The hottest summer dates start at the OC Fair - here's your ultimate guide
by: Terry Moore
Published: July 21, 2026
COSTA MESA...The OC Fair is a magical place where you can leave your worries behind and, for 23 summer days and nights, have some seriously grown-up fun. Grab a favorite person and make plans to soak up the sun and light up the night!
Entertainment
A summer concert under the stars in Pacific Amphitheatre is the ultimate SoCal summertime couples goal. Hands down, PacAmp is the best entertainment venue around, bringing performers like Nelly, AJR, Rebelution and Steel Pulse as well as classic acts such as Patti LaBelle and Nile Rodgers & CHIC. Pro tip: Tickets to shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena all include same-day OC Fair admission.
You know that feeling when your favorite song from school comes on the radio? Why not experience it live in The Hangar with a tribute band? This year, choose from Queen Nation (Queen tribute), 24K Magic (Bruno Mars tribute), No Duh (No Doubt tribute), Breakdown (Tom Petty tribute), Swift Nation (Taylor Swift tribute) and more.
Fair After Dark keeps that party going with music and dancing every night in Plaza Pacifica. Not sure how to get your groove on? Lessons in Latin, swing and line dancing help you figure out the fun. Bring your date and hit the dance floor — no need to wait for your cousin’s wedding
Fair experiences
Enjoy an adult beverage in a new secret bar. This year, the sippin’ scene decidedly moves up a notch with new bars hidden in Fair attractions, each with its own vibe. The Hitchcock speakeasy is inside the REWIND exhibit, the Secret Butterfly Garden brings a natural respite near Centennial Farm, the Promenade Bar serves craft cocktails among the culinary exhibits in the evening and The Lounge at Pacific Amphitheatre offers pre-show drinks to get fairgoers in the mood for the night ahead.
Fair staples La Cantina, where Micheladas and dancing in the evenings come highly recommended, and Baja Bar & Grill, where intimate performances and all the cocktails come together, do not disappoint and offer distinct mini-club scenes.
Crazy or classic — what’s your couples goal for food? The good news is that oodles of Fair food are made to be shared. You know the turkey legs, funnel cakes and pizzas are made for two, but there is another option — the $5 Taste of Fair, offering smaller portions for just $5 until 5 p.m. Such a deal!
Then work it off together by running the OC Fair Fun Run 5K on Aug.9
Togetherness vibes
Food and wine pairing seminars are in the Wine Courtyard each Saturday and Sunday — another great shady place to beat the heat, grab an adult beverage and share a snack.
Love is in the Fair! The Tunnel of Love may be a thing of the past, but there are plenty of places to get romantic and you won't want to miss those photo booths where you can perfect your poses for posterity. We also hear that lots of couples get engaged at the OC Fair, hint, hint.
Pro tip: Grab a scenic sunset selfie on the Sky Ride or from one of the three Ferris wheels.
Do the couple things by getting matching T-shirts, custom airbrushed hats, wax roses or that OC Fair classic — caricatures! If you want to know what the future holds, visit a fortune teller to find out if you will really have 10 kids and move to Paris.
And … win the big prize at the carnival!
OC Fair details
Dates: July 17 – Aug. 16
Hours
- Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
Fair prices
- Adults: $13 weekdays; $18 weekends
- Youth (6-12): $9 daily
- Seniors (65+): $10 daily
- Children 5 and younger: Free
- Every Day Passports are available for $60 and provide access any day of the Fair with no blackout dates
- Arrive early and save with Smart Start! Enter the fairgrounds between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday or Thursday for just $11.
- General parking: $15
For tickets, promotions and complete event information, visit ocfair.com.