More OC Fair fun included free with admission
by: Terry Moore
Published: June 1, 2026
COSTA MESA...Fair can enjoy more entertainment, exhibits, animals, demonstrations and family activities than ever before — all included with Fair admission.
To give guests more time to plan their summer visits, popular ticket bundles and special admission offers have been extended through July 16.
From morning to night, Fairgoers will find dozens of experiences included with the price of admission, making the OC Fair one of Southern California's best entertainment values.
This year’s OC Fair runs July 17–Aug. 16 and the theme is Your Adventure Awaits. With so much free fun included with the price of admission, Fairgoers can choose their own adventures.
Entertainment all around
Fair After Dark transforms Plaza Pacifica into a nightly celebration featuring swing dancing, country line dancing, Latin music, karaoke and DJ sets. Fairgoers can learn new steps from professional dance instructors or move to their own inner groove.
Guests can also enjoy roving entertainment throughout the Fairgrounds, including the OC Fair Foodie characters, Dragon Knights stilt walkers, Captain Tall Tale, the Red Light Brass Band and a strolling DJ.
Additional free entertainment includes:
- Megan the Bubbleologist
- Community performances by local music groups and dance troupes on two stages daily
- Live music nightly at Baja Bar & Grill, Promenade Stage and Meadows Stage
- Latin music and dancing nightly in La Cantina
- Limited general admission seating at Action Sports Arena (reserved seating available for purchase)
- A nightly performance of Taps at 6 p.m. at Heroes Hall
- A Low Rider Show on Aug. 9 as part of the Fair's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
Animal attractions
- The Aquatic Touch Tank in Explorium's Sand and Sea exhibit
- Daily races featuring the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, with new outdoor screens broadcasting every race
- Livestock judging and displays
- The Great American Petting Farm
- Farm fashion show
- OC Fair's resident animal educators and farm animals at Centennial Farm, including pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, rabbits, peacocks and sheep
- Opportunities to see baby animals throughout the Fair
Guests can also spot the Fair's four-legged landscaping crew on the berm surrounding Pacific Amphitheatre, including wooly goats, a llama, a mini donkey and a large white livestock guard dog.
Demonstrations and hands-on activities
- Llama competitions featuring youth and adult exhibitors
- Milking demonstrations in Millennium Barn
- Culinary demonstrations and chef tips
- Chef Ray Duey's impressive produce-carving creations
- Home arts demonstrations featuring crafts and handmade goods
- Guided culinary crafts, cookie decorating and family activities in the Sand and Sea exhibit
- Hands-on scroll saw demonstrations in the woodworking area
Exhibits and competitions
The featured exhibit, REWIND: VHS Comeback, celebrates retro pop culture with hand-painted movie poster reproductions, soundtrack displays, live-painting demonstrations, an '80s vintage arcade and the Thrills & Chills speakeasy.
Additional exhibits include:
- Produce and floral competitions at Centennial Farm
- Baking, quilting, woodworking, needle arts and table-setting displays
- Fine arts and visual arts competitions and featured artist exhibits
- Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center exhibits, including Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam and SAAAB Story
Family-friendly fun
- Explorium's Orange County Sand and Sea learning and play area
- Cane's Craft Corner guided crafts
- Food-themed contests, including pie-eating competitions
- Daily photo opportunities with the OC Fair Foodies
- Postcard-coloring activities for troops and veterans at Heroes Hall
- The kids' carnival area
- Daily performances by Fair favorite magician Frank Thurston
- Families in the know bring extra clothes and a towel because the kiddos love the OC Fair's play fountain in the Main Mall
Ticket deals extended through July 16
Guests can save on admission and attractions with special ticket bundles and promotional offers, now available through July 16. Fairgoers are encouraged to purchase early to take advantage of the best value and secure preferred dates.
For complete details on admission options, ticket bundles, special promotions and Fair programming, visit ocfair.com/tickets. OC Fair’s summer entertainment lineup tickets are also on sale now at ocfair.com. Photo:OCFair