We’re here to help you find fun things to do, outdoor events, and more. Check back often as our list will be updated as events are announced.
Visit our Fairs & Festivals page and Oktoberfest page for a list of other exciting events happening NOW! Or sign up for one of the fall 5ks and fun runs coming up.
September 23, 24, & 25, 2022
- Fiesta Latina en Irvine at Orange County Great Park
- OC Vegan Festival in Downtown Santa Ana
- San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
- Los Alamitos Street Fair
- La Habra Corn Festival
- Buena Park Culture Fest – Civic Center – September 24
- Fall Festival & Market – Union Market Mission Viejo – September 24
- Taste Of SteelCraft Garden Grove – September 24
- Hyundai 5K – Fountain Valley – September 25
American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park
MainPlace Mall
2800 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Opens July 8, 2022
The American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana is inspired by the popular TV show. Fans who’ve never climbed a rock wall or practiced Ninja tactics can take part in the courses, and there are increasing levels of difficulty to appeal to ninjas of all ages and skill levels. The courses were designed by Air Park USA in collaboration with Universal Live Entertainment – a division of Universal Parks & Resorts and part of Comcast-owned NBCUniversal.
Located on the upper level of MainPlace Mall between Macy’s and JCPenney, there are inflatable and truss obstacle courses with over 17,000 square feet of space. Book a 60 minute ninja session for just $19.95. Spectators are free. Find more details here.
Adventure Lagoon Aqua Park
Phone: 714-983-7314
Address: 3255 E Miraloma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
Splash into your next adventure on this massive floating obstacle course at Adventure Lagoon in Anaheim. The water is kept at 74 to 78 degrees and the floating playground features bouncing domes, giant slides, climbing towers, and more! Plus, there are many other fun activities to enjoy both in and out of the water. What better way to spend a summer day?
Irvine Nights
October 2022 TBA
The Orange County Great Park
5PM – 10PM
Irvine Nights is An immersive