There is something about summer fairs that turns a simple day out into a lasting memory. From flashing carnival rides to live music, these events bring together kids, adults, and everyone in between. This year, the biggest state fair is back with crowd-favorite attractions, iconic fair food, and plenty of entertainment.
The OC Fair returns to Costa Mesa through August 16, bringing weeks of rides, competitions, live performances, and adrenaline-filled shows. With affordable ticket options, dozens of attractions, and entertainment happening throughout the grounds, it remains one of SoCal’s favorite traditions.
What to expect at the 2026 OC Fair
Held at the OC Fair & Event Center, the fair runs from July 17 through August 16, with the grounds open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Friday and Saturday until midnight. The event is known as one of the largest summer fairs in California, mixing carnival attractions, food vendors, agricultural exhibits, concerts, and unique shows across its massive grounds.
Visitors can spend the day exploring everything from classic fair traditions to high-energy spectacles, including:
🎡 Carnival rides and games with attractions for all ages.
🚚 Monster trucks featuring massive vehicles, crashes, and stunts.
🏁 Demolition derbies where drivers compete in full-contact car battles.
🐷 Pig races and animal exhibits and a petting zoo.
🎪 Circus-style performances and specialty shows.
🎤 Live music every night, with concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar.
🍔 Classic fair food, from deep-fried creations to sweet treats and local favorites.
What to know before visiting the OC Fair
Credit: The Image Party via Shutterstock.
General admission prices this year are $13 for adults on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $18 from Friday through Sunday. Tickets for kids ages 6–12 cost $9, seniors pay $10, and children 5 and under can enter for free.
Visitors who plan to return multiple times can also buy the Every Day Passport for $60, which includes admission throughout the fair’s run. Parking is available onsite for $15 per vehicle.
Advance ticket purchases are required, and some dates can sell out, so planning is recommended. For those looking to skip the drive, the fair also offers the OC Fair Express bus service from select locations in Orange County.