OC Fair & Event Center — Local services in Costa Mesa

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...

Well-run and efficient with lots to do. Either bring lots of cash or expect to spend hundreds on your cards. The low admission price is a big draw and parking was a flat $12.

Rides were expensive. We bought $50 wristbands for unlimited rides and 2 games. My separate $30 of ride tickets only got me on the ferris wheel and one haunted-house-type ride. Better to just go for the unlimited pass. ($50 × 3 kids = $150!!!) There were express passes available, too, but we didn't wait long on a Wednesday, so we didn't need them. Cheaper than amusement parks but still expensive.

Food was expensive (not that much more than fast food, though) - I got a plate of low-quality Chinese food for around $17. But there are lots of choices: bacon-topped donuts, ice cream wrapped in cotton candy, turkey legs, 10-pound buns, fried oreos, and twinkies...too much to list.

We loved seeing the sheep and goats, but I understand there is a rotation, so you don't get a wide variety of animals out on the same day.

The exhibits are okay. Mostly, we just went in to avoid the scalding heat.

Be sure you bring a hat and empty water bottle. There is a free water refill station. I refilled five times. Buying a normal bottle of water will set you back $4 or $5 each.

I also advise sunscreen - and remember to reapply as recommended (60-75 minutes or so, depending on brand and SPF). There is some seating and shade throughout, but it's a bit crowded, so no guarantee you'll find a spot. I think I had some heat exhaustion after four hours. But it was 102°, so I think I did okay.

Wear comfy shoes. In my opinion, this is not the place for strappy sandals, particularly with the animal exhibits. Also, you will be walking a lot. It was the first day I've ever hit 10,000 steps in a single day.

If you plan your time and money well, and go prepared for the scorching heat, you will find a variety of options for entertainment, food, drinks, exhibits, and amusement. I recommend it for a fun family trip. I also saw quite a few people on dates, so that might...

Insider Tip: For a more budget-friendly experience, aim for a Wednesday or Thursday and purchase ride wristbands. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as the fairgrounds can get scorching hot. A refreshing break from the sun can be found during the hilarious pig races, which offer covered seating.

The Orange County Fair is a classic summer outing filled with thrilling rides, delectable treats, and family-friendly entertainment. While it can be a bit pricey, it's a fantastic day out if you're prepared.

The fair boasts a mouthwatering array of food options, from classic fair fare like turkey legs and corn dogs to more upscale choices like ceviche and sushi. And let's not forget the fried food extravaganza! The fried Oreos were a hit, but the fried cheesecake stole the show.

Thrill-seekers will find plenty to enjoy with three roller coasters and adrenaline-pumping rides like Titan and the slingshot. There's also a dedicated kids' area and a variety of carnival games, with the water shooter games being a particular favorite. Be warned, though: the ring toss games require serious skill!

Beyond the rides and games, the fair offers a glimpse into agricultural life with farm animals and a competitive showcase of homegrown produce and baked goods. The pig races were a crowd-pleaser, with three rounds of hilarious action.

While parking on-site was convenient for our large group, it's important to note that the fair can be expensive. Rides, games, and food quickly add up. Additionally, the heat can be overwhelming.

Overall, the Orange County Fair is a fun-filled experience with something for everyone. If you're prepared for the crowds and costs, it's definitely...