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    The Pacific Amphitheatre

    3.5 (248 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    The Pacific Amphitheatre Photos

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    Kisha L.

    Went to see Nelly, and Tshort, and another day Pattie Labelle and the Ojays. Two nights of bliss. This theatre is amazing it's very clean the seats are good and they have a nice amount of food and drinks to choose from. The service is great. All staff are friendly and helpful.

    UB40 first of the summer
    Crystal G.

    I'm always looking for an experience, and I'm happy to say I officially kicked off my summer at the Pacific Amphitheatre with UB40. I've been listening to this band since the '90s, so hearing them live was such a fun nostalgic night. Of course everybody gets older, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that... let's just say maybe Dispatch should now be called UB80. Bad joke, but it had to be done. let's face it. That's the dream to do what you love till you're dying day. I'm down for that. I'm definitely that girl. I'll go see you No matter what age if I love you! I love this outdoor amphitheater. The tickets were very reasonably priced, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it felt like the perfect starter concert to set the summer off right. I'm already planning my return for Sugar Ray and English Beat on July 23.A little tip: if you drink, the venue advertises cocktails, but it's mostly canned beverages. I'm sober so it didn't matter to me, but good to know ahead of time. Also bring cozy clothes because it definitely got chilly once the sun went down.Overall, such a great summer vibe and an easy five stars from me.

    Ray M.

    I attended my first concert at this venue and I was impressed. Everything about this concert experience was positive and fun. From the parking which was seventy-five steps to the main gate (we arrived two hours before show time), to the smooth entrance via the X-ray machine, the friendly employees, the easy access to the restroom, snack bar, souvenir booth and finally to our seats inside the venue. Everything was a smooth as can be when attending a concert. We only had kettle corn and even that was delicious. The sound here is AMAZING!! The view was perfect and the seats though hard, were comfortable. 8,000 seat venue is the prefect size to catch a concert and my family and I will definitely be returning here in the future

    Jessica P.

    This venue is very spacious and we enjoyed our concert. This was our eldest daughter's first concert experience and it did not diss appoint. Aloe blacc + Fitz and the tantrums are who we saw. Both acts were so entertaining, especially the gracious and very kind aloe blacc whom we got to meet afterward. I'd come here again for another concert!

    Ozomatli
    Daph H.

    Went to my first concert at The Pacific Amphitheatre and was pleasantly surprised. It was much easier to park and leave, compared to other outdoor venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre. Parking is $15 on the fairgrounds, but you can also park across the street at Orange Coast College for $10 (pay for parking on a website or app). Considering how much they charge in LA for parking, it's a bargain. Staff did a great job keeping the aisles clear, efficiently notifying people to return to their seats. We were at the end of a row, but some of the rows are very long, which require you to walk by a lot of people. The line for the women's restroom moved very quickly and the facilities were clean. Sound was great. I guess they must have a curfew because the concert ended exactly by 10pm, with no encores. Admission to the OC Fair (if it's going on) is included with your ticket. I'm not a county fair person, but it was interesting to check out before the concert. Would happily see another concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre!

    Gee O.

    Cool venue didnt know this was here. A good walk from parking lot to entrance. Outdoor stage area hosted cocktail hour pre show. Will call tickets were ready and waiting when we arrived.

    Molly Lewis (whistler)
    Lisa K.

    I went to the Beck/Pacific Symphony concert on 6/30. The opener was like no one I've ever seen before. A professional whistler. She was great! I loved seeing something new and the acoustics are fantastic. It was so easy buying tickets, the outdoor venue has a great vibe. The rows are just a pinch too narrow to make it easy for people to walk past you (we were stepped on a few times even though we did our best to get our feet out of the way). Oh yeah! Checking in was a breeze.

    Sleeping on the job
    Tiffany N.

