OC Fair 'Time For Fun' Summer Opening Dates Announced

COSTA MESA, CA — On Thursday, the OC Fair announced its "Time for fun!" The summer fair will take place from July 16- Aug. 15.

Southern California's favorite summer festival will be celebrating the joy in the months ahead in a safe, responsible manner, according to an OC Fair spokesperson.

OC Fair Board Chair Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia spoke on the reopening announcement, saying that she is grateful to plan for an exciting and safe OC Fair this year.

"This milestone will allow the community to come together to celebrate the future and generate much-needed opportunities for economic development and growth in Orange County," Rubalcava-Garcia said. "The Board and staff have done a fantastic job of responsibly managing our finances and preparing to meet safe reopening guidelines to not just make it through the pandemic, but to emerge resilient and ready for 2021 and beyond.”

OC Fair officials have worked closely with public health agencies to develop protocols to keep fairgoers safe while bringing back carnival rides, fair food, entertainment, competitions, animals and more to fair fans.

This year's OC Fair plans are based on health agency projections for the summer but could change if warranted by public health conditions, Rubalcava-Garcia said.

What changes can you expect this year?

Advance ticket sales will be required and limited capacity will give fairgoers more elbow room.

The number of concessions, rides and shopping vendors will be reduced and spaced out to provide more distance between each.

Admission tickets will go on sale on May 1 on ocfair.com.

OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards discussed the scenarios that went into scheduling the reopening dates.

"We have worked through many different scenarios for the 2021 OC Fair and we are so excited to move forward with this plan because it means that we really can bring back the fun, and that's why I love this year's theme," Richards said. "We want everyone to continue to follow health guidelines and get vaccinated so we can finally celebrate summer together again."

The Fair Board voted to keep ticket prices at the 2019 OC Fair rates, $12 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday), and $14 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

The current plan is for the fair to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which has traditionally been the case.

There is a change to move Friday into weekend pricing and OC Fair will absorb the online ticket sale fees.

Announcements regarding concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar will be coming soon.

For more information, visit ocfair.com.