Nestled within the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, the Pacific Amphitheatre is an iconic outdoor amphitheater that opened in July 1983 with Barry Manilow as its inaugural performer. Boasting a current capacity of around 8,000 seats following major renovations in 2013 and 2015, which reshaped its berm, added a new lobby entrance from the fairgrounds, and improved lighting, this venue transformed from its original 18,765 spots by largely retiring the lawn area to address resident noise concerns. It famously hosted Marvin Gaye's final concert in 1983 and Jefferson Starship's nationally broadcast show in 1984, cementing its legacy in music history. Operating strictly during the annual Orange County Fair under a neighborhood agreement with sound monitoring, Pacific Amphitheatre delivers high-energy summer concert series spanning pop, rock, blues, and regional Mexican acts, as seen in 2025's top-grossing shows by T-Pain and Grupo Marca Registrada. Ranked No. 2 worldwide among 5,001-10,000 capacity amphitheaters by Pollstar in August 2025, it also hosts events like Orange Coast College commencements amid a lively fairground atmosphere of breezy evenings and occasional fireworks. What sets it apart is its fair-exclusive vibe, blending concerts with carnival energy for an immersive outdoor experience under Southern California's stars, where picnic blankets and comfortable attire enhance the communal thrill.