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Top 10 Ways to Save Money at the 2019 OC Fair

May 14, 2019 / Family Fun, OC Fair, Orange County, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
The 2019 OC Fair is just around the corner and we can’t wait! Going to the fair is something our family does every summer. This year’s theme celebrates the county’s agricultural roots and invites everyone to enjoy “Acres of Fun”. This year, the OC Fair will be open from July 12-Aug. 11.One of the best parts about the OC Fair is all of the ways fair goers can save money on admission and tickets. There are so many great opportunities to do so and if you plan ahead, you can maximize the savings.Here is a list of 10 tips to save you money at this year’s OC Fair:

Tip 1 – Get 30% more carnival tickets if you buy before May 31. Options include a 52-ticket ride pass for $20, a 130-ticket pass for $50 and a 260-ticket pass for $100. Rides require multiple tickets. Buy tickets online at ocfair.com/carnival.
Tip 2 – If you plan to come to the OC Fair more than once, you need a Super Pass. For one low price, fair goers can come to all 23 days of the Fair. Through May 31, general admission Super Passes are $35, seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) passes are just $28. OC Fair general admission is $12 Wednesday through Friday and $14 on weekends. Senior and youth admission is $7 every day. Visit ocfair.com/superpass.
Tip 3 – Enter competitions and get free admission. If you are a table-setting virtuoso, an extraordinary avocado grower or a top-notch cake baker, this is the way to go. New this year, the OC Fair Exhibitor Renaissance Award will recognize an adult and a youth competitor with multiple skill sets. More information is at ocfair.com/competitions.
Tip 4 – Visit other fairs and get into the OC Fair for free. Save your San Diego County Fair, Riverside County Fair, San Bernardino County Fair, or Ventura County Fair ticket stub for one free admission to the OC Fair. Bonus tip: Save your 2019 OC Fair admission ticket for one free admission at the 2020 Riverside County Fair (Feb. 14-23).
Tip 5 – Concert and show tickets come with free admission. Shows are selling out, so make sure to get tickets now for Pacific Amphitheatre concerts, The Hangar shows and thrills in the Action Sports Arena. Don’t miss Brandi Carlile, the Queen Nation tribute band or the newest addition to the Action Sports Arena: lawn mower racing. Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/entertainment.
Tip 6 – OC Fair Express is only $4 round-trip and bus riders get $4 Fair admission. This amazing deal also helps cut traffic and eliminates a parking fee. Catch the OC Fair Express from one of nine OC locations every Saturday and Sunday. More info is at ocfairexpress.com. Bonus tip: Another option on weekends: fairgoers can park for free at Experian and grab a free shuttle to the OC Fair.
Tip 7 – Students get carnival rides for reading. The OC Fair Read & Ride gives three free rides to bookworms ages 5-11 who read two books. Forms can be downloaded online and redeemed for ride tickets. More information is at ocfair.com/deals.
Tip 8 – Donate items on a We Care Wednesday. Receive free admission on Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. by donating school supplies, canned food, children’s books or kids clothing to local nonprofits. Visit ocfair.com/deals for a schedule.
Tip 9 – Kids Day is a great deal for families. Kids 12 and younger get in to the OC Fair free each Thursday. It’s also a terrific day to sample those only-at-the-Fair goodies at $3 Taste of the Fair from noon to 4 p.m. each Thursday.
Tip 10 – Work at the OC Fair. OC Fair & Event Center is hiring now to fill more than 1,300 seasonal, part-time positions. Not only do employees get free Fair admission, but they can purchase up to 20 tickets for friends and family for just $1 each. You can apply online at ocfair.com/jobs.

I hope these tips are helpful for you. If you’re a planner like me, then these are definitely going to come in handy as you plan for the summer!

Graphic is property of OC Fair and used with permission.

Discounts and Deals for the 2018 OC Fair

July 19, 2018 / OC Fair, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

It’s that time of year again! It’s time for the 2018 OC Fair! This year’s festivities began on July 13 and will run through August 12 . Visiting the OC Fair is something our family looks forward to doing every summer, This year’s fair encourages you to “Free Your Inner Farmer” and offers 23 days and nights of entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits and more.If you’re like me, you’re probably interested in knowing about all the ways to save every single day at the OC Fair. So grab your overalls and plan ahead to take advantage of all these great deals.New this year is Overalls Day. All fair-goers wearing overalls get free admission every Thursday from noon to 3 p.m.Also new for this year is a weekend carnival special. Grab $35 unlimited ride wristbands from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and use them until 4 p.m.

