How to Make This Year’s Visit to the OC Fair the Best One Yet
The summer season is in full swing, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for the OC Fair! After its first event in 1890, this Orange County staple has become a festive celebration of unique food, carnival attractions, exciting shows, exhibits and more. From deep-fried everything to the heart-pounding Zipper ride and everything in between, this year’s fair has something for everyone. So mark your calendars, because the OC Fair is returning Wednesdays through Sundays from July 14 to Aug. 13 2023. To get you pumped for all the fair fun, here’s a list of eight things you simply won’t want to miss.
1 | Sip on a Corona at La Cantina
What goes best with an endless summer? An endless fiesta, of course! Kick off your fair-going adventure at La Cantina, where the fun and flavor never stop. Enjoy live music daily with a DJ at night and Mariachis on Sunday while sipping on refreshing margaritas and indulging in mouthwatering tacos. This is the spot to cool off in the shade with a cold Corona in hand. Whether you’re craving Mexican cuisine or simply looking for a good time, you can’t go wrong with La Cantina.
Local Insight: Plan on going to this year’s OC Fair more than once? Consider nabbing an Every Day Passport, which allows you to enjoy the fair without reservations or blackout dates from July 14 to Aug. 13.
2 | Indulge in the Ultimate Fair Food
It’s no secret that the OC Fair is renowned for its incredible variety of food vendors, and this year is no exception. From deep-fried delicacies to savory barbecue, the food at the OC Fair ranges from strange and deliciously sinful to health-forward and wholesome. New items to look forward to are Cap’n Crunch Churros from Swirl and Hot Cheetos Pickle Pizza from Biggy’s. While it’s known for its legendary fair food, this festival isn’t all bacon-wrapped turkey legs and deep-fried Oreos—there are plenty of regional foods from local vendors for you to taste and enjoy. True foodies won’t want to miss out on Thursdays’ $4 Taste of Fair Food, where each vendor will have a $4 sample item for you to enjoy.
3 | Sing, Dance and Laugh
From live music and comedy shows with national headliners to performances by local artists and kids of the OC community, get ready to be entertained by an array of talented performers on two different stages: the Pacific Amphitheater and The Hangar. With the Action Sports Arena, the OC Fair has 71 performances on the schedule for these three venues—and that’s not including local and community entertainment. Needless to say, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Local Insight: Performances on the main stages will require specific tickets, but don’t worry—each performance ticket includes fair admission!
4 | Buckle up for Iconic Rides and Games
What’s a fair without taking a spin on some rides or trying to win that giant teddy bear from your favorite carnival game? This year, the OC Fair is offering a wide range of rides for fair-goers of all ages to enjoy. Adrenaline junkies will love the Titan, the new Joker 360 and, of course, the quintessential Zipper. Those looking for something more calm will enjoy the carousel and the towering Ferris wheel, and there will be plenty of rides in Kidland for family fun.
5 | Watch Midland With a Modelo
Yes, you read that correctly: Midland is coming to the Pacific Amphitheater on July 22! Grab your friends, kick back with an ice-cold Modelo and let the music from this Texas trio wash over you as you soak up those endless summer vibes. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and dance to the rich sounds of Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson and Cameron Duddy from their most recent album, “The Last Resort.” Soulful singer Logan Crosby will also be performing at this event, so get those vocal cords ready to sing along!
6 | Explore Different Exhibits
Expand your horizons by exploring the fascinating exhibits at the OC Fair. From art and photography displays to the featured Art of Music Experience, you’ll be captivated by the creativity and knowledge on display. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of local artists and creatives, and immerse yourself in the thought-provoking displays that will leave you inspired. Other exhibits coming to the fair include Armed Only with a Camera: World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman and The SAAAB Story Exhibit.
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7 | Watch Action Sports and Exhilarating Attractions
Calling all extreme sports enthusiasts: the OC Fair’s Action Sports Arena is the place to witness jaw-dropping stunts and tricks that only an adrenaline junkie could conquer. This year, the Action Sports Arena’s event lineup will include monster truck rallies, demolition derbies, extreme rodeos, freestyle motocross and more. This arena will also host the ninth annual OC Brew Hee Haw on July 14-15.
8 | Learn About Animals and Agriculture
Step into the world of agriculture and get up close and personal with a variety of animals at the OC Fair. Explore four different areas, including the Great American Petting Farm, where you can meet adorable farm animals, and the Livestock Area, which will host a Junior Livestock Auction, livestock competitions and more. Watch special demonstrations on milking or beekeeping at Centennial Farm, and don’t forget to head over to Plaza Pacifica to watch the daily All-Alaskan Racing Pigs.
Local Insight: Can’t get enough of those cute lil’ piggies? Check out the Centennial Farm Pig Cam!
OC Fair
88 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.708.1500
@oc_fair
Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.
