Orange County Fair 2023
The highlight of summer in Orange County is back! The OC Fair, which brings a whole month of fun to the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, has returned for another season from July 14th, 2023 to August 13th, 2023.
Bringing thrilling rides, fairground favorite foods like funnel cake and deep-fried Oreos, live music, and more, the Orange County Fair sees thousands of visitors each year. If you are planning to visit the fair this month, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind.
What to See and Do at the 2023 OC Fair
This year’s theme is “Happy Together.” Check out some of the fun things to do at the Orange County Fair!
Summer Concert Series
Smokey Robinson, Styx, Cheap Trick, Ne-Yo, Ziggy Marley, and Phoenix are just a handful of acts to play at the Pacific Amphitheatre, which is owned and operated by the OC Fair & Event Center. Tickets range in price and can be purchased here.
The Hangar offers live entertainment from tribute artists, while the Action Sports Arena hosts extreme sports, monster trucks and a rodeo. All tickets purchased for events at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and the Action Sports Arena include free fair admission.
Carnival Games and Rides
What would be a county fair without rides and games? Check out the new rides this year including Joker 360, Raptor, Sling Shot, or hit up your favorite carnival booths to win an amazing prize. No fair experience would be complete without a ride on the gigantic Ferris wheel, one of the largest in the country.
Food and Drink
Indulge in giant turkey legs, churros, BBQ, funnel cake, and more delicious treats all day long at this year’s OC fair. On Thursdays from 11am to 4pm, visitors can purchase a $4 “Taste of Fair Food” food sampler. Adults age 21 and older can sip on award-winning wines at The Courtyard Wine Seminars.
Centennial Farm and Petting Farm
Visit the three-acre Centennial Farm to see a variety of livestock and learn about the role agriculture plays in Orange County. Take a seat for demonstrations, competitions, and animal exhibits. Kids will love the petting zoo, where they can get up close and feed goats, sheep, pigs, and more.
Exhibits
If you have ever wondered what goes behind designing an awesome album cover, head over to The Art of Music Experience. This fascinating exhibit explores the world of album cover art and the legacy behind the world’s most iconic musicians. Insect lovers will “bug out” at Bug Bizarre, where a range of exotic bug displays can be viewed.
Busy Roads and Intersections in Costa Mesa
Getting to and from the Orange County Fair can be a challenge. There are also likely to be a number of road closures and detours around the fair itself. Familiarize yourself with these busy roads and intersections in Costa Mesa before heading out.
- I-405 (San Diego Freeway)
- Newport (55) South Freeway
- Fairview Rd.
- Del Mar and Fair Dr.
- Gisler Ave. and Harbor Blvd.
5 Tips From an Orange County Personal Injury Attorney
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, amusement rides at permanent amusement parks and traveling carnivals cause about 10 deaths and 6,000 to 8,000 injuries annually. Stay safe at the fairground with these tips:
1. Stay hydrated
With temperatures reaching the 90s this summer, it’s important to stay hydrated with water or drinks with electrolytes. Sodas and caffeinated drinks do not help with hydration, so consume with moderation. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion can affect anyone, especially young children and adults over 65 years old.
2. Be alert in the parking lot
Up to 45,000 attendees may visit the OC Fair per day, meaning parking lots in and around the fair will be extremely busy and crowded with vehicles and pedestrians. Parking lot accidents including hit and runs and fender benders can happen, not only causing property damage, but injuries as well. Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable in this situation and more prone to suffering serious injuries like broken bones and concussion.
3. Practice ride safety
While county fairs and amusement parks must follow strict safety measures and regulations, serious ride accidents can and do happen. In 2017, the G Force ride was ordered to shut down at the Orange County Fair after a tragic incident involving a similar ride happened in Ohio. Since county and local fairs are not permanent, rides are constantly being assembled and disassembled, making them more prone to mechanical and operational defects. As a rider, follow safety guidelines regarding height and weight restrictions, safety harnesses, and keeping arms and legs secure. Teach children the same and pay close attention to them.
4. Watch your step
Slip and fall accidents can happen at fairs due to slippery surfaces, power cables, and other obstacles. Pay attention to where you are going and do not walk distracted. Some carnival rides prohibit guests from wearing open-toe shoes, therefore it is highly recommended to wear closed-toe shoes.
5. Take breaks
With so much going on at this year’s fair, you might be feeling like you want to do it all! However, it’s a good idea to pace yourself and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion and dehydration. If you’re feeling drowsy, skip the rides.
OC Fair Event Details
Find out everything you need to know about visiting the Orange County Fair 2023 below!
OC Fair Maps & Directions:
- Address: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 92626.
- By car: If you’re driving, you can take the 5, 22, 73, 91, and 405 freeways to the 55 South freeway (Costa Mesa Freeway) and exit at Del Mar/Fair Drive.
- By public transportation: There are several OCTA bus lines that stop at the OC Fair. The 47, 55, 71, and 178 lines all stop at the Fair Dr. and Fairview Rd. stop. Ride for just $2 or 75 cents for seniors over 60 and people with disabilities. You can also take the Metrolink to the Santa Ana station and then transfer to the OCTA bus.
- By ride-hailing service: Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to the OC Fair. Simply request a ride and the driver will pick you up and take you to the fair.
- By bicycle: The OC Fair is located on the Orange County Bike Trail. If you’re biking to the fair, you can park your bike at the bike racks located near the entrance.
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, public transportation, and carpooling are highly recommended.
Hours:
July 14th to Aug. 13th, 2023
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
The OC Fair is closed Monday and Tuesday
Admission:
$13 general admission tickets on Wednesday & Thursday
$15 general admission on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
$9 seniors 60+ and kids 6-12 every day
Free for kids ages 5 and younger
*Advance ticket purchase required. No service fees.
Parking:
$12 or cars and motorcycles
$24 for limos and buses
OC Amusement Park Accident Lawyer
If you suffered a personal injury at the Orange County fair, our personal injury attorney in Costa Mesa can help. Mesa Accident Lawyers is a top-rated personal injury law firm representing clients who were injured in auto accidents and other personal injury accidents. Call us at (949) 329-2689 for a free consultation.
