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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.

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!

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.

Who’s Ready for Opening Weekend of the OC Fair?

July 7, 2014 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

Opening weekend of the 2014 OC Fair is almost here! During the first hour of the 2014 Fair, Fairgoers can take advantage of free admission and parking during Free Opening Hour (Friday, July 11, Noon-1 p.m.) The Fair is open July 11 from Noon-Midnight and features the following promotions opening day and each Friday:

Seniors Day: $2 off Senior (60+) admission plus free Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides all day
$2 Taste of Fair Food: Enjoy Fair food samples for only $2 from Noon-4 p.m.
$2 Rides & Games: Sold until 4 p.m.

The OC Fair will kick off its summer of headline entertainment with The Offspring / Adolescents in the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre, Journey Unauthorized – A Tribute to Journey in The Hangar and X-Treme Freestyle Moto-X in the Action Sports Arena. Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar concert tickets and Action Sports Arena reserved seats include with free Fair admission for the same day so ticketholders are encouraged to come early and stay late.

New this year, the OC Fair will be host to the first-ever OC Brew Hee Haw (July 11-13) with craft beer tastings, demonstrations and exhibits. There will be five sessions with more than 60 craft beer selections from local breweries each. Each session costs $55 per person and includes free Fair admission. Visit ocbrewheehaw.com for details and tickets.

Other events during opening weekend of the 2014 OC Fair (July 12-13) include:

Saturday, July 12 (Open 10 a.m.-Midnight)

Which One’s Pink? – A Tribute to the Music of Pink Floyd in the Pacific Amphitheatre (8:15 p.m.)
Zeppelin Live – A Live Rock Tribute to Led Zeppelin in The Hangar (8:30 p.m.)
40th Annual Speedway Fair Derby in the Action Sports Arena (8 p.m.)

Sunday, July 13 (Open 10 a.m.-Midnight)

Matisyahu / Tribal Seeds / The Lions in the Pacific Amphitheatre (6 p.m.)The English Beat / The Debonaires in The Hangar (8:30 p.m.)

SummerFist VII – Mixed Martial Arts in the Action Sports Arena (6 p.m.)

Every Saturday & Sunday

Rise & Shine: $3 general admission (10 a.m.-11 a.m.)
Free Parking & Shuttle Service from the Experian parking structure located off Anton Blvd. off the Bristol St. exit of the northbound 405 freeway. Shuttle operates 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
OC Fair Express: Receive a coupon for $3 general admission for that day when using special routes directly from 9 different OCTA transit locations ($2 for one-way and $4 for round-trip). Visit octa.net/ocfairexpress for transit locations and times. Plus, Metrolink riders can catch a free ride on the OC Fair Express from the Anaheim Canyon, Santa Ana or Irvine stations simply by showing their Metrolink ticket. Visit metrolinktrains.com/ocfair for transit times and locations.

Throughout the 2014 OC Fair (July 11-August 10), Fairgoers can also enjoy:

Military Get in Free: Free admission everyday for active U.S. military and veterans with appropriate I.D.
Read & Ride Program: Children (ages 5-11) who read at least two books and submit a completed OC Fair Read & Ride Book Report Form (available online at ocfair.com/readandride) will receive three free carnival rides.

Free Exhibits and Events: Culinary displays in the OC Promenade, All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, Russell Brothers Family Fun Circus, educational exhibits and contests children in Explorium, garden exhibits in the Centennial Farm and more.
Visit ocfair.com/2014 for a full listing of each day’s offerings.

Are you getting excited about the fair yet? I know I am!

What’s Cookin’ This Year at the OC Fair?

July 4, 2014 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

The fair food is probably my MOST favorite part about the fair! The OC Fair is, once again, cooking up a delicious summer for fairgoers. From July 11 to August 10, 2014, the OC Fair is serving summer fun, along with culinary events and new Fair food that are definitely worth the trip! Each year, fairgoers look forward to new additions to the list of outrageous fair foods.

