The OC Fair & Event Center is home to the largest month-long summer fair in Orange County, the OC Fair, as well as the Orange County Marketplace, weekly Farmer's Markets, and other events and expos, making it an ideal stop for tourists.
How to Get to the OC Fair & Event Center
The OC Fair & Event Center is located off Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. The 55 freeway runs parallel to the center, or you can access the OC Fair & Event Center off of Fairview Ave.
Best and Worst Times to go to the OC Fair & Event Center
The best time to visit the OC Fair & Event Center is in July and August when the OC Fair is running. If the fair does not interest you, it's recommended you avoid visiting during this time. Locals should visit on Wednesday and Thursdays to participate in the Food Truck Fare, or on Fridays to get their produce shopping done at the Farmers Market. Those looking for a deal should check out the Fair & Event center's OC Marketplace swap meet on Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission to the OC Fair & Event Center
Admission to the OC Fair & Event Center varies depending on the day and time of year. Admission to the OC Marketplace swap meet on Saturdays & Sundays is $2.00, and the OC Fair admission in July & August is $12 for adults and $7 for kids. The Farmers Market and Food Truck events are free, however other events at the OC Fair & Event center may charge an admission fee.
Parking and Public Transportation at the OC Fair & Event Center
There are multiple parking lots at the OC Fair & Event Center. Cost for parking varies by event. There is also an OCTA Bus that has a drop off point in front of the OC Fair & Event Center. Many pathways surround the OC Fair & Event Center so it is quite accessible by foot.
Must See and Do at the OC Fair & Event Center
The OC Fair is a must-see, as it is the largest fair in Orange County. During this time, visitors can catch a concert at the adjacent Pacific Ampitheatre, view hundreds of different exhibits and of course indulge in classic carnival food and rides. Participating in the weekly Food Truck Fare is also a must, as it gives visitors a chance to try different cuisine from all of Orange County's food trucks.
Other Places to Visit Near the OC Fair & Event Center
Other places located within a few miles the OC Fair & Event Center include large mall South Coast Plaza if visitors are interested in shopping, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts which is home to a variety of different musicals and entertainment throughout the year, and The OC Mix, an indoor/outdoor shopping and dining destination.
Insider Tips for Visitors to OC Fair & Event Center
Local visitors should take advantage of the OC Fair's super pass, which admission to all 23 days of the fair at a discounted rate, plus free admission to the Orange County Marketplace. Out of town visitors should plan on visiting the fair and event center in the evenings when most of the activities occur.
Author's bio: Allie Fisher is an Orange County native who loves writing about food + travel. Follow her on instagram + twitter @socaliallie and catch all her adventures on her blog, www.sweetpotatobites.com.