Art of Service – A Heroes Hall Veterans Day Celebration, Nov. 9
Join us for a vibrant Veterans Day celebration where military service meets the power of artistic expression! We’ll be shining a spotlight on the ways art connects with military service and how it is a powerful tool for healing, storytelling and connection for veterans and active-duty service members.
The celebration will include swing dancing and musical performances, arts & crafts, a cookie decorating contest, opportunities to connect with local veteran organizations, free hot dogs and drinks, and more!
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, noon – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Admission and parking are free.
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What's happening at OC Fairgrounds in November | |
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The Great Junk Hunt, Nov. 1 - 2
Shop four buildings full of vendors at The Great Junk Hunt - a roundup of curated vendors selling their best goods. Enjoy live music, cocktails and aisles of junkin’ treasure. Discover farmhouse, industrial, vintage, re-purposed, handmade, mid-mod goods and much more. Walk away with items you won't find anywhere else.
When: Friday & Saturday, Nov. 1–2
Schedule:
Friday, 4 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, OC Promenade, The Hangar
How much: Friday first-pick entry at 4 p.m. is $20, and $15 for 6 p.m. entry. Friday tickets are valid for both days. Saturday early bird entry at 9 a.m. is $12, and $10 for entry any time after 10 a.m. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit The Great Junk Hunt
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Discovery Day at the Farm, Nov. 5
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
When: Monday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. - noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
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Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival, Nov. 8 - 9
Sugar Plum welcomes the season by offering a fun and unique holiday shopping experience. Celebrating 46 years, Sugar Plum offers thousands of handmade crafts from more than 175 artisans, including personalized gifts and ornaments, holiday clothing for both men and women, beautiful jewelry, holiday decorations for your home and garden, shabby chic, country farmhouse, rustic and vintage furniture and palate-pleasing delights.
When: Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8–9
Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Admission is $5 on Friday, 9 – 10 a.m. Admission is free on Friday after 10 a.m. and all-day Saturday. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Sugar Plum Festivals
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Repticon, Nov. 9 - 10
Experience the animal kingdom in an exotic way. Explore rows of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and more! Everything to support your hobby will be available, including feeders, caging and other supplies. Join your friends and make new ones at a celebration of the reptile hobby that can only be expressed at a quality family-friendly expo.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 9–10
Schedule:
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: All-day general admission is $12, children 5-12 are $6 and children 4 and under are free. Military, first responders and teachers are free with ID. Super tickets are $15 for both days. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Repticon Reptile Show
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Orange County Wine Fest, Nov. 9 - 10
Enjoy three hours of wine tasting for the price of a good bottle of wine. Orange County Wine Fest will bring you a diverse group of wine from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds, whatever your preferred grape, you’ll find plenty to discover and love. VIPs get 30 minutes of early access.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 9–10
Schedule:
Saturday, Session 1: noon – 3 p.m.
Saturday, Session 2: 5 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Session 3: noon – 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General and VIP admission vary; parking is $12
More info: Visit OC Wine Fest
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Hydroponics for the Home Gardener – Grow Anywhere, Anytime, Nov. 16
Join UCCE Master Gardeners for an engaging class on hydroponics, perfect for gardeners of all levels. Learn how to grow plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water, and discover innovative ways to repurpose household items to create your own simple Kratky hydroponic system.
Whether you have a small patio, a second-story balcony or a free spot indoors, hydroponic gardening is space-efficient and perfect for urban environments. This class will cover the fundamentals of hydroponics, including plant care, nutrient solutions, lighting requirements and system maintenance, and will empower you to integrate hydroponics into your gardening routine.
When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 1–3 p.m.; RSVP online by Nov. 13.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $7 class fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
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SuperCup Jiu Jitsu, Nov. 16
Series of six Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches. Watch as these athletes grapple while demonstrating their discipline for and dedication to the sport of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit SuperCup
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LCWW Catstravaganza and Rescue Awareness, Nov. 16 - 17
Calling all cat lovers! Support local charities and rescues, witness the most beautiful cats strutting down The CatWalk, delve into everything feline at Kitty Corner and find the perfect gift for your furry friend at our amazing shopping village!
