If you liked the 626 Night Market, you’ll definitely like the OC Fair. I went last year and it’s a total blast. Here’s what you actually need to know before diving into funnel cake, Ferris wheels, and farm animals.
📅 Dates & When to Go
The fun kicks off from July 18 to August 17, 2025, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Fairgrounds are closed Monday – Tuesday, so plan your trip between Wednesday and Sunday. Weekends buzz with energy, but Wednesdays and Thursdays are sweet spots. Shorter lines and less chaos.
🎟️ OC Fair Tickets 101
- General Admission: $13 on Wed/Thu, $15 Fri–Sun
- Youth (6–12) & Seniors: $9 every day; kids under 5 get in free
- Every Day Passport: $60 grants unlimited entries across the 30-day run
- Concerts & Special Events: Separate tickets via Ticketmaster. Your fair ticket covers basic entry, but headline shows need passes.
🎫 Pro Tip: Buy your tickets online before they sell out. No refunds or exchanges, so pick your date wisely,
🚗 Parking & Getting There
- Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
- Parking: $15/car or motorcycle, $30/bus or limo. Pay on-site only
- Rideshare Alert: Uber/Lyft drop-off at Gate 1. Smart move to avoid traffic jams
- OC Fair Express Bus: Coming back this year. Check schedules for pickup spots
🎢 What to Do at the OC Fair
- Rides & Games: From Grandpa-approved Tilt-A-Whirl to wild motorized derby shows. There’s something for thrill seekers.
- Epic Eats: Blazin’ hot dogs, mac-n-cheese sammies, and fried everything. Trust the “$5 Taste of Fair” promo before 4 pm.
- Live Shows: Check out concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre or Action Sports Arena. Just note, some need separate tickets.
- Farm & Exhibits: Love petting goats, floral shows, cooking demos? The Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall are free with admission.
- Competitions: From quilt contests to BBQ cookoffs, you’ll leave impressed (and maybe full).
👗 What to Bring to the OC Fair
- A refillable water bottle (factory-sealed or empty)
- Sunscreen and shades (the sun sets late)
- Light layers—night air cools down quickly
- Comfort-first shoes—you’ll rack up miles
- Limited bag sizes & expect security checks
✅ Final Tip
Rely on OC Fair Radio for live updates and presale codes. Want free rides? Take advantage of Kids Day Thursdays or “We Care Wednesdays” by donating to earn perks.
🔚 Final Take
The OC Fair is like a month-long summer party packed into one epic experience: thrilling rides, surprising eats, hands-on exhibits, and musical magic. Bookmark this guide, grab your tickets, and enjoy every bite of fun and fair fuzz this July and August. I’ll see you in line for that corndog!
Up next: my guide to navigating Disneyland like a pro. Rides, snacks, and insider tips you won’t want to miss! Check out my article here!