Orange County Fair & Event Center
A vibrant summer celebration in Orange County featuring thrilling rides, delicious food, live entertainment, and unique exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less heat
Orange County Fair & Event Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant summer celebration in Orange County featuring thrilling rides, delicious food, live entertainment, and unique exhibits.
"The OC Fair is a summer tradition with something for everyone, but plan wisely to manage costs and crowds."
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Tickets can sell out, especially on weekends. Purchase online to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is $15 and fills up quickly. Arriving early secures closer spots, otherwise be prepared for a walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fair Food Frenzy
Indulge in classic fair treats like deep-fried everything, giant corn dogs, and funnel cakes. A must-try for any visitor!
Thrilling Rides & Games
Experience a wide array of carnival rides, from gentle kiddie attractions to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. Test your skills at various game booths.
Live Entertainment & Exhibits
Enjoy free shows like acrobatics and pig races, or catch ticketed concerts. Explore diverse exhibits showcasing art, crafts, and livestock.
Sunset Views
The fairgrounds offer beautiful sunset vistas, making for a picturesque backdrop to your evening adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Budgeting for Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Tickets can sell out, especially on weekends. Purchase online to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is $15 and fills up quickly. Arriving early secures closer spots, otherwise be prepared for a walk.
💧 Bring a Reusable Bottle
Stay hydrated by refilling your water bottle at free stations. Ensure it's empty upon entry.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Tickets can sell out, especially on weekends. Purchase online to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is $15 and fills up quickly. Arriving early secures closer spots, otherwise be prepared for a walk.
💧 Bring a Reusable Bottle
Stay hydrated by refilling your water bottle at free stations. Ensure it's empty upon entry.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of fun.
💰 Bring Cash for Vendors
While most vendors accept cards, some smaller ones may be cash-only.
📱 Download the OC Fair App
Check schedules, maps, and event info to maximize your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally love the OC Fair for its classic fair food, exciting rides, and diverse entertainment. However, many note that the experience can be quite expensive, particularly for food and games. Planning ahead and visiting on weekdays can help mitigate costs and crowds.
"I absolutely loved this fair! It was worth the drive. The food was great all the games were great too. Parking was easy and the upgraded bathrooms they rented to ensure everyone can use the bathroom
Was great too. Buy tickets in advance because the day a group of my cousins planned to go only those who brought in advance were able to get it because they sold out that day for admission."
Diana Sims
"Went on a good day. Weather was nice and it wasn’t too crowded. Really enjoyed the exhibits. They had some great 90’s movie nostalgia was through the roof. Had a great time . Lots of restrooms and nearby attractions."
Oscar H. Fajardo
"The OC Fair is a summer tradition in Orange County and one of the best county fairs around. It has something for everyone—rides, concerts, livestock exhibits, shopping, food, and endless entertainment. It’s begun to be a luxury as years have passed by as the cost has gone up significantly. Regardless , we’ve gone several times, and here are some things first-timers should know:
Admission & Parking:
• Buy your tickets in advance they will sell out especially over the weekend. General admission is $13 (Wednesday and Thursday) and $15 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). $9 for kids (6-12) and seniors. Kids ages 5 and under are free.
• Parking is $15 for cars and more for larger vehicles. Arrive early if you want closer parking, otherwise be ready for a bit of a walk.
Food:
This is the main attraction for a lot of people. Expect oversized fair classics: deep-fried everything, turkey legs, giant corn dogs, BBQ, and funnel cakes. Most food items run $15–$30 each, with some specialty items higher. Drinks (like lemonade, soda, or beer) are around $10–$25. Pro tip: come on $4 Taste of Fair Food Thursdays, where vendors sell smaller portions so you can sample more without spending as much.
Rides & Games:
The carnival is huge, with everything from kiddie rides to big thrill rides. However, it’s gotten really expensive for a growing family of 4. Ticket prices range from:
8 tickets = $10
16 tickets = $20
40 tickets = $50
60 tickets = $75
80 tickets = $100
Fast pass = $30 (don’t wait in the line for rides)
If you come midweek you could purchase a wristband for $54 and that is good until 8pm. Most of the rides range from 5-10 tickets. That add up really fast.