Returning favorite promotions include:

Free Till Three on Opening Day; that’s free Fair admission and parking from noon to 3 p.m. on July 13 only. And our weekend commuter specials, the OC Fair Express bus and offsite Experian parking, save time, money and traffic headaches.
2018 SUPER PASS – Super Passes include admission to all 23 days of the OC Fair. Other perks include a carnival value book, 20 percent off OC Fair merchandise (one-time purchase), free admission to the Orange County Market Place for the calendar year, two-for-one tickets to select events at Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena, and the ability to purchase up to 10 general admission Fair tickets for $10 each. Super Passes are $40 (general admission) and $33 (seniors and youth) through May 31, and available for purchase here.

Weekday Deals

WEDNESDAYS – We Care Wednesday (noon – 3 p.m.) Free admission and one carnival ride with a donation to that day’s charity. July 18, school supplies drive; July 25, food drive; Aug. 1, children’s book drive; Aug. 8, clothing drive.
THURSDAYS –New! Wear Overalls Day (noon-3 p.m.) Fairgoers who wear overalls get free admission. $3 Taste of Fair Food – From noon-4 p.m., you can sample a variety of food from different vendors for $3 each. Kids Day (all day) Children 12 and younger receive free admission.
FRIDAYS- Seniors Day (all day) Guests 60+ receive $5 admission and free Ferris wheel and merry-go-round-rides. $2 Rides & $2 Games (noon-4 p.m.) Try out all of the Carnival and Midway attractions for just $2 each.

Weekend Deals

SATURDAYS – Best Deal Ever! (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Admission is half price ($7) for all guests, and rides are half the carnival tickets to ride.
SUNDAYS – New! Sunday Fun Day (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Admission is half price ($7) for all guests. Rides are half the carnival tickets to ride, OR guests can purchase a $35 unlimited ride wristband (11 a.m. – 1 p.m., valid until 4 p.m.)

LIMITED-TIME DEALS

Free Till Three on Opening Day (Friday, July 13, noon-3 p.m.) Admission and parking are free at all gates on Opening Day of the 2018 OC Fair until 3 p.m.
First Responders and Law Enforcement Week (Aug. 8-12) With an issuing agency ID, active-duty and professional staff of the police, sheriff, fire and emergency services departments receive free admission.

DAILY DEALS

Salute to Heroes – Veterans and active-duty military receive free admission with a valid ID and are also able to purchase up to six general admission tickets for half off.
Fair It Forward – With the original ticket, guests who attended the San Diego County Fair, Ventura County Fair or OC Fair can receive free admission to both of the other two fairs.
Read & Ride – Bookworms ages 5-11 who read two books and complete the online book report form (available at bit.ly/readride2018) will receive three free carnival rides. This deal can be redeemed at the Information Booth in Centennial Farm during regular Fair hours.
Pacific Amphitheatre & Carnival Ticket Bounce-Back – Guests who attend a Pacific Amphitheatre concert receive one free ride on La Grande Wheel XL in the Main Midway with their valid ticket stub.
OC City Coupon – Orange County residents can pick up a coupon for $2 off full-price general admission from their local city halls or libraries. This coupon is valid for up to four people; must present original coupon.

COMMUTING DEALS

Free offsite parking (every Saturday and Sunday) Park at the Experian lot in Irvine for free, and take the courtesy shuttle straight to the OC Fair.
OC Fair Express (every Saturday and Sunday) Fairgoers traveling to the Fair on OCTA’S OC Fair Express bus receive a coupon for $4 Fair admission. The bus fare is $2 each way ($4 round trip; $1.50 for seniors). Buses run 10 a.m. to midnight and will pick up from nine different locations throughout Orange County. Visit ocfairexpress.com for more information.

Regular pricing: General admission is $12 Wednesday-Friday and $14 Saturday-Sunday. Seniors (60+) and youth (6-12) admission is $7. Parking is $10.

