There’s always something to look forward to celebrating with the many fairs and festivals in Orange County. Take a look at this list and find the next great OC event to enjoy with friends and family. Don’t miss out on all the fun Orange County has to offer.
June
Doheny Surf & Art Festival
June 22 – 23, 2019
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Doheny Surf & Art Festival is an annual event at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point that celebrates the surf culture, art, and lifestyle of Southern California. This family-friendly event features a variety of activities and events including a vendor village, arts and collectibles, surf contests for kids and adults, a surf tricks exhibition, a beer garden, classic cars, live entertainment, dancing, demonstrations, and more. This event is definitely worth a trip. Visitors to Doheny State Beach will find a visitors center with an aquarium featuring 6 tanks with tidepool displays and local marine life. Beach front camping is available here with 33 sites just steps from the sand. Call in advance to reserve your spot.
Sawdust Festival
June 29 – September 2
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily
General Admission $8, Seniors 65+ $6, Children 6-12 $4, Free for ages 5 and under
The Sawdust Festival began in 1966 and has become a well-known annual event in Laguna Beach featuring artwork from over 200 local artists including paintings, sculpture, photography, clothing, and more. The festival includes a variety of special events throughout the summer including theme days such as Country Western Day, Mardi Gras Day, and Beatles Day. Visitors can also enjoy Taco Tuesday, Art Alive!, fashion shows, auctions, and live entertainment from musical acts and roving performers. Food and refreshments are available for purchase at the festival from a selection of vendors including Deb’s Deli, the Sawdust Saloon, Fran’s Popcorn, Evan’s Gourmet Bistro, and more. The family friendly event offers something for art lovers of all interests. At classes are also available during the Sawdust Festival.
July
Festival of Arts
July 5 – September 1
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Weekdays 12:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Tickets range from $5 – $15
The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach is a community tradition that has taken place since 1932, along with Pageant of the Masters. The Festival displays artwork from 140 artists from Orange County, displaying all forms of art including paintings, jewelry, clothing, wood, sculpture, and more, most of which is available to purchase. The event also features art workshops for all ages, demonstrations, art tours, live entertainment and more. There are on-site restaurants to enjoy and a variety of special events including concerts on the green, fashion shows, Tribute Tuesdays, Art & Story Time, Family Art Day, and more.
Pageant of the Masters
July 7 – September 1
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Showtimes vary
Tickets range from $15 – $240
The Pageant of the Masters is a Laguna Beach tradition that began in 1932. Every year, the community comes together to put on a 90-minute theatrical performance, bringing a selected classic or contemporary artwork to life on stage with live actors, recreated artwork as the set, and musical accompaniment by a full orchestra. A narrator tells the story of the famous work of art, taking audience members through a theatrical experience unlike any other. Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks, and guests over 21 may bring their own alcohol. There are also two on-site restaurants to purchase food and drinks at the event. Attendees to the Pageant of the Masters may also enjoy the Festival of Arts event.
Orange County Fair
July 13 – August 12, 2018
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Open Wednesday through Sunday until Midnight
General Admission (13-59) $12 Wednesday – Friday, $14 Saturday & Sunday
Youth & Seniors $7 (ages 5 and under are free)
Parking $10 per car
The Orange County Fair is the event of the summer. People from all over Southern California can come to the family friendly event at the Orange County Fairgrounds. The delicious fair food will delight diners big and small with eats and treats for every appetite from traditional favorites like roasted corn on the cob and funnel cake, to new and unique options like Caramel Crack Fries and spaghetti donuts. The Pacific Amphitheater will feature headlining musical acts and performances, and local entertainment is featured in The Hangar. Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel and other classic fair rides in the midway or try your hand at winning at one of the many carnival games here. Exhibits, shopping, vendor display booths, and special events are located throughout the fairgrounds. Get your fill of action at the Sports Arena with rodeos, derbies, monster trucks and much more.
Vegan Faire
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Center Street Promenade Anaheim
4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Free admission
The annual Vegan Faire in Anaheim is presented by Healthy Junk, a local vegan cafe with a mission to promote the vegan lifestyle. The one-day Vegan Faire will be celebrating with food, entertainment, dancing, goods, and more with an expected draw of 6,000+ attendees for this exciting event. Listen to reggae bands on the Main Stage, quench your thirst at the beer garden, or “paint your heart out” with artist Kim Tabay. The Vegan Faire is a free community event showcasing a wide selection of healthy lifestyle goods and services and local artisans. There will also be booths and workshops focusing on food, the environment, and wellness.
