Yes, going to the 2025 Orange County Fair can be pricey, but you can also focus on free entertainment, which is going on constantly. Here are some of our best suggestions:
Want to laugh? Go see Master Hypnotist Mark Yuzuik: He performs at the Action Sports Arena from Aug. 13 through Aug. 17. His shows are at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.
Go dancing at night at the Plaza Pacifica Stage: Swing dancing with a live band on Fridays 8:30-11:30 p.m., DJ West Coast Dave on Saturdays 8:30-11:30 p.m., Latin Dancing to a live band Sundays from 7:30-10:30 p.m.
See the mama pig and babies: You have to do this, don’t you think? There’s a sow who’s due to deliver the first week of the fair, and also another due the last week of the fair. Pigs typically have litters of 8-14 piglets. You can find them in Centennial Farm.
See a show at the Action Sports Arena: You have to pay for reserved seating, but there is limited general admission seating or standing as well. Yes, go watch those monster trucks tear up the ground.
Stay hydrated for free: You can refill your own water bottles at six chilled water stations around the grounds for free. Stations are at the main carnival, Kidland carnival, Fair Square near Blue Gate, livestock near the Western Saloon, carnival, Family Fairway near Green Gate and Park Plaza near pig races.
Free carnival rides for kids: Most carnival rides aren’t free, of course, but kids ages 5-11 who read three books and sign up for the Read & Ride program can get a QR code valid for two free rides in the Kidland area only. Only one per child. Here’s how to sign up.
Hang with some cute animals at the petting zoo: Near the Yellow Gate, find a petting zoo with goats, sheep, pigs and more.
Root for the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs: You can’t miss those, can you? These piglets travel in a custom “Piggy Penthouse” trailer that’s heated and air conditioned. And, yes, they just love to run. Racecourse is between the Family Fairway and the Plaza Pacifica. Wed, Thurs & Fri: 2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 & 8 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 & 8 p.m. ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/animals/pig-races/
Explore interesting animals in the Livestock Area, near the Yellow Gate (and there are more animals too!)
- Pygmy goats: Yes, how cute are they? Pretty darn cute. They can reach heights of 22 inches and weigh 50-70 pounds. They’ll be in the barn from July 18 to July 20.
- Llamas: No, you don’t have to go to South America. There will be dozens of them in the livestock areaJuly 18-20.
- Miniature donkeys: Less than 36 inches tall, they’re fun and friendly to their owners. In the barn July 29 to Aug. 3.
- Barnyard fashion parade: Take in this runway show at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 in the livestock show ring.
- Friesian Horse Club of Southern California: Two of these gorgeous animals will be on display Aug. 13-17. Their owners will be there daily to share and talk to people about the breed. Other horses are also expected to be exhibited.
- Learn more: ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-to-do/animals
Go see the milking demonstrations with dairy cows: Head over to the Millennium Barn to see cows milked at 2:15 and 4:15 p.m daily.
See a show free at the Hangar until 5 p.m.: Daily performances including folklorico and belly dancing, choirs, martial arts demonstrations and clog dancers. Located at the main mall between the Family Fairway and the Action Sports Arena. Note: After 5 p.m. you have to pay for seats but it’s free to stand. Learn more: ocfair.com/oc-fair/entertainment/community-entertainment/
Free live music all day long on the Meadows Stage: Performers will include Sean Oliu & The Coastline Cowboys, Lousy Little Gods, Ashley Felton Trio, Morrison King, Lucky Coot & The Band of Bobs, Front Street Troubadours. Located between Centennial Farm and Fair Square. Learn more: ocfair.com/oc-fair/entertainment/community-entertainment/
Lots to enjoy at the OC Promenade Stage: Magician Frank Thurston performs at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Evening shows will include Suemy G, Danny Maika & Trio, John Kraus & The Goers, Wimberley Bluegrass Band, Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana and more. Located off the main mall. Learn more: ocfair.com/oc-fair/entertainment/community-entertainment/
Hear the nightly performance of “Taps”: The military tune will be played at 6 p.m. at Heroes Hall. Located between the Blue Gate and the Pacific Amphitheatre.
Look out for the Red Light Brass Band: The combo will roam the fair from noon until 6 p.m. daily.
Enjoy the exhibits: This year, they’re divided into culinary arts, hobbies and handicrafts, horticulture, livestock, table settings, visual arts, wine and woodworking. This encompasses many specialties, including floral arrangements, sugar arts and confections (yum), photography, miniatures, embellished clothing, wood carving, quilts, cosplay costumes, scrapbooking, upcycled handicrafts, livestock animals and lots more.