Orange County California Fairgrounds Events

Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California, are home to the annual OC Fair, one of the region’s best-known summer traditions. Officially called OC Fair & Event Center, the property hosts far more than a few weeks of carnival rides and fair food. Its calendar includes concerts, agricultural education, public exhibitions, community programs, trade events, and private gatherings throughout the year.

For visitors, the main questions are practical: When is the next OC Fair? Where should you park? Can you enter livestock or artwork? Are vendor booths available? And what can families do at the grounds outside fair season?

This guide covers the location, annual fair, facilities, agricultural programs, event rentals, history, and planning details for anyone visiting or participating in Orange County fair events.

Overview of Orange County Fairgrounds

Location and general information

OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, in central Orange County. The grounds sit near the junction of State Route 55, Interstate 405, and State Route 73, with Newport Boulevard and Fairview Road serving as useful local reference points.

The property covers approximately 130 acres and includes about 157,000 square feet of event space. Its facilities combine exhibition buildings, outdoor gathering areas, performance venues, agricultural exhibits, and specialized spaces for equestrian and educational activities.

The site is managed by the 32nd District Agricultural Association, a California state institution overseen through the state’s agricultural fair system. It is not simply a county-owned park or a conventional private event venue.

The grounds’ major attractions include Pacific Amphitheatre, Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall Veterans Museum and Education Center, and The Ranch Community Center. Together, they give the property a broader role in Orange County life than its annual summer fair alone.

Why the fairgrounds matter locally

Orange County’s population is largely urban and suburban, but its agricultural history remains visible at the fairgrounds. Livestock exhibitions, farm education, youth competitions, and demonstrations connect residents with food production and animal care.

Centennial Farm is especially important to that mission. This three-acre working farm offers opportunities to learn about livestock, gardens, and agriculture without leaving Costa Mesa. During the annual fair, agricultural exhibits share space with entertainment, shopping, food vendors, and rides.

Upcoming Events at Orange County Fairgrounds

Year-round events and seasonal activities

The venue hosts approximately 150 events annually, although the lineup changes from year to year. Visitors may encounter concerts, consumer exhibitions, cultural events, trade shows, community gatherings, educational programs, and special entertainment.

The annual OC Fair is the major summer attraction. Other recurring activities include Imaginology, a STEAM-focused educational event for students, and concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre. Centennial Farm and The Ranch Community Center provide additional agricultural, equestrian, and community programming.

Event types can include:

• Concerts and touring entertainment.
• Agricultural demonstrations and educational exhibitions.
• Craft, hobby, consumer, and specialty trade shows.
• Community celebrations and cultural events.
• Equestrian programs and horse-related activities.
• Private functions, meetings, and other rented events.

Not every event category runs every year, and individual shows may be organized by outside promoters. A general list of past activities should not be mistaken for confirmation of a future booking.

How to check the current event schedule

The official OC Fair & Event Center calendar is the best place to check upcoming events in Costa Mesa. Confirm the event date, admission requirements, start time, parking arrangements, and whether tickets must be purchased in advance.

The venue also publishes announcements through its official social media channels. For questions about renting space, contact the event services department rather than assuming every event organizer uses the same booking process.

Renting the fairgrounds for private events

The facility offers indoor and outdoor spaces for events organized by outside groups. Depending on availability and the nature of the event, potential uses include exhibitions, meetings, celebrations, public shows, and commercial gatherings.

Rental approval, permitted uses, insurance requirements, equipment access, and fees depend on the selected facility and event. Organizers should contact event services directly for current venue specifications and booking terms.

The Orange County Fair

When is the OC Fair held?

The OC Fair traditionally takes place during summer, generally spanning July and August. The confirmed 2026 OC Fair ran from July 17 through August 16, 2026, for 23 days. Its theme was “Your Adventure Awaits.”

As of October 2026, those dates are in the past. The official 2027 dates and schedule should be confirmed through the fair’s published announcements before making travel plans. Do not assume that the 2026 dates, opening hours, or ticket prices will carry over unchanged.

Livestock, arts, and competitive exhibits

Agriculture remains part of the OC Fair’s identity, even though the surrounding county is highly developed. Livestock displays and agricultural education help introduce visitors to animal husbandry and farming.

Competitive exhibits can encompass categories such as:

• Livestock and other animal-related entries.
• Horticulture, flowers, and garden exhibits.
• Photography, visual arts, and creative projects.
• Baking, preserving, and home arts.
• Student projects and educational displays.

The categories, eligibility rules, animal divisions, judging times, and submission deadlines vary by year’s competition program. Prospective exhibitors should consult the applicable premium book or entry guide rather than relying on a previous year’s requirements.

Visitors interested in Orange County California Fairgrounds Events can also explore local activities through Nevada County California Fairgrounds Events. Both counties offer opportunities to discover community traditions, enjoy seasonal celebrations, and plan memorable outings across California.

Carnival rides, food, and entertainment

The summer midway is one of the fair’s major draws. Traveling carnival attractions, family rides, thrill rides, games, and special ride-ticket offers may be available, subject to the year’s operating arrangements.

