UPDATE: The highly anticipated Orange County Fair kicks off this Friday, July 18, running through August 17 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. This year’s theme, “Find Your Happy,” promises a thrilling 23-day celebration filled with new rides, affordable food options, and entertainment for all ages.
Fairgoers can look forward to over 60 rides across the main carnival midway and the kids’ zone. Notable new attractions include the thrilling Aviator, the electrifying Soundstorm, and the majestic Royal Wheel. Children won’t want to miss the debut of the Frog Hopper in the dedicated kids’ area this year.
To maximize fun, visitors are encouraged to purchase wristbands online before the fair opens. Advance wristbands will be valid on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while same-day wristbands will only be available on-site starting Friday.
Food is a major highlight at the fair, featuring the popular $5 Taste of Fair promotion. Until 4 p.m. daily, concessionaires will offer smaller portions of classic fair favorites for just five dollars. Guests can track culinary delights, including innovative options like bacon cotton candy, using the online food finder. Organizers recommend bringing reusable containers for leftovers and sharing items to sample more options.
Entertainment at the OC Fair includes live concerts, stunt shows, and community performances, all included with tickets to venues like the Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar. This year’s lineup features acts from the legendary ZZ Top to thrilling lawnmower races hosted by Mowterized Mayhem.
Kids can enjoy a packed schedule of activities, such as the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and the Sand and Sea exhibit, which showcases Orange County’s unique coastline. Visitors will also encounter roaming entertainers like Megan the Bubbleologist and the OC Fair Foodies, while Centennial Farm will feature new baby pigs and educational exhibits led by experts.
Admission options include the $60 Every Day Passport, providing access every day without blackout dates, along with special two-for-one deals on select entertainment. Daily schedules, including pop-up athlete visits, art demonstrations, and livestock competitions, are available online.
To ensure a comfortable experience, attendees are advised to bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes. Fair maps, available at information booths, will help visitors locate water stations, indoor entertainment, and exhibit halls. The Sky Ride offers a scenic and breezy view across the fairgrounds.
To avoid parking issues, guests are encouraged to use the OC Fair Express bus service from six OCTA locations for just $2 each way, with drop-off directly at Yellow Gate. Rideshare options are also available at Gate 1.
For the latest updates on tickets, attractions, and daily events, visit the OC Fair’s official website. Don’t miss out on the fun – the excitement begins this Friday!
