Fri. Jul 18th, 2025

COSTA MESA (July 15, 2025) – Summer’s most anticipated celebration, the OC Fair, is returning this week for its 23-day run, July 18-Aug. 17.

This year’s OC Fair theme is “Find Your Happy,” and fairgoers will find a plethora of delicious and exciting opportunities to do just that.

There’s fun every day, with activities ranging from interacting with animals in the petting zoo to checking out exhibits, enjoying performances by local groups on community stages and more.

Ten terrific tips to help plan your OC Fair visit

Carnival – New rides have arrived at this year’s Fair, including Aviator, Soundstorm and the Royal Wheel in the main carnival midway. Frog Hopper will make its debut in the kids’ carnival. There will be more than 60 rides and a thrilling lineup of games delivering a rush of adrenaline and plenty of chances to win giant stuffed animals. ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/carnival/. Pro tip: purchase carnival wristbands online now for Wednesdays and Thursdays before prices go up on opening day, when wristbands must be purchased onsite.

Food – The popular $5 Taste of Fair is back each day until 4 p.m.! Concessionaires will be serving smaller-size Fair favorites for only $5 each. Check out the food finder to scope out crazy new creations, like bacon cotton candy, and to track down your faves: ocfair.com/oc-fair/food-finder/. Pro tip: Grab shareable options and pack reusable containers to take extras home.

Entertainment – Tickets to shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena include same-day Fair admission – it’s your all-day pass to fun! Post-Fair show tickets include admission on any Wednesday or Thursday during the Fair. From ZZ Top to Mowterized Mayhem lawnmower races, there’s something for everyone: ocfair.com/oc-fair/entertainment/.

Kid stuff – Yes, the OC Fair is a kids’ paradise! Here are some don’t-miss, kid-friendly things to do: All-Alaskan Racing Pigs shows, Sand and Sea exhibits and experiences highlighting the Orange County coastline and our aquatic friends, and Megan the Bubbleologist will be roaming the fairgrounds. Look for the OC Fair Foodies – costumed characters ready for their closeups with kids of all ages. Pro tip: Look for the new baby pigs at Centennial Farm.

Every Day Passport – Get Fair access any day or every day with no restrictions or blackout days. Pass holders also get special two-for-one offers on select concerts and entertainment. The Every Day Passport is $60 and supplies are limited. ocfair.com/oc-fair/admission.

Daily schedule – Check out each day’s activities and choose your adventure. Find pro athlete pop-up visits, live painting demonstrations at Rewind: A VHS Comeback, entertainment schedules, livestock shows and more. ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/activities/.

Shopping – Savvy shoppers wait all year long for those only-at-the-OC Fair deals. Look for your favorite vendors and discover new sellers, several are OC staples. Pro tip: Look for vendors with take-and-bake options to bring a taste of the Fair home. ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/shopping/.

Learn something fun – Check out wine and food seminars in the Wine Courtyard, participate in handcraft demonstrations and crafts, catch chef talks in the culinary building and head to Centennial Farm to chat with master gardeners, beekeepers and exotic fruit growers.

Stay cool and comfy – Sun hat? Check! Sunscreen? Check! Refillable water bottle? Check! Walking shoes? Check! Fair map? Pick one up at an info booth to find exhibit buildings, indoor entertainment, water stations and more. Pro tip: There’s always a nice breeze on Sky Ride, and it takes you across the fairgrounds.

Getting there – Leave the driving to someone else! Hop on the OC Fair Express bus from one of six OCTA locations straight to the Fair for only $2 each way. Fair tickets are required to board. The bus drops passengers right at Yellow Gate. Rideshare is a great option to save time and parking fees. The rideshare drop-off and pick-up is located at Gate 1.

  • The OC Fair opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and at midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
  • General admission is $13 Wednesday and Thursday and $15 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for seniors (60+) and youth (6-12) are $7 every day—no fees.
  • Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, $30 for buses and limos.
  • A limited number of tickets are available each day – advance online purchase required.

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.

Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.