Boo Ha Ha, Orange County’s Halloween beer festival, returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with a new theme: Zombie Homecoming. Expect more than 100 craft beers, hard seltzers, and ciders from 30-plus breweries, unlimited tasting between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., two decade-themed party bands, and live lucha libre. Presale general admission is $55.
Brew Ha Ha Productions and the OC Fair & Event Center present the night, and it is strictly 21 and over. Here is the schedule, ticket math, costume rules, and what you can and cannot bring, from the festival’s official site and the OC Fair event page as of September 28, 2026.
The quick version
| When | Saturday, October 24, 2026, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Tasting runs 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. |
| Where | OC Fair & Event Center (Main Mall, The Hangar, and Baja Bar & Grill), 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 |
| Highlights | 100-plus craft pours, Saved by the 90’s, A Nightmare on 80’s Street, lucha libre from Lucha Goth Haus, costumes |
| Ages | 21 and over only, valid physical photo ID required |
| Tickets | GA $55 presale, VIP $80 presale, plus taxes and fees, on Etix |
| Parking | $15 per vehicle |
| Official site | theboohaha.com |
What’s pouring
Every ticket includes unlimited tasting of beer, hard seltzer, and cider between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. The OC Fair page counts more than 100 craft beers from more than 30 breweries. VIP ticket holders also get beers that are only poured in the VIP lounge. The brewery list has not been published yet.
Food is not part of the ticket, and outside food and drink are not allowed (sealed food is allowed with a doctor’s note for a documented need; check in at guest services). The organizers have not posted which food vendors will be on site, so eat before you go.
The night’s schedule
| Time | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| 6:30 p.m. | Gates open, tasting begins. DJ until 7:30. |
| 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | A Nightmare on 80’s Street: 80s horror, rock, pop, and dance |
| 9 to 10 p.m. | Saved by the 90’s, billed as the World’s Awesomest 90s Party |
| 9:30 p.m. | Last pour of the night |
| 10 to 11:30 p.m. | After-party |
Live lucha libre from Lucha Goth Haus is also on the bill, according to the official site; a match time has not been posted. Schedule times come from the OC Fair event page.
Tickets
Tickets are sold on Etix, and prices climb twice. Buy early and you save $20 a ticket over the door price.
| Ticket | Presale | Regular | Day of |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $55 | $65 | $75 |
| VIP | $80 | $90 | $100 |
- GA includes: entry and unlimited beer, hard seltzer, and cider tasting between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.
- VIP adds: dedicated entry lanes, an exclusive VIP lounge with VIP-only beers, a dedicated bar, and dedicated restrooms.
- At the door: tickets may be sold on site if the event has not sold out. The OC Fair page suggests buying online before you leave the house to save time.
- Fees: all prices are plus taxes and ticketing fees.
Costume rules
Tasteful costumes are strongly encouraged. The one thing to design around: security has to match your face to your ID.
- No full-face masks or costume pieces that cover your entire face. A rubber zombie head that hides your whole face will not get past the ID check.
- No weapons or simulated weapons, and nothing sharp or pointed that could hurt someone.
- No nudity or semi-nudity.
- Nothing insulting or offensive. Staff make the call, so if you are not sure, do not wear it.
What to bring
- A valid physical photo ID with your birth date. Photocopies are not accepted, and there are no exceptions.
- A clear empty water bottle under 24 ounces, without the cap, or a plastic bottle with the top removed.
- Small stuff: purses, fanny packs, phones, non-professional cameras, hats, earplugs, sunscreen, sealed gum, and sealed lip balm are all fine.
- Prescription medication in its original container with a doctor’s note matching your ID, checked at entry.
What to leave at home
All guests and bags are screened at the entrance. The OC Fair page’s prohibited list includes:
- Outside food and drink, alcohol, coolers, and glass
- Hydration packs and bladders
- Chairs and umbrellas
- Weapons of any kind, fireworks, laser pointers, and drones
- Professional photo and video cameras, selfie sticks, and GoPro sticks
- Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, and rolling sneakers
- Stickers, flyers, and solicitations
- Pets
Getting there and getting home
The festival takes over the Main Mall, The Hangar, and Baja Bar & Grill at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Parking is $15 per vehicle. Rideshare is encouraged, and someone can drop you at the entrance.
If you drove and should not drive home, the organizers make it easy to do the right thing: leave your car in the lot overnight and pick it up by 10 a.m. the next day.
Tips for the night
- Eat a real dinner first. Three hours of unlimited tasting on an empty stomach is a bad plan.
- Use that water bottle. Alternate pours with water.
- Plan your ride before your first pour.
- Arrive near 6:30. The tasting window closes at 9:30, and the bands and after-party run later.
Accessibility
Accessibility information for Boo Ha Ha has not been published. Contact the OC Fair & Event Center through its event page with questions.
Still to come
The participating brewery list, food options, and the lucha libre match time have not been announced. The 824 Journal will update this guide when they are.
Sources
- Boo Ha Ha: Zombie Homecoming, official site (theme, entertainment, hours, ticket tiers and prices, ID policy, costume rules, overnight parking)
- OC Fair & Event Center: Boo Ha Ha, Zombie Homecoming (schedule, venue areas, parking, VIP perks, FAQ, allowed and prohibited items, costume guidelines)
Featured photo: Tandonva via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