Entertainment & Exhibits:
The fairgrounds have plenty of free shows included with admission—acrobatics, live bands, petting zoos, pig races, and more. The Pacific Amphitheatre concerts cost extra, but fair admission is included with your ticket. Exhibits include art, photography, crafts, and livestock. Great for families and kids to walk through.
Amenities & Services:
• Restrooms are clean and spread throughout the fairgrounds.
• There are water refill stations (bring a reusable bottle to save money make sure they are empty upon entry).
• Shaded seating areas are available, but they fill up quickly in the afternoon heat.
• ATMs are everywhere, but most vendors now take cards.
• Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available at the entrance.
Pro Tips:
• Come early in the day to beat the crowds and the heat.
• Bring cash for smaller vendors.
• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll do a lot of walking.
• Weekdays are less crowded than the weekends.
Overall, the OC Fair is a full-day experience but is it worth the rising cost?…only is you plan it right. Between the food, rides, music, and exhibits, there’s no shortage of things to do."
Rudy Santacruz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available. Many visitors use ride-sharing services as well. +1
Parking is available on-site for $15 per car. Arriving early is recommended for closer spots. Oversized vehicles will incur higher fees.
Yes, several OCTA bus routes serve the OC Fair & Event Center. Check the OCTA website for specific routes and schedules.
Yes, ride-sharing services and personal drop-offs are permitted. There are designated drop-off zones.
Visiting on weekdays, especially earlier in the day, can help you avoid the worst traffic. Consider using navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is $13 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $15 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Kids aged 6-12 and seniors pay $9. Children 5 and under are free. It's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance as they can sell out.
While tickets are sometimes available at the gate, they can sell out, especially on weekends. Purchasing in advance online is the safest bet.
Look out for special promotions and discount days, such as 'Taste of Fair Food' Thursdays, which offer smaller portions at lower prices.
The OC Fair typically runs from mid-July to mid-August. Hours vary by day, so check the official OC Fair website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Yes, rides and games require separate tickets or a wristband. You can purchase ticket bundles or a fast pass for unlimited rides.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the deep-fried everything, giant corn dogs, BBQ, and funnel cakes. 'Taste of Fair Food' Thursdays are perfect for sampling multiple items.
The fair features a wide variety of rides, from gentle attractions for young children to thrilling roller coasters and drop towers for thrill-seekers.
Yes, admission includes access to free entertainment like live music, acrobatics, petting zoos, and pig races.
Explore exhibits on art, photography, crafts, livestock, and more. There's often a focus on local talent and agricultural heritage.
Absolutely! The fair offers a dedicated kids' zone, petting zoos, family-friendly rides, and entertainment suitable for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture vibrant shots of the colorful rides, food stalls, and lively crowds. The sunset views over the fairgrounds are also a popular photo opportunity.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos. Evenings also provide a magical atmosphere with all the lights. +1
Look for themed areas, unique food presentations, and candid moments of people enjoying themselves. The 'Art of Music Experience' can also be visually interesting.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scope of the fair. A fast prime lens can be useful for low-light situations.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at large public events like the OC Fair for safety and privacy reasons. Always check the venue's specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the OC Fair: A Visitor's Guide
Be prepared for long lines at popular food vendors, especially during peak hours. Beyond the food, the carnival rides are a major draw. Visitors can purchase individual tickets or opt for a wristband for unlimited rides on certain days.
Pro-tips for a smoother visit include buying tickets and parking passes in advance to save time and money, wearing comfortable shoes for extensive walking, and bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Budgeting for the OC Fair Experience
Food and drinks are a significant expense. While the variety is impressive, individual items can range from $15 to $30 or more, with drinks often costing $10-$25.
To maximize your budget, purchase tickets and parking in advance online, as this can sometimes offer slight discounts and guarantees entry.
Beyond the Summer Fair: Year-Round Events
These events cater to diverse interests, offering everything from automotive expos and vintage markets Visitors can find everything from car shows and expos to pet and reptile expos
and even psychic fairs When planning a visit, it's crucial to check the official OC Fair & Event Center website for their calendar of events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit