Your Super Simple Guide to the 2026 OC Fair

Get Ready for a Big Fun Fair!

Imagine a giant playground filled with rides, yummy food, and lots of people having fun. That’s the OC Fair! It’s happening in Costa Mesa (a city in Orange County, California) and folks from all over are coming.

The 2026 OC Fair starts on Friday, July 17 and stays open for 23 days. That means it goes until Aug. 16. Over those weeks, more than 1 million people are expected to visit!

There will be:

• Tons of carnival prizes and rides of every shape and size (the midway is the area with rides).
• A brand-new thrilling ride called Air Raid for brave folks: it’s 118 feet tall and spins you around at up to 4Gs (that’s a force that makes you feel heavier, like a fast roller coaster).
• Yummy foods to try: from a French onion-flavored huge bun, fried tiramisu, Korean corn dogs, to funnel cakes with powdered sugar.
• Shopping for gadgets, free shows, and displays where you might win a blue ribbon (a prize for doing something well).

Important: The fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Plan your visit around that!

When and Where is the 2026 OC Fair?

The fair is at the OC Fair & Event Center, located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. It’s right next to the 55 Freeway (a big road).

• Dates: July 17 through Aug. 16 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays).
• Hours:
  • Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Fridays & Saturdays: 11 a.m. to midnight.

How Much is Admission?

You need a ticket to get in. This year, prices changed a little:

• Wednesdays & Thursdays: $13 (same as last year).
• Fridays & Weekends: $18 (went up from before).
• Ages 60 and older: $10.
• Kids ages 6 to 12: $9.
• Children 5 and younger: Free.

Important: The fair only lets a certain number of people in each day (they cap it). You must buy tickets online before you go. Last year some days sold out, especially when big concerts or shows happen at places like the Pacific Amphitheatre (a big music stage), The Hangar, or Action Sports Arena. If you have a ticket for those shows, it includes free fair entry on that day!

What Kind of Discounts Are Available?

Because the fair limits daily visitors to about 50,000, they stopped giving totally free tickets but added more cheaper options.

• Every Day Passport: If you love the fair, pay $60 for a pass that lets you in any day, any time. Only a limited number exist.
• Early Bird Weekend Deal: Buy Friday or weekend tickets before the fair opens, and pay only $15.
• Cheap Wednesday/Thursday Morning: If you arrive before 1 p.m. on Wed/Thu, pay $11.
• Value Bundles: Before opening day, you can get deals like ride wristbands (a band that lets you ride many times) and combo tickets.
• Kids Read Free Rides: Children who read 3 books can fill out a form on the ocfair.com website – find it under general information to get a couple free rides in Kidland (a kids area).
• $5 Taste of Fair: Until 5 p.m. daily, you can try small samples of fair food for $5 at booths marked with $5 Taste.

Check ocfair.com/oc-fair/admission for all options.

What Are the Parking Options?

If you drive, parking costs $15 for cars and motorcycles.

Steps to park and arrive easily:

1. Use Gate 1 on Fair Drive (main gate) for drop-off by Uber, Lyft, or taxi.
2. Avoid Gate 10 off Newport Boulevard because it often closes when it’s busy; try Gate 1 or Gate 3 (on Fairview Drive and Merrimac Way).
3. Or take a bus! The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) runs the OC Fair Express on weekends.
   • Cost: $2 one-way, $4 round-trip (kids free).
   • Catch from one of these spots:
     • ARTIC station, 2626 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
     • Fullerton Park & Ride, 3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton
     • Goldenwest Transportation Center, 7301 Center Ave., Huntington Beach
     • Irvine Train Station, 15215 Barranca Parkway, Irvine
     • Laguna Hills Transportation Center, 24282 Calle De Los Caballeros, Laguna Hills
     • Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana
   • Buses run every 30 mins: Saturdays 10:30 a.m.–12:30 a.m., Sundays until 11:30 p.m. (depending on location).
   • Pay with OCTA Wave app or tap credit/debit/phone.
   • More info at octa.net.

What Items Are You Allowed to Take Into the OC Fair?

Think of it like a picnic rules list:

• Allowed:
  • Soft-sided coolers (not hard ones)
  • Sealed food and drinks
  • Water bottles (factory sealed or empty at gate)
  • Wagons and strollers (also rentable)
  • Service animals (special helper animals for people with disabilities, as defined by the ADA law)
• Not Allowed:
  • Cans, glass, or outside alcohol
  • Hard-sided coolers
  • Pets (only service animals)
  • Smoking or vaping anywhere
  • Selfie sticks, drones, weapons

Important: All bags are checked before you enter. So pack smart!

Summary

The 2026 OC Fair is a 23-day fun fest in Costa Mesa from July 17 to Aug. 16 (closed Mon/Tue). Expect cool rides like Air Raid, tasty weird foods, and shows. Tickets must be bought online early because daily entry is limited. Prices: $13–$18 depending on day, with discounts for seniors, kids, and early birds. Parking is $15 or take the cheap bus. Bring a soft cooler with sealed snacks, but leave glass and pets at home. Have a blast!

FAQ

1. Can I just show up and buy a ticket at the gate?
No. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time because the fair caps daily visitors. Some days sell out, so plan early.

2. What if I want to see a concert at the fair?
If you buy a ticket for a show at Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, or Action Sports Arena, it includes free fair admission that day!

3. Is there a way to get free rides for my child?
Yes! Kids who read three books can fill out a form on the ocfair.com website (under general information) to get a couple of free rides in Kidland.

4. Can I bring my own lunch?
You can bring sealed food and beverages in a soft-sided cooler. Water bottles must be factory sealed or empty at the gate. No cans or glass.

5. How do I avoid parking hassle?
Use Gate 1 or Gate 3, or take the OC Fair Express bus from six county locations for just $2–$4 round trip on weekends.