Events in Costa Mesa
2026 Carnival Dream Pass
Head to the OC Fair, a long-running summer fair featuring carnival rides and attractions, classic fair food, and special live entertainment outdoors. It runs over multiple days in July and August, starting with doors opening on Saturday, Jul 25. Ticket prices are listed as $13 to $15, with parking available for an additional $15.
OC Fair & Event CenterPaint Nite: Koi's will be Koi's
Paint Nite is bringing a relaxed, social painting session to Pitfire Pizza in Costa Mesa. You will paint a piece called “Koi’s will be Koi’s,” and all painting supplies are included so you can jump in even as a beginner. It’s a low-pressure 2-hour session with step-by-step guidance, and food and drinks are available to purchase at the venue separately.
Pitfire PizzaThe Fab Four
Its Britney Beep presents a tribute to Britney Spears, with VIP tickets and VIP packages available.
OC Fair & Event CenterNelly
Recognized around the world as Nelly, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. is an American rapper, singer, and actor who emerged from St. Louis and began his career in 1993. This event at The Pacific Amphitheatre features an appearance by the artist behind that rise to fame.
The Pacific AmphitheatreJohn Fogerty
In Costa Mesa, Queen Nation presents a local event. It provides an opportunity to experience this group in a community setting.
OC Fair & Event CenterPatti LaBelle
A five-night residency at the OC Fair takes place on the Baja Bar and Grill Stage, offering back-to-back shows across the run. There are multiple opportunities to catch the performance during this residency at the same stage each night.
OC Fair & Event CenterBriscoe
Catch Briscoe and Alec Shaw live at The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa. The show is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM.
The WayfarerCertified Costa Mesa Farmers Market
Shop fresh local produce and more at the Certified Costa Mesa Farmers Market. Admission and parking are free, and the market is located in Lot D.
OC Fair & Event CenterPaul Van Dyk
Catch Paul van Dyk for a night of electro, dance, electronic, and trance music at Time Nightclub in Costa Mesa. The show starts at 10:00 PM.
Time NightclubRebelution
Rebelution returns to Pacific Amphitheatre for a three-night run, delivering a distinct mix of roots reggae, soulful grooves, and uplifting energy. They bring that sound back to a familiar stage they have made their own.
OC Fair & Event CenterStart Making Sense (Talking Heads Tribute) at The Hangar at the OC Fair
Start Making Sense brings Talking Heads’ music to life at The Hangar with a charged performance that keeps the groove front and center. Get set for an upbeat night as the band lights up the stage with the sound that made the originals so captivating.
The HangarRebelution w/ Skip Marley
Rebelution returns to Pacific Amphitheatre for a three night run, bringing a mix of roots reggae, soulful rhythms, and a high spirited, positive vibe to a stage closely linked with the band. Their live show highlights the sound and spirit that have made this venue feel like home.
The Pacific AmphitheatreThe Phantom of the Opera
Experience Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, premiering at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in 2026. This revitalized staging features Maria Björnson’s original design and is based on celebrated direction, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. Expect the romantic, haunting story of “The Phantom” in the Paris Opera House, along with unforgettable songs like “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade,” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Segerstrom Center for the ArtsAJR
AJR takes a fresh approach to modern pop, pairing indie sensibilities with a flair for hits. Active since 2012, the multiplatinum band has risen to become one of the most prominent indie acts, standing out as an unexpected hitmaker with a distinctive style.
The Pacific AmphitheatreDwight Yoakam
Country music icon Dwight Yoakam has left a lasting mark on the genre and beyond. He has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and has been nominated for 21 Grammy Awards.
The Pacific AmphitheatreCertified Costa Mesa Farmers Market
Visit the Certified Costa Mesa Farmers Market at the OC Fair. Enjoy free admission and parking while you browse local farmers and vendors. The market takes place in Lot D.
OC Fair & Event CenterSteel Pulse
Originating in Birmingham, England, Steel Pulse first came onto the scene in 1975 with songs that encourage reflection on bringing people together across the globe. Notable tracks such as “Chant a Psalm” have received recognition on a Rolling Stone Top 200 Best list. Their appearance centers on music with a unifying message and a long-standing commitment to thought-provoking artistry.
OC Fair & Event CenterCertified Costa Mesa Farmers Market
Shop fresh produce and local goods at the Certified Costa Mesa Farmers Market. Free admission and parking are available, and the market is located in Lot D at the OC Fair grounds.
OC Fair & Event CenterLEVEL 2 WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP (SAILBOAT)-- FRAME INCLUDED!
Join this Level 2 watercolor workshop inspired by a sailboat design, with a frame included. You’ll get step-by-step guidance along with all the materials you need, plus help with set-up and clean-up. The class lasts about 3 to 4 hours, and the session is limited to 10 students. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase during the event, and guests must be 21+ to attend. Outside food is allowed, but outside drinks are not.
Inspired Art WineAwakened Lifestyle Expo (Mind, Body, Spirit)
Get ready for a two-day Awakened Lifestyle Expo focused on mind, body, and spirit. The weekend features dozens of workshops with conscious leaders, a lineup of 40+ vendors offering wellness products, crystals, intuitive readings, and more, plus a Sunday Night Main Event with William Henry. Expect a full schedule of experiences designed to help you reconnect with yourself, expand your reality, and explore new possibilities.
Norma Hertzog Community CenterLet’s Bake-a-lotl Cute Cakes!
Get ready for a hands-on baking class where you’ll mix, bake, and create your own cute axolotl-themed cake. It’s a fun, one-cake-at-a-time experience led by Pink Me Up Makery, with plenty of axolotl-inspired creativity as you work from start to finish.
Pink Me Up MakeryLos Tucanes De Tijuana
Los Tucanes de Tijuana appear at The Pacific Amphitheatre for a performance by one of Norteño’s defining groups. Founded in Tijuana in 1987 and led by Mario Quintero Lara, they have played a key role in shaping the genre and in bringing Regional Mexican music to audiences around the world.
The Pacific AmphitheatreArtist Talk: Deanna Templeton at the Orange County Museum of Art
Join photographer Deanna Templeton for an artist talk at the Orange County Museum of Art. She’ll discuss her photographic practice, including her street photography of everyday suburban life in Southern California and the skate and beach scene she’s documented in Huntington Beach. The conversation includes OCMA CEO and Director Heidi Zuckerman, exploring the intricacies of youth subculture and how photography can connect personal and collective experience.
UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art | Costa MesaHarp Inn Comedy Show w/ The Cass Man
Catch a live stand-up comedy show hosted by “The Cass Man” Evan Cassidy at The Harp Inn. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show starts at 8:00 PM, running through 10:00 PM. The lineup includes up-and-coming comedians plus performers who have appeared on Comedy Central, Netflix, and Showtime. Entry is free with RSVP, there is no drink minimum, and the event is for ages 21 and up.
The Harp InnCertified Costa Mesa Farmers Market
Shop fresh produce, local goodies, and market favorites at the Certified Costa Mesa Farmers Market. Admission and parking are free, and the market is located in Lot D at the OC Fair grounds.
OC Fair & Event CenterGem Faire
Gem Faire is a multi-day shopping event where you can browse and shop from importers, wholesalers, and artisans. Expect a wide selection of gemstones, jewelry, beads, minerals, fossils, and jewelry-making supplies at source prices. There is a weekend pass admission option, with special free entry for children 12 and under and seniors 70 and up.
OC Fair & Event Center