Stop by these booths to try the latest and greatest foods that join that list this year:

Chicken Charlie is introducing the new-for-2014 Deep-Fried Doritos and Deep-Fried Chicken Skin in addition to his classic favorite fried treats of Oreos, cookie dough and Twinkies.
Bacon A-Fair is introducing Bacon-Wrapped Jack Daniels, a unique churro concoction with a little whiskey kick at the end (non-alcoholic of course). Also, a deep-fried bacon-wrapped turkey leg!
Biggy’s Meat Market is bringing gluten-free options this summer with GF hamburger buns, fries & a newly gluten-free The Big Rib.
Texas Donuts is putting a twist on its popular giant donuts with new flavors like Cherry Pop Rocks, Banana Chocolate Cream and Peanut Butter Cup. Also new this year, a Latin twist with the new deep-fried Gansito.

Pop rocks donut — The Cherry Pop Rocks Donut from Texas Donuts!

Back at the fair this summer are the OC Fair Foodies! These are OC Fair’s food-themed costumed characters. Join Olivia Orange, Cotton Candy Carl, Arturo Churro, Cornelius Corn and Ice Cream Scoop as they delight Fairgoers. I know we’ll be seeking them out for photo opportunities! Selfies with the OC Fair Foodies seem like a fair necessity!

The culinary events calendar is jam-packed this year. Some of the events, demos and tastings include:

$2 Taste of Fair Food, held every Friday from Noon-4 p.m., offers Fairgoers the chance to taste Fair food for $2 per item. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more.
OC Brew Hee Haw, a craft beer roundup, is July 11-13 and will bring some of the best local craft beers to OC Fairgoers for five sessions of beer tastings, demonstrations and exhibits. Visit ocbrewheehaw.com for details and tickets.
Celebrity Chefs will bring their colorful cooking skills to The Hangar stage on three Thursdays. Scheduled appearances, include Carla Hall, co-host ABC’s lifestyle series “The Chew” (July 17, 4 p.m.); Roy Choi, founder of the famous Korean taco truck, Kogi BBQ (July 24, 4 p.m.); and Kelsey Nixon, host of her own show, “Kelsey’s Essentials” on the Cooking Channel (July 31, 4p.m.) Free with Fair admission and autograph sessions will follow each appearance. Presented by Vons.
Chef Challenge will put talented culinary professionals in competition against each other with a themed cook-off every Friday at 7 p.m.: July 18 (Earth), July 25 (Water), August 1 (Air) and August 8 (Fire). Free with Fair admission.
Special Culinary Contests include Eating Smart Starts Here (July 19), Hot! Hot! Hot! Chili, Wings or Salsa (July 26), OC Cupcake Classic (August 2) and Fairtastic Food (August 9). Registration is the Wednesday before each contest. For a complete list, visit ocfair.com/competitions.
Daily Culinary Demonstrations can be enjoyed for free in the OC Promenade throughout the run of Fair. The Bakeology exhibit will highlight the wondrous things a baker can create from just butter, flour, eggs and sugar with daily demonstrations by Blackmarket Bakery chefs. Chef Ray Duey will carve works of art out of fruits and vegetables. Master Food Preserver Ernest Miller will teach Fairgoers how to preserve their fresh vegetables, sauces and more. Artist Shaile Socher will create delicate edible sugar art and Cake Decorator Greggy Soriano (July 11-27 only) will make cake go from bland to grand live at the Fair.
Award-Winning Wines are available by the taste or the glass in the Wine Courtyard throughout Fair and on weekends wine-lovers can learn more about the various varietals of wine during the Orange County Wine Society’s Wine Seminars (most require an additional fee).

What are YOU most excited to eat at the OC Fair this year?

(images provided by OC Fair)

Check out the Live Music & Action Sports Lineup at the 2014 OC Fair!

July 3, 2014 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

The 2014 OC Fair will offer a month-long bonanza of great music and wild entertainment in The Hangar and Action Sports Arena from July 11-August 10. Tickets are on sale now and, as always, include free OC Fair admission.