August
Orange International Street Fair
August 31 – September 2, 2018
Old Towne Orange Plaza at Glassel & Chapman
5 p.m. to 10 p.m Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Free admission
Free street parking in surrounding neighborhoods; fee collected at public lots
The Orange International Street Fair started in 1973 and highlights food and entertainment of the different cultures throughout the world. Participants can sample and purchase food from Germany, Polynesia, Italy, Greece, Asia, Lebanon, Mexico, and more. Little one’s will enjoy Children’s Street with an entire section dedicated to entertaining and educating through games, crafts, and snacks. Informational booths and vendors selling goods line the streets and multiple stages throughout the area provide culturally diverse live entertainment.
September
Festival of Children
September 1- September 30
South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Saturdays and Sundays during mall hours
The month of September is National Child Awareness Month. For 17 years, the Festival of Children has raised awareness for charities and organizations that work to improve the lives of children in the United States. The event features a variety of fun, family focused entertainment and activities including free Lego builds, face painting, performances by local groups, Back to School Fashion Shows, construction with canned goods, and so much more. Come out and support these great sponsors and learn how you can help improve the lives of children in your own community and around the country.
Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
September 7 – 9, 2018
Dana Point Harbor, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, California 92629
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Some activities go later)
Tickets are required for admission; $8 (ages 8-13) $10 (ages 14 & up)
Some activities may require an additional purchase
Free parking at Dana Hills High School & Strand Vista Park
Celebrate California’s maritime history at the annual Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point. A fleet of historic tall ships sail into Dana Point Harbor with historical reenactors working as crews on the ships and living history displays that include adventures with pirates and mermaids, cannon fights, and tours of the ships. Participate in the tall ship Parade of Sails and enjoy a trip sailing on the ocean, or enjoy Sails n Ales for a craft brewery tasting experience and views of the Parade of Sails. Kids will enjoy having breakfast with a mermaid or learning to be a pirate at Cap’n Jacks Pirate School. Throughout the weekend, the festival will have many activities for the whole family to enjoy from squid dissections and sailor’s life tours to candle making, gold panning, and knot tying. There will be plenty of food available for purchase from local restaurants and food trucks. There will also be live music to enjoy. Bring the family and enjoy a day at the harbor for this fun annual event.
Oktoberfest
September 9 – October 28, 2018
Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach, California, 92647
Open Wednesday through Sunday, times vary
Wednesday & Thursday, Free admission; Friday & Saturday $10 – $15; Sunday $3 – $7
Free admission with valid Military ID every day
Old World Huntington Beach has hosted Orange County’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration since 1977. The annual festival features traditional German food, German bands, competitions, events, and German beer. Old World is a small village-like area known for it’s traditional German restaurant and fun special events. Enjoy some of the best Bratwurst in town, saurkraut, German potato salad and much more. Participants won’t want to miss the Oktoberfest Parade that travels through nearby Bella Terra shopping center and ends at the Old World Festival Hall. The parade will include historic horse-drawn carriages, traditionally decorated floats, and the Oktoberfest bands. The 2018 parade will be held on September 30 at 2:00 p.m. Every Sunday is Kinderfest, a family friendly day of celebrating with dog races, carnival games, face painting, a bouncy house, DoDo the chicken, and a dance floor for everyone to join in dancing to the popular song, the Chicken Dance. There will be a doggy dress up and kid’s costume party on the last day of Oktoberfest, October 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dachshund races will be held every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the Old World Beer Garden.
Tacos & Taps – Anaheim Fest of Ales
September 15, 2018 (Tickets on Sale July 15)
Downtown Anaheim at 201 Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Come out for Anaheim’s annual Fest of Ales, with a twist. Enjoy beer from local craft breweries and vote for your favorite while dining on delicious food from taco vendors. The event will feature live music and games. The winning brewery takes home the Mayors Trophy, and the best taco wins the Taco Supreme Trophy. Come out and enjoy this fun, one night festival with delicious food and drinks.
Irvine Global Village Festival
September 22, 2018
Orange County Great Park – 6950 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Free admission
The Irvine Global Village Festival celebrates cultures from around the world, with music and performances from over 100 groups and entertainers. Multi-cultural food will be available to purchase from over 40 local restaurants and food trucks. Shop for international goods from vendors and artisans offering textiles, gifts, crafts, and art. The Kid’s Village will include kid-inspired music, crafts, sports, and games, as well as kid-friendly food options. Demonstrations will take place throughout the day including martial arts, tennis, crafting, music, and dancing. Educational and interactive exhibits will be available for guests to learn and enjoy.
San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
September 29-30, 2018
San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Free Admission
The annual San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival is returning in September at a new location, the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. Come out for a weekend of fun celebrating Greek culture through dancing lessons, performances, live music, a market with vendors, children’s activities, and food and drink available to purchase. Try a delicious gyro or decadent Greek pastries and enjoy shopping, dancing, and exploring the event all weekend long.
