Summer time is the season for so many things. BBQ, pool , sun and the fair! The fair is definitely not always budget friendly but there are ways to enjoy it with out spending too much. Here are ways to save at the OC Fair:
- Active Duty Military is free everyday
Wednesdays: free admission for various donations (not accepted at gate 5)
- July 25th: 12-4 pm Children’s Book Drive. Get in free plus one ride for (3) Gently used children’s book OR (1) brand new book
- Aug 1st: 12-4 pm Children’s Clothing Drive: Get in free Plus one ride for (5) gently used children’s clothing items
- Aug 8th: 12-4 School Supply donation: Get in free plus one ride for 1 new school supply item worth $5
Thursdays: Kids 12 and under are free
Discounted Tickets:
- Saturday & Sunday: arrive between 10 and 11 am and pay only $2 for General Admission
- Friday: $2 rides + $2 games until 4pm
Do you have any other suggestions on how to do the OC fair on the cheap?! Share them in the comments!
My Name is Josie and I live in sunny Southern California and I am a stay at home mom to three beautiful boys. We all know that living in California is a task of it's own and saving in California IS possible! I started this blog mainly to share all the awesome deals out there and show others how to save in any area of life. Even though you may make the commitment to be frugal and pinch your pennies doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice!
Ralphs reciepts have a 5.00 admission q , pair that with free kids and thursadays is wristband days at 30.00……
Oh yeah my kids can also share fries and a corndog they are so big…plus they have coupon books…..
Todays OC Register had an article about the OC Fair Express. They offer a pick up at several parking lots in the OC and go straight to the fair for 1.50 each way, plus they give oh a voucher for $2.00 fair admission. Check out octa.net/ocfairexpress
My family takes the express bus to the fair and I highly recommend it. They drop you off right at the entrance and you bypass all the traffic/parking lot commotion. Plus, which kid doesn’t enjoy a bus ride?
Todays OC Register had an article about the OC Fair Express. They offer a pick up at several parking lots in the OC and go straight to the fair for 1.50 each way, plus they give oh a voucher for $2.00 fair admission.
love this post thanks for all the great ideas!
Anyone know if there’s re-entry to the fair on weekends? Thinking of getting in early and coming back at night…
My family has done this for YEARS! Gone in early when it’s free or cheap, then come back when it is cooler & the kids have had a nap. Make sure to get your hand stamped!!! Haven’t gone this year yet, but I am sure it is the same. Can’t wait to get a Fried Snickers! Mmmmmm!
If you are in for cheap lemonade drinks, Hot Dog on A Stick has a booth at the fair, and if you have a large cup purchased at any participating stand (any mall) you get refills for about $3.00. I know with this heat, we all need to stay hydrated.
check out http://www.goldstar.com and buy a cheap ticket to one of the arena or ampitheater shows. it includes admission to the fair. Two activities for less than the $11. fair admission. For example, the police dog rodeo had tickets for around $7.00 i think.
police dog tickets gone. but weird al Yankovich, all american rejects, and the bee gees tribute are available. im seeing all american rejects for $12.50
i went opening day..like i do every year.. its free entry and free parking from 12-1pm on opening day!
That’s what we do too. I’ve been doing it since my dad took me as a kid and now I’m taking mine. They also have a taste of the fair specials on Fridays where you can get a smaller portion at most places for only $2 until 4pm and there’s a PDF on the fair’s website where you can print out a form for your kids to write about some books they read. When you turn it in at the fair they’ll get a card for 3 free rides
A few tips…
Weekend Trip
-Free Parking: Take the Experian shuttle and get free parking on Saturday and Sunday. Exit the 405 freeway at Bristol St and park in the Experian parking structure. Parking is free, the shuttle is free and operates between 10am and 1am.
-Get $2 General Admission between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Friday Trip:
Fridays have $2 Tastings Taste of Fair Food (Noon – 4 p.m.). All food vendors will offer a sample or half orders for $2!
Fridays $2 Rides + $2 Games (Sold until 4 p.m.)
-OC Fair express bus service which drops you off right at the gate. Fares are $1.50 each way.
Free Ride Coupons for the kids:
Read & Ride Kids can read 2 books to get coupons for 3 carnival rides (ages 5-11) book report form:
http://www.ocfair.com/2012/docs/2012Read&RideForm.pdf
Submit book reports to the Information Booth @ Centennial Farm for free ride tickets (Valid July 13- August 12)
Misc Tips:
-You can bring in your own food to eat and plastic drink bottles (no cans, glass, liquor or hard coolers)
-All concert and show ticket sales include free fair admission (Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, Action Sports Arena) on that day.
Del Taco has coupons for $2 off general admission to the OC fair valid July13-August 12, 2012. Make sure you get enough coupons because it’s one coupon per person.