The Hangar at Orange County Fair and Event Center Tickets

The lights drop, the crowd pulls in tight, and the first notes fill an intimate aviation-style hall where every seat feels like the front row — welcome to The Hangar, one of Orange County's most exciting indoor concert venues. Located within the 150-acre OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, The Hangar comes alive each summer as a centerpiece of the annual Orange County Fair's entertainment lineup, hosting a packed schedule of OC fair concerts ranging from high-energy tribute bands and Latin music to rock, country, comedy, and specialty performances. With crisp acoustics, smart sightlines, and a flexible layout that moves seamlessly between general admission standing room and reserved seating, The Hangar delivers a live-music experience that feels personal and tour-ready at the same time. Browse the latest lineup, lock in your seats, and get ready for an unforgettable night out in Orange County — all backed by our buyer guarantee.

Venue Basics

Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (within the OC Fair & Event Center)

Venue Type: Indoor concert and event venue

Capacity: Approximately 2,500

Style: Aviation-inspired hangar design

Owner: State of California (operated by the 32nd District Agricultural Association)

Primary Season: Mid-July through mid-August during the annual Orange County Fair (23 days); also hosts select year-round events

Seating Configurations: General admission (standing room), reserved seating (center sections 1–3, side sections 4–6), and upper-level seating

Complex Venues: The Hangar is one of three performance venues within the OC Fair & Event Center, alongside the Pacific Amphitheatre (approximately 8,000 capacity, outdoor) and the Action Sports Arena (approximately 7,000 capacity)

Complex Features: 150-acre fairgrounds, Centennial Farm (year-round teaching farm), Costa Mesa Speedway, The Ranch Community Center, carnival midway (during fair), hundreds of food and merchandise vendors

Industry Recognition: Ranked #1 worldwide by Pollstar for venues with a capacity of 1,501–2,500 (August 2025)

Typical Programming: Tribute bands, live concerts, Latin music, comedy, specialty shows, Fight Club OC (mixed martial arts), and special events tied to the OC Fair

What to Expect

The Hangar delivers something increasingly rare in the Southern California live-music landscape: a venue where you can actually feel the music. The intimate capacity means there's no such thing as a bad spot — whether you're pressed up against the stage in general admission or watching from the elevated reserved sections, you're close enough to catch every note and every expression. The aviation-inspired design gives the space a character that sets it apart from the standard club circuit, and the modern production — professional lighting, a crisp sound system, and a flexible stage setup — makes every show feel polished and purpose-built.

During the annual Orange County Fair, OC fair concerts at The Hangar run throughout the 23-day festival, with shows scheduled most evenings Wednesday through Sunday. The lineup leans heavily into tribute acts — think Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Queen, Talking Heads, Michael Jackson, and Britney Spears reimagined by some of the best tribute performers in the country — alongside original Latin artists, mariachi, comedy shows, and Sunday matinees. Tickets to Hangar shows during the fair typically include same-day OC Fair admission, which means your concert ticket doubles as your entry to the full fairgrounds experience: carnival rides, deep-fried everything, agricultural exhibits, Centennial Farm, and more.

Outside of fair season, The Hangar hosts select year-round events, including Fight Club OC — a popular mixed martial arts series that has staged multiple events at the venue — as well as concerts, private events, and community programming. The venue's flexible layout allows it to shift between standing-room concerts and seated configurations depending on the event.

A few practical notes: the OC Fair & Event Center is entirely cashless for parking. Soft-sided coolers are allowed on the fairgrounds, and factory-sealed water bottles are permitted — empty water bottles are also welcome, as chilled refill stations are available throughout the grounds. Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds, with the exception of ADA-defined service animals. Check the venue page for the most current show-specific guidelines, as policies may vary by event.

Parking & Transportation

The OC Fair & Event Center is conveniently located at the intersection of two major Southern California freeways — the 55 (Costa Mesa Freeway) and the 405 (San Diego Freeway) — making it easily accessible from across Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area.

Driving & Parking

On-site parking is available across the OC Fair & Event Center grounds. During the annual fair, parking lots can fill up quickly — especially on weekend evenings and concert nights — so arriving early is strongly recommended. All parking is cashless (credit, debit, or mobile payment only). Limited reserved parking is available with select Pacific Amphitheatre tickets but is not standard for Hangar events. For full details on lots, maps, and options, visit our Orange County Fair and Event Center parking page.

Rideshare & Public Transit

Uber, Lyft, and taxis provide convenient access to the fairgrounds. The designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up area is at Gate 1 off Fair Drive. OCTA bus routes serve the area — check the Orange County Transportation Authority website for routes and schedules, as service may be adjusted during fair season. Access Bus users can be dropped off and picked up at Gate 8 off Arlington Drive.

Accessibility

The Hangar offers accessible entrances and seating options for guests with disabilities. The OC Fair & Event Center grounds are generally accessible, with paved pathways connecting the parking areas, venue entrances, and fairgrounds. Service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted. Contact the OC Fair & Event Center at (714) 708-1500 for specific accommodation requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Hangar at the OC Fair?

The Hangar is an indoor concert and event venue located within the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. With a capacity of approximately 2,500 and an aviation-inspired design, it hosts a wide range of OC fair concerts — including tribute bands, Latin music, rock, comedy, and specialty shows — primarily during the annual Orange County Fair each summer, with select year-round events throughout the rest of the year.

When is the Orange County Fair?

The OC Fair is held annually for 23 days from mid-July through mid-August at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. The fair is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours are typically 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 11:00 AM to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Check the venue page for current-year dates and schedule updates.

Do Hangar tickets include OC Fair admission?

Yes — during the annual Orange County Fair, tickets to shows at The Hangar typically include same-day OC Fair admission. Tickets for pre-fair and post-fair shows may include single-day admission on select days during the fair instead. Parking is always a separate purchase. Check the specific show listing for details.

How do I get to The Hangar?

The OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, easily accessible via the 55 Freeway and the 405 Freeway. On-site parking is available (cashless only). Rideshare drop-off is at Gate 1 off Fair Drive. OCTA bus routes also serve the area. For parking details, visit our Orange County Fair and Event Center parking page.

What types of events does The Hangar host?

The Hangar hosts a diverse lineup of events, including tribute band concerts (Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, and more), original artist performances, Latin music, mariachi, comedy shows, Fight Club OC mixed martial arts events, and specialty performances. The venue's flexible layout accommodates both standing-room general admission and reserved seating configurations.

Where can I buy Hangar tickets?

You can browse all upcoming events at The Hangar at Orange County Fair and Event Center right here on GoTickets. Every purchase is backed by our buyer guarantee, so you can shop with complete confidence.