OC Fair returns July 18 with new attractions and fan favorites

Courtesy OC Fair

COSTA MESA — The 2025 OC Fair is set to return on July 18, promising a month-long celebration packed with food, entertainment, animals, and family-friendly fun under this year’s theme: Find Your Happy.

Running through August 17 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, the Fair will be open Wednesdays through Sundays. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Advance tickets are required and available at ocfair.com, with no service fees. General admission is $13 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. Seniors (60+) and children ages 6-12 can attend for $9. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, and $30 for buses and limousines.

What’s Free with Admission?

Fairgoers will enjoy a wide variety of free entertainment included with admission. New this year is OC Fair After Dark at Plaza Pacifica, featuring swing dancing, DJ sets, and Latin music every Friday through Sunday night. Community entertainers, roving performers like Megan the Bubbleologist, and nightly performances at The Hangar and Action Sports Arena also return.

Children can meet the OC Fair Foodies costumed characters, visit the Great American Petting Farm, and enjoy educational exhibits at the Explorium Sand and Sea area. Longtime fan favorite magician Frank Thurston will perform daily on the Promenade/Culinary stage.

The Fair will also include competitions and displays in arts, crafts, and agriculture, as well as hands-on demonstrations in food preservation, woodworking, and more. This year’s featured exhibit, REWIND: A VHS Revival, will showcase large-scale reproductions of iconic album covers and movie posters.

Rides and Games

Unlimited ride wristbands are back for $49 and are valid Wednesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m., with two free carnival games included. Wristbands must be redeemed before 5 p.m. Prices will increase after July 17.

Music and More

Admission also includes access to same-day performances at The Hangar, Action Sports Arena, and Pacific Amphitheatre. For fans attending post-Fair concerts, admission is valid on any Wednesday or Thursday through August 17.