The OC Fair opens Friday, July 19 and runs through Aug. 18.
There are few forms of entertainment where you can find pig racing, a comedy hypnotist, Dr. Pepper Pickle Soda and Alice Cooper all in the same place.
Except, of course, at the OC Fair, running July 19 through Aug. 18 for a 23-day run, with the theme, “Always a Good Time.”
OC Fair Communications Director Terry Moore said the inspiration behind this year’s theme is “nostalgia, cherishing good memories and creating new ones.”
Indeed, there are both returning favorites and new additions to this year’s OC Fair.
What’s New
Moore said new rides include the thrill ride Overdrive, the crazy coaster Heidi and the Enchanted Castle fun house.
Director of Exhibits and Education Carol Singleton said the Explorium area, located in the OC Promenade, offers free activities for families and this year, the theme is “Sand & Sea,” featuring all sorts of ocean-related activities.
The Aquatic Touch Tank is featuring sea life that guests can actually touch. Sea creatures include a sting ray, shark, green brittle sea stars, chocolate chip sea stars, sea snails, pencil urchins and horseshoe crabs. There is also a virtual reality experience where guests can take a virtual dive under the sea off the coast of Southern California. Plus, there’s a scavenger hunt that walks visitors through some of the landmarks along the Pacific Coast Highway in Orange County.
A beach cleanup activity lets children compete by collecting trash from the indoor beach exhibit. Meanwhile, the hermit crab lab educates guests about hermit crabs, which they can actually hold.
“A variety of ocean-related craft activities including creating a paper kelp forest, seashell bracelets, colorful fish designs and more,” Singleton said. “Many of our activities focus on protecting our oceans, water safety, and what people can do to be good stewards of the sea.”
Dan Gaines, OC Fair entertainment director and Pacific Amphitheatre venue manager, said long-time fan favorite, comedy hypnotist Mark Yuzuik, has decided to retire.
“His are big shoes to fill, but we have brought in the very popular comedy hypnotist, Chris Mabrey, to entertain fair fans,” Gaines said. “Chris will be performing in the Action Sports Arena three times per day, Aug. 7 through Aug. 11 and the performances are free with fair admission.”
The Action Sports Arena also features BMX Big Air Triples, with the world's top BMX pros showcasing their versatility and innovation over a one-of-a-kind, 195-foot-long course that includes a 26-foot-high roll in, two large box jumps and a 14-foot quarter pipe, according to Gaines.
Of course big-name acts will also perform live in the Pacific Amphitheatre.
“And first-timer Alice Cooper will be playing on Aug. 16,” Gaines said.
He said there are also some great tribute acts that are playing the OC Fair for the first time: Hollywood U2 (U2), One More Night (Phil Collins and Genesis), Listen to the Music (The Doobie Brothers) and Live From Earth (Pat Benatar & Beyond).
Also new this year, on Saturday nights only, is the Knott’s Berry Farm Pie-Eating Competition, where competitors of all ages can win tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm, according to Singleton.
Singleton said the fair will have a variety of culinary demonstrations on the OC Promenade Stage throughout the day, including a new one this year that will show how to make your own homemade dog food.
She said that in August, the fair will celebrate Chicano Heritage Month and will have a new event, a Zoot Suit Fashion Show, on the OC Promenade Stage at 5 p.m. on Aug. 3, 4 and 11. Also, children will be able to cut out, color and assemble their own lowrider car in the craft area of the OC Promenade with the help of featured fine artist Jacqueline Valenzuela.
“This year we are launching a new food program called $5 Taste of Fair, which will run daily till 4 p.m. and will provide smaller, affordable food options for families,” Singleton said. “Participating food vendors will offer one item on their menu for just $5 until 4 p.m. daily. So you can try a variety of foods at an affordable price.”
Some new food vendors and bites this year include Spud Ranch with Tater Twisters, tater tots and baked potatoes; Cantina Nacho & Fruit Bar with nacho bar, Tostilocos, Crazy Watermelon, esquites, chicharrón con cueritos; and Vegging Out with plant-based and gluten-free bacon avocado cheeseburger, Fiesta Nachos and tacos, to name a few.
Images from the "Art of Music Experience" in 2023. Photos courtesy of OC Fair/Michael Goulding
Fair Culture
Singleton said the popular “Art of Music Experience” is returning this year.
“‘The Art of Music Experience: Exploring Iconic Album Covers’ is an immersive exhibit spotlighting the creators and stories behind iconic album cover art,” Singleton said. “The experience features over 150 large-scale, hand-painted album covers, displays and neon, pop-up record store, live painting and themed activations. It is returning because it was a big hit with guests last year.”
The “Rides & Rhythm” exhibit spotlights the works of OC Fair photographers Michael Goulding and Miguel Vasconcellos. The exhibit documents the fair as captured through the lenses of these two professional photographers, images they took over the past several years. The exhibit is on