Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Tickets

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Tickets & Events

A 150-acre fairgrounds and exposition complex in Costa Mesa, Orange County Fair & Exposition Center hosts the annual OC Fair, Pacific Amphitheatre concerts, expos, swap meets, festivals, and community events across a sprawling former Army airfield. Orange County Fair & Exposition Center tickets connect you with one of Southern California’s most established fairgrounds, where carnival midways, exhibition halls, outdoor grounds, and live entertainment venues create a full-day event experience.

This page covers everything you need to know before you go — from finding the right seats to getting there, navigating the venue, and buying with confidence.

About Orange County Fair & Exposition Center

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is the Costa Mesa fairgrounds also known as OC Fair & Event Center, OC Fairgrounds, and OC Fair. The Orange County Fair was first held in 1890, and the fairgrounds moved to its current Costa Mesa site in the late 1940s on a former World War II Santa Ana Army Air Base. The property is owned by the State of California and operated by the 32nd District Agricultural Association, with capacity varying widely by event configuration across the 150-acre grounds. The on-site Pacific Amphitheatre seats roughly 8,000, while the full complex accommodates large fair crowds across multiple buildings, outdoor spaces, and performance areas.

The venue is home to the annual OC Fair, one of the most attended fairs in the United States, drawing well over a million visitors across its summer run. Year-round programming includes concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre and the Hangar, expos and trade shows, swap meets, the OC Night Market, equestrian and action-sports events, festivals, and community gatherings. During the fair, guests can experience carnival rides, food, agricultural and craft exhibits, shopping, and live entertainment throughout the grounds.

Its distinctive character comes from the scale and variety of the property: carnival midways, livestock and agricultural exhibits, exhibition buildings, food areas, and dedicated venues such as the open-air Pacific Amphitheatre, the covered Hangar, Action Sports Arena, and Plaza Pacifica all share the same Costa Mesa fairgrounds.

Location & Transportation

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 — just off the San Diego Freeway (I-405) and near the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55), with major access points around Fair Drive, Fairview Road, and Arlington Drive.

Driving and Parking: The venue has large on-site paid parking lots, making driving the primary arrival method for most attendees. During the OC Fair and other high-attendance events, lots fill and traffic can back up near opening times and peak evening hours, so arriving early is strongly advised. Off-site lots with shuttle service may supplement on-site parking on especially busy days.

Transit: OC Bus routes serve the Costa Mesa area, and bus access is available, though transit is limited for many attendees compared with driving. During the fair, special shuttle or park-and-ride services sometimes operate from satellite lots, giving guests another option when on-site parking demand is high.

Rideshare: Rideshare drop-off and pickup are available, with designated zones used during the fair. After large events, post-event waits and surge pricing are common when crowds leave at the same time, so building extra time into your departure plan can make the exit smoother.

Nearby Accommodation: Costa Mesa and nearby cities offer ample lodging. Hotels are clustered near South Coast Plaza, John Wayne Airport, and along the I-405 corridor in Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, and Irvine, giving visitors several practical options for fair weekends, concerts, expos, and multi-day events.

Venue Navigation

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center uses an open fairgrounds layout spread across 150 acres, so understanding the grounds before you arrive helps with parking, gate choice, walking time, and finding the right event space. The complex includes midways, exhibit halls, food courts, outdoor event areas, and dedicated venues rather than one central seating bowl.

Entrances and Access: Multiple gates open onto the grounds from surrounding parking areas off Fair Drive, Fairview Road, and Arlington Drive. Entry gates are used for the fair and may be reconfigured for standalone events, depending on which part of the grounds is active.

Seating Levels: Most of the complex is organized by destinations across the fairgrounds, including exhibit halls, food areas, the Pacific Amphitheatre, the Hangar, Action Sports Arena, and Plaza Pacifica. The Pacific Amphitheatre itself has reserved tiered and terrace seating facing the stage, while the Hangar and Action Sports Arena use open or temporary configurations for many events.

Accessibility: ADA-accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms are provided at the venue. Accessible seating is available at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and the grounds are largely flat and navigable, though guests should still expect meaningful walking distances across the property.

Getting to Your Section: Posted maps and staff help direct guests around the fairgrounds. Because parking areas, gates, exhibit halls, and performance venues can be spread far apart, comfortable footwear is recommended, especially during the OC Fair or multi-area events with mixed paved and uneven surfaces.