    We went to a John Fogerty concert a couple weeks after the OC Fair ended so I can't comment about the parking situation while the fair is going on. We had no issues getting in/finding parking but it does cost $15/car. The venue is pretty small, but that's what makes the ticketes affordable. Our tickets cost $55 off the site that pacific ampitheatre linked me to. Inside there are some tents for food/beverages and merchandise. Bathrooms are easily accessible. I highly recommend looking for tickets linked directly to the pacific ampitheatre site to avoid high resale ticket pricing. https://pacamp.com/ The best part aside from the performing artist was the farm dog who listens to the shows for free. You can meet the white labrador on the hill opposing the stage. Apparently there are goats and alpacas on top and you might see them as well! Great venue, accessible, close to the freeway and local.

    Stray Cats performing.
    Jenn R.

    Had an awesome time watching the Stray Cats, a rockabilly band from the 80's. And although summer's in full swing, a huge section of seating was shaded around 7PM (in August). We were in said shade and as the evening went on, a cool breeze emanated throughout. Perfection. The Pacific Amphitheater reminds me of a mini Hollywood Bowl with stadium seating and great acoustics. Concession stands are placed throughout offering food and drinks, but expect to pay more as price hikes are typical at concert venues. Parking is within the OC fairgrounds, but when the fair is going on, the area is inundated with cars trying to gain entrance onto the property. Leave early and prepare to wait in long lines. We got fed up with those long lines and ended up parking at Orange Coast College off of Fairview Rd. and Merrimac Way. Parking fee was $5 and you pay through an app. We already had dinner before coming down, so we only got drinks here... THE DRUNK DRINKS. - Pineapple Margarita by Hella Cocktail | Sweet pineapple flavor. Nothing crazy to dote over. - Margarita by VMC | Sweet and sour flavors, but there's a creamy consistency that really elevated this drink. Huge fan, try it out! Side note, we thought our concert tickets might also let us into the OC fair, but it didn't. All sorts of barricades were up so once we exited the amphitheater, it shot us out back in the parking lot. #wompwomp

    Pacific amphitheater view from my seat
    Jill C.

    So I'm at the Orange County fair, Pacific amphitheater, purchased my tickets to Oliver Anthony a month ago first row Terrace section 6, they didn't tell me my view would be obstructed... Kind of messed up!

    Before show started
    Dari P.

    We came to see John Fogerty. As soon as he started singing his hits Everyone in front of me stood up, so I had to stand in order to see anything. The air became very hazy with weed. Fortunately I had a Covid mask in my purse, so I could breathe. Other than that, it was a good concert. The first half was his sons. Would have been much better if John did all the singing.

    Sandy B.

    Easy to find, enter and park. Lots of seating with mostly all unobstructed view. Clean bathrooms available. Snack bar options. You can bring in unopened water bottles which is a huge plus. Great sound system. Came for a graduation but I've been here for concerts too.

    Glen N.

    Decent venue. Like adult films from the 70s, it used to have a big lawn, but they shut down in the early 90s due to noise complaints (thankfully after I saw X and Primus headline a festival), reopening in 2013 with a reduction in seats from 18765 to 8000 and concerts concurrent with the fair (admission included), like when I saw Hall and Oates. The venue hosted Marvin Gaye's last concert. He went out with a bang.

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    The Pacific Amphitheatre Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Pacific Amphitheatre

    Does the amphitheater sell non- alcholic beer?

    They had many options for beer but non sure about the N/A variety.

    Am going to Pacific Amphitheatre tonight But is the actual venue inside the oc fair? Like do I need…

    Inside the amphitheatre, there is an entrance to the fair. After your concert, you'll exit there, rather than exiting into the parking lot. (I didn't try, though, going to the fair before the concert, but I'm sure you can. Your ticket to your… 

    What are the food options? Don't see any.

    A week before the fair starts there are some fair like food options just outside the fair entry to the amphitheater. During the fair your concert ticket gets you into the… 

    Are the Circle seats on flat ground or are they on rising levels like the main seating area?

    Rising levels. Only the Pit is on level ground. Do not buy tickets to the outside seats on either side because of the angle you will not be able to see the band correctly and the sound will be terrible.

    Does anyone know the closest hotel to this place?

    It depends what your budget is. There's an Embassy Suites right off the highway to the East about 5 miles away.

