What time is it? It’s time to be “Happy Together” at the OC Fair, July 14 through August 13, 2023, only at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa! Find out all about this year’s fair, one of the biggest on the West Coast and one of the ten largest fairs in the United States!
This year’s 2023 OC Fair has some great offers and specials. Advance ticket purchase is required as the fair is limiting the number of admission tickets available for each day. Choose your days and plan your summer! The good thing is, when you buy tickets online for the OC Fair, you’ll pay no service fees on admission tickets. Before you go, you can also read over the fair’s Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
Save money when attending another event: Purchasing tickets to a concert or event during the OC Fair? Your ticket is also good for same-day fair admission! Head over early to grab a pineapple rice bowl or stroll in after to score at some carnival games. Events at Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena are all eligible for same-day admission to the Fair. Here’s a printable schedule of all the entertainment.
The Action Sports Arena is back with Demolition Derby, craft beer at OC Brew Hee Haw on July 14-15 and Costa Mesa Speedway through August 12. A host of great tribute bands including Queen Nation, Zeppelin Live and Red Corvette (a Prince tribute band) plus Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez will be featured inside The Hangar, with ticket prices as low as just $15.
The Toyota Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheater is rocking the stage all summer long with performances by Ziggy Marley, Cheap Trick, Ne-Yo, Dwight Yoakam and more. Check out the full schedule here. Note: Any tickets for shows after August 13 do not include fair admission, since the fair concludes that day.
Save from repurchasing a ticket: Between concert, fair, ride and game tickets there’s a lot to keep track of. The easiest and most efficient way to keep it all straight is by downloading the FunPass app. Bonus: Passes can be shared between family members and friends, and it’s where you’ll be able to access purchased ride and game tickets.
Save time in line: Did you know you can purchase attraction and midway game tickets before you ever step foot in the fair? Simply go online to order (and reorder when you run out). Zero waiting in line means more time to have fun! Already at the fair? Scan the QR at each ticketing booth to order on your smartphone. You’ll still get the same deals for buying larger quantities of tickets to use in the midway.
Save your soles: Instead of getting stuck in the crowd, use the Sky Ride to soar over it. Extending from one end of the fair to the other, you can chill out on the highway in the sky with a fabulous overhead view of the fair and Orange County. Afraid of heights? Locate the nearest Footsie Wootsie (often found near restrooms) for the best hands-free foot massage ever. Don’t believe us? Drop a quarter and thank us later.
Save your arms from carrying all the things: Storage lockers are available at the Blue Gate for $5 all-day use, plus a $5 key deposit. Stash that sweater for after sunset and protect your new purchases at the exhibit halls from getting squished for when it’s time to drive home.
Save yourself from headaches: The least busy fair days are Wednesdays and Thursdays, and these happen to be the days offering the best deals. Be ready to take a day off (Sick day? Mental health day?) after you read about them.
A discounted ride wristband for $44 is good for unlimited rides and 2 free games on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ride from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Wed.-Thu. only! Offer available until July 14.
Can’t get enough OC Fair fun? This year, they’re offering the Every Day Passport for only $60 – enjoy every day of the fair with no blackout dates – but there’s limited availability on these passports so grab one now.
On Thursdays only, Taste of Fair Food means $4 pricing of select items at food stalls. Save that appetite for this special deal between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Bonus: Featured items change every week, meaning you can try something new when you come back! Eat your way through churros, onion rings, nachos and more! A detailed food schedule can be found here.
And finally, become an exhibitor: If you know, you know. Folks who have a competitive streak look forward to the fair every year. The chance to show off skills in categories including horticulture, visual arts, livestock and more may earn a lucky few a blue ribbon. The same entrants who submit for judging receive one ticket for being an exhibitor to return and view the results of their efforts. Learn more about OC Fair competitions and contests over here.
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