Dining Options

Inside Orange County Fair & Exposition Center

Dining is a major part of the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center experience, especially during the OC Fair. The fair is known for an extensive vendor lineup that includes fried specialties, international cuisine, barbecue, desserts, and beverage and beer options. Standalone events also offer concessions, with food and drink availability varying by event area and format. During peak fair hours and popular concerts, lines can build around mealtimes and showtime, so planning food stops earlier in your visit can help.

Outside the Venue — Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa offers abundant dining near the fairgrounds. Nearby options include the SoBeCa area, The LAB, The CAMP, restaurants around South Coast Plaza, and the dining corridors along Newport Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard. These areas are useful for guests who want a sit-down meal before a Pacific Amphitheatre concert, a fair visit, an expo, or a night-market event.

Security & Policies

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center maintains security and venue policies that are updated regularly and may vary by event. Before attending, reviewing the current policy on the venue's official website is strongly recommended.

Bag Policy: Bag checks are conducted at entry, and policies vary by event. Size limits and clear-bag requirements may apply for certain events, so reviewing the event’s current guidelines before packing can help prevent delays at the gate.

Commonly Prohibited Items: Commonly restricted items include weapons, outside alcohol, illegal substances, and other items specified for each event. Outside food and drink rules vary by event and by venue area.

Re-Entry: Re-entry policies vary by event. The fair has historically permitted same-day re-entry with proof, while standalone events may use different procedures shown in the event details.

Entry Procedures: Guests should expect bag inspection and possible security screening at gates, along with digital or printed ticket verification for ticketed events. Arriving with a compliant bag and tickets ready on your phone can help speed entry.

Other Venues in the Costa Mesa Area

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is part of a broader Orange County live-events market that includes arenas, ballparks, performing arts venues, amphitheatres, clubs, and theaters. Fans in the Costa Mesa area can find everything from major concerts and pro sports to theater, dance, and intimate live music nearby.

• Honda Center Tickets — Major indoor arena in Anaheim; home of the Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
• Angel Stadium of Anaheim Tickets — Ballpark; home of the Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
• Segerstrom Center for the Arts Tickets — Performing arts complex in Costa Mesa hosting theater, dance, and orchestral performances
• Pacific Amphitheatre Tickets — Open-air concert amphitheatre on the OC Fair & Event Center grounds in Costa Mesa
• The Observatory Tickets — Mid-sized live music club in Santa Ana
• City National Grove of Anaheim Tickets — Mid-sized live music and event venue in Anaheim
• The Yost Theater Tickets — Historic theater and live music venue in downtown Santa Ana
• House of Blues Anaheim Tickets — Live music venue at the Anaheim GardenWalk

How Much Do Tickets to Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Cost?

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center ticket prices vary widely depending on the type of event, the artist or event, seating section, and demand — which is what you'd expect from a venue that hosts everything from low-cost expos and swap meets to high-demand Pacific Amphitheatre concerts.

OC Fair daily admission is generally in the approximate $12–$15 range for general admission, with discounts for children, seniors, and promotional days. Rides and parking are charged separately, so the full cost of a fair visit can vary based on what you plan to do once you are inside.

Pacific Amphitheatre concerts, including included-with-fair concerts and standalone performances, typically range from about $30 to $100 or more depending on the artist, seating location, and demand. Front reserved rows, lower reserved sections, and marquee performers tend to command higher prices than rear terrace, lawn, or upper reserved areas.

Expos, swap meets, and night-market events often have lower admission prices, commonly ranging from low single-digit admission to about $20. Pricing depends on the event type, promotional structure, and whether parking or add-on experiences are charged separately.

For high-demand amphitheatre concerts and popular fair weekends, buying earlier typically provides better seat selection and helps avoid higher resale prices. As inventory shrinks and the event date approaches, the best remaining locations often rise in price, especially for marquee weekend dates and in-demand artists.

> No hidden fees. At Box Office Ticket Sales, the price you see is the price you pay. All fees are shown before checkout — no surprise charges when you reach the final step.

