They’re still frying at the Orange County Fair

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The Orange County Fair is back for its 120th summer, July 16 to Aug. 15 in Costa Mesa. There’s an incredible mashup of food and entertainment at this summer’s fair including: a motorhome demolition derby, rodeo, motocross, livestock shows, vegetable and fruit exhibits, carnival rides, and petting zoos. But true fair foodies come back each year for the fried delights—this year’s is fried butter!
But that’s not all. There will be $1 food tastings every Friday from noon to 4 pm. Try everything from deep-fried Oreos and Snickers at the Heart Attack Café to a deep-fried Klondike bar at Chicken Charlie’s. Another traveling fair circuit favorite, Outlaw Grill, converted an oil tank into a giant barbecue to cook a massive quantity of hamburgers at one time. Or if you need something a little lighter, head to the sushi or fresh berry stand. Not hungry? Donate your canned food to OC Fairs “We Care Wednesdays” July 21.
This is a modern fair with some old country tendencies presenting a wide range of performers including: Blondie, B-52s, Leann Rimes, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Julianne “Dancing With the Stars” Hough, and an array of tribute bands. Tickets to the concerts range from $6.25 to $16 each. Single-day fair admission tickets are $10 per adult, $7 per senior and $5 per child. Super pass tickets are also available at $25 per adult, $20 per senior and $15 per child, which covers 23 days of fair entry as well as 20% off reserved seating at concerts and events (the price will increase by $5 after July 15).
For more information, visit the fair website: ocfair.com
--Amanda Gottesman
Photo courtesy Orange County Fair