The 2018 OC Fair is July 13-Aug. 12, open Wednesday-Friday from noon to midnight and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

The OC Fair is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. You can Free Your Inner Farmer till the cows come home at the OC Fair through August 12! For more information about these deals and this year’s OC Fair, please visit here.

Some images and logos are property of OC Fair.

{Giveaway} 2016 OC Fair Super Pass Now on Sale at Early Presale Pricing Until 2/29!

February 9, 2016 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

Who’s ready for summer and the annual return of The OC Fair? I know we are and we’re really excited for this year’s theme “Get Your Fair Face On“! This year’s fair will take place from July 17-August 16 (Wednesday-Sunday) with 23 days and nights of food, rides, shopping, exhibits, animals and headline performances in the Pacific Amphitheatre, nightly music in The Hangar and adrenaline-inducing events in the Action Sports Arena.

The Super Pass, the Fair’s annual season pass, is currently on sale at the lowest prices of the season through Feb. 29 online at http://www.ocfair.com/superpass. Early pre-sale prices are General (13-59) $25, Senior (60+) $18 and Child (6-12) $18.
Check out all of the Super Pass Perks:

Admission to the OC Fair for all 23 days
Express entry at all public gates during Fair hours
2-for-1 discount for tickets to select Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena concerts and events. There is a 6 ticket limit. Tickets are subject to availability which may change without notice.
20% off Fair apparel
2016 OC Fair souvenir pin
Free Admission to the Orange County Market Place (valid through December 26, 2016)
Carnival value book (includes 2-for-1 ride on La Grande Wheel, 2-for-1 carnival games, a Free water bottle (with a $10 purchase of treats from carnival food vendor, and a Free refill with a souvenir cup purchase in the carnival)

I’m also having a giveaway! The OC Fair is providing a pair (2) of Super Passes for the 2016 OC Fair for one of my lucky readers to win! You can enter below on the Rafflecopter! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of the OC Fair.

The 2015 OC Fair is Here and it’s Going to Be #OneBigParty!

July 17, 2015 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

It’s the time all of Orange County has been waiting for! The 2015 OC Fair has returned to the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds and it’s going to be”One Big Party”!

Our family can’t get enough of the OC Fair! We love the food, the rides, the animals, all of the entertainment, and and so much more!

This summer the fair will be open from July 17 through August 16! (Wednesdays through Sundays).

Fair hours are as follows:

Wednesday-Friday Noon-Midnight
Saturday-Sunday 10 am-Midnight
Monday-Tuesday Closed

You have 2 options for fair admission. You can purchase either a single day admission or an even better value would be to purchase a Super Pass.

Single-Day Admission prices are as follows:

General (13-59) $12
Senior (60+) $7
Youth (6-12) $7
Children 5 and younger are free

Single day admission to the Fair can be purchased either online here when you print at home or at the OC Fair Box Office at the Pacific Amphitheatre. To check Box Office Hours click here.

The Super Pass is an option that gives you access to the fair for all 23 days. It also includes Express entry at all public gates during Fair hours, as well as 2-for-1 discount for tickets to select Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena Concerts and events.

The Super Pass also includes:

20% off Fair apparel
2015 OC Fair souvenir pin
Free Admission to the Orange County Market Place (valid through December 27, 2015)
A Carnival value book (2-for-1 ride on La Grande Wheel, 2-for-1 carnival games, Free water bottle with a $10 purchase of treats from carnival food vendor, Free refill with a souvenir cup purchase in the carnival)

The Super Pass can be purchased at The OC Fair Event Center Box Office, The Hangar Box Office or any OC Fair admission gate through Friday, August 14, 2015.

Fees for parking at the OC Fair:

General Passenger Car $10
General Buses & Limos $20
Pacific Amphitheatre VIP $30

Important: Parking is cash only. There are no in-and-out parking privileges. General parking is not available for advance purchase and can only be purchased when you arrive at the Fair.

Free Off-Site Parking is also available on Saturday & Sunday Only
Free parking and shuttle service is available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol Street exit of the 405 Freeway. Follow the signs to “Experian.” The shuttle operates from 10 am-1 am weekends only.

The OC Fair offers a TON of different discounts to fair-goers. Here are just a few, but click here to find ALL of them!

