News Summary
The 2025 Orange County Fair promises to be an unforgettable event in Costa Mesa, running from July 18 to August 17. With over 1 million expected visitors, attendees can enjoy new attractions, delicious food offerings, and a variety of activities catered to all ages. Highlighting a festive theme, ‘Find Your Happy,’ the fair includes exciting exhibits and competitions, ensuring entertainment for everyone. Don’t miss out on a great summer experience filled with fun and excitement!
Exciting Times Await in Costa Mesa: The 2025 Orange County Fair is Here!
Get ready, folks, because Costa Mesa is about to get transformed into a carnival wonderland! The 2025 Orange County Fair is making its grand return, running from July 18 to August 17 at the sprawling 150-acre fairgrounds. With over 1 million guests expected to flock to the fair throughout its month-long run, it’s shaping up to be an unmissable summer event!
What’s New This Year?
Fair organizers are pulling out all the stops with new attractions that’re sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Already a hit last year with over 1.13 million guests, the fair aims to delight once more. In fact, attendance boomed last summer with 81,000 more visitors than 2023, showing just how much love this fair has received.
Last year, on numerous days, the fair was filled to capacity with daily limits around 50,000 visitors. Those lucky fairgoers who attended concerts at the Pacific Amphitheater had the added bonus of fair access all day, including on those super busy sold-out days. What a sweet deal!
A Taste Bud Extravaganza
Now let’s talk food—the heart and soul of any county fair! This year, new delectable offerings are hitting the stalls, including nopales tacos, rich Dubai chocolate brownies, scrumptious tres leches cinnamon rolls, and a must-try deep-fried apple pie a la mode. But that’s not all; if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll definitely want to try the returning fan-favorite: the bacon cotton candy on a smoked pork belly stick. It sounds wild, doesn’t it?
If you’re looking to stretch your dollar a little further, check out the “Taste of the Fair” event. For just $5 until 4 p.m. daily, you can sample delicious bites from various vendors, providing a great way to savor the flavors without breaking the bank!
Ticketing and Transportation Details
Attending the fair is quite affordable. General admission costs $13 for adults on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while the price jumps to $15 on Fridays through Sundays. Seniors over 60 and kids aged 6 to 12 can snag tickets for a mere $9, and children 5 and under get in for free! Just a friendly reminder, parking at the fairgrounds is $15 daily.
The fair hours are convenient, with gates opening at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, while Fridays and Saturdays extend the fun till midnight. Plenty of time to enjoy everything the fair has to offer!
A Festive Atmosphere Awaits
This year’s theme is all about joy—“Find Your Happy”—and organizers are ensuring that a festive atmosphere fills the air! From thrilling rides to performances, there’s something for everyone. Free activities are a great draw too, with animal encounters, craft demonstrations, and various entertainment options that add extra fun without costing a dime.
Exhibits and Competitions
Don’t forget to check out the featured exhibit, “REWIND: A VHS Revival,” that celebrates fun memories from the ’80s. Last year saw an impressive 16,259 submissions in competition and display categories, with a total of $38,275 in prize money awarded, so you might even catch some local talent on display!
So, grab your friends and family, and head on down to Costa Mesa for the 2025 Orange County Fair! With plenty of new attractions, mouth-watering food, and engaging activities for all, it’s sure to be a summer highlight you won’t want to miss!
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Orange County Fair
- Google Search: Orange County Fair 2025
- NBC Los Angeles: OC Fair Fun
- Wikipedia: Orange County Fair
- Orange County Register: Save at the Fair
- Encyclopedia Britannica: County Fair
- MyNewsLA: OC Fair New CEO
- Google News: OC Fair 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
