2023 OC Fair runs through Aug. 13 – What’s free with Fair admission?
COSTA MESA – OC Fair fans have been waiting all year for the return of summer’s best party – and it starts this Friday. Here are some awesome things that are free with Fair admission.
For a full OC Fair schedule, visit ocfair.com, or download the 2023 OC Fair app. Advance tickets are again required – no fees – and daily capacity is limited. The Fair runs July 14-Aug. 13.
ENTERTAINMENT
- NEW! The Flying Royals – near Green Gate
- Comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik – nightly in Plaza Pacifica
- The Magic of Frank Thurston – daily in OC Promenade
- Roving entertainment including the OC Fair Foodies costumed characters, Red Light Brass Band and Ellas mariachi group – throughout the Fairgrounds
- Community entertainment featuring local music groups, dance troops and more – daily on three stages
- Live band karaoke – nightly in Plaza Pacifica
- Live music – nightly in Baja Bar and Grill
- Latin music and dancing – nightly in La Cantina
- The Hangar and Action Sports Arena – performances accessible via standing room with Fair admission (or via paid ticket for reserved seating)
- Performance of Taps – 6 p.m. nightly at Heroes Hall
ANIMALS
- All-Alaskan Racing Pigs – daily in Plaza Pacifica
- Animal judging and displays – daily in Livestock
- Great American Petting Farm – daily near Green Gate
- OC Fair’s resident animal educators including pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, rabbits, peacocks and sheep – daily at Centennial Farm
(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer)
DEMONSTRATIONS
- Cow milking – daily in Millennium Barn
- Food preservation, chef’s tips and more – daily in OC Promenade/Culinary
- Camel dairy – limited run in livestock
- OC Vaulting horse acrobatics – limited run in livestock
- Wine talks and pairings – daily in The Courtyard
- Crafts and handmade goods – daily in Home Arts & Collections Gallery
EXHIBITS
- FEATURED EXHIBIT – The Art of Music: This exhibit showcases hand-painted large scale reproductions of album covers, renderings of legendary musicians, neon signs and displays and more
- Produce and floral competitions – daily at Centennial Farm
- Woodworking, quilting, table setting, baking and more – daily in Home Arts & Collections Gallery and OC Promenade/Culinary
- Cal Fresh exhibit featuring the state’s crops – daily in OC Promenade
- Fine arts and visual arts competitions and displays – daily in Visual Arts Gallery
(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer)
KID STUFF
- Explorium kids’ learning and play area – daily in OC Promenade
- Food-related contests for kids – daily in OC Promenade
- Photos with OC Fair Foodies – daily throughout the Fairgrounds
- Color postcards for troops & veterans – daily at Heroes Hall
- Kids’ carnival area
For more ideas on what to do & see at the OC Fair, visit https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/
Things to know before you go
- Advance ticket purchase is required – days will sell out – get tickets at ocfair.com for the days you want to attend.
- The Fair will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to midnight weekends (Friday and Saturday).
- General admission is $13 on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday) and $15 general admission on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Tickets for seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 are $9 all days.
- Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles and $24 for buses and limos.
- Performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena during Fair-time include same-day Fair admission. Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit ocfair.com.
- Unlimited ride carnival wristbands are back this year for $44. The one-day wristbands can be used Wednesdays and Thursdays, must be purchased or redeemed by 5 p.m. and include unlimited rides and two free games; guests can ride and play from 11 a.m. till 8 p.m. Prices increase after July 13. Carnival ride and game tickets can also be bought online now. Tickets required for each ride range from two to 14 tickets and games require between two and eight tickets each. For more information on this year’s rides and games, visit our website.
More information is at ocfair.com/thefair.Got questions? Check out our FAQ.
OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. OC Fair & Event Center also hosts year-round events. For more information, visit ocfair.com.
