News Summary
The 2025 OC Fair in Costa Mesa will feature a theme of ‘Find Your Happy’ and is set to run from July 18 to August 17. Attendees can enjoy a range of exciting new culinary offerings, including Bacon Cotton Candy and Pizza Spuds. The fair will also debut thrilling rides such as the Overdrive and the Bavarian-style roller coaster, Heidi. With limited daily attendance to ensure safety, tickets must be purchased online, and the fair’s hours will vary throughout the week.
Costa Mesa – The 2025 OC Fair is set to capture the hearts of visitors with its theme “Find Your Happy.” This year’s fair will take place from July 18 to August 17, 2025, and will be open Wednesday through Sunday each week. Attendees can expect to explore a variety of unique culinary offerings and thrilling new rides.
Culinary adventure seekers can embark on a flavorful journey with the fair’s selection of inventive food items. Among these are Bacon Cotton Candy on a pork belly stick from Bacon Nation, a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup from Swirl Ice Cream, and Pizza Spuds at Spud Ranch. Chicken Charlie’s will entice guests with Mozzarella Meatballs on a Stick. For those looking for something novel, options such as bacon churro fries topped with vanilla soft-serve ice cream, birria burgers, pickle sundaes, and rainbow-colored cheese bread will make their debut. Furthermore, visitors can also try Dr. Pepper spiked with pickle juice, known as “dirty sodas.”
The fairgoers can also take advantage of the popular Taste of the Fair feature, which allows them to sample food and beverages in smaller portions for just $5 each until 4 p.m. each day. Whether it’s classic funnel cakes, deep-fried treats, or roasted corn, there is something for everyone.
Alongside food, the 2025 OC Fair will showcase a series of new carnival rides that promise excitement for thrill-seekers. This includes the Overdrive thrill ride, a Bavarian-styled roller coaster named Heidi, and the Enchanted Castle fun-house attraction. Fairgoers can purchase ride wristbands online at a discount until July 18, 2025.
Daily attendance for the fair will be limited to 50,000 visitors to ensure a manageable crowd size, a decision made amid ongoing concerns regarding health and safety. Tickets must be purchased online in advance to adhere to pandemic-era policies. General admission prices are set at $13 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $15 on Fridays through Sundays. Children aged 5 and under can enter for free, while tickets for those aged 6 to 12 and seniors over 60 are priced at $9. Additionally, a $60 Every Day Passport offers VIP access for unlimited entries.
The fair will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and extend its hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking at the fairgrounds will cost $15 per day.
For those commuting to the fair, the OC Fair Express will offer convenient bus service from four locations around the county for only $2 one-way or $4 for a round trip, which is free for children. Attendees are allowed to bring soft-sided coolers, sealed food and drinks, and empty water bottles, but no hard-sided coolers, cans, glass, or outside alcohol are permitted. Service animals will be welcome, but pets are prohibited, and attendees are reminded that smoking, vaping, selfie sticks, drones, and weapons are not allowed on the fairgrounds.
The OC Fair & Event Center, perfectly located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, just off the 55 Freeway, is gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating and delectable experience. With a wide variety of attractions and themed culinary offerings, the 2025 OC Fair is poised to entertain and delight visitors of all ages.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles: OC Fair Food & Drink Deals
- LA Times: OC Fair Time in Costa Mesa
- ABC7: Orange County Fair 2024
- OC Register: New Foods at the OC Fair 2024
- Eater LA: OC Fair Food Vendors Return
- Wikipedia: Orange County Fair
- Google Search: Orange County Fair 2025
- Google Scholar: OC Fair
- Encyclopedia Britannica: County Fair
- Google News: OC Fair 2025
