The OC Fair is almost here, and it's bringing all the fun from July 18 through August 17! Whether you're going for the food, the animals, or just to feel like a kid again, there’s plenty to do that’s already included with your admission. No extra ticket needed!
Here’s a peek at what’s free with your OC Fair ticket:
🎶 Entertainment
- New! OC Fair After Dark – Enjoy dancing and live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at Plaza Pacifica (swing, DJs, and Latin beats!)
- Roving performances – Keep your eyes open for costumed characters like the OC Fair Foodies, strolling pianos, and even a bubbleologist.
- Community performers – Catch local music groups, dance troupes, and more on three different stages daily.
- Live music – Nightly at Baja Bar & Grill and La Cantina (hello, salsa dancing!)
- The Hangar & Action Sports Arena – Standing-room access is free with admission; reserved seating available for purchase.
- Comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik – Always a crowd favorite, performing in Action Sports Arena.
- Evening Taps at Heroes Hall – A moving tribute every night at 6 p.m.
🐷 Animals & Agriculture
- Aquatic touch tank – Hands-on ocean fun at the Explorium.
- All-Alaskan Racing Pigs – Yes, they’re back! Watch them zip around in Plaza Pacifica.
- Livestock displays & judging – See goats, pigs, and more up close.
- The Great American Petting Farm – Located near Yellow Gate.
- Centennial Farm – Meet the resident cows, chickens, sheep, rabbits, and baby animals.
- Pro Tip: Look up on the berm near Pacific Amphitheatre to spot the goat "landscapers" at work.
🛠️ Demonstrations
- Llama showdowns – Youth and adult competitions on rotation in livestock.
- Live milking demos – Daily in Millennium Barn.
- Cooking tips & chef tricks – Daily demos in the OC Promenade Culinary area.
- Chef Ray’s produce carving – You have to see it to believe it!
- Crafts & DIY – Visit Cane’s Craft Corner for hands-on activities and Home Arts for stunning exhibits.
- Pro Tip: Check out the live scroll saw demos in the woodworking area.
🖼️ Exhibits
- Featured Exhibit: “REWIND – A VHS Revival” – A nostalgic trip back to the '80s and '90s with huge, hand-painted VHS covers and live art demos.
- Produce & floral competitions – In full bloom daily at Centennial Farm.
- Art, baking, and handmade goods – In Home Arts & OC Promenade.
- Visual arts gallery – Featuring student and professional artwork.
👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
- Explorium’s Sand & Sea Zone – Hands-on science and play area (don’t miss the noon beach games!)
- Kids’ contests – Food-themed and happening daily in OC Promenade.
- Photos with OC Fair Foodies – Catch them roaming the fairgrounds.
- Postcard coloring for troops & veterans – Located at Heroes Hall.
- Kids’ Carnival area – Always a favorite!
- Frank Thurston the Magician – Performing daily on the Culinary Stage.
🎟️ What to Know Before You Go:
- Advance ticket purchase is required (no fees!) — grab them at ocfair.com before your preferred date sells out.
- Fair hours: Wednesday–Sunday
- Wed, Thu, Sun: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Fri & Sat: 11 a.m. – midnight
- Admission prices:
- $13 (Wed/Thu), $15 (Fri–Sun)
- $9 for kids (6–12) and seniors (60+) every day
- Parking: $15 for cars, $30 for buses/limo
🎟️ Bonus: Concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and Action Sports Arena include same-day fair admission!
🎢 And yes, unlimited ride wristbands are back! Just $49 if purchased before July 17. Valid Wednesdays and Thursdays only (ride 11 a.m.–8 p.m.).
✨ For more fun ideas, FAQs, and to grab your tickets, head to ocfair.com/thefair.
