Celebrate Summer at the County Fair

CALIFORNIA POSITIVE

By California Broker Magazine

The very first Orange County Fair was held in 1890 and, after over a century providing family fun, it has transformed into a month-long affair with thrilling rides and carnival games, iconic food and drink offerings, two concert venues, an action sports arena, a three-acre working farm, handmade crafts, museum and more. This year’s OC Fair is open July 17 through August 16—grab your tickets now and make your summer one for the books! If you want a fun gift for clients, look at the fair calendar below and consider purchasing tickets for your clients to attend. For a special thank you gift, you can find out if a concert performer is of interest and gift tickets to your client. For special clients, have them join you and enjoy the event together.

In 1890, the first OC Fair was held in Santa Ana and consisted of some smaller exhibits and a horse race. The fair has been held in many cities over the years, including Anaheim in 1911, which led to it being renamed the “Anaheim Carnival.” It was later held in Huntington Beach in 1916 and 1917. From 1932 to 1939, it was held in Pomona as part of a combined Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside County fair. Finally, in 1953 it found its permanent home in Costa Mesa where it has occurred since.

Last year, the OC Fair was ranked the ninth top fair in the nation by Carnival Warehouse and was ranked the top fair in California. For those who have attended, it is no surprise.

The OC Fair has been an institution in Southern California and has created countless joyful moments for families over the past few decades.

So, what exactly does the OC Fair offer and what can you enjoy this year? We’ve put together a shortlist of some of the must-see offerings below.

Carnival Rides

The OC Fair boasts over 60 carnival rides across the main midway and Kids’ Zone, ranging from high-adrenaline coasters to more gentle kiddie rides, alongside midway games. The Royal Wheel is a massive, towering Ferris wheel offering sweeping views of the fairgrounds—a must for you and your date.

More thrilling rides include the high-speed Joker 360 & Raptor, bungee experience dubbed the “Sling Shot,” fast-spinning Soundstorm & Aviator and more. Calmer rides include the Grand Carousel, Super Slide, Frog Hopper and Tilt-A-Whirl & Scrambler. For your nostalgic fair fix, try your luck at dozens of classic carnival games like balloon pop, ring toss, basketball hoops, water gun races, milk bottle knockdowns and more.

Last year, the OC Fair was ranked the ninth top fair in the nation by Carnival Warehouse and was ranked the top fair in California.

Live Music and Entertainment

Pacific Amphitheatre
The Pacific Amphitheatre hosts amazing acts each year, with a stellar lineup for this summer. Artists on the lineup include Willie Nelson on July 12, Kolohe Kai and Hirie on July 24, Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth on July 26, Nelly on Aug. 2, Patti Labelle on Aug. 6 and Rebelution on Aug. 7, 8, 9.
The Hangar
Its second live music venue, The Hangar has an exciting slate of cover bands on the lineup this summer, including Coldplay on July 18, Sublime and Depeche Mode on July 19, Pink Floyd on July 25, Journey on July 30, Michael Jackson on Aug. 2, Queen on Aug. 5 and 6, The Beach Boys on Aug. 9 and many more.
Action Sports Arena
The Action Sports Arena hosts a myriad of dynamic recurring events, including the Demolition Derby and the Monster Truck Show. For adults, Southern California’s most legendary craft beer round-up, the OC Brew Hee Haw festival, will take place July 17 and 18 featuring over 100 craft beers on tap, live music and a dancefloor.

Trot Over to Centennial Farm

Created to educate youth about agriculture and its importance to daily life, the three-acre Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered here, including Discovery Days and Junior Farmer Tours, as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.

Animals on the farm include chickens, goats, sheep, cattle, peacocks, rabbits and a beehive maintained by the OC Beekeepers Association. The OC Fair website even has a live Pig Cam so anyone can enjoy these adorable creatures and see what they get up to throughout the day.

Competitions and Contests

There are numerous categories for competitions and contests at the OC Fair, including Culinary Arts, Horticulture, Table Settings, Visual Arts, Woodworking and more. Daily stage activities and demonstrations take place on the OC Promenade Stage, featuring live food-related contests and cooking challenges you can watch and cheer on the contestants. Exhibit halls also feature displays with winning entries in a variety of blue ribbon contests. If you are interested in signing up for a competition on the OC Fair website, some of the categories are still accepting entries, including Cakes & Cupcakes and Pies & Cheesecakes.

Explore the Heroes Hall Museum

Heroes Hall is a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. The two-story exhibition space rotates themes semi-annually, each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.

Housed in a renovated 1942 Santa Ana Army Air Base barracks building, Heroes Hall consists of 3,600 square feet of exhibition space as well as the Medal of Honor Courtyard and Walk of Honor, which feature 5,000 square feet of space conducive for events and larger gatherings and Serenity Walk. The museum grounds also include Serenity Walk, honoring veterans and offering a place for reflection.

The current exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam,” is open through Sept. 17 and offers a powerful and immersive journey through one of modern history’s most complex and divisive conflicts. Through a rich collection of artifacts, personal stories, historical facts and poignant memorabilia, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the war’s profound impact on the soldiers who fought and the broader global context. The exhibit features items such as uniforms, weaponry, photographs and letters detailing firsthand accounts that highlight the cost of war and its lasting effects on individuals and society. This comprehensive display seeks to honor the experiences of those involved while providing historical insights into the war’s political, social and cultural repercussions.

Admission for the OC Fair, shows and concerts is available online at Etix.com or at the Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office on the OC Fairgrounds. The box office is open limited days and hours and is located at 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Interested in Other Fairs Around California?

Beyond the OC Fair, there are many other iconic fairs across the state of California to explore. For those who cannot travel to Orange County or simply want to attend additional fairs this summer, below are additional fairs that are sure to delight folks of all ages.