The 19th OC Japan Fair runs Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Organizers call it the largest Japanese cultural festival in Southern California, with food vendors from Japan and the U.S., shopping and stage shows across the weekend.
On the schedule
The fair lists a cosplay show, a tuna cutting show, performances by Japanese artists and comedians, traditional instrument performances, J-pop, a kimono model show and a kimono model meet and greet. Anime goods vendors will also be on site.
OC Japan Fair for families
Hands-on workshops cover Shodo, or Japanese calligraphy, along with kimono and traditional family games. Children 6 and under get in free. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Tickets and parking
General admission is $15.71 through October 15 and $17.85 once the fair opens on October 16. Guests over 65 also get in free. Parking is $15. The organizer lists Gate 1 for entry but says that may change, so follow the signs on arrival.
The featured photo shows the entrance to the OC Fair & Event Center.
Sources
Featured photo: Tandonva via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
