News for neighbors: Year-round events are back! | |
Howdy, neighbors! The OC Fairgrounds are buzzing again with terrific events in September along with the final summer concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre! Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall are also now open again for with regular hours. | |
2022 OC Fair by the numbers – 20 piglets and 70,600 cookies | |
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The 2022 OC Fair is a wrap and there were a whole lot of summer memories for fairgoers who wanted to “Feel the Sunshine,” the theme of this year’s Fair which ran from July 15 through Aug. 14.
Advance tickets were required again this year so daily capacity could be limited to provide a better experience for our guests, neighbors and partners. There was no increase in ticket prices again this year.
“The annual OC Fair is very special and important to the community. It gives us such pleasure to present it every year. It’s a thrill for our team to plan and produce an event that resonates with our guests throughout Southern California and beyond,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO.
Here’s a look at this year’s Fair by the numbers:
Preliminary figures show that 1,055,173 fairgoers came out to enjoy summer’s most-anticipated event and there were 11 sold-out days. In 2021, OC Fair attendance was 1,055,770 and there were 16 sold-out days.
10,000 competition entries from 3,068 exhibitors vied for blue-ribbons. In Home Arts, there were 399 entries, 1,292 entries in Culinary, Visual Arts had 3,754 entries and there were 4,426 entries in Horticulture. Entries were up 20 percent over 2021.
2.5 million carnival rides were enjoyed by fairgoers and their favorites were La Grande Wheel XL, Skyride and Rave Wave. 7,990 kids took advantage of the Read and Ride program by reading books and earning carnival rides.
70,600 fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies were made from scratch at Mom’s Bakeshoppe.
16,682 hot dogs were sold by Pink’s, along with 13,754 orders of fries and 1,272 veggie dogs.
8,800 pounds of Ten Pound Buns were served up at this year’s OC Fair.
20,000 deep-fried Oreos, 2,000 Kool-Aid chicken sandwiches, 9,000 Canadian lobster tails,
20 piglets, five goats and four peachicks were born at Centennial Farm.
13,958 phone calls during the Fair were answered by the Guest Experience team.
35 tons of organic waste was diverted from landfills, 55,000 pounds of trash was recycled and 7,500 gallons of cooking grease was repurposed by the OC Fair facilities team.
12 concerts were sold out in The Hangar, 11 events were sold out in Action Sports Arena and so far there have been eight sold-out shows in Pacific Amphitheatre.
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Final concerts of the season at Pacific Amphitheatre | |
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Steve Miller Band, Aug. 25
When: Thursday, Aug. 25, 8:15 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $55-$100. Special post-Fair show, Fair admission not included
More info: Purchase on Ticketmaster
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Ramon Ayala / Conjunto Primavera, Aug. 28
When: Sunday, Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $40-$80. Special post-Fair show, Fair admission not included
More info: Purchase on Ticketmaster
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Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo / Ann Wilson (Heart), Aug. 31
When: Wednesday, Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $45-$85. Special post-Fair show, Fair admission not included
More info: Purchase on Ticketmaster
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Jackson Browne, Sept. 3
When: Saturday, Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $50-$90. Special post-Fair show, Fair admission not included
More info: Purchase on Ticketmaster
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Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office hours
Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through Sept. 3.
Extended hours on concert days, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Aug. 25, Aug. 28, Aug. 31 and Sept. 3)
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Let parking attendant know you are going to the box office. More info: Visit pacamp.com
| September events at OC Fair & Event Center | |
K-PLAY FEST, Sept. 3-4
K-PLAY! FEST has plenty of activities in store with a scavenger hunt and fashion show, and attendees will be sure to experience new K-Pop fan favorite activities.
This event will also include the ANIME Impulse, Sneaker Expo and AA Expo.
When: Sept. 3-4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Main Mall + buildings, The Hangar, Lot I
How much: $15 general admission, parking is $10
More info: Visit kplayfest.com
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Original OC Swap Meet, Sept. 10 & 25
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. Showcasing products and goods for all to buy, with the thought of bringing common items and at times unique ones for all to enjoy.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission, parking is $10.
