The OC Fair is back July 12-Aug. 11! The smell of fried food will fill the air, and carnival sounds will bring back familiar memories of younger days.
The OC Fair has been a cultural cornerstone of Orange County living since 1890. Back then, the event included just a few exhibits and a horse race, but it was immediately embraced by the community at large.
After World War II, the state formed the 32nd District Agricultural Association, gave it responsibility for the fair and purchased land then-occupied by the Santa Ana Army Air Base. It became part of Costa Mesa in 1953. Since then, families young and old have come every year to the OC Fairgrounds for rides, food and fun.
The highlight of the OC Fair is Pacific Amphitheater’s Toyota Summer Concert Series. The lineup for 2019 includes dozens of acts spanning nine weeks of spectacular shows. It all kicks off one week before the fair’s opening day with a July Fourth celebration featuring the Eagles tribute band, Hotel California. Here’s an overview of some of the most notable acts.
The Venues
The OC Fair
Why you should go:
The 2019 OC Fair is July 12- Aug. 11, open Wednesdays-Sundays. The 23-day event celebrates Orange County’s communities and lifestyle—from its agricultural heritage to food, music and entertainment. This year’s theme is “Acres of Fun!”
Get more info at OCFair.com.
Action Sports Arena
Why you should go:
Get your adrenaline flowing at events including demolition derbies, motorcycle racing, bull riding and more. If you would like to purchase a reserved seat ticket, which includes admission to the OC Fair, you may do so at TicketMaster.com or at the OC Fair Box Office.
The Hanger
Why you should go:
The Hanger is located in the OC Fair and Event Center. Here, fair guests can enjoy the best in nightly live entertainment. There is a full slate of tribute bands calendared and some originals artists you know and love. Shows are Wednesday-Sunday nights during the fair, and all tickets include fair admission.
The Pacific Amphitheater
Why you should go:
Our featured venue, The Pacific Amphitheatre offers a great concert experience during the OC Fair and always includes fair admission! The Pacific Amphitheatre is a beautiful outdoor performance venue featuring 7,800-plus fixed seats and a full stage. Take a look at some of this summer’s most notable acts.
The Bands
Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles
Location: Lake Arrowhead
Style of Music: Eagles Tribute Band
Why you should see them: This is the only show with official authorization to perform the Eagles' catalog of music. With authentic instrumentation and world-class a cappella, this legendary Southern California band is as unique as it is powerful. Hotel California has appeared at performing arts centers, special events, fairs, festivals, casinos and conventions all over the country.
Seal
Location: London, England (Now resides in Los Angeles.)
Style of Music: Singer/Songwriter—Soul and R&B
Why you should see them: Seal is a four-time Grammy-winning, multi-platinum R&B singer and songwriter known for hits like "Crazy" and "Kiss From a Rose." Born in London, he began his career in 1987. Since then, Seal has sold more than 20 million records. Known for his one-of-a-kind baritone voice and classic songwriting, Seal has seen success across numerous musical genres. Enjoy a warm summer night with this world-class artist for what promises to be an amazing and soulful performance.
Brandi Carlile
Location: Ravensdale, Washington
Style of Music: Singer/Songwriter—Soul and R&B
Why you should see them: Singer/songwriter/producer, Brandi Carlile, won three Grammy Awards this year and has been on a tear, performing at award shows and festivals and headlining in major cities across the country. She released her latest album, By the Way, I Forgive You, in February 2018 to critical and commercial acclaim. It debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, and also reached number one on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums. Debuting in 2007, she has released six studio albums and earned seven Grammy Award nominations.
Chicago
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Style of Music: Rock
Why you should see them: Chicago formed in 1967. They have recorded 36 albums and sold over 100 million records worldwide—with 23 gold, 18 platinum and eight multi-platinum albums. With the signature sound of Chicago's horns, their iconic vocalists and a few dozen of classic songs including “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park” and “If You Leave Me Now,” Chicago’s concerts are celebrations. This year marks 52 consecutive years of touring, without missing a single concert date.
The Calendar
July 4
Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles
This year’s Fourth of July celebration will feature Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles, a traditional salute to the U.S. armed forces and a fireworks finale. It is backed by the Pacific Symphony.
Tickets: $25-$99
July 10
Seal: British singer/songwriter Seal brings his one-of-a-kind soaring, husky baritone voice to Orange County. Throughout his entire career, Seal has been focused on a single creative pursuit: expressing the full experience of love through song. he is known for hits such as “Crazy” and “Kiss From a Rose.”
Tickets: $40-$80
July 11
Rick Springfield with the Pacific Symphony: Grammy Award winner Rick Springfield cemented his place in pop culture in 1981 with the number one hit, “Jessie’s Girl.” He followed with four more top 10 U.S. hits. In this concert event, Springfield joins with the Pacific Symphony to perform his timeless favorites.
Tickets: $30-$65
July 17
Brandi Carlile with David Rosales: Three-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Brandi Carlile released her latest album, By the Way, I Forgive You, in February 2018.
Los Angeles-native, David Rosales, will open the show with his rich baritone voice and hopeful melodies.
Tickets: $50-$90
July 19
Ziggy Marley with Toots and The Maytals: The eight-time Grammy award-winning musician and reggae icon Ziggy Marley returns to Orange County to encourage all of us to stand together through universal love. He will be joined by the legendary Toots and The Maytals.
Tickets: $35-$65.50
July 20
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo with Melissa Etheridge: Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, through four decades, have created two multi-platinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits and four Grammy awards. Melissa Etheridge is one of rock music’s great female icons, is also performing.
Tickets: $40-$75
July 24
Styx: Formed in 1972, STYX, best known for their hits “Lady,” “Come Sail Away” and “Too Much Time on My Hands,” became the first band to score four multi-Platinum albums in a row. Their latest release, “The Mission,” is their 16th studio album.
Tickets: $27.50-$60
July 26
Chicago: From the signature sound of Chicago’s horns, iconic vocalists and classic songs including “25 or 6 to 4” and “Saturday in the Park,” every Chicago concert is a celebration. This is their 52nd consecutive year of touring, without missing a single concert date.
Tickets: $50-$95.
July 27
Smokey Robinson: Once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America’s “greatest living poet,” singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson’s career spans over four decades of hits. He has received numerous awards and has been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.
Tickets: $45-$80