Active Military & VeteransFree admission for active-duty military and veterans with appropriate military ID (DD214, etc.) Not valid for spouses or dependents

Read & Ride
Bookworms ages 5-11 can read 2 books to earn 3 free carnival rides. To download the book report form, click here.
Completed book report forms can be redeemed for ride tickets at the Centennial Farm Information Booth during Fair hours. Tickets are valid July 17-August 16, 2015 only. Note: Official OC Fair Read & Ride Form must be used in order to participate in program.

We Care Wednesday Presented by

FREE admission and one (1) free carnival ride per person each Wednesday with appropriate donation (donation changes weekly.) Acceptance of donated items is at the discretion of the OC Fair. Promotion is limited to one free admission and one free carnival ride per person. Guest must be present with donation to receive free ticket.

July 22, Noon-3 pm Food Drive: Free admission with donations of 5 cans of food.
July 29, Noon-3 pm Children’s Book Drive: Free admission with donation of 3 new or gently used children’s books.
August 5, Noon-3 pm Clothing Drive: Free admission with donation of 5 new or gently used clothing items
August 12, Noon-3 pm School Supply Drive: Free admission with donation of NEW school supplies valued at $5 or more. Accepted items: pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, notebook paper and school backpacks. Receipt Required.

$30 Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband (on Wednesdays and Thursdays only)

Enjoy all the rides you can handle for one price plus 2 free games. (Sold until 5 pm. Valid until 8 pm. Required Fair admission sold separately.)

Kids Day is every Thursday!

Children 12 & under receive FREE Fair admission all day. (why not combine the free admission with the $30 unlimited carnival ride wristband?)

So tell me, what’s YOUR favorite thing about the OC Fair? Mine are the piglets!

Visit the OC Fair on Facebook and connect with them on Twitter and Instagram as well!

The Band Perry, Fifth Harmony / Debby Ryan and Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo / Dennis DeYoung Added to 2015 Toyota Summer Concert Series at The OC Fair!

April 28, 2015 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

The OC Fair just announced more performances as part of their 2015 Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre!

Tickets for the following performances will go on sale May 2:

The Band Perry / Annie McQueen (Thursday, July 23)
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo – 35th Anniversary / Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx (Thursday, August 6)
Fifth Harmony / Debby Ryan & The Never Ending / Bea Miller / Natalie La Rose (Saturday, August 8)

As always, concert tickets include Fair admission.

Tickets for these events go on sale Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster or at the OC Fair & Event Center Box Office, which is open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com or by phone (800) 745-3000.
The remaining performances at the 2015 OC Fair will be announced in the coming months. Sign up for pre-sale emails at ocfair.com.

Connect with The OC Fair on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Cirque du Soleil KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™ is Coming to Southern California October 15! Tickets on Sale Now!

April 23, 2015 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

Cirque du Soleil is returning to Southern California with its newest touring show, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™! Beginning October 15, the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top will be up in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair & Event Center.

KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™ premiered to the world in Montréal in April 2014 and is Cirque du Soleil’s 35th production. Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™ is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world where everything is possible. In this realm set in the latter half of the nineteenth century, reality is quite relative indeed as our perception of it is utterly transformed. The name of the show refers to the humble and strange characters that inhabit the Seeker’s Cabinet of Curiosities.

In an alternate yet familiar past, in a place where wonders abound for those who trust their imagination, a Seeker discovers that in order to glimpse the marvels that lie just below the surface, we must first learn to close our eyes. In his larger-than-life curio cabinet, the Seeker is convinced that there exists a hidden, invisible world – a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams lie waiting. A collection of otherworldly characters suddenly steps into his makeshift mechanical world. When the outlandish, benevolent characters turn his world upside down with a touch of poetry and humor in an attempt to ignite the Seeker’s imagination, his curios jump to life one by one before his very eyes.

Exclusive access to the best seats and prices are available for existing Cirque Club members starting on April 20. Visit cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueclub to sign up for a complimentary membership. Cirque Club members receive advance access to the best seats under the Big Top, deals and discounts for tickets, promotions with partners and a chance to experience never before seen exclusive Cirque du Soleil content. Tickets will be available for purchase by the general public beginning May 1 by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or calling 1-877-9 CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Tickets range from $50 – $165.

