happening at the Fair?
So many activities and things to see are free with Fair admission. Even the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, The Great American Petting Farm and the Orange County Sand and Sea Exhibit are free!
Things to do
- For kids of all ages, Explorium returns to OC Promenade with new and special activities designed to help everyone learn about the unique Orange County coastline at the Sand and Sea exhibit. Visitors explore sea life in a touch tank and take a deep dive with virtual reality.
- Ever dreamed of singing with a real band? You can do it at the OC Fair! Venture over to Live Band Karaoke in Plaza Pacifica to take the microphone or just be entertained each evening.
- Fairgoers can meet the OC Fair’s costumed characters, the beloved Foodies! Strawberry Jan, Olivia Orange, Sunny Lemon, Carl Cotton Candy and Cornelious Corn are out at various times during the day and are happy to take photos with fairgoers. Too cute!
- The Magic of Frank Thurston brings laughs and surprises to the OC Promenade stage daily. Kids can even participate in the show!
- What’s more fun than a classic pie-eating contest? Contestants can try to be the fastest to chow down a Knott’s Berry Farm boysenberry pie slice or dig into a juicy hunk of watermelon to win a prize.
- Insider tip: Carnival tickets and wristbands are available online for a discount through July 18. The Read and Ride program offers kids 5-11 two free rides in Kidland for reading three books and filling out the online form.
Things to see
- All-Alaskan Racing Pigs will be back on their track in Plaza Pacifica – fairgoers can cheer on their favorites as the little porkers cavort around the course.
- In the Livestock area, there are more animals to teach and entertain. Displays will feature pygmy goats, llamas, global livestock, urban chickens and miniature donkeys.
- At Centennial Farm, the resident animal educators will teach visitors about farm life and fairgoers can check out California crops. Learn about beekeeping, gardening and growing rare fruit.
- Action Sports Arena is back with comedy hypnotism, demolition derbies, monster trucks and BMX bike shows. The new Chris Mabrey Comedy Hypnotist show is free with Fair admission.
- Local residents showcase their talents and attempt to take home coveted OC Fair blue ribbons in categories like photography, fine art, woodworking, floral arrangements, table-setting, cake decorating and growing flowers, vegetables and fruit. Check out the competitions in Visual Arts, Home Arts and OC Promenade. Some entries are still open, visit ocfair.com for more information.
Things to eat and drink
- The popular Taste of the Fair is back and better than ever with smaller-size food options for just $5 every day until 4 p.m. View the menus here.
- Creative concessionaires are cooking up some typically outrageous Fair food so guests looking for something new will not be disappointed. Feeling brave? Try a Dr. Pepper Pickle Soda or Bacon Churro Fries.
- Fairgoers will also enjoy their favorites, including classic funnel cakes, serious BBQ, deep-fried treats, cinnamon rolls, family-sized pizza, exotic floats, ice cream and everything on a stick. There are many options suitable for sharing.
- Adults looking for a break can hit The Courtyard, where award-winning OC Fair wines and a variety of others are served in a shady spot.
- Insider tip: Bring reusable containers to take along extras or purchase take-and-bake options like cookies, pizza and cheesy bread to enjoy more Fair food at home.
Things to hear
- Local talent is on display on community stages every day and night of the Fair. Watch friends, neighbors and up-and-coming performers give it all they’ve got. Look for acoustic music, rock performances, country music, dance groups and more.
- There’s music every night coming from the shows in The Hangar and fairgoers can dance and sing along, enjoying the party in the Main Mall.
- Pacific Amphitheatre is home to amazing shows under the stars. Performances include comedian Trevor Noah, concerts by The Fab Four & The Monkee Men, Stray Cats, Walker Hayes and Kool & the Gang.
- In The Hangar, tribute bands Red Corvette, Twisted Gypsy, No Duh and The Long Run join Embajadores del Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez over the course of the Fair.
- Tickets are available now for all shows at ocfair.com.
The OC Fair is open:
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11 am - 11 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11 am - midnight
Ticket Pricing:
General admission tickets – no fees:
$13 weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday)
$15 weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Tickets for seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) are $9 every day
Children 5 and younger are always free.
Orange County Fair
July 19 - August 18, 2024
Wednesday - Sunday
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