Cultivating Fun at Centennial Farm: Discover the OC Fair & Event Center’s Living Classroom in Costa Mesa, California
Tucked inside the bustling OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Centennial Farm is a three-acre agricultural oasis that brings Orange County’s rural roots vividly to life. Established in 1989 to commemorate California’s farming heritage, the working farm invites families, school groups and curious travelers to explore where fresh food truly begins. Amid the urban energy of Southern California, this year-round attraction offers hands-on encounters with barnyard animals, citrus groves and seasonal crops, creating an unforgettable bridge between city living and country know-how.
Step through the farm gate and you are greeted by the cheerful bleats of pygmy goats, the oinks of heritage-breed pigs and the gentle cluck of heirloom chickens scratching in sun-dappled pens. Friendly volunteers and knowledgeable staff share daily insights about animal care, sustainable gardening and the vital role agriculture still plays in Orange County’s economy. In the bustling vegetable plots, rows of kale, tomatoes and strawberries thrive under coastal sunshine, demonstrating organic practices that visitors can replicate in backyard gardens.
Centennial Farm is also home to the Millennium Barn and Youth Plaza, where interactive exhibits illustrate milk production, beekeeping and soil health. Seasonal events such as the Baby Lamb & Goat Festival or the Farm & Garden Workshops let guests roll up their sleeves for sheep shearing, compost lessons and seed-starting demonstrations. During the OC Fair each July, the farm becomes the heart of 4-H competitions and livestock displays, inspiring the next generation of agriculturists while delighting fairgoers with live births in the maternity pen.
Accessibility and education are woven into every corner of Centennial Farm. Self-guided tours are free most days of the year, while field-trip programs align with California science standards, making the site a favorite destination for teachers across the region. Convenient parking, picnic areas and proximity to Costa Mesa’s acclaimed dining and shopping districts round out a perfect day trip for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you are tasting sun-ripened oranges straight from the tree, watching a calf take its first wobbly steps or gathering tips for drought-tolerant planting, Centennial Farm delivers an authentic slice of California agrarian life. Plan a visit to the OC Fair & Event Center and let this living classroom cultivate your appreciation for the food, farmers and fertile soil that sustain the Golden State.