This Costa Mesa appearance, plus a performance at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles beginning December 18, will be the only Cirque du Soleil engagements in Southern California in 2015, so you’ll want to grab your tickets for this amazing production now!

Free, Family-Friendly Event Highlighting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math As Imaginology Moves “Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead” at the OC Fair & Event Center April 24-26

March 26, 2015 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

The OC Fair & Event Center invites families to Imaginology! Come explore the fun of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities April 24-26, 2015. This exciting, three-day event themed “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead”! Imaginology is the perfect environment for curious children of all ages to discover the unlimited career opportunities available within the educational fields of science, engineering, technology and more. Local students are encouraged to explore the possibilities of the future as a result of learning through hands-on workshops and exhibits.

Family-friendly activities and competitions for Imaginology weekend include:

Makeshops and Workshops: Children can participate in free, hands-on learning demonstrations in ceramics, painting, robotics, sculpting, sewing and other crafts. Local professionals and Imaginology staff lead the demonstrations and all necessary equipment and supplies are provided. Participants can take home any crafts or artwork they create.
Youth Projects: Students will showcase their talents in digital media, fashion, photography, painting, cardboard engineering and woodworking. All competitions are free to enter and open to Orange County students only. The entry registration deadline is April 3. The youth project entries will be on display in Action Gallery South.
Free Family & Group Contests: Family members and friends can team up at Imaginology to compete in two onsite contests to decorate the best sawhorse or scarecrow. On Saturday, April 25, teams can compete in the Scarecrow Contest and on Sunday, April 26, in the Sawhorse Contest for a chance to win $100 in either contest. It’s free to enter and basic materials (sawhorse, scarecrow, and some decorations) will be provided but teams are encouraged to bring their own decorations to make their entry unique. Visit ocfair.com/steam for details.
Centennial Farm: Guests can check out animals and vegetable and fruit gardens plus enjoy free tractor rides, oxen team demonstrations, OC Beekeepers exhibit, blacksmithing, sheep-shearing demonstrations, radish seed planting and terrarium-making and seed mosaic activities.
Gourmet Food Trucks and Local Fundraising Food Booths: Enjoy food trucks offering a variety of gourmet options near Livestock Area. Local youth groups will also be fundraising by selling hot dogs, pizza, beverages and a variety of lunch options.
4-H Competitions: Local youth are judged on their abilities to raise small livestock, their understanding of animal and veterinary sciences and their display projects on community service, aerospace, electricity and more. These educational displays will be in Action Gallery North and Livestock Area.
Vital Link STEM + the Arts Career Showcase: Vital Link provides resources to help students discover and consider professional careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) with exciting competitive displays, workshops and competitions.
Orange County Science & Engineering Fair: The 60th annual event hosts hands-on workshops and exhibits and through its annual competition encourages students to explore the physical and life sciences and fosters participation in the annual county-wide event.
Home Builders Council (HBC) 26th Annual Design/Build Competition: Watch as future architects and builders compete to see who are the best young builders in Southern California (Saturday & Sunday only).
More Free Activities: Exhibitors offering a variety of services and products, pretend and play activities like Pet Vet, Wild Science Activity Area, The Great Egg-Scape Exhibit and family-friendly entertainment.
Fee-based Activities: Land & Bubble Rollers, laser tag, inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, slides and a butterfly exhibit.

Imaginology is open Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free for all three days and many of the hands-on activities are included. Parking is free on Friday and $7 on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit ocfair.com/steam.

2015 OC Fair Celebrates “One Big Party” With Pop-Up Parties Starting in January!

January 20, 2015 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

The OC Fair will be celebrating 125 years of food and fun this July with “One Big Party”for the 2015 OC Fair. It will run July 17-August 16 and celebrate its 125th anniversary with 23 days of food, rides, shopping, exhibits and animals. Fairgoers will be able to enjoy world-renowned performers in the Pacific Amphitheatre and exciting events in The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

The OC Fair is getting the party started early with a series of Pop-Up Parties held at various locations throughout the Southland. Each event will feature a complimentary sweet treat and prizes, including OC Fair tickets and other goodies, as well as an opportunity to win an OC Fair Super Pass (season pass).

Here is the preliminary OC Fair Pop-Up Party schedule (events subject to change):

How fun does all of this sound? I’m totally ready to get this party started!

