8 Great Ways To Get In Free At the 2016 Orange County Fair

So, you want to go to the 2016 Orange County fair, but you're on a budget? Here are eight great tips and tricks on how to get in the fair for free, as well as tips on how to enjoy the fair on a dime--with discounts on parking, food, admission and more.

Don't worry, OC Moms, there's a deal for every day of the week including Kids Get in Free on Thursdays and Unlimited Ride Wristbands. Remember, the OC Fair celebrates opening day on July 15, and the fair runs through August 14, 2016.

1.    Daily Deals and Discounts

Super Pass: The OC Fair's season pass is a great option for Fairgoers to access all the Fair they can bear for one affordable price. The season pass grants the passholder 23-day access to the 2016 Fair and discounts on concert tickets for select events at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The 2016 Super Pass is available for General $35, Senior (60+) $28 and Youth (6-12) $28. The 2016 Super Pass can be purchased online at ocfair.com/superpass or from the on-site Box Office.

Military Get in Free: Active-duty U.S. military and veterans receive free Fair admission every day with a valid military ID (offer not valid for spouses or dependents) and may purchase up to 6 general admission tickets for half-off.

Read & Ride: Children ages 5-11 can submit book reports for three (3) free carnival tickets. The required book report form is available online at ocfair.com. 

City Days: Orange County residents can pick up a coupon for $2 off general admission from their local city halls and libraries. Coupon valid for up to four people. 

2.    We Care Wednesday: 

Wednesday Deals -- Fair-goers can give back to the community while saving on Fair admission with the weekly We Care Wednesday donation drives held Noon-3 p.m. Each donation offers free admission and one free carnival ride per person with appropriate donation. Donation requirements change weekly:

·         July 20: Food Drive - 5 canned food items

·         July 27: Children's Book Drive - 3 new or gently used children's books

·         August 3: Clothing Drive - 5 items of clothing

·         August 10: School Supply Drive - school supplies worth $5 or more

3.    Unlimited Ride Wristbands: All you can ride for $30 plus two free games. Wristbands are sold until 5 p.m. and valid until 8 p.m.

4.    Thursday Deals

Kids Day: Children 12 and younger receive free admission all day. (Children 5 & younger are free everyday)

$2 Taste of Fair Food: Foodies can taste their way through the Fair for only $2 a sample. Most Fair food vendors will feature a $2 taste on their menu every Thursday from Noon-4 p.m. Fair admission required. (New Day for 2016)

Unlimited Ride Wristbands: All you can ride for $30 plus two free games. Wristbands are sold until 5 p.m. and valid until 8 p.m.

5.    Friday Deals and Discounts:

Seniors Day: Fairgoers 60 and older receive a $2 discount on a Senior admission ticket ($5 ticket) plus free Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides all day.

$2 Rides & Games: Thrill seekers can save in both the main and kiddie carnival with $2 Rides & $2 Games on Fridays from Noon-4 p.m.

OC Fair Express: Guests can save on gas and admission by hopping on this direct bus service that picks up from nine (9) OCTA locations in Orange County and comes directly to the OC Fair Friday through Sunday. Each rider receives a coupon for discounted Fair admission ($3) to use once they get to the Fair. One-way fare is $2 and round-trip fare is $4. Visit ocfairexpress.com for transit locations.

6.    Weekend Deals

Rise & Shine: Early birds can enjoy discounted $3 admission from 10-11 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

OC Fair Express: Guests can save on gas and admission by hopping on this direct bus service that picks up from nine (9) OCTA locations in Orange County and comes directly to the OC Fair Friday through Sunday. Each rider receives a coupon for discounted Fair admission ($3) to use once they get to the Fair. One-way fare is $2 and round-trip fare is $4. Visit ocfairexpress.com for transit locations.

Free Satellite Parking & Shuttle Service: Fairgoers can save on their trip to the Fair with free parking and shuttle service available from the Experian parking lot.

7.    Concert Series Deals

Summer Concert Series at the OC Fair is heating up with special performances by The B-52s, Styx, Boston, Strangelove—a tribute to Depeche Mode—and The Offspring among others. Come for the concert, stay for the fair as all reserved seats in the Pacific Amphitheater, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena include FREE Fair admission.

8.    Follow OC Fair on Facebook for chances to win

There are deals are to be had on the OC Fair Facebook page. Follow the Fair’s Facebook page to enter to win tickets, discounts and learn about unique fun things to do at this year’s 2016 Orange County Fair. Full details on all the 2016 OC Fair deals and discounts are available at ocfair.com/promotions.

The OC Fair and Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. 

For more information, please visit ocfair.com.

For more family fun, or to share your OC Fair pictures, follow Patch.com -- #OCPatch