All is Fair in Love and Deep Fried Twinkies

Written By: Jane Adler
The OC Fair is synonymous with summer in this coastal county. Children and adults alike can enjoy the countless culinary treasures, adrenaline-pumping attractions and wide selection of fun shows, concerts and events. Starting July 13, this year’s fair continues the “Free Your Inner Farmer” theme, a part of a three-year initiative encouraging fairgoers to get in touch with their roots and learn how food gets from farm to table— or in this case, the fryer! Need any more convincing? We’ve rounded up five of our top reasons the OC Fair is a must-do this summer.
OC Fair
Catch You on the Flip Side
Whether you come to the fair to hang out rightside up or upside down, there is a ride for everyone. This year, the fair is introducing two new rides: Flying Jumbos, a flying elephant ride with interactive controls, and Konga, a high-speed side-to-side movement ride that lifts you high over the crowds. We recommend eating after riding.
A Fried Affair
Fair food is notoriously naughty in its no-holds-barred preparation. Whether it’s with a deep-fried delicacy or a towering turkey leg, the concessionaires raise the bar every year with over-the-top creations. This year is no exception with wild treats including chocolate pasta served in a strawberry waffle cone, lasagna nachos from Pignotti’s and deep-fried filet mignon on a stick from Chicken Charlie’s. Whether it’s a meal for one or a meal to share, calories don’t count at the fair!
Show Off Your Insta-Side
If you went to the OC Fair and didn’t post about it, did you really go? The fair offers an infinite amount of Instagram opportunities to share with followers and friends. This year, the fair will be unveiling a pop-up selfie station on the grounds featuring 11 different vignettes called “My Fair Selfie” with a special opening on July 20.
Lights, Camera…Sports Action
It’s not all fun and games at the fair. The action sports arena features some jaw-dropped, downright dangerous demos that will have you on the edge of your seat. Catch thrilling shows including Daredevils and Wheels, a motorcycle stunt show that reaches all new heights (literally). Plus, it wouldn’t be the fair without demolition derbies featuring the fan-favorites Motorhome Madness Demolition Derby and Damsels of Destruction Demolition Derby.
Can You Dig This?
Commissioned artist John Cerney will decorate the grounds with giant murals to go along with the theme of local farm families and agriculture icons. Each installation will be featured on the Live Portrait app, which will allow fairgoers to learn more about each piece simply by opening the app and pointing it at the painting.
Native Knowledge: Every Thursday from noon-3 p.m. anyone wearing overalls gets in for free!
The OC Fair 88 Fair Dr Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.708.1500