UPDATE: The highly anticipated Orange County Fair opens this Friday, July 18, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, promising an exhilarating 23-day celebration running through August 17. With the theme “Find Your Happy,” fairgoers can expect a vibrant mix of new rides, affordable food options, and entertainment for all ages.
This year, attendees will thrill to over 60 rides on the carnival midway, featuring new attractions such as the Aviator, Soundstorm, and the Royal Wheel. Children will have the chance to experience the all-new Frog Hopper, debuting exclusively in the kids’ zone. To maximize enjoyment, fairgoers are encouraged to purchase wristbands online before the fair’s opening day; advance wristbands are valid on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with limited availability on-site starting July 18.
Food is set to be a major highlight, with the much-loved $5 Taste of Fair program returning. Guests can savor smaller portions of fan-favorite dishes every day until 4 p.m., allowing for a culinary adventure without breaking the bank. New culinary creations, like bacon cotton candy, will also be making their debut. Visitors can utilize the online food finder to navigate the wide range of offerings and are advised to bring reusable containers for leftovers.
Entertainment options abound, featuring a lineup of live concerts, stunt shows, and community performances. Tickets to events at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and Action Sports Arena include same-day fair admission, with acts ranging from rock legends ZZ Top to the thrilling Mowterized Mayhem lawnmower races.
Families will delight in activities tailored for children, including the lively All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and the educational Sand and Sea exhibit, showcasing Orange County’s coastline. Roaming entertainers like Megan the Bubbleologist will add to the festive atmosphere, while Centennial Farm will present baby pigs and interactive exhibits led by beekeepers and master gardeners.
For those seeking the best value, the $60 Every Day Passport provides unlimited access throughout the fair without blackout dates, along with exclusive two-for-one deals on select entertainment. Daily schedules, featuring pop-up athlete visits, art demonstrations, and livestock competitions, are readily available online.
To ensure a comfortable experience, organizers recommend bringing sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes. Fair maps will be accessible at information booths, guiding visitors to water stations, indoor entertainment, and exhibit halls. For a scenic view of the fairgrounds, the Sky Ride offers a breezy trip above the festivities.
Guests are encouraged to avoid parking hassles by taking the OC Fair Express bus from one of six OCTA locations for just $2 each way, dropping off directly at the Yellow Gate. Rideshare users can also enjoy convenient pick-up and drop-off at Gate 1.
For more information on tickets, attractions, and daily updates, visit the OC Fair’s official website. Don’t miss out—get ready to find your happy at the OC Fair!