The Hangar at the 2014 OC Fair:

July 11 Journey Unauthorized – A Tribute to Journey
July 12 Zeppelin Live – A Live Rock Tribute to Led Zeppelin
July 13 The English Beat / The Debonaires
July 16 Wild Child – A Jim Morrison Celebration
July 17 Atomic Punks – A Tribute to Early Van Halen
July 18 Joshua Tree – A Tribute to U2
July 19 Kenny Metcalf as Elton John – A Tribute to Early Elton
July 20 MenAlive – Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus Performing the Music of The Beatles
July 23 Purple Reign – THE Prince Tribute
July 24 Strangelove – The Ultimate Tribute to Depeche Mode
July 25 Metalachi – The World’s Only Heavy Metal Mariachi Band / Mex-Zeppelin – A Led Zeppelin Tribute
July 26 No Duh – The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt / Green Today – A Green Day Tribute
July 27 Ricky Nelson Remembered – Matthew & Gunnar Nelson
July 30 Hotel California – A Salute to The Eagles
July 31 Kalimba – The Spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire
August 1 Rumours – The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show
August 2 KIDZ BOP – Dream Big, Sing Loud Tour!
August 2 Damage Inc. – Southern California’s Tribute to Metallica
August 3 Common Kings / Tini Grey
August 6 Moonwalker – A Reflection of Michael Jackson
August 7 Queen Nation – A Tribute to the Music of Queen
August 8 Hot August Night – The Neil Diamond Tribute
August 9 Dead Man’s Party – The Oingo Boingo Tribute
August 10 Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez

A concert ticket is required to have a seat inside The Hangar during these events. Concert tickets include free Fair admission for the same day before and after the concert.

Action Sports Arena at the 2014 OC Fair:

July 11 X-Treme Freestyle Moto-X
July 12 40th Annual Speedway Fair Derby
July 13 SummerFist VII – Mixed Martial Arts
July 16-20 Monster X Tour – Monster Trucks & Tuff Trucks
July 23-27 ASA Action Sports World Tour – Skate/BMX Half-Pipe
July 30 & August 1 Extreme Rodeo
July 31 & August 2 Broncs & Bulls
August 3 Fiesta del Charro
August 6 & 9 Orange Crush Demolition Derby
August 7 & 10 Motor Home Madness Demolition Derby
August 8 Damsels of Destruction Demolition Derby

Reserved seats include free Fair admission for the same day before and after the event. There is limited free seating available with Fair admission on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Tickets to The Hangar and Action Sports Arena reserved seats can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone (800) 745-3000, from all Ticketmaster outlets or at the OC Fair & Event Center Box Office, which is open before the Fair on Wednesday 1-9 p.m., Thursday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and closed Monday-Tuesday and Friday, July 4. The Box Office is also open during the 2014 OC Fair.

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.

(images courtesy of OC Fair)

The 2014 OC Fair: Summer Starts Here!

July 2, 2014 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

We are counting down the days until the 2014 OC Fair begins! The theme this year is Summer Starts Here and I can’t think of a more appropriate theme for the kickoff of summer! This year’s fair will run from July 11-August 10! It’s going to be 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun! In addition to all of that, the venue also features the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre and events in The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. I think everyone needs to check out the Super Pass option. It’s offered at one price and gives you entrance into the fair for the entire 23 days plus a bunch of other benefits. To get more info about the Super Pass and to purchase online, click here.

When I look back at some of our pictures from last year’s fair, I get even more excited about it! We absolutely LOVE visiting the farm animals, especially the piglets and the chicks! The farm is the first place we walk through each year when we get into the fair. Emi even thinks it’s fun to milk the pretend cow!

Emily also loves going on the kiddie rides. Sadly, she’s getting so tall that I don’t know how much longer she’ll be able to ride on them.

It wouldn’t be a trip to the fair without some of the delicious fair food. We are always anxious to see what new items will be featured each year in the fried foods category, but honestly, I don’t think there’s anything that can beat the BBQ corn!

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.

What are YOU most excited about at this year’s fair?

Is it something you want to see, something you want to ride, or something you’re excited to eat?