What's going on at the OC Fairgrounds in April
by: Terry Moore
Published: March 27, 2023
COSTA MESA...What events are going on at the OC Fairgrounds in April?
Centennial Farm Garden Class: Exploring the Art of Food Fermentation, April 1
Join OC Master Food Preservers and discover easy at-home basics of food fermentation. Students will make sauerkraut and preserved lemons to take home.
When: Saturday, April 1, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; RSVP online by March 30.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: A $35 fee covers ingredients, handouts and two canning jars with lids and rings. Knives will be provided; however, you may bring your own if preferred. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and close-toed shoes are required. There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees). Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
Fight Club OC, April 13
Pro Boxing & MMA live. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in OC!
When: Thursday, April 13 – doors open at 6 p.m., first fight at 7 p.m. (Baja Blues happy hour is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Ticket prices vary, see website for details. Parking is $12; enter at Gate 1.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
Imaginology, April 15-16
Kids of all ages will have a blast at OC Fair’s Imaginology! Imaginology is where curious kids and families go to discover and learn all about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) with a variety of exhibits. Food options will be available for purchase.
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 15-16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
How much: Free admission, parking is $12.
More info: Visit ocfair.com/steam
Orange County Wine Fest, April 22-23
Enjoy three hours of wine tasting from more than 30 wineries pouring 100+ wines, bringing a diverse group of wine from around the world under one roof. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds, guests will find plenty to discover and love at the Orange County Wine Fest.
When: Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23
Session 1: Saturday, April 22, noon-3 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, April 22, 5-8 p.m.
Session 3: Sunday, April 23, noon-3 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Tickets start at $50, parking is $12.
More info: Visit orangecountywinefest.com
Costa Mesa Speedway: Spring Classic, April 22
Spring Classic / Speedway / Sidecars / Junior
When: Saturday, April 22 – Gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Fight Club OC, April 27
A special edition of Fight Club OC featuring Trigon Combat
When: Thursday, April. 27 – doors open at 6 p.m., first fight at 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Seat prices vary, $65 – $85. Parking is $12; public enter at Gate 1. VIP and season ticket holders enter at Gate 4.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC
Centennial Farm Garden Class: Growing Your Own Avocado Trees, April 29
An instructor from California Rare Fruit Growers will teach students how to cultivate healthy and delicious avocados by selecting the right variety and providing guidance on transplanting, pollinating, pruning and fertilizing. An avocado tree will be raffled off in class.
When: Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.-noon
RSVP online by April 27.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $6, parking is free. The class fee covers materials and any handouts. Refund policy: There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).
More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
Costa Mesa Speedway: Harley Night #1, April 29
When: Saturday, April 29 – Gates open at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $20 general admission; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
Farmers Market every Thursday
Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos.
Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking; let parking attendant know you are going to the Farmers Market.
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org
Centennial Farm open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm
Heroes Hall Museum open Wed.-Sun.
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall
Exhibit: 'Armed Only With A Camera' through Sept. 2023
The World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman is now on display at Heroes Hall. Troutman served his country by photographing the war in the South Pacific Theater including the devastated cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall
Looking ahead to May
The SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival, May 5-7
Celebrate Orange County at the 19th Annual OC Running Festival. Event weekend includes OC Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Kids Run the OC and the Celebrate OC 5K.
When: May 5-7
Schedule:
OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo – Friday, May 5, 4-8 p.m. & Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kids Run the OC – Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m.-noon
Celebrate OC 5K – Saturday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. (Finish Line Festival is 1-7 p.m.)
SDCCU OC Half Marathon start – Sunday, May 7, 6:15 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
SDCCU OC Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 5:30 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
How much: Visit ocmarathon.com for registration fees. Admission to OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit ocmarathon.com
Gem Faire, May 12-14
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, May 12, noon-6 p.m.
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (No admittance after 4 pm Sunday)
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $7 general admission; free for kids 11 and younger. Parking is $12.
More information: Visit gemfaire.com or email info@gemfaire.com
Sand Sport Super Swap, May 20
The Sand Sports Super Show is hosting a one-day opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to “swap” their sand toys and equipment. Sellers of new and used quads, dune buggies, motorcycles, tires, engine parts, helmets and anything for the off-road enthusiast are welcome.
When: Saturday, May 20, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I
How much: Presale tickets (until May 19 online only) are $5; day-of-show tickets are $10 (online and onsite); children 12 & younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit sandsportssupershow.com/sand-sports-super-swap/