    Can you sit on the lawn?

    There is no lawn to sit on. It is entirely cement terraces with seats. There is a wall behind the last row of seats with no actual lawn.

    Is the amphitheater accessible to the OC fair and vice verse by walking?

    The Pacific Amphitheatre is located inside the Orange County Fair so you have to go through the main entrance to get into the fair. The entrance to the amphitheater is inside the fair and you do have in / out privileges from the amphitheatre back… 

    Do you have to deal with the fair's crowds and parking chaos to get to the amphitheater?

    You have to deal with the parking lot but the Amphitheater has its own entrance closest to Fairview Dr.

    Does my concert ticket also get me into the OC fair?

    Yes, your concert ticket is good for free admission to the OC Fair...

    View All 13 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Pacific Amphitheatre

    You can scan your concert ticket to get into the OC Fair, then scan again at the doors of the amphitheater.

    Mentioned in 61 reviews

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    Legacy Nightclub and Lounge

    Legacy Nightclub and Lounge

    2.8
    (120 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Solid 3.5 star. We came on a Friday night to see Dj Kim Lee (from Bling Empire). And no it was not…read moreinitially my idea to watch B.E. but my friend made me do so & he reallllly wanted to see her. Yeppp I ended up watching the entire season of B.E. Hence here we are! My friend booked online the day off the event for an Upper Level VIP Booth for $300 + tax/fees. We had a good time & of course with thanks to the alcohol too :) Music was not bad but I felt it was better towards the end of the night. Well, here's the quick run down --- Arrived by 10:45PM. No lines whatsoever & no hostess at the front. Just the security working out front & they walked us in to our VIP table. The main club room was at no more than 40% capacity but the smaller patio room was packed (more chill vibe, music was not my liking tho). We didn't get the Upper Level Booth cuz there were hardly anyone there that bought a VIP booth so they closed off all that section. So we were on the floor bout 3 tables away from the DJ booth. The choice of alcohol (priced at $300) we wanted was not available said our hostess. IMO - there was not a lot of bottle choices to begin with. So we had to pick something of a higher price & we ended up having to gett a decent bottle priced at $500. Otherwise if not, we all be having hangover the next day! Oh don't forgot that increase of bottle price doesn't include tax & gratuity, so will have to pay more than what was paid online. 3 lovely waitresses did come out with signs & bottle sparkles to our table. They were super sweet. We had water bottles & mixers. I forgot her name but our assigned waitress came to check on us through out the night & made our drinks as needed. Service was good. They also had 1 aerialist which seemed a bit outta place & unnecessary . DJ Kim Lee did not come on til 11:30PM and left by 12:30AM! Her set was a-ok but we made the best of it & enjoyed our time out. We almost stayed til the end but left around 1:30AM where there was practically no one on the dance floor. Few wore masks & most did not. So all I can stay there was plenty of room to dance all over the main room & no long lines waiting for drinks at the bar or even at the restroom!

    I really enjoy going to Legacy Nightclub. They usually have very great acts, split into two…read moredifferent areas. The outside area is nice, offering a different vibe from the main area. Overall, the experience is high energy and fun. I have been very impressed by the overall sound and lighting job. The bartenders are hot and attentive. The overall service is very good and I felt comfortable being there. I would definitely reccomend coming here if you are in the OC area.

    Photos
    Legacy Nightclub and Lounge
    Legacy Nightclub and Lounge
    Legacy Nightclub and Lounge

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    Cafe Sevilla

    Cafe Sevilla

    4.2
    (1.8k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    We went to Cafe Sevilla this weekend to catch the Mexico World Cup game and we had a great…read moreexperience! First, our server was so attentive even though it was a packed house! What we love about this place is they have happy hour everyday from open to I believe 7, you can't beat that! The food and drinks: we got a tamarindo margarita and we liked it a lot. Good flavor although it could have used a bit more alcohol. For tapas we got: croquetas de queso y jamon (we loved them, they were probably our favorite), calamari (it was so good!), empanadas (my boyfriend said they were good), short rib tacos (they were okay but not the greatest), patatas bravas (only thing I wasn't a fan of). Overall, really great food, service and ambiance. We will definitely be back!

