Orange County Fair & Event Center

"Been wanting to come to this fair for a decade now. WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!!! It was such a blast. Great attractions, amazing food, and was fun the entire day. The best part was the $5 food fest from 11am-4pm. Every fair on the planet can learn from this business model because you get to try so much!! Loves every second of my time at the OC Fair 😁"

Paul Bupte

"I absolutely loved this fair! It was worth the drive. The food was great all the games were great too. Parking was easy and the upgraded bathrooms they rented to ensure everyone can use the bathroom
Was great too. Buy tickets in advance because the day a group of my cousins planned to go only those who brought in advance were able to get it because they sold out that day for admission."

Diana Sims

"The OC Fair is a summer tradition in Orange County and one of the best county fairs around. It has something for everyone—rides, concerts, livestock exhibits, shopping, food, and endless entertainment. It’s begun to be a luxury as years have passed by as the cost has gone up significantly. Regardless , we’ve gone several times, and here are some things first-timers should know:

Admission & Parking:
• Buy your tickets in advance they will sell out especially over the weekend. General admission is $13 (Wednesday and Thursday) and $15 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). $9 for kids (6-12) and seniors. Kids ages 5 and under are free.
• Parking is $15 for cars and more for larger vehicles. Arrive early if you want closer parking, otherwise be ready for a bit of a walk.

Food:
This is the main attraction for a lot of people. Expect oversized fair classics: deep-fried everything, turkey legs, giant corn dogs, BBQ, and funnel cakes. Most food items run $15–$30 each, with some specialty items higher. Drinks (like lemonade, soda, or beer) are around $10–$25. Pro tip: come on $4 Taste of Fair Food Thursdays, where vendors sell smaller portions so you can sample more without spending as much.

Rides & Games:
The carnival is huge, with everything from kiddie rides to big thrill rides. However, it’s gotten really expensive for a growing family of 4. Ticket prices range from:
8 tickets = $10
16 tickets = $20
40 tickets = $50
60 tickets = $75
80 tickets = $100
Fast pass = $30 (don’t wait in the line for rides)
If you come midweek you could purchase a wristband for $54 and that is good until 8pm. Most of the rides range from 5-10 tickets. That add up really fast.

Entertainment & Exhibits:
The fairgrounds have plenty of free shows included with admission—acrobatics, live bands, petting zoos, pig races, and more. The Pacific Amphitheatre concerts cost extra, but fair admission is included with your ticket. Exhibits include art, photography, crafts, and livestock. Great for families and kids to walk through.

Amenities & Services:
• Restrooms are clean and spread throughout the fairgrounds.
• There are water refill stations (bring a reusable bottle to save money make sure they are empty upon entry).
• Shaded seating areas are available, but they fill up quickly in the afternoon heat.
• ATMs are everywhere, but most vendors now take cards.
• Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available at the entrance.

Pro Tips:
• Come early in the day to beat the crowds and the heat.
• Bring cash for smaller vendors.
• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll do a lot of walking.
• Weekdays are less crowded than the weekends.

Overall, the OC Fair is a full-day experience but is it worth the rising cost?…only is you plan it right. Between the food, rides, music, and exhibits, there’s no shortage of things to do."

Rudy Santacruz