Step inside a bubble, invent something, meet a llama: It’s Imaginology 2026!
by: Terry Moore
Published: March 3, 2026
COSTA MESA...Get ready for two high-energy days where imagination takes the lead and learning feels like play. Imaginology returns Saturday and Sunday, April 11–12, transforming OC Fair & Event Center into an interactive playground of science, technology, engineering, arts, agriculture and math.
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, this free family event welcomes kids of all ages to build, experiment, observe and explore together. In 2025, nearly 20,000 guests attended — and even more are expected in 2026 as excitement continues to grow.
Where STEAM comes to life
Imaginology is built on a simple but powerful philosophy: learning should feel like real life. Every exhibitor will offer a hands-on activity rooted in STEAM, empowering youth to explore skills that directly connect to future careers.
Across the fairgrounds, visitors will discover:
Wild Science adventures
Step into an immersive world of discovery featuring dozens of visually captivating, highly interactive displays. Guests can experiment with a plasma lightning tube, step inside a giant bubble, test their sense of smell, explore a Rube Goldberg machine, create music, challenge hand-eye coordination and design inventions in a maker’s fair-style space. It’s science you can see, hear and feel.
Centennial Farm experiences
The three-acre working farm will be buzzing with activity. Visitors can meet animals, learn about California crops and watch live demonstrations including oxen showcases, blacksmithing, chick education, radish-seed planting, milking demos, root digging, shearing and spinning, terrarium-making and the popular OC Beekeepers exhibit. It’s agriculture in action — up close and hands-on.
Obstacle course challenge at Heroes Hall
On the Sky Hawk lawn at Heroes Hall, kids can race, climb and jump through an inflatable obstacle course designed to test strength and agility. It’s the perfect way to mix physical activity with playful competition - and science!
Youth competitions take center stage
Imaginology 2026 features four free student competitions for preschool through 12th grade - competitions are now open:
- New! Upcycling Project – Turn discarded materials into something innovative and useful.
- Mural Project – Collaborate on large-scale artwork that comes together in a powerful final display.
- Cardboard Engineering – Dream big using one of the most versatile building materials around.
- Poster Art – Showcase creativity by blending science, technology, engineering, arts and math into a visual masterpiece.
In addition, local 4-H and FFA youth will be judged on livestock projects, animal and veterinary science knowledge, and educational exhibits. Llama and rabbit competitions will add to the agriculture excitement. More at ocfair.com/imaginology/competitions-contests.
Exhibits and entertainment for all ages
Live community entertainment will keep the energy high throughout the weekend. New this year, Sunday will feature lively rounds of bingo as part of the entertainment lineup. And Megan the Bubbleologist will wow audiences on the Plaza Stage with dazzling bubble artistry.
Exhibit spaces throughout the fairgrounds will feature nonprofit organizations, community groups and educational programs offering interactive demonstrations and creative activities. From arts organizations and robotics programs to nature centers and public safety demonstrations, every corner of Imaginology offers something new to discover.
A community tradition of discovery
Produced by OC Fair staff as a community give-back, Imaginology debuted in 1989 as Youth Expo before being renamed in 2014 to reflect its expanded STEAM focus. Today, it stands as one of the largest free family STEAM festivals in the region — a place where curiosity is celebrated and creativity shines.
Whether attendees are designing inventions, planting seeds, engineering with cardboard or cheering on young competitors, Imaginology is where ideas take flight.
For full details and updates, visit ocfair.com/imaginology.