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Costa Mesa Welcomes Annual Orange County Fair

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Families enjoying the rides and attractions at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa.

News Summary

The Orange County Fair opened in Costa Mesa, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment, delicious food, and family-friendly attractions. With new rides and performances, along with diverse culinary options, the fair promises fun for all ages. The event runs from mid-July to mid-August, with attendance capped to enhance visitor experience. Advance ticket purchase is required, and various transportation options are available to navigate parking. This year’s theme, ‘Find Your Happy’, reflects the fair’s commitment to creating joyful experiences for attendees.

Costa Mesa Welcomes Annual Orange County Fair

The annual Orange County Fair officially opened in Costa Mesa on July 18, 2025, and will continue through August 17, 2025. The fair operates from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and extends hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. With a cap on attendance set at approximately 50,000 people daily, advance ticket purchases are required through ocfair.com.

Admission and Parking Details

Admission rates for this year are priced at $13 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $15 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Seniors aged 60 and older and children between the ages of 6-12 can enter for $9, while children under 5 are admitted for free. Parking at the fairgrounds costs $15 per vehicle. To alleviate parking congestion, fair officials recommend using public transportation options such as the OC Fair Express, which offers weekend bus service for $2 each way from locations including the ARTIC station in Anaheim and Fullerton Park-and-Ride.

New Attractions and Entertainment

This year’s fair features several new attractions such as carnival rides including the Soundstorm, Royal Wheel, and Frog Hopper, contributing to a total of over 60 rides and games across the fairgrounds. A notable highlight is the $5 Taste of Fair promotion, which allows attendees to sample smaller portions of various fair foods until 4 p.m. daily, offering a chance to try culinary delights like deep-fried specialties, lobster mac and cheese, bacon cotton candy, and even a Krispy Kreme triple decker cheeseburger.

Live Performances and Family Activities

Entertainment options for visitors include concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar, with performances by popular artists such as T-Pain and Ludacris, along with a Beatles tribute band, The Fab Four. Daily magic shows, featuring the Magic of Frank Thurston, will also take place on the OC Promenade Stage. In addition, the Action Sports Arena will host ticketed events, including several Demolition Derbies and live stunt shows.

Family-friendly options are plentiful, with attractions such as the classic All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and interactive marine life exhibits designed for children. These activities reflect the fair’s commitment to providing engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Culinary Specialties and Agricultural Exhibits

The fair’s theme this year, “Find Your Happy,” emphasizes creating joyful experiences for guests, which extends to the diverse range of food options available. The focus on culinary specialties enhances the fair’s longstanding tradition as a gathering for unique and indulgent eats. Furthermore, the fair showcases local produce and agricultural exhibits, with displays of livestock and petting zoos, reinforcing its roots in community engagement.

Ticketing Options and Visitor Experience

In addition to single-day tickets, fairgoers have the option to purchase a $60 Every Day Passport, allowing entry to any of the 23 days of the fair. The capping of attendance has reportedly improved the visitor experience, contributing to a more enjoyable atmosphere by reducing crowd density and wait times.

As the season unfolds, the Orange County Fair continues to be a centerpiece of summer entertainment, drawing families and friends together for a month-long celebration of fun, food, and festivities in Costa Mesa.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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OC Fair Launches ‘REWIND: A VHS Revival’ Exhibit
Health Inspectors Order Restaurant Closures in Orange County
Costa Mesa Planning Commission Approves New Housing Development
Orange County Hosts Annual Motorhome Madness Demolition Derby
Costa Mesa City Council Approves Victoria Place Condominium Project
Orange County Fair Opens with New Attractions and Food
Annyett Royale Hosts Music Meets Fashion Charity Event

Additional Resources

Costa Mesa Welcomes Annual Orange County Fair

STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA

The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

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