How to Buy Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Tickets

Getting your tickets through BoxOfficeTicketSales.com is fast and secure. Here's how the process works:

1. Browse Orange County Fair & Exposition Center events — Search for Orange County Fair & Exposition Center tickets and select the show or event you want to attend
2. Pick your seats — Use the interactive seating map to compare sections, rows, views, and real-time pricing side by side
3. Secure checkout — Pay with a credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Affirm for flexible payment options
4. Receive your tickets — Digital tickets are delivered to your email or mobile wallet before the event, ready to scan at the gate

Every order is backed by our 100% verified ticket guarantee and on-time delivery promise. Once your order is confirmed, you'll receive an email with your invoice and all event details you need before show night.

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Seating Guide

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center offers different seating and viewing experiences depending on the event. Many fairgrounds events are general admission or standing, while the Pacific Amphitheatre uses reserved tiered seating and a rear terrace/lawn area facing the stage.

Best Seats at Orange County Fair & Exposition Center

• Best value: Rear terrace, lawn, and upper reserved sections at the Pacific Amphitheatre often provide a more accessible price point while keeping the full stage experience in view. General-admission areas for fair concerts can also be strong value for guests who want flexibility.
• Closest to the action: Front reserved rows nearest the Pacific Amphitheatre stage provide the most direct concert experience, while front standing areas at the Hangar put guests close to the performance.
• Best overall experience: Lower reserved sections at the Pacific Amphitheatre, especially centered on the stage, offer a strong balance of proximity, sightline, and atmosphere.
• Premium and group options: Premium reserved sections and group blocks are offered for Pacific Amphitheatre concerts, and the grounds can accommodate large group outings during the fair.
• For groups: Coordinating adjacent seats or group blocks early is especially helpful for popular concerts and busy fair dates.
• General admission: Many fair events and standalone concerts use general admission, giving guests flexibility to move through event areas and choose viewing spots as space allows.

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Seating Chart

You can view an interactive seating map for Orange County Fair & Exposition Center events directly on BoxOfficeTicketSales.com while browsing available listings. The map lets you compare sections side by side, check row depth and distance from the stage, and see real-time pricing for what's currently available — all before committing to a purchase.

Can I See Where My Seats Are?

Yes. The interactive seat map on BoxOfficeTicketSales.com shows your exact section and row placement before you buy. Use it to understand your position in the venue, your distance from the stage, and whether you're in reserved tiered seating, in the rear terrace/lawn area, or in a general-admission area — so the tickets you choose match exactly what you're looking for on event night.

Getting Ready for Your Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Event

Once your tickets are confirmed, a few practical preparations make your visit run significantly smoother — especially at a large outdoor fairgrounds with multiple gates, long walking distances, and different event areas.

• Download your tickets before you leave. Cell service can be congested during peak fair crowds. Save your tickets to your phone's wallet or screenshot them before departing so you're ready at the gate without needing a signal.
• Charge your phone fully. Digital ticketing is standard, and your phone is your entry. A portable battery pack is worth having for a full evening.
• Arrive early. Arrive early to beat parking fill and freeway congestion near opening and evening peaks, and expect slow exits after large events.
• Wear the right footwear. The grounds are large and mostly flat, but guests should expect significant walking distances and mixed paved or uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes make a major difference.
• Dress in layers. This is an outdoor venue experience for many events. Summer days can be hot, while evenings cool off near the coast, so layers, sun protection, and water-friendly planning are useful.
• Build extra time into your transit plan. Parking demand and freeway congestion can build around peak arrival times, and exits can be slow after large events.
• Know your entrance. Checking which gate is closest to your parking area and destination venue — such as the Pacific Amphitheatre, Hangar, or exhibit halls — can save considerable walking across the grounds.
• Check the bag policy in advance. Reviewing the venue's guidelines before packing prevents delays at security.

Is Box Office Ticket Sales Legit?

Yes — Box Office Ticket Sales is a fully verified, secure ticketing platform that has served over 1 million customers since 2012. When you buy Orange County Fair & Exposition Center tickets through BoxOfficeTicketSales.com, here's what backs every purchase:

• 100% verified ticket listings — every listing is authenticated before it reaches you
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• Access to 125,000+ live events nationwide, from Orange County Fair & Exposition Center concerts to major sports and entertainment across the country
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Orange County Fair & Exposition Center events — particularly high-demand amphitheatre concerts, marquee artists, and popular fair weekends — move fast. The best-value listings disappear well before event night, and inventory for popular events tightens quickly once demand builds. If you have a specific event in mind, acting sooner gets you better seats at better prices. Browse Orange County Fair & Exposition Center tickets now and lock in your spot before inventory moves.

Need Help With Your Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Tickets?

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