The Orange County Fair is giving winter-weary Southern Californians something to look forward to, unveiling its 2026 theme nearly six months before gates open.
At a Glance
- 136th OC Fair runs July 17-Aug. 16, 2026 over 23 days
- Theme: “Your Adventure Awaits” announced Jan. 14
- Tickets and Every Day Passports go on sale in April
- Some Pacific Amphitheatre concerts already available
Why it matters: The early reveal kicks off summer planning season when chilly nights have residents craving warm-weather fun.
Organizers at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa dropped the adventure-themed banner on Jan. 14, staying true to tradition by announcing the motif well ahead of opening day. The 136-year-old fair chose “exploration” and “discovery” as the driving concepts behind next summer’s celebration.
“Your Adventure Awaits” promises to deliver whether fairgoers are:
- Testing a spinning ride for the first time
- Petting a pig in the livestock barns
- Sampling deep-fried or fiery sprinkled snacks
The fair team hopes visitors tap into their adventurous spirit throughout the 23-day run. The event will occupy its usual late-July through mid-August window, operating most days with a full schedule to be released closer to opening.
Concert Season Starts Early
Music fans don’t need to wait for spring to secure seats at the Pacific Amphitheatre. The open-air venue on the fairgrounds has already released several summer concerts, including:
Iration with Tribal Seeds – June 26
Additional acts for the extended fair entertainment season will be announced throughout the coming months.
Brew Festival Returns
Craft beer enthusiasts should mark the fair’s opening weekend for the Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup. The festival spotlights stellar suds from regional breweries, giving hop heads a foamy start to the annual celebration.
Ticket Timeline
Admission tickets and the popular Every Day Passports will be available for purchase starting in April. The passports grant repeat entry and have become a favorite option for locals planning multiple visits.
The fair’s century-plus history gives organizers deep insight into what Southern Californians want and when they want it. That experience shows in the carefully orchestrated reveal schedule that builds anticipation from the depths of winter straight through to the balmy days of summer.
Key Takeaways
- 136th OC Fair set for July 17-Aug. 16, 2026
- “Your Adventure Awaits” theme emphasizes exploration
- Tickets on sale April 2026
- Some concerts already available
- Brew Hee Haw festival opens the fair
