What's happening at OC Fairgrounds in September
by: Terry Moore
Published: August 31, 2026
COSTA MESA...See what is going on at this year's Orange County Fair:
Steve Aoki and Tyga with special guest Twinsick, Sept. 3
When: Thursday, Sept. 3
Schedule:
Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Admission varies. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre
Cheap Trick with special guest ~X~, Sept. 5
When: Saturday, Sept. 5
Schedule:
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Show starts at 7:15 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Admission varies. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre
Walk Intuit: Horses & Hearts Connection, Sept. 5
Join our herd for a morning of connection with horses, community and nature. This special event is open to all ages and is a beautiful way to experience the healing bond between humans and animals.
When: Saturday, Sept. 5
Session 1: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Session 2: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: General admission is $35. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit
Boy George & Culture Club with special guest Betty Who, Sept. 6
When: Sunday, Sept. 6
Schedule:
Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Admission varies. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre
Walk Intuit: Our Space, Your Community: Open House, Sept. 11
Curious about what we do? Come visit our new space and get a firsthand look at our programs and community!
During the open house, you can
- Tour our new facility and see our spaces in action
- Meet our team and ask questions about our programs and services
- Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved
Whether you’re new to our organization or have been following us from afar, this is a great opportunity to connect, explore and discover what we’re all about.
When: Friday, Sept. 11, 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Ranch Community Center
How much: Registration is free. Reservations are required. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Walk Intuit
Heroes Hall Speaker Series
Perspectives from the CIA: A Complete Arc of the Vietnam Conflict, Sept. 12
Take a compelling look at America's involvement in Vietnam through the eyes of two CIA operatives who witnessed the conflict from start to finish. Frank Scotton arrived in Vietnam in 1962, developing grassroots defense programs and working alongside the CIA on high-stakes intelligence missions throughout the war. Frank Snepp joined the CIA in 1968 and rose to become a top analyst of enemy intentions, accurately predicting the fall of Saigon in 1975. He helped evacuate South Vietnam's president before becoming one of the last Americans airlifted from the embassy roof as the city fell.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Call 714-708-1613 or RSVP.
Speedway - Harley Nite Finals, Sept. 12
Harley Night Finals / Speedway / Sidecars
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed night of speedway races! Watch as fearless racers rev up their fuel-burning motorcycles and push the limits at lightning speed. Expect unpredictable moments as riders take daring, high-lean turns at full throttle, right in front of your eyes – it’s a race night you won’t forget!
When: Saturday, Sept. 12
Schedule:
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Baja Bar & Grill happy hour, 6 – 7 p.m.
First race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much: $30 general admission, children 10 and under are free. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway
Hydroponics for the Home Gardener: Build Your Own System, Sept. 12
Join UC Master Gardeners for an engaging, hands-on class that takes hydroponic gardening to the next level! This session introduces participants to the Kratky hydroponic method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water. Attendees will learn about plant care, nutrient solutions, lighting requirements and system maintenance. Additionally, the class includes a DIY portion where participants assemble a simple hydroponic system designed for a single plant, which they can take home and use right away. All supplies, including a lettuce seedling, will be provided. Whether you have a small patio, a second-story balcony or a free spot indoors, hydroponic gardening is a space-efficient and sustainable way to grow fresh food year-round!
When: Saturday, Sept.12, 10 a.m. – noon.; RSVP by Sept. 4.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: A $15 fee covers all materials, including a simple hydroponic system and a lettuce seedling to take home.
Refund policy: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded. Booking fees are nonrefundable.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Maker Faire Orange County, Sept. 12 – 13
Join a community of innovators, creators, tech enthusiasts, artists, tinkerers, educators and curious minds for a weekend of inspiration and hands-on fun.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Sept.12 – 13
Schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Park Plaza, Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $20 single-day admission, $35 weekend admission. Children 4 and under are free. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Maker Faire
OC Card Show, Sept. 12 – 13
Buy, sell or trade your sports cards and TCG cards at our biggest show yet!
When: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 12 – 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 12: Early access 10 a.m. General admission 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13: General admission 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – OC Promenade, Los Alamitos Building
How much: Saturday early access is $15, $10 general admission after 11 a.m. All-day Sunday admission is $5. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit OC Card Show
Sand Sports Super Show, Sept. 18 – 20
Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together for the biggest and most exciting dune and dirt sports EXPO in the world.
Join us for three days of fun and get up close to the latest Sand Rails, ATVs, UTVs/Side x Sides, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more!
When: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 18 – 20
Schedule:
Friday, Sept. 18, 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: General admission is $20, $10 for children 6-12. $37 general admission weekend pass, $13 weekend pass for kids 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Sand Sports Super Show
California Bridal & Wedding Expo, Sept. 27
The Bridal & Wedding Expo features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and much more!
When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: Free passes available online or $10 general admission at the door. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit CA Bridal & Wedding Expo
Interested in exhibiting: Visit CA Bridal & Wedding Exhibitors