The fair also features food vendors selling familiar fairground favorites, including fried treats, sweets, snacks, and substantial meals. The precise vendor list changes annually, so visitors with food allergies or dietary requirements should check directly with individual sellers.

Live entertainment is another major part of the experience. Pacific Amphitheatre hosts concerts, while other stages and performance areas can feature tribute acts, local performers, demonstrations, and specialty entertainment. The Hangar is another established live-performance venue.

Do not assume every concert is included with general fair admission. Some performances require separate tickets or have their own entry conditions.

Admission, parking, and opening hours

The 2026 fair’s published general-admission prices included $13 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $18 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Children ages 6–12 were listed at $9, seniors aged 65 and older at $10, and children aged five and younger entered free. General parking was listed at $15.

These are 2026 prices, not confirmed 2027 rates. Advance offers, ride passes, concert tickets, and promotional bundles may have separate terms.

For the 2026 event, published hours were 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 11 a.m.–midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Those hours should not be applied automatically to other events or future fair seasons.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings and performance spaces

OC Fair & Event Center contains multiple exhibition buildings, meeting rooms, and flexible outdoor spaces. Facility configurations make it possible to host events with very different needs, from indoor exhibitions to large outdoor gatherings.

Pacific Amphitheatre is a major outdoor concert venue, with a reported capacity of approximately 8,200. Other performance areas include The Hangar, while additional buildings support exhibitions, meetings, displays, and commercial activities.

Centennial Farm and The Ranch

Centennial Farm is a three-acre working farm featuring agricultural demonstrations, gardens, and livestock. It is an educational attraction in its own right, rather than simply a seasonal fair exhibit.

The Ranch Community Center covers approximately 7.5 acres and focuses on horses, ranching, nature, equine-assisted therapy, lessons, and community programming. Its activities and access arrangements differ from those of the annual fair.

Parking, accessibility, and visitor amenities

Parking arrangements depend on the event. During the OC Fair, demand can be substantial, so visitors should allow extra time for entry and follow event-specific signs and staff directions.

Before visiting, confirm accessible parking, restroom availability, wheelchair routes, and any accommodation services with the venue or event organizer. The layout and services available during a major fair may differ from those offered at a smaller weekday event.

Camping information is available through the venue, but visitors should confirm eligibility, availability, and current restrictions before planning an overnight stay. Do not assume every ticket includes camping or that spaces are available for every event.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Applying for a commercial booth

Businesses interested in selling products, displaying services, or operating concessions should contact the venue’s commercial and concessions department. The process can differ between the annual OC Fair and individual events hosted by outside organizers.

Applicants should prepare a description of their business, product list, booth requirements, operating plan, and any relevant permits or insurance information. Food vendors may face additional health and safety requirements.

Commercial spaces are subject to availability, selection criteria, fees, and event-specific rules. Contacting the venue does not guarantee acceptance.

Entering exhibits and competitions

People interested in competitive exhibits should look for the current OC Fair entry guide or premium book. These materials establish which categories are offered, who is eligible, how items must be prepared, and when entries must be submitted.

Livestock exhibitors should check animal identification, health documentation, arrival and departure procedures, housing arrangements, and judging schedules. Art and home-arts entrants should review size limits, presentation requirements, and delivery instructions.

For general inquiries, OC Fair & Event Center can be reached at 714-708-1500 or [email protected]. Its published department directory lists 714-708-1942 for commercial and concessions inquiries and 714-708-1572 for event services.

Getting to Orange County Fairgrounds

Driving directions

The fairgrounds are in Costa Mesa, near State Route 55, Interstate 405, and State Route 73. Drivers should select an approach based on their starting point and check live traffic conditions before departure.

• From Santa Ana: Travel toward Costa Mesa using the regional freeway network, then follow signs for Fair Drive and OC Fair & Event Center.
• From Newport Beach: Head north toward Costa Mesa using the appropriate local roads or freeway connections, following event signs as you approach the venue.
• From Irvine: Use the I-405 or another suitable regional route toward Costa Mesa, then follow the posted directions to the fairgrounds.
• From Anaheim: Travel south through Orange County’s freeway network toward Costa Mesa and follow signs for the event center.

These are general routing descriptions, not turn-by-turn directions. Construction, traffic, road closures, and event-day restrictions can affect the fastest route.

Public transportation and rideshare

Visitors may be able to reach the area using regional public transportation, but the most convenient route depends on the origin and the event schedule. Check current bus connections and operating hours before travelling.

Rideshare users should follow the designated pickup and drop-off instructions issued for their event. During the annual fair, traffic control may change access points or require passengers to meet drivers at specific locations.

4-H, FFA, and Youth Agricultural Programs

The OC Fair helps maintain a connection between young people and agriculture through educational exhibits and animal-related programming. Centennial Farm provides an additional place for visitors to learn about livestock, gardening, and farm practices.

California 4-H and local FFA programs are part of the wider youth agricultural community, but specific club participation, chapter representation, and competition assignments should be verified for each fair season.

Junior livestock entries and auctions

Youth livestock programs may involve animal preparation, showmanship, judging, and educational activities. Where a junior livestock auction is included in the year’s program, buyers generally bid on eligible animals or purchase opportunities under rules established by the organizers.

Before participating, young exhibitors and prospective buyers should confirm the auction’s date, eligible species, buyer registration procedures, payment requirements, and the treatment of sale proceeds. An auction should not be assumed to occur at a particular time without a published schedule.

For county-specific 4-H or FFA contacts, participants can also consult their school agricultural programs or the relevant local youth-development organization.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Orange County Fairgrounds operate as a year-round event destination, so a visit outside July and August can still offer something to see.

Concerts, exhibitions, and community gatherings

Pacific Amphitheatre’s concert calendar extends beyond the annual fair season in some years. The wider venue also hosts exhibitions, trade events, cultural gatherings, educational programs, and privately organized functions.

Specialty shows such as flea markets, swap meets, hobby events, or other ticketed gatherings should be checked individually. Although these are common types of events at large exhibition venues, their presence on the OC Fairgrounds calendar is not guaranteed.

Agricultural and equestrian activities

Centennial Farm and The Ranch Community Center offer a different experience from the midway. Their agricultural and equestrian focus makes them useful destinations for families, students, horse enthusiasts, and people interested in practical farm education.

Check access arrangements before travelling, since a facility may have separate hours, scheduled programs, restricted areas, or advance-registration requirements.

History of Orange County Fairgrounds

From agricultural exhibitions to a major event center

The history of the OC Fair goes back to 1890, when the first Orange County Fair was held in Santa Ana. Early fairs concentrated on livestock, horse racing, and displays of agricultural products. By the early 1900s, the event had developed into a recurring public celebration.

The fair moved between locations as Orange County grew. Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim were among the places associated with its early history. The first OC Fair board was elected in 1925, the same year a rodeo and carnival were introduced.

During World War II, the fair was suspended from 1942 through 1947 because of wartime federal restrictions. The interruption reflected the demands of the period rather than a permanent end to the tradition.

Establishing the Costa Mesa site

In 1949, the fair moved to its present site on land formerly occupied by the Santa Ana Army Air Base. The grounds subsequently became the permanent home of the event, and the City of Costa Mesa incorporated in 1953.

The venue continued to expand. The grandstand arena was built in 1966, the equestrian center opened in 1980, and Pacific Amphitheatre opened in 1983. Centennial Farm later strengthened the site’s educational role, while the property developed into a year-round home for concerts, exhibitions, and community events.

The annual fair grew from a small agricultural gathering into a 23-day summer event. Its modern form combines traditional competitive exhibits and agricultural education with rides, commercial vendors, food, and live entertainment.

For Orange County residents, the grounds preserve a visible link to the region’s agricultural beginnings while serving the needs of a much larger metropolitan population.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Orange County Fair in 2027?

The OC Fair traditionally takes place in July and August. The 2026 event ran from July 17 through August 16. Check the official OC Fair & Event Center announcements for confirmed 2027 dates before arranging travel.

What time do Orange County Fairgrounds open?

Opening hours vary by event. During the 2026 OC Fair, gates opened at 11 a.m., with closing times varying by day. Smaller events and individual facilities may follow different schedules.

Is camping available at Orange County Fairgrounds?

Camping information is provided by OC Fair & Event Center, but availability, eligibility, fees, and restrictions must be checked for the relevant dates. Do not assume that overnight stays are permitted for every event.

How do I enter livestock in the OC Fair?

Review the current livestock entry guide or premium book for eligibility, deadlines, animal health requirements, housing procedures, and judging schedules. Contact the fair office if you need help identifying the correct competition category.

Are dogs allowed at Orange County Fairgrounds?

Pet rules depend on the event and venue policies. Do not assume ordinary pets are permitted inside the fair. Confirm current restrictions and applicable service-animal policies before bringing an animal.

Where do I park at Orange County Fairgrounds?

Event parking is available according to the venue’s arrangements, with fees and access points varying by event. For the 2026 OC Fair, general parking was listed at $15. Check current signs and official event information for parking locations and accessibility provisions.

Who do I contact to rent Orange County Fairgrounds?

Contact OC Fair & Event Center’s event services department at 714-708-1572 to discuss facility rentals, availability, and requirements. Rental terms depend on the space and type of event.

How much does admission to the Orange County County Fair cost?

Admission prices change annually. In 2026, published prices ranged from $9 for children ages 6–12 to $13 on weekdays and $18 on weekends for general adult admission. Seniors aged 65 and older paid $10, and children five and younger entered free. Confirm the next fair’s prices before purchasing tickets.

Is the OC Fair open throughout the year?

The annual fair is seasonal, but OC Fair & Event Center hosts events throughout the year. Concerts, exhibitions, educational programs, and other activities may take place outside fair season.

Can businesses sell products at the OC Fair?

Yes, commercial vendor and concession opportunities are offered through application processes. Availability, fees, selection criteria, permits, and deadlines vary, so businesses should contact the commercial and concessions department well in advance.