Sign-up for emails announcing concerts and other promotions at ocfair.com. Also, download the free OC Fair iPhone and Android apps available this summer.Visit OC Fair on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Get Ready for Some Family Fun at the 2014 OC Fair!

July 9, 2014 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

Summer Starts Here is the theme for this year’s OC Fair and it’s about to kick off with 23 days of family fun with their Opening Hour promotion. The OC Fair offers free admission and parking to Fairgoers during the first hour of the opening day on Friday, July 11 from Noon-1 p.m.

The OC fair also offers several ways for families with children to enjoy the fair with other special discounts and promotions.

Children 5 and younger are free every day
Kids Days – Every Thursday, children 12 and under receive free admission all day.
We Care Wednesday – Give back to the community together as a family every Wednesday from Noon to 3 p.m. in exchange for one free admission and carnival ride per person with appropriate donation. Donations are accepted Noon-3 p.m. on the following schedule: July 16 – 5 canned food items; July 23 – 1 new or 3 gently used children’s books; July 30 – 5 gently used or new items of clothing; and August 6 – school supplies worth at least $5.
Rise & Shine –Each Saturday and Sunday, admission is only $3 during the first hour, 10-11 a.m.
Super Pass – Get the exclusive Super Pass and enjoy admission to the 2014 OC Fair for all 23 days. The Super Pass may be purchased at the OC Fair and includes 23-day admission, express entry at all gates, 2-For-1 tickets for select events in the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena and a carnival savings book for the pass holder.
Read & Ride Program –The Read & Ride program encourages children (ages 5-11) to continue to read throughout their summer break, and in return, the OC Fair will award 3 carnival rides for every two books that are read. Parents can download the book report form at ocfair.com.
Carnival Promotions – Take advantage of the $30 wristband, which gives an unlimited access to carnival rides plus 2 free games each Wednesday and Thursday (sold until 5 p.m. and ride until 8 p.m.) or come on Fridays for $2 rides and games from Noon-4 p.m.
Taste of Fair Food – Families can taste the assorted Fair food for $2 per sample every Friday from Noon-4 p.m.

There are countless things for families with children to do at the OC Fair, many of which are free. Some of those include:

Daily Free Entertainment – Every day of the Fair, there will be family-friendly showcases for everyone to enjoy. Families can enjoy dance troupes, live bands, the Dragon Knights, fantasy-like creatures brought to life through the art of stilt walking, or cheer for their favorite racing pig.
OC Fair Foodies – They are bright, colorful and lovable and you can’t miss them. Join costumed characters Olivia (orange), Carl (cotton candy), Arturo (churro), Scoop (ice cream cone) and Cornelius (corn) as they stroll through the OC Fair.
Bakeology (Free Special Exhibit) – Learn the wondrous world of baking with demonstrations from Chef Rachel Klemek and other talented chefs from Blackmarket Bakery.
Explorium: Destination Kids – The perfect stop for youngsters to explore and wander through the eye-catching attractions including the new bug exhibit called The Good, The Bad & The Unbelievable plus other creative, hands-on exhibits.
Action Sports Arena – Adrenaline-junkies can grab a seat and hold tight for a wild ride with monster trucks, demolition derbies, extreme rodeo, martial arts and more. Reserved seats include free Fair admission and there is limited general seating available free with Fair admission on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Community Flag Salute – Come and honor Orange County cities with your family as local representatives sing the National Anthem on select weekdays at 12:30 p.m. at The Hangar. Orange County locals can also pick-up a $2 discount coupon from their local city halls and libraries to save on Fair admission.

We’re definitely ready for some family fun at the OC Fair! What about YOU?

The 2014 OC Fair, themed Summer Starts Here,is July 11 – August 10 and will bring 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Super Pass, Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre and events in The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. Concert tickets, action sports reserved seats, single-day general admission and the popular Super Pass are available for purchase online at ocfair.com or from the on-site Box Office. Free parking and shuttle service are available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol St. exit of the 405 freeway.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/OCFair, follow us at twitter.com/ocfair or call (714) 708-1500. Also, download the free OC Fair iPhone and Android apps available this summer.

Disclosure: Image and information provided to me by the OC Fair.