Orange County Fair & Exposition Center upcoming events — Costa Mesa, California

Discover the Premier Orange County Fair & Exposition Center

The Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is more than an event center — it's a premier destination that brings Orange County together for concerts, festivals, and the beloved OC Fair. If you’re exploring Orange County Fair & Exposition Center upcoming events, you’ll find everything from big-name summer shows to hands-on community experiences across its 150-acre campus. Located in Costa Mesa, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, it’s a central hub for live entertainment in Southern California.

Opened in 1949, this multifaceted fairgrounds has evolved into a year-round home for concerts, expos, cultural festivals, and educational programs. Its main venues include the outdoor Pacific Amphitheatre (approximately 8,500 capacity) and The Hangar (around 1,000 capacity), with open plazas and exhibit halls that can host tens of thousands during peak events. Modern sound and lighting systems, along with digital ticketing and entry, create a seamless, high-quality guest experience.

The programming ranges wide: the annual Orange County Fair is a signature highlight, alongside Imaginology (a STEAM-focused festival), livestock shows, and trade shows that keep the calendar active all year. Music fans flock to Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar for summer concert series and tribute showcases that have featured acts like Steve Miller Band, The B-52s, Sugar Ray, Twisted Gypsy (a Fleetwood Mac tribute), and Kool & The Gang. From family-friendly days to high-energy nights, there’s an event for every kind of fan.

Beyond the stages, distinctive on-site attractions set the experience apart. Centennial Farm is a working agricultural education center where you can explore gardens and meet farm animals, while Heroes Hall is a dedicated veterans museum honoring local military history. With its mix of open-air plazas, exhibit halls, and flexible indoor/outdoor spaces, the campus is built to host memorable moments on any scale.

Whether you’re here for a blockbuster concert or a weekend of fair fun, Orange County Fair & Exposition Center delivers an energetic, welcoming atmosphere. Expect great sound, easy entry, and a full day’s worth of places to discover before and after the show.

Purchase Process

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Whether you’re seeing your favorite artist under the open California sky or attending a major festival during the OC Fair, Ticket Purchase ensures a smooth, reliable, and secure experience every time.

Seating Recommendations and Charts

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center offers seating for approximately 8,500 guests in Pacific Amphitheatre and around 1,000 in The Hangar, with fairground festival areas accommodating tens of thousands during peak events. Seating configurations vary by show: Pacific Amphitheatre uses reserved seating throughout, while The Hangar often features general admission setups with some reserved areas.

• Pacific Amphitheatre — Orchestra: Reserved seating with excellent views and acoustics; front rows are among the most sought-after Orange County Fair & Exposition Center tickets for immersive sound and close-up sightlines.
• Pacific Amphitheatre — Terrace: Elevated reserved sections that balance price and view; expect clear sightlines to the stage and strong overall audio.
• Pacific Amphitheatre — Lawn: Casual, open seating at the rear of the venue; a budget-friendly way to take in summer concerts and fair-season shows.
• Pacific Amphitheatre — VIP Boxes: Premium seating with prime vantage points; great for groups seeking comfort and an upgraded concert experience.
• The Hangar — Floor/Front Rows: Typically general admission with some reserved setups; standing or close seating near the stage offers the best energy and views for tribute acts and themed performances.

Pacific Amphitheatre typically includes rows labeled A–Z and numbered rows depending on the section, while The Hangar’s layout can shift by event. Accessible seating is available in all venues. Use Ticket Purchase' interactive seating chart to view live seat availability, compare prices, and find your best view — and reference the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center seating chart for section-by-section details before you buy.

Ready to secure your seats? Browse Orange County Fair & Exposition Center tickets now — events often sell out fast!

Location and Transportation

Venue Address

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center

88 Fair Drive

Costa Mesa, California 92626

Set in the heart of Costa Mesa, the fairgrounds sit approximately 40 miles south of Los Angeles, making it a convenient destination for fans across Southern California.

