OC Fair opens Friday. Here’s the lowdown on the annual summer fest

The 2026 Orange County Fair kicks off Friday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to Costa Mesa. To help you best plan for the summer tradition, here’s everything you need to know about the 23-day fest.

Gates at the OC Event Center at 88 Fair Dr. open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays will have extended hours from 11 a.m. to midnight.

The fair ends Aug. 16.

What is there to see and do? 

Whether you’re a thrill seeker, a foodie, or just there for the vibes, the fair should have something for everyone.

Dozens of carnival rides will include the return of Joker 360, which swings riders into the air while also spinning and flipping. You can also see the Dragon Knights Stilt Show, performers who spring into the air on stilts.

The Action Sports Arena will also feature motorists zipping around inside the Globe of Death and the demolition derby series will return. Tickets to the various shows can be found here.

You can also catch live music at The Hangar or the Pacific Amphitheater throughout the fair’s run. Concert tickets include same-day access to the fair.

El Pachuco Zoot Suit Fashion Show and Lowrider exhibit is a new addition to the fair that will pay homage to the Chicano community’s history, influence and style.

Fair food is a given. For a chance to try a little bit of everything, fairgoers can try the Taste of the Fair promotion, which offers a variety of delights for just $5 at participating booths.

Buying tickets 

Pre-sale tickets are discounted until Thursday, July 16.

Here’s how much regular tickets cost:

• General admission on Wednesday and Thursday: $13
• General admission on  Friday, Saturday and Sunday: $18
• Seniors ages 65 and up: $10
• Kids ages 6 through 12: $9 
• Kids ages 5 and younger can enter for free

Other admission options include the Every Day Passport. For $60, visitors can enter the fairgrounds every day, including sold-out dates. There are no blackout dates or restrictions.

What about transportation? 

There are many ways to get to the fair, but public transportation and rideshare are encouraged.

Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles, and $30 for limos and buses.

Buses will transport fairgoers to and from one of six locations directly to the OC Fair between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. Rides are $2 each way. Your OC Fair tickets must be purchased in advance to ride.

A bonus for bookworms

Kids ages 5 through 11 who read three books can qualify for two free rides at the fair’s Kidland. Fill out this form to receive a QR code.