    This place is alive with music and great food. We went on a…read moreSunday where their paella is half price for dine in meals. This is a real deal. If you are looking for a place with dancing, lights, and a festival atmosphere? Then you have found it here. If you looking for a quiet, romantic spot for having a private dinner? This is not a great place for that. The Spanish culture is alive and well. They like music and dance, all night long. We came for the paella and the tapas. We started with bacon wrapped dates and blue cheese. They were excellent. Our paella was so much food, it fed three people, and we took some home for one more meal. This was half priced on Sunday, a great deal. I wish they had a quieter place to really enjoy the meal in peace. Maybe it is just me, but it was too much like a nightclub and not like a restaurant. Overall, we will return for a Sunday meal for paella. This is a real cultural restaurant.

    Photos
    Full indoor bar
    Full indoor bar
    Bacon Wrapped Dates, Potatoes, and Meatballs.
    Bacon Wrapped Dates, Potatoes, and Meatballs.
    Espresso.

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    Espresso.
    Observatory

    Observatory

    3.1
    (1.2k reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    This is mostly for the VIP area. I'm at the age where I don't want to stand for an entire show nor…read moredo i want to push and throw elbows with fellow music fans. Bought reserved seats upstairs. Decent view of the stage. Great sound. I paid extra for premium parking. There is free parking within a couple of blocks. I think premium parking is worth it as I've heard there are predatory tow services that tow cars parked in lots of nearby CLOSED businesses. Douchey move. Enjoyed the show, food was decent "pub grub" but pretty limited menu. Nice selection of beers, cocktails and seltzers, really limited wine options.

    I never have been to the Observatory before. I've been to every type of venue over several decades…read moreand the way PARKING is handled is the WORST. I'm writing this in line. I'm not in the venue yet. I prepaid $10 for parking. The attendant at the lot on sight said this lot is VIP $30 parking. He directed me where to park; following the signs. I ended snaking through a industrial/commercial building area, passing several empty parking lots. Finally found where I'm allowed to park. It's a third of a mile walk. Not a problem for me but ridiculous. Let's hope the venues sound is good. This place has been in business a long time and from reading other people's opinion on parking, management still doesn't have a clue. edit: security would not allow a sealed plastic water bottle to be brought inside.

    Photos
    View from my seat.
    View from my seat.
    Venue clearing out after the show.
    Venue clearing out after the show.
    Table seating at the balcony.

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    Table seating at the balcony.
    Ruin Bar

    Ruin Bar

    4.1
    (483 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    What a great little trendy bar hidden away! After the OC Fair we felt like a little nightcap &…read morethrough Yelp found this little gem. The ambiance was so cool with lots of Asian inspired decorations, total eye candy. The line for the drinks was a little long but went pretty fast and we were lucky to score 2 seats inside almost immediately. If not, you can stand around or sit on other little tables on their outside patio. You can view the drinks through a QR code, a wall menu or above the bar. The drinks were really good with fun names, it was hard to decide which I'd make my first! A great place to visit and enjoy a good drink.

    A very special bar, from the drinks to the decor. I really like that they are open during the day…read moreand also late at night, with mixed indoor and outdoor seating (though the outdoor seating is a bit worn). Vibes are always good. If you have some time while browsing The Lab during the day, I recommend stopping by for a drink! It's also nice to include in your barhopping itinerary in the evening since there are a number of breweries around too. I've had mixed experiences with the bartenders. Luckily, the gentleman manning the bar during my most recent visit was very friendly. Drinks are always great. I've tried a variety of drinks from the menu here, but my favorites are: -Love in Drunk, a lovely cocktail with cucumber and grapefruit flavors that create a fresh watermelon taste when mixed together -Bee's Knees, short but strong and sweet -London Mule, very herbal thanks to the gin and very refreshing

    Photos
    Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.
    Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.
    Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.
    Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.
    Outside patio

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    Outside patio

    The Pacific Amphitheatre - musicvenues - Updated August 2026

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