When: Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 16–17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission is $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and kids 12-17, $15 for kids 6-11 and free for children 5 & under. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Loving Cats Worldwide
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OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Nov. 21
When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
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Winter Fest OC, Nov. 22 - Jan. 5
Winter Fest OC returns to bring the ultimate winter wonderland to Orange County! Over a million lights create this dazzling holiday scene, transforming the OC Fair & Event Center into an enchanted dream! Enjoy magical snowfall, thrilling rides, festive entertainment and delightful treats and eats. From ice skating under the stars to exploring whimsical holiday displays, there’s something for everyone!
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5, 2025
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Early bird admission is available for a limited time – $30 for adults, $25 for children 3-12, free for children under 2. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Winter Fest OC
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Say Cheese! Make Your Own Ricotta, Nov. 23
Have you ever wanted to make your cheese at home but thought it was too difficult? Join chef Vina in this interactive class and discover how easy it is to craft your homemade ricotta cheese. You’ll learn to work with fresh, readily available dairy ingredients, and explore the nutritional benefits of incorporating fresh cheese into your diet. Vina will also demonstrate how to make a vibrant, freshly prepared pesto—an ideal companion to your ricotta. At the end of the class, you’ll take home your own small, handmade wheel of ricotta, a sample of delicious pesto and a couple of surprises for all attendees!
Participants will partner up during the class, so consider reserving spots for two when you register!
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Nov. 20.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $45 class fee covers ingredients and the use of equipment. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and closed-toed shoes are required. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
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Seasonal Adventures Christmas Trees, Nov. 29 - Dec. 16
Get ready to jingle all the way with the freshest, high-quality Christmas trees in SoCal! This is your one-stop wonderland for finding the perfect tree to light up your home. Friendly experts are on site to help you choose the ideal tree. Plus, purchase charming Christmas tree stands, fragrant fresh garland, stunning wreaths and an array of festive accessories.
When: Nov. 29 - Dec. 16, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot E
How much: Admission and parking are free.
More info: Visit Seasonal Adventures Christmas Trees
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Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center | |
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Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Jr. Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.
When: Monday - Friday, 1 - 4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
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Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Want to keep tabs on our pigs all year long? Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable rascals are up to!
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam
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Farmers Market
Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as dumplings, burritos and more.
When: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau
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Heroes Hall
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 will rotate themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Excluding holidays and all-grounds events; see calendar for closures.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
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Fight Club OC, Dec. 5
Series of six boxing and MMA fights, presented by Roy Englebrecht Promotions
When: Thursday, Dec. 5
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
First fight starts at 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
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Gem Faire, Dec. 6 - 8
Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturer prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday – Sunday, Dec. 6–8
Schedule:
Friday, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Main Mall.
How much: General admission is $7. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire
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Creative Babe Holiday Market, Dec. 7
Visit this free, family-friendly holiday event with 100+ local vendors to score your holiday gifts. Find plants, ceramics, candles, jewelry, soaps and scrubs, crystals, art, pins and stickers, graphic tees, paper goods, pet treats and more! Enjoy face painting, food trucks, photos ops with Bluey and more!
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Admission is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Creative Babe Market
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SoCal Judges Cup, Dec. 14 - 15
Watch gymnasts twist and twirl as they compete in this winter wonderland-themed gymnastics meet.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 14–15
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission is $20, $15 for military and seniors; parking is $12.
More info: Visit NAWGJ-SC
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Share Ourselves “Adopt a Family” Annual Program, Dec. 15 - 16
Make the season brighter by supporting the 55th Annual Adopt A Family Program!
Provide comfort to families and individuals by exploring the profiles, stories and wish lists of families who could use a little extra cheer during the holidays. Select the family you’d like to support and get ready to deliver the joy!
When: Sunday & Monday, Dec. 15–16
Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, OC Promenade
How much: Donation requests vary based on family size and needs.
More info: Visit SOS Adopt a Family
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Discovery Day at the Farm, Dec. 16
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
When: Monday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. - noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day
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OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Dec. 19
When: Thursday, Dec. 19, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit Public Meetings
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