Nightlife In Orange County
Looking for the best nightlife in Orange County? From Anaheim nightclubs and Costa Mesa rooftop bars to live music in Santa Ana, beachside evenings, comedy shows and family-friendly fun, there are plenty of ways to spend a night out in OC. Explore these ideas by interest, whether you're planning a date, meeting friends or entertaining the family. Hours, age limits and event schedules vary, so check with each venue before heading out.
Explore Orange County Nightlife
Family-friendly · Live music & comedy · Night markets & art · Date nights · Outdoor nightlife · Sports & games · Bars & lounges · Nightclubs
Family-Friendly Nightlife
Hit the local amusement parks! They are even more fun at night when they are all lit up!
Don't want to splurge on a ticket? Find a spot outside the park to watch the Disneyland Fireworks.
Enjoy dinner and an epic show at Medieval Times or Pirates Dinner Adventure.
Enjoy the rides, games, and sweet treats at Balboa Fun Zone.
Take a stroll around Irvine Spectrum and ride the Ferris Wheel.
Live Music, Comedy & Shows
Concerts, performances and comedy events can be ticketed and age-restricted; check individual schedules before visiting.
Put your boots on and go country line dancing.
Catch a concert or live show at one of the local live music venues.
More places to check for live performances include The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa, THE RANCH Saloon in Anaheim for country music and dancing, and Brea Improv for comedy. Consult each venue's event calendar before making plans.
Other live-performance options include House of Blues Anaheim at GardenWalk and The Observatory in Santa Ana, both known for ticketed concerts. Check their event calendars for artists and age restrictions.
See a punk show at The World Famous Doll Hut.
See a play, musical, or local community performance at a performing arts center.
Night Markets, Food & Art After Dark
Enjoy craft beer and cocktails, live entertainment, dinner and dessert all in one place at a local food hall.
Do some craft beer tastings on one of the local breweries' craft beer trails.
Satisfy your inner foodie or shop local vendors by checking out one of the local night markets.
Check out the work of local artists at a pop-up evening art walk or maker market event.
Explore Buena Park's The Source OC for dining and entertainment. Check the current tenant directory before planning around a specific attraction.
Visit Anaheim Packing District for dinner or dessert and enjoy live music or sets from local DJs.
Date Nights & Group Activities
Additional evening activities worth checking include The Escape Game at Irvine Spectrum, Anaheim GardenWalk entertainment, and Dave & Buster's for arcade games and group outings. Hours and minimum ages may vary by location and time.
Find a Paint & Sip event or shop to join a group for cocktails and painting. Some individuals host paint nights at local pop-up locations and some will come to you if you book a group event, but you can also check with the following studios:
Free & Outdoor Nightlife
Outdoor movies, concerts, fireworks and grunion runs are seasonal. Check schedules, beach access and bonfire rules before visiting.
Take a cruise down Pacific Coast Highway.
Grab some popcorn and catch a free movie in the park!
Attend a free concert in the park.
Go to a seasonal grunion run at the beach.
Take a stroll on one of Orange County's historic piers.
Get your hot dogs and s'mores supplies and have a beach bonfire.
Sports & Games After Dark
Catch a game or UFC fight at a local sports bar.
Attend a baseball game at Angel Stadium.
Head to the Orange County Great Park's championship soccer stadium and see the Orange County Soccer Club play.
See the Anaheim Ducks play hockey at the Honda Center.
Have a good laugh and see a comedy show at the Improv.
Challenge your friends to a round of bowling at one of OC's best bowling alleys.
Join a ghost walk tour group to hear about the haunted history of some of OCs spookiest spots.
See a cabaret show at Kip Barry's Magical Cabaret at Anaheim Garden Walk.
Satisfy your need for speed at K1 Indoor Go Kart Racing.
If you're a member, or the guest of one, many Orange County Elk's lodges host weekend and holiday events in the evenings to celebrate.
Bars, Lounges, Speakeasies & Nightlife Districts
For additional cocktail-focused evenings, explore Strong Water in Anaheim and The Blind Rabbit at the Packing House. Reservations and opening hours can vary.
Grab your quarters and head to an adult arcade for drinks, video games, and pinball!
Best Areas for Nightlife in Orange County
For walkable bars and restaurants, consider downtown Fullerton or Huntington Beach. Downtown Santa Ana offers live music and nightlife; Anaheim has GardenWalk and the Packing District; Costa Mesa offers clubs and lounges; Newport Beach has coastal bars; and Old Towne Orange is suited to a relaxed evening. Check venue hours before visiting.
Check out Orange County's best downtown destinations for dinner, drinks, dancing, and more. Some of the best downtowns for the biggest selection of nightlife include:
- Downtown Huntington Beach
- Downtown Fullerton
- Old Town Orange
For other music-centered nights in Buena Park, check the current performance schedule at Knott's Berry Farm and nearby entertainment venues; show times and seasonal offerings vary.
Check out the dueling pianos at Beach Boulevard Club | 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
Check out a hidden drinking spot for a speakeasy-style night out or hit one of Orange Countys fun themed bars and restaurants. Some of our favorites are:
- The Lost Inferno | 425 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
- High Horse Saloon | 102 N Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92832
- The Blind Rabbit | 440 S Anaheim Blvd. #104, Anaheim, CA 92805
For a rooftop outing, consider Parkestry in Anaheim, RISE Rooftop Lounge at The Westin Anaheim Resort, or Topside Roof Deck in Newport Beach. Check current reservations, hours and entry policies.
Head to one of the areas best rooftop bars and restaurants for dazzling city views and laid back nightlife.
Nightclubs & Dancing
Another verified option is The Yost Theater at 307 N. Spurgeon Street in downtown Santa Ana, with scheduled DJ nights and electronic, hip-hop and Latin dance events. Its listed 2026 nightlife events are 21+, but check the specific event before visiting.
For another dance-night option, check the event calendar at The Yost Theater in Santa Ana. For Latin music and dancing, explore Avila's El Ranchito locations that host scheduled entertainment, rather than assuming every location has dancing. Always confirm the specific event and age policy.
Before heading out, check the venue's current event calendar for admission age, cover charge, dress code and opening hours.
- Bravo Night Club | 1490 S Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805 — verify current admission age and schedule
- Heat Ultra Lounge | 400 Disney Way, #214, Anaheim, CA 92802
- Rumba Room Live | 400 W. Disney Way, #201, Anaheim, CA 92802 — Latin urban and reggaeton dance events; 21+ with valid ID. Confirm the current event calendar.
- Mesa Lounge | 725 Baker Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
- Sevilla Nightclub | 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
- TIME Nightclub | 1875 Newport Blvd. B245, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
- The Circle OC | 8901 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 — confirm age policy by event
- The Copper Door | 225 ½ N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701 — underground 21+ nightclub featuring DJs, dancing and themed events.
- OC Nightclub | 14190 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683