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355
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Maker Faire Orange County, Sept. 10
Maker Faire is a gathering of people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments and projects.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building, OC Promenade
How much: $15 general admission, parking is $10
More info: Visit oc.makerfaire.com
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Heroes Hall Speaker Series, Sept. 10
The Formation of the Tuskegee Airmen: First Black Fighter Pilots of WWII is the final installment in the series.
This speaker series is in conjunction with the museum’s exhibit, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking. No RSVP necessary.
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Orange County Wine Festival, Sept. 10-11
Orange County Wine Fest is bringing a diverse group of wine from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds you’ll find plenty to discover and love.
When: Sept. 10-11
Session 1: Saturday, Sept. 10, noon-3 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, Sept. 10, 5-8 p.m.
Session 3: Sunday, Sept. 11, noon-3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Tickets are $60, parking is $10.
More info: Visit orangecountywinefest.com
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Costa Mesa Speedway, Sept. 10 & 24
Knobby Night / Speedway / Juniors, Sept. 10
Speedway / Sidecars / Juniors, Sept. 24
When: Gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $10 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
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California Wedding & Bridal Expo, Sept. 11
The Bridal & Wedding Expo features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination, and much more!
When: Sunday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Free admission with registration or $10 at the door; parking is $10.
More info: cabridalshows-of.com/free-pass
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Sand Sports Super Show, Sept. 16-18
Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together for the biggest dune and dirt sports expo in the world. It's three days of fun and get up-close to the latest Sand Rails, UTVs, ATVs, Side x Sides, accessories, apparel and more.
When: Friday, Sept. 16, 4-10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Online general admission (through Sept. 15): $16 for one day, $33 for the weekend. Prices increase starting Sept. 16 and at the door. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit Sand Sport Super Show
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Cruisin' for a Cure Car Show, Sept. 24
More than 3,000 hot rods, classics, muscle cars, exotics, customs, trucks, corvettes, motorcycles and more. Cars will cruise inside the fairgrounds on a 1.5-mile course. Event will feature live music, 100+ vendors, food, prizes. Monies raised goes to the KSK Cancer Center of Irvine for prostate cancer research.
When: Sept. 24, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gate 4 will open at 5 a.m. to stage cars; cars will be directed to Green Gate at 6 a.m. Open to spectators at 6 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: $17 admission; free for children 12 and younger. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit Crusin’ for a Cure
| Ongoing events at the fairgrounds | |
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Farmers Market, every Thursday
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 tamales and tacos/burritos.
Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking; let parking attendant know you are going to the Farmers Market.
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org
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Centennial Farm open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm
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Heroes Hall Museum open Wed.-Sun.
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall
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Looking ahead to October events | |
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Original OC Swap Meet, Oct. 8 and 29
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. Showcasing products and goods for all to buy, with the thought of bringing common items and at times unique ones for all to enjoy.
When: Saturday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission, parking is $10.
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355
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Costa Mesa Speedway, Harley Night Finals / Sidecar Championship, Oct. 8
When: Saturday, Oct. 8 – Gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $10 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
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Gem Faire, Oct. 14-16
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, Oct. 14, noon-6 p.m. (wholesale preview 10 a.m.-noon)
Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $7 general admission; free for kids age 11 and younger. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit gemfaire.com
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OC Japan Fair, Oct. 21-23
Celebrate one of the largest Japanese cultural festival in Southern California. Enjoy the experience of shopping, tasting and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be live performance, games, Kimono models and more.
When: Friday, Oct. 21, 5-11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 22, noon-10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building and Lot I
How much: $10 general admission, free admission for ages 6 and younger or 65 and older. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit oc-japanfair.com
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Fight Club OC, Oct. 27
Pro Boxing & MMA live. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC!
When: Thursday, Oct. 27 – doors open at 6 p.m., first fight at 7 p.m. (Baja Blues happy hour is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: $60 general admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
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Boo Ha Ha, Oct. 28 & 29
Boo Ha Ha will feature three hours of unlimited beer tastings from some of the nation's top breweries. There will be live music and tastings will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. with concessions available afterward. Costumes are encouraged!
When: Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: $47.50-$67.50 for general admission, $57.50-$99.50 for VIP. Parking is $10.
More info and to purchase tickets: Visit theboohaha.com
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OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA, is home to the annual OC Fair and Imaginology. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. Throughout the year, events ranging from recreation shows to cultural festivals are held at the fairgrounds. | | | | |
