Orange County Guide: Your Essential Weekend Update – Events, Activities, and Parking Information

Your Ultimate Guide to the OC Fair 2025: Tickets, Parking, adn More!

Get ready for a summer of fun at the OC Fair, and we’ve got all the essential details to help you make the most of your visit. From concert tickets to parking tips, this guide has you covered.

Concert Tickets & Fair Admission:

Planning to catch a show at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, or the action Sports Arena? Great news! Your concert ticket includes admission to the fair for the entire day.

For the ultimate fair experience, consider the Every Day Passport. Priced at $60, this pass offers unlimited access to the fair on any day and at any time, with no restrictions. Just a heads-up,these passports are available in limited quantities,so grab yours soon if you’re a true fair enthusiast!

Navigating Your Way:

Parking: Bringing your own vehicle? Parking is available for $15 for both cars and motorcycles.

Drop-off & Pick-up: For rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, or taxis, use Gate 1 on Fair Drive – this is the main entrance.Gate Information: Fair officials advise that Gate 10 off Newport Boulevard can experience closures during peak hours. To ensure a smoother entry, consider using gate 1 or Gate 3, accessible via Fairview Drive and merrimac Way.

Public Transportation: Let someone else handle the driving! The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is bringing back its popular OC Fair Express service on weekends. For just $2 one-way or $4 round-trip (kids ride free!), you can hop on an OCTA bus from five convenient locations across the county. Buses run from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays and Sundays, with pick-ups approximately every 30 minutes.

OC Fair Express Locations:

ARTIC station: 2626 E.Katella Ave., Anaheim
Fullerton Park & Ride: 3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton
Goldenwest Transportation Center: 7301 Center Ave., Huntington Beach
Lagoon Hills Transportation Center: 24282 Calle de los Caballeros, Laguna Hills
Santa ana Regional Transportation Center: 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana

You can find detailed schedules and more information at ocfairexpress.com.

Discounted opportunities:

due to a cap on daily admissions at approximately 50,000 visitors, the fair has scaled back on some of its previously offered discounts. However, as mentioned, concert tickets grant you same-day fair admission, and the Every Day Passport is a great option for frequent visitors.

Kids’ Reading Program: Young readers can earn free rides in Kidland! Children who read three books can complete a form found on the ocfair.com website (under general information) to redeem their free rides.

Taste of Fair: For just $5, you can sample a variety of fair foods from 5 p.m. each day until 4 p.m. Keep an eye out for the “$5 Taste of Fair” offerings at participating food booths.

What to Bring (and What Not To):

Allowed Items:

Soft-sided coolers
Sealed food and beverages
Water bottles (factory sealed or empty upon entry)
Wagons and strollers (rentals are also available)

Prohibited Items:

Cans
Glass containers
Outside alcohol
Hard-sided coolers
Pets (service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted)
Smoking and vaping (in all areas)
Selfie sticks
Drones
Weapons

Remember, all belongings are subject to inspection before entering the fairgrounds.

Enjoy your OC Fair experience!

What public transportation options are available to reach the Newport Beach Jazz Festival to avoid parking congestion?

Orange County Guide: Your Essential Weekend Update – Events, Activities, and Parking Details

Top Weekend events in Orange County (July 19-21, 2025)

Orange County is buzzing wiht activity this weekend! From family-friendly festivals to sophisticated art walks, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a curated guide to help you make the most of your time.

Festivals & Fairs

Newport Beach Jazz Festival (July 19-21): Enjoy world-class jazz performances at the scenic Newport Beach. Headliners include [insert Headliner Names Here]. Tickets range from $75 – $250 per day. Parking Tip: Utilize the free shuttle service from Fashion Island regional Transportation Center to avoid congestion.

Orange County Fair (Ongoing – August 18): The OC Fair is in full swing! Expect carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, concerts, and flavorful fair food. Daily admission is $14 for adults, $7 for children. Parking: General parking is $10, preferred parking is $20.Consider ride-sharing to bypass potential traffic.

Sawdust Art Festival (Laguna Beach – Ongoing – September 1): Explore unique handcrafted art from over 200 artists. Live music and demonstrations add to the festive atmosphere. Admission is $15 for adults,$8 for seniors and children. Parking in Laguna Beach: Can be extremely challenging. Utilize the free Laguna Beach Trolley system.

Arts & Culture

First Thursday Art Walk (Santa Ana – July 4): Explore the vibrant art scene in downtown Santa Ana. Galleries stay open late, offering a chance to meet artists and view diverse artwork. Free admission. Parking: Street parking is available, but limited. several public parking structures are nearby.

Pageant of the masters (Laguna Beach – Ongoing – September 7): Witness “living pictures” – incredibly detailed recreations of famous artworks with real people posing as paintings. Tickets are highly sought after and start at $95. Parking: Extremely limited. Pre-booked parking passes are essential. The Laguna Beach shuttle is highly recommended.

Segerstrom center for the Arts (Costa Mesa): Check their schedule for Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances. [Insert specific show details for the weekend]. parking: Ample parking is available at the Segerstrom Center parking structures.

Outdoor Activities & Beaches

Beach Days & Water Sports

Huntington Beach (Surf City USA): Catch some waves,sunbathe,or stroll along the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. Parking: Metered street parking and large public parking lots are available. Expect high demand on weekends.

Laguna Beach Coves: Explore hidden coves like Treasure Island and Main Beach. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and tide pooling. Parking: Extremely limited and expensive.Arrive early or utilize the Laguna Beach Trolley.

Dana Point Harbor: Enjoy whale watching tours, harbor cruises, and waterfront dining. Parking: Several public parking lots are available, but can fill up quickly.

Hiking & Parks

Crystal Cove State Park: Hike scenic trails with breathtaking ocean views. Explore the historic Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. Parking: $15 day-use parking fee. reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

Irvine Regional Park: A sprawling park with lakes, picnic areas, and a zoo. Perfect for a family outing. Parking: $3 per vehicle.

Peter’s Canyon Regional Park (Orange): offers a variety of hiking and biking trails. Parking: Free,but can fill up quickly.

Dining & Nightlife

Popular Restaurant Hotspots

Downtown Fullerton: A diverse culinary scene with options ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.

balboa Island: Enjoy waterfront dining with stunning harbor views.

Costa Mesa’s 17th Street: Known for its trendy restaurants and bars.

Nightlife Options

The District at Tustin Legacy: Offers a variety of bars and entertainment venues.

Downtown Santa Ana: Live music venues and craft cocktail bars.

Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula: Lively bars and clubs with ocean views.

Parking Strategies for a Stress-Free Weekend

Orange County’s popularity means parking can be a challenge, especially during peak season. Here are some tips:

1. Utilize Public Transportation: