OC Fair & Event Center

Address:	88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Phone:	+1 714-708-1500
Site:	ocfair.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed Closed 12PM–12AM 12PM–12AM 12PM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–12AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Ray Bone

Even though it was free to get in on Wednesday if you brought five cans of food, the prices for merchandise and food was way to expensive. A lower medium income family would have a hard time eating or buying any souvenirs. Example a plain old hotdog would set you back $10.00 if you wanted a flavored drink like a small icee add another $3.65 so now your up to $13.65 and you still havent added the tax onto the order after tax which is about $1.10 bringing the total to $14.75 and your lower medium income family size is 5 husband wife and 3 kids. If every one eats youre going to take a big hit setting you back $73.75 this family of five may want to rethink sampling any of the overpriced overrated foods at the fair because doing so may mean they wont be eating for the rest of the month but sampling the food at the fair is half of the reason for going to the fair. Merchandise is the same I purchased some tweezers if I would have waited and got them at Rite Aid I would have saved myself $5.00 but I didnt wait I paid $8.00 for an item I could have gotten for $2.00 or less. The funny thing is those tweezers where made in China so I may of even been able to get at the Dollar Tree an saved even more money. The only people that can truly enjoy the Fair are rich people. Also be careful if you are one of those people who have a hard time saying NO because in several of the buildings where they sell miscellaneous stuff be careful because they have high perssure sales people working the crowd.

Shaunna Hargrave

I have no idea how this place stays in business. Its not like we live in the middle of Nebraska with little entertainment. With all of the amusement parks nearby, and how EXPENSIVE everything is at the Fair, its gotta be a wash in cost. Parking $10, Ticket $12.... $7-7.50 PER RIDE (yes, you read that right). They looked safe and somewhat fun. $5 PER GAME (standard carnival games). FOOD: I paid $8.50 for french fries with garlic on then of what would be considered a medium size portion at a fast food place. Again, we live in Orange County.... one of the "foodie" capitals of the country. *Everything* found at the Fair can be purchased somewhere else at almost half the price. ANIMALS: Yeah... Im not excited to see animals kept in small pens in heat for the amusement of people. Its worse than a zoo. At least there they attempt to give them an environment that keeps them mentally entertained. Again, we have the Santa Ana Zoo. I JUST DONT GET IT. 5 rides = $37.50 5 games = $25 Entry ticket = $12 Thats $75. Knotts Berry Farm entry is $50 and youll make it through at least 10 rides even on the busiest of days. Just sayin...

Frank Fazio

The Gem Faire: If you are into gems, pearls, geodes, beads and jewelry, then you might enjoy visiting the many wholesaler displays at the gem faire. Go to the internet and get on their mailing list to get a free $7 entrance pass. Parking in a close lot is $8. Ive heard that some people park nearby on other lots doing free. As you approach the entrance to the building you will notice a few tables of gems scattered before the doorway. I suggest that you walk right into the building. Its amazing to see the expanse of gems. When I saw all those tables, I knew a would be there most of the afternoon. My wife is the enthusiast, and enjoys looking at the vast array of jewelry and gems. They have everything from loose stones, strings of beads, Indian jewelry, geodes, and silver jewelry all the way to expensive fine jewelry. If youre into making you own jewelry, youll enjoy all of the tools and supplies; e.g. clasps, strings, spacers etc. Even if youre not an enthusiast, the gem faire is an interesting way to spend an afternoon browsing and shopping for gifts.

Nadi Addis

To all the whiners, Dont care about "the old days"!!: I LOVE THE FAIR!! I live LA & work in blooming Downtown LA and attend at least 10 days each year. I make a point not to miss the GREAT cover bands and sanctioned artist interpretations from MJ, Prince, to ABBA, Queen and David Bowie. My Day 1 routine involves ribbon fries covered in cheese sauce. I prepare for it by having tea and a light breakfast & salad for lunch. Day 2 is Funnel Cake. I tend to stay away from the trendy "deep fried (fill in the blank)" items, though. The 18inch corn dog is a new tradition started last year. Ill have to get that on Thursday. As it is once a year I make a point to enjoy it. The LA Fair is too far and way, way too hot & dusty. Yes it "realer" as the old folks say but parking is expensive and not very well managed. As I have friends in the OC, the Fair serves a dual purpose of overall fun and time together.

Jen H.

The OC Fair is the place to be for carnival rides and fattening food! A great place to bring kids to go on kiddie rides, watch shows, ride an elephant, pet animals, eat junk food, etc. I normally like to go to the fair just to watch the Hypnosis show. Its pretty funny and entertaining. Fair food has some crazy unhealthful foods there. If youre on a diet and have no self control, avoid this place like the plague! From fried twinkie to deep fried butter..nasty! It may be good but its gross to a person whos been trying to eat healthy! Once you start eating healthy, all the other stuff just looks gross in your eyes. Thats just how it is. If you have self control and what youre looking for is a good time, then come check it out! Check out the concerts, watch shows, play some games, buy some goodies, take plenty of photos, go on the craziest ride and just have an unforgettable experience!

Monika Nieblas

Fabuloso Evento para la familia entera miles de cosas que ver y comprar y muchas atracciones para jugar y gente de las exposiciones que viene a ofrecer gran variedad de cosas de artistas locales y no locales.... Muy bonito todo. Pero algo tiene que haber mal ...comida NO SALUDABLE es una falta de respeto a la salud que no vendan nada rico y saludable todoes greese, pesado, frito y azucarado NO GOOD.

Taiko Koda

I loved the fun and festive atmosphere as well as the variety of things to experience. Watching the piggy races and moving above the crowd on the SKY RIDE was super exciting. I saw the livestock and a concert featuring a Neil Diamond tribute band call HOT SUMMER NIGHTS. Some of the food I ate, like the roasted corn, pickle chips, and fresh made potato chips with bacon-cheese sauce was really good. Other food, deep-fried hot dog was definitely not worth what i paid for. The bacon-wrapped chicken legs and fries was not fresh made, over-fried and did not taste like bacon at all. The fries was just terrible. Overall though, I had a good time. I appreciated that there were full-restroom facilities, and fun activities such as food, rides, shopping, and beverages, and sweet treats for everyone.

Kevin Hansen

I attended this years OC Fair here. Being a local I knew certain tricks that worked well. For parking lets just say I parked off site somewhere close for free and that works quite well. Every year for the fair they have specials and this year I took advantage of the early bird special on Sunday for a $3 entry fee. If you come when they open theres less people and you can get out of there been two hours or so with less hassle. There is a large variety of food available thats slightly inflated prices but its worth it once a year. And of course theres the carnival games and rides as well as Crafters Village animals and the farm. I also have live entertainment here. As usual this was a great experience and much easier to deal with than the La Fair.