OC Fair 2026: A Newport Beach Local's Guide to Summer's Biggest Tradition

There are a handful of things that mark the unofficial start of summer in Orange County, and the OC Fair is right at the top of the list. For those of us who grew up here, it's less an "event" and more a rite of passage — funnel cake, ferris wheel views of the fairgrounds, and running into half the county you know while you're in line for a corn dog.

The 2026 OC Fair is officially open, and if you're one of my clients or neighbors here in Newport Beach, here's what you need to know — plus why this kind of thing matters more than people think when they're choosing where to live.

When Is the 2026 OC Fair?

This year's fair — the 135th in its history — runs Friday, July 17 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. The theme this year is "Your Adventure Awaits."

Hours:

• Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
• Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

The fairgrounds sit at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa — about a 10-15 minute drive from most of Newport Beach, which makes it one of the easiest big summer outings whether you're coming from the Peninsula, Corona del Mar, or Newport Coast.

Tickets and Admission

Advance tickets are strongly recommended, since daily attendance is capped and popular dates do sell out. General pricing runs:

• $13 general admission Wednesday & Thursday
• $18 general admission Friday, Saturday & Sunday
• $10 seniors (65+)
• $9 kids ages 6–12
• Free for kids 5 and under

Parking is purchased separately on-site. If you'd rather skip the parking hunt altogether, the OC Fair Express bus runs from the ARTIC transit hub in Anaheim on weekends for just $2, with kids riding free.

What to Expect This Year

Beyond the classic carnival midway — more than 50 rides and 30-plus games this season — the fair is still built around the things that make it a true Orange County institution:

• Food: From deep-fried everything to the $5 "Taste of Fair" specials offered at participating vendors until 5 p.m. daily, the food alone is worth the trip.
• Live entertainment: Pacific Amphitheatre hosts a full concert lineup throughout the run.
• Exhibits and competitions: Agriculture, art, and local competitions that have been part of the fair since it started in 1890.
• Family activities: Kidland, animal exhibits, and shopping throughout the 150-acre fairgrounds.

Why This Matters If You're Considering Newport Beach

I get asked a lot by buyers relocating here what day-to-day life actually feels like — beyond the beaches and the harbor. Things like the OC Fair are a big part of the answer.

Newport Beach residents get all of the benefits of a major Orange County event — world-class concerts, one of the largest county fairs in the country, a 150-acre fairground five minutes off the 55 — without it being in their backyard year-round. It's the kind of proximity that shows up in almost every luxury neighborhood here: close enough to everything, insulated enough to still feel like a retreat.

It's a small detail, but it's the kind of lifestyle factor that consistently comes up when I'm walking ultra-high-net-worth buyers through what makes this market different from other coastal areas in Southern California.

Thinking About a Move to Newport Beach?

If events like the OC Fair, the walkability, and the harbor lifestyle are part of what's drawing you to the area, I'd love to talk through what neighborhood might be the right fit. As a fifth-generation Newport Beach local, I can walk you through everything from Balboa Island vs. Lido Isle to Corona del Mar vs. Newport Coast — reach out here or browse current listings.

FAQ

When does the OC Fair end in 2026? The fair runs through Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Is the OC Fair open every day? No — it's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open Wednesday through Sunday.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance? Yes, advance purchase is recommended since daily attendance is limited and popular days can sell out.

How far is the OC Fair from Newport Beach? The fairgrounds are in Costa Mesa, just a short 10–15 minute drive from most of Newport Beach.

Is there an alternative to driving and parking? Yes — the OC Fair Express bus service runs from the ARTIC hub in Anaheim on weekends for $2 per rider, with free rides for kids.