COSTA MESA, Calif., July 18 (Our Newport Beach) — The 2026 OC Fair opens Friday in Costa Mesa and runs through Aug. 16 at the OC Fair & Event Center, bringing live entertainment, exhibits, food, carnival rides and shopping back to one of Orange County’s biggest summer events.
The fair’s theme is “Your Adventure Awaits!” Tickets are on sale now at the fair’s website, and the OC Fair says advance purchase is required because daily capacity is limited. The fair also says admission tickets will not be sold at the gates during the run.
General admission is listed at $13 on Wednesday and Thursday and $18 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Seniors 65 and older pay $10, children ages 6 to 12 pay $9 and children 5 and younger are admitted free. An Every Day Passport costs $60 and allows entry any day of the fair, with no blackout dates or restrictions, according to the fair.
The fair is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles and $30 for buses and limos.
The fair says concert and show tickets are available for Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena and The Hangar. Ride and game tickets can be bought through the RCS Fun Pass app or at RCS ticket booths, and the fair says discounted carnival tickets and wristbands are available online through opening day.