Orange County Children’s Book Festival
September 30, 2018
Orange Coast College – 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free Admission
The Children’s Book Festival in Orange County is fun for the whole family and proves that reading is cool. Guests will be able to visit booths of booksellers, educators, literacy organizations, vendors, and more. There are more than 120 authors and over 25 illustrators in attendance. Guests can visit a variety of stages including the Illustrators Stage to see how popular characters are drawn, a Favorite Authors Stage where authors will read from popular children’s books, a teen stage with discussion panels, an entertainment stage, and more. There will also be a wild animal stage and a live petting zoo. Plenty of food vendors will be available to purchase meals to feed hungry readers of all ages.
October
Tustin Tiller Days
October 5-7, 2018
17522 Beneta Way Tustin, CA 92780
Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free admission
$10 event parking, or free street parking where available
Tustin Tiller Days has been a regular tradition since 1957, celebrating Orange County’s agricultural heritage. Local non-profit organizations get the opportunity to promote their cause and raise funds, while participants enjoy carnival rides and games, delicious foods, and browsing booths of local merchants and artisans. New this year is a preview night on Thursday, October 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with all rides only $2. Tustin Tiller Days will include an annual pancake breakfast on October 6th from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the Tustin Library Courtyard for $5 per person, followed by the Tiller Days Parade at 10:00 a.m. starting on the corner of Main and Pacific and finishing up at Prospect and Beneta at the festival grounds. There will be a Backyard Brew Festival Hand Crafted Beer Tasting, a Tiny Tillers pageant, and live entertainment.
San Clemente Seafest
October 7, 2018
San Clemente Pier – 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free admission, $8 for chowder tasting (includes five tastings)
The 31st Annual San Clemente Seafest is set to be held at the San Clemente Pier in October. The free community event features a chowder cook-off ($8 for five tastings), a surf competition, fresh seafood from Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, contests for kids and teens, arts and crafts exhibits and activities for kids, entertainment, and a search and rescue demo from the U.S. Coast Guard. Come out for a great day at the beach packed with fun activities for the whole family.
Silverado Country Fair & Folk Festival
October 13 – 14, 2018
Silverado Community Center – 27641 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA, 92676
Saturday Fair: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday Live Music until 10:00 p.m., Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to dusk.
Adults $6, Kids ages 4-12 $3.
The Silverado Country Fair & Folk Festival has been a community tradition since 1970. The event kicks off Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. with the “Unparade” led by the notorious wagon driven Silverado Outlaws! The unparade will include Western horseback riders, members of the Acjachemen tribe, scouts, dancers, and classic cars along Silverado Canyon Road to the “fairgrounds. Watch out for the live action robbery and gunfight at the Silverado Café and Canyon Market. Wear your favorite hillbilly western wear and join the fair to enjoy music from folk and country bands, local arts & crafts merchants, 1800s period activities, fun contests, delicious food, a kid’s pumpkin patch, and much more. Don’t miss the wild west reenactments throughout the weekend and enjoy the demonstrations, dancing, food, and fun.
The Great Pacific Airshow
October 19-21, 2018
Huntington Beach Pier
Ticket prices start at $99
Airshow: Noon – 4:00 p.m. daily
Beach & Street Festival: All day
The Great Pacific Airshow is coming to Huntington Beach once again (formerly the Breitling Airshow). All weekend long, viewers will enjoy flyovers and performances from a variety of planes including The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Gregory “Wired” Colyer T-33 “Ace Maker II”, U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo, the FedEx 757, Blackstone Aviation, HB Police Department Air Support, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Air Support, Mike Wiskus Lucas Oil Aerobatics, and Lyon’s Air Museum C-47 Skytrain. In addition to air displays, the beach and pier will feature festival activities and vendors. The main seating area for the air show that requires tickets will be on the south side of the pier. Ticket prices vary, beginning at $99 for early bird general seating and extending to over $1000 for group tables. Parking for the event is in the Huntington City and State Beach lots, or farther down at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Street parking may be found in the nearby communities. Beach parking fills up early.
November
California Wine Festival
November 9 – 10, 2018
Paséa Hotel & Spa – 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Friday: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ticket Price TBA
The California Wine Festival is one of the most prestigious events in Southern California, featuring California’s best wineries offering rare and vintage wines, complemented by delicious gourmet appetizers prepared by the region’s top chefs and specialty food purveyors. Guests will enjoy live music and ocean views at the Pasea Hotel & Spa. Friday’s event is the Sunset Rare & Reserve, with live jazz and includes a keepsake wine glass. Saturday’s event is the Beachside Wine Festival, which will be held both indoors and out, in the warm Southern California sun with an ocean breeze.
Heidi Deal is the author of the 6th edition of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles (includes Orange County), an expert at exploring all that Orange County has to offer, and a children’s book author specializing in history and improving human rights.