• Parking: On-site parking is available, typically $10–$20 during major events, with multiple lots and overflow options. Cashless payment is preferred, and lots fill quickly during the OC Fair—arrive early.
• Public Transit: OC Bus routes serve the area, and special shuttles often run during the OC Fair from off-site parking and transit centers.
• Rideshare & Dropoff: Designated pickup and drop-off zones are near main entrances and clearly marked during major events.

Arrival Recommendations

Plan to arrive 60–90 minutes before your show, especially during the OC Fair or other large events. Early arrival helps you beat parking lines, breeze through security, and enjoy the venues, exhibits, and food stands before the headliner takes the stage. If you’re attending a fair-season concert, factor in extra time for crowds and traffic around the grounds.

Weather can vary across the day, and many experiences are outdoors or semi-outdoors. Summer afternoons can be hot, while evenings cool down — pack sun protection for daytime events and bring a light layer for nighttime concerts. Comfortable walking shoes are a must: the fairgrounds are expansive with mostly flat terrain and significant distances between venues like Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and exhibit halls.

If you’re parking off-site during the OC Fair, consider using the shuttle services for faster entry. For rideshare, follow signage to designated zones for a quick pickup after the show. Keep your Orange County Fair & Exposition Center tickets and mobile wallet handy — digital entry systems speed things up once you’re at the gate.

Venue Navigation

The campus spans open-air plazas, indoor exhibit halls, and two primary performance venues: Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar. Wayfinding signage and visitor information booths help you get oriented quickly. Expect to do some walking between attractions like Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall, so budget time to explore and enjoy the grounds.

You’ll find concessions, merchandise stands, and restrooms throughout the fairgrounds, with expanded options during the OC Fair. Amenities also include ATMs, charging stations, first aid, and stroller/wheelchair rentals. If your event involves multiple areas or levels, ramps and accessible routes connect major spaces, and elevators are available in multi-level buildings.

Security and Policies

• Bag Policy: Clear bags are recommended; size limits typically 12"x6"x12". All bags are subject to search.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, outside alcohol, large umbrellas, drones, professional cameras (without credential), coolers, skateboards, and pets (except service animals).
• Re-entry Policy: Re-entry is allowed with a hand stamp or re-entry wristband (policy may vary by event).
• Service Animals: Permitted in accordance with ADA guidelines.

Post-Purchase Tips — Be Ready for Event Day

• Download your tickets before arriving — cell service can be limited.
• Bring a valid ID and cashless payment option.
• Charge your phone fully.
• Review venue policies in advance.
• During the OC Fair, consider using off-site shuttles to avoid parking delays.
• Pack sun protection and a light layer for cooler evenings at outdoor or semi-outdoor shows.

Pre-Event Planning

Make the most of your visit by building in extra time for on-site attractions. Stroll through Centennial Farm to see a working agricultural education center in action, then stop by Heroes Hall to explore exhibits honoring local military history. Both are unique experiences you won’t find at most concert venues — and they’re perfect add-ons before a show.

As the sun sets, take advantage of open plazas for scenic views and photo ops. During the OC Fair, colorful lights and displays transform the grounds, making it a great time to capture the buzz before the headliner. If you’re meeting friends, choose a clear rendezvous point like a visitor information booth so your group can reconnect quickly amid fair-time crowds.

If you’re picking seats for a concert, use the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center seating chart and Ticket Purchase’ interactive map to dial in your view — Orchestra for up-close immersion, Terrace for balanced sightlines, or Lawn for a relaxed vibe. Arriving early lets you settle in, grab food, and check out merchandise before the show begins.

Accessibility

Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is ADA-accessible, with ADA parking in all main lots close to entrances, accessible seating across all venues (including Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar), and ramps and accessible paths throughout the grounds. Elevators serve multi-level buildings to ease movement between floors.

For concerts and shows, assistive listening devices are available, and courtesy carts/shuttles support guests with mobility needs during major events. If you need help selecting accessible seating, contact Ticket Purchase for personalized support before purchasing.

