The Orange County Fair has returned from Friday, July 18th to begin a 23-day celebration held at the OC Fair & Events Centre in Costa Mesa until August 17th. Organizers announced that this year’s theme is “Find Your Happy.” They promise many ways to do that, including new rides, low-cost food options, live entertainment, attractions for all ages.
Fair participants can expect over 60 rides in the main carnival midway and kids’ zone, including new additions such as Aviator, SoundStorm and The Royal Wheel. Young visitors can first try the Frog Hopper, making their debut in the children’s area this year.
Visitors who want to make the most of the carnival are encouraged to purchase wristbands online before the fair opens. Advance wristbands are valid on Wednesdays and Thursdays and are only available from business days.
The food is once again a big attraction and the taste of the popular $5 fair promotion is back. Until 4pm every day, the Concessionaire offers some of our fair favorites for just $5.
(Photo: Michael Goulding, OC Fair Photographer)
Visitors can use an online food finder to track return hits and new cooking experiments such as bacon cotton candies. Organizers suggest packing reusable containers to take leftovers home, and selecting shareable items for more sample.
Entertainment at the OC Fair spans live concerts, stunt shows and community performances. Show tickets at Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena have fair entry on the same day, while tickets for post-fair events have weekday access. This year, it ranges from ZZ Top to moteled Mayhem lawn mower races.
“Barn Cat Program” gives wild cats a new purpose
For kids, it features a packed schedule featuring All-Alaskan racing pigs, sand and sea displays focused on the Orange County coastline, and roaming entertainers like bubblelogists Megan and OC Fair Hoodies. Centennial Farm will feature new baby pigs and educational exhibits featuring beekeepers, master gardeners and more.
Admission options include a $60 passport daily. This passport includes daily access to fairs without blackout dates, plus special 2-to-1 deals on hand-picked entertainment. Daily schedules such as pop-up athlete visits, art demos, livestock competitions and more can be found online.
(Photo: Michael Goulding, OC Fair Photographer)
To stay cool and comfortable, organizers recommend bringing sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes. Fair maps available at the information booth allow visitors to find water stations, indoor entertainment and exhibition halls.
Skyride offers a scenic and refreshing trip across the fairgrounds.
Guests are encouraged to skip the hassle of parking by taking the OC Fair Express bus for $2 each way from any of the 6 octa locations and dropping off directly to Yellowgate. Rideshare users can pick up and unload at Gate 1.
Details of tickets, attractions and daily updates are available online.
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