Cottie Petrie-Norris recognizes 50 years of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition
Thank you to California State Assembly Member Cottie Petrie-Norris for recognizing the 50th anniversary of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition in the recent edition of her “Catching Up With Cottie” weekly newsletter. “Congratulations to the Orange County Wine Society and OC Fair & Event Center on the 50th anniversary of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition! It was a […]
OC Fair 2026 competitions invite Southern Californians to showcase their talents
COSTA MESA (May 4, 2026) – From quilts to cut flowers, competitions at the OC Fair bring out the best in Southern California skill and creativity. Whether you’re confident your cheesecake is unbeatable or you’ve been told your woodworking deserves a spotlight, the 2026 Fair invites guests to compete for coveted blue ribbons—and ultimate bragging rights. This […]
Michael Searle becomes Chief Operating Officer at OC Fair & Event Center
Michael Searle has been chosen as OC Fair & Event Center’s new Chief Operating Officer to lead fair production, security, event operations, facility operations, planning & production and food & beverage departments. Searle started in his new role this month. Searle brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the fair and event industry, […]
Step inside a bubble, invent something, meet a llama: It’s Imaginology 2026!
Get ready for two high-energy days where imagination takes the lead and learning feels like play. Imaginology returns Saturday and Sunday, April 11–12, transforming OC Fair & Event Center into an interactive playground of science, technology, engineering, arts, agriculture and math. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, this free family event welcomes […]
OC Fair & Event Center wins 22 industry awards from Western Fairs Association
COSTA MESA (Feb. 12, 2026) – OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) earned 22 Achievement Awards from Western Fairs Association, including 21 first-place honors. The annual program recognizes innovation and excellence among fairs and festivals in the Western U.S. Eleven of the first-place awards were in photography categories including entertainment, carnival, first responders, exhibits, animals […]
What’s Happening at OC Fairgrounds in August
COSTA MESA (July 15, 2025) – 2025 OC Fair, through Aug. 17 With acres of mouthwatering Fair food, heart-pounding carnival rides, adorable farm animals and spectacular competitions, there’s something for everyone! Grab your family, friends and sense of adventure and come Find Your Happy! Tickets must be purchased online in advance – buy them online now with no […]
The OC Fair is the place to Find Your Happy – opening day is this Friday so grab your tickets
COSTA MESA (July 15, 2025) – Summer’s most anticipated celebration is returning this week for its 23-day run, July 18-Aug. 17. This year’s OC Fair theme is “Find Your Happy,” and fairgoers will find a plethora of delicious and exciting opportunities to do just that. There’s fun every day, with activities ranging from interacting with […]
2025 OC Fair opens this month and runs through Aug. 17 – what’s free with admission?
COSTA MESA (July 1, 2025) – OC Fair fans have been waiting all year for the return of summer’s best party – and it starts July 18! Here are some awesome things that are free with Fair admission that will help you Find Your Happy. For a full OC Fair schedule, visit ocfair.com. Advance tickets are […]
Large-animal evacuation information for Southern California fires
OC Fair & Event Center has not yet been activated as a large-animal evacuation site, but stands ready to assist as soon as notification is given by the California Office of Emergency Services. Coordinated efforts are important to keep animals and people safe during these devastating fires. Here is a list of emergency services from […]
OC Fair & Event Center receives Ally of the Year Award
Thank you to OC Pride for honoring OC Fair & Event Center with the Ally of the Year award during last weekend’s pride celebration at the Fairgrounds. We are proud to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.