Dining Options

Inside the venue, you’ll find a wide variety of food stands and vendors during the OC Fair — from classic fair favorites like giant turkey legs and deep-fried treats to international cuisine and local specialties. You can also expect local craft beer and seasonal offerings that reflect the OC Fair’s festive spirit.

Outside of fair season, permanent snack bars and cafes serve convenient bites and beverages during year-round events and expos. Merchandise stands and pop-up vendors round out the experience during larger shows and festivals.

Food and Restaurants Near Orange County Fair & Exposition Center

If you’re arriving early or staying nearby, there are excellent dining options in Costa Mesa and the surrounding area:

• The Crack Shack (Costa Mesa) — Creative fried chicken sandwiches and casual outdoor seating.
• Mitsuwa Marketplace (Costa Mesa) — Japanese food court and grocery with ramen, sushi, and specialty snacks.
• Seasons 52 (South Coast Plaza) — Upscale grill featuring seasonal American cuisine and an extensive wine list.
• Din Tai Fung (South Coast Plaza) — World-renowned Taiwanese restaurant famous for soup dumplings and noodles.
• SOCIAL Costa Mesa (Costa Mesa) — Trendy spot offering New American cuisine and craft cocktails.
• Habana (Costa Mesa) — Cuban-inspired restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and Latin dishes.
• In-N-Out Burger (Harbor Blvd) — Iconic California fast-food chain known for burgers and fries.
• Anjin (Costa Mesa) — Japanese BBQ restaurant specializing in grilled meats and small plates.

These nearby spots make it easy to grab a delicious meal or drink before heading into the show.

Other Venues in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa and its surrounding areas offer a thriving live entertainment scene — and Ticket Purchase connects you to them all:

• Segerstrom Center for the Arts — Premier performing arts complex hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and dance.
• Pacific Amphitheatre — Outdoor concert venue located within the OC Fair & Event Center, hosting major music acts.
• The Hangar — Mid-sized indoor concert venue at the OC Fair & Event Center, known for tribute bands and themed shows.
• South Coast Repertory — Renowned regional theater company presenting contemporary and classic plays.
• The Observatory OC — Popular live music club in nearby Santa Ana, featuring national touring acts.
• Samueli Theater — Intimate performance space within Segerstrom Center, used for jazz, cabaret, and chamber music.
• Wayfarer — Local bar and live music venue with indie and alternative acts.
• Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall — State-of-the-art concert hall for symphony and classical music.

Ready to catch your next show in Costa Mesa? Browse Costa Mesa events now and secure verified tickets through Ticket Purchase today.

Other Things to Do in Costa Mesa

Beyond the entertainment, the Costa Mesa area offers incredible attractions for visitors heading to Orange County Fair & Exposition Center:

• South Coast Plaza — One of the largest luxury shopping centers in the U.S., featuring designer boutiques and fine dining.
• Noguchi Garden — Serene sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi, blending art and landscape.
• Fairview Park — Expansive park with trails, wetlands, and scenic overlooks, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
• TeWinkle Park — Family-friendly park with lakes, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
• Centennial Farm — Working farm and agricultural education center located at the OC Fair & Event Center.
• Heroes Hall Museum — Veterans museum on the fairgrounds honoring local military history.
• Costa Mesa Art Walk — Public art installations and murals throughout the city’s arts district.
• Orange County Museum of Art — Contemporary art museum showcasing regional and international artists.
• Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve — Nearby ecological reserve with trails and wildlife viewing.
• Balboa Peninsula/Newport Beach — Popular coastal destination for beaches, dining, and recreation (short drive from Costa Mesa).

Secure Your Seats for Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Today

Don’t wait — Orange County Fair & Exposition Center events often sell out quickly. With summer concert series at Pacific Amphitheatre, high-energy shows in The Hangar, and can’t-miss Orange County Fair highlights, Ticket Purchase makes it easy to find the best seats for Orange County Fair & Exposition Center upcoming events.

Browse tickets now and experience the magic of live entertainment at one of the world's most iconic venues.

Call us at 1-866-549-4077 to purchase tickets by phone.