The OC Fair returns to Costa Mesa from July 17 through August 16, 2026, bringing back one of SoCal’s biggest summer traditions!
This year’s theme is “Your Adventure Awaits,” which feels about right for an event built around carnival rides, fair food, concerts, animals, exhibits, competitions, and the simple joy of walking around with something fried in hand.
If you’re planning a trip from Anaheim, here’s what to know before you go!
Plan Your Visit
When Is the OC Fair 2026?
The 2026 OC County Fair runs from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, August 16 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. The Fair is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Tickets and Admission to the OC Fair
Tickets are required for all guests, and the OC Fair notes that some dates may sell out (depending on crowds), so it’s always smart to purchase tickets ahead of time!
General admission is $13 on Wednesday and Thursday, and $18 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Seniors 65+ and kids ages 6–12 pay $9, while children 5 and under get in for free.
If you think you’ll visit more than once, the Every Day Passport may be worth looking into. It costs $60 and includes admission every single day of the Fair, including sold-out dates!
Getting There from Anaheim
The OC Fair takes place at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, about a 25–35-minute drive from Downtown Anaheim depending on traffic. As always with summer events in Orange County, give yourself extra time for parking and expect bigger crowds on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
If you’re looking to skip the hassle of driving and parking, the OC Fair Express picks up riders from the ARTIC transit hub in Anaheim every weekend. Tickets are just $2 and kids ride for free! Buses drop off at the Fair’s main gate, making it a practical and affordable alternative to weekend traffic.
Food at the OC Fair
Let’s be honest: fair food is a huge part of the experience (no pun intended)! The Ultimate Fair Food Finder is a handy resource that allows guests to search by craving, including fried foods, grilled items, savory eats, sweet treats, and drinks.
A few vendor names to keep an eye out for in 2026 include Chicken Charlie’s, Bacon Nation, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls, Ten Pound Buns, and Wild West Turkey Legs.
The Fair also offers a $5 Taste of Fair Menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, which is a great way to sample a few smaller bites before committing to the giant version of anything. Menus are always changing, so stay tuned for updates.
Carnival Rides, Games, and Fair Deals
The carnival is always one of the Fair’s main draws, with rides and games for different ages and comfort levels. For 2026, the Fair is offering options like Unlimited Ride Wristbands, valid Wednesdays and Thursdays, and bundles like the Dream Pass, which include mix-and-match ride or game credits.
Top Things to Do at the Fair
OC Fair Concert Schedule and Live Entertainment
The OC Fair is also a major summer concert stop, with shows happening across Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and Action Sports Arena.
Here is a quick look at some of the most anticipated shows at Pacific Amphitheatre scheduled during the Fair:
- July 17: Midland with Nikki Lane
- July 18: Chris Young with Shaylen
- July 19: Cole Swindell with John Morgan
- July 22: Happy Together
- July 23: Lauren Daigle with Franni Cash
- July 24: Kolohe Kai with Hirie and DJ Island Block Radio
- July 26: Sugar Ray, Tonic, and Smash Mouth
- July 29: Cypress Hill with Ozomatli
- July 31: Nile Rodgers & CHIC
- August 2: Nelly with Too $hort
- August 7–9: Rebelution with Skip Marley and Niko Rubio
- August 13: Dwight Yoakam
- August 16: Steel Pulse, The English Beat, and Eli-Mac
The Hangar also has a full slate of tribute shows scheduled throughout the summer, while the Action Sports Arena is all about monster trucks, dirt bikes, and other motor-powered machines.
Here's some of the tribute bands playing at the Hanger:
- July 17: Fleetwood Mac Reimagined – Twisted Gypsy
- July 18: The Ultimate Tribute to Coldplay – Coldplay USA
- July 19: A Tribute to Sublime – Burritos
- July 22: The Depeche Mode Experience – Devotional
- July 23: Phil Collins & Genesis Tribute – One More Night
- July 24: The Rod Stewart Experience – Forever Rod
- July 25: A Tribute to Oingo Boingo – Dead Man's Party
- July 26: Tribute to Pink Floyd – Which One's Pink?
- July 29: The Tom Petty Experience – Breakdown
- July 30: A Tribute to Journey – DSB
- July 31: Grateful Dead Tribute – Joe Russo's Almost Dead
Pro tip: Some concerts require separate tickets, so check out the official entertainment schedule before you head out!
Exhibits, Farm Animals, and Competitions
Beyond the rides and food, the OC Fair still has plenty of classic fair energy. Expect creative competitions, blue-ribbon entries, agricultural exhibits, animals, hands-on activities, a working farm, and petting zoo experiences. It’s always fun to wander through visual arts displays, woodworking masterpieces, culinary creations, crafts, and other local showcases that bring out the community side of the event.
Centennial Farm
The OC Fair is packed with attractions for all ages. Centennial Farm is a three-acre working farm on-site where visitors can learn about agriculture, see livestock, pet and feed animals and even watch a pig race!
Competition & Community
Bring your blue-ribbon game face: OC Fair hosts contests in baking, photography, gardening, woodworking, brewing, and even gingerbread house building . Kids can shine too—the Junior Livestock Auction is July 25th. And on opening day, the “carnival reading promotion” gives two free ride passes to kids who read—a sweet way to combine fun and learning!
Action Sports Arena
Events at the Action Sports Arena (think monster trucks and demolition derbies) offer free general admission, although reserved seats can be purchased for a more intimate experience. Be sure to check the fair’s entertainment schedule to plan your visit around your favorite acts.
Festival Tips and Tricks
Our Tips for a Smooth Fair Day
- Get there early on busy weekends to beat lines and find parking.
- Dress comfortably and bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Download the OC Fair app for maps, ride wait times, show schedules, and food finders.
- Bring cash and cards to ensure you can buy everything you need!
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water; summer days in Orange County can be warm.
