We’re all trying to save a little extra these days, right? Just because the OC Fair is back doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton to have fun. There are still some great ways to make the most of your ticket and keep a little cash in your wallet. Here are a few easy tips to help you enjoy the fair without overspending.
🎟️ Admission & Better Days
- Cheapest tickets: Wednesday & Thursday for just $13 (versus $15 on weekends)
- Senior (60+) & youth (6‑12) tickets are $9 every day — kids 5 and under enter free
- Every Day Passport costs $60, offering unlimited access all 23 days, plus 2‑for‑1 concert and entertainment deals
*advanced ticket purchase is required! The days will sell out so get your tickets early.
🎡 Carnival Rides
- Unlimited ride carnival wristbands (rides + 2 games) are $49 on Wednesdays & Thursdays, valid 11am - 8pm (buy before 5pm to save)
🚗 Transportation
- Parking is $15 for cars and motorcycles
- Buses and limos are $30
- Skip parking fees: Ride the OC Fair Express bus for $2 one way and $4 round-trip. Saturdays 10:30am - 12:30am and Sundays 10:30am - 11:30pm (depending on location) Youth 18 and under ride for free.
🍴 Food Savings
- $5 Taste of Fair: Available daily until 4 pm, these sampler-sized portions let you try multiple treats.
- Pro tip: Pack reusable take-home containers to extend your $5 foodie haul
🎶 Free Concerts & Included Shows
- Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and Action Sports Arena shows during Fair season include SAME-DAY Fair entry with your show ticket
- That means your concert ticket doubles as an admission pass for that day!
- Even post-Fair shows grant admission on any Wednesday or Thursday during the Fair
- Venue capacity is limited—buy concert tickets early to lock in your seat and admission
🎯 Extra Smart Hacks
- Go early: Beat the crowds and enjoy shorter lines before peak hours (especially true on weekdays)
- Take breaks indoors: Visit exhibits, animal barns, or air-conditioned pavilions to rest and cool down
- Handstamp advantage: Leaving and re-entering is free if you keep your handstamp (though you'd pay again for parking)
- Stay hydrated: Bring an empty refillable water bottle - water stations are available throughout the fairgrounds
