Here’s what guests can expect at the 2024 OC Fair

The 2024 OC Fair, returning for its 134th year, opened Friday at the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa for its 23-day run.

This year, the fair’s theme is “Always a Good Time,” highlighting nostalgia, cherishing good memories and creating new ones.

Here are some of the experiences and activities guests can expect at this year’s OC Fair.

• The Explorium, an exhibit that teaches guests about the Orange County coastline, returns to OC Promenade with new activities.
• Live Band Karaoke in Plaza Pacifica allows fans to live out their rockstar dreams or enjoy live entertainment.
• Kids can watch and participate in “The Magic of Frank Thurston” show, which will happen daily.
• Guests can meet some of the fair’s famed costume characters.  Strawberry Jan, Olivia Orange, Sunny Lemon, Carl Cotton Candy and Cornelious Corn, throughout the day
• All-Alaskan Racing Pigs will be back on their track in Plaza Pacifica.
• Residents will showcase their talent in hopes of winning a coveted blue ribbon in categories like photography, fine art, woodworking, floral arrangements, table-setting and more.
• The popular $5 Taste of Fair menu also returns daily until 4 p.m. Guests can try some of the fair’s best food items without breaking the bank. The full menu can be viewed here.

The fair will be open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tickets cost $13 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $15 on Fridays and weekends. Those aged 60 and older can get a ticket for $9 any day, as well as kids aged 6 through 12. Kids aged 5 and younger are free.

It’s important to note that admission can be capped and tickets should be purchased online ahead of time.

Those who want to visit the fair frequently can invest in “ The Everyday Passport, ” which is available for $60. The passport does not restrict the days or times you can visit the fair.

There are a limited number of passports available.

More information about the fair can be found here.

The OC Fair runs from July 19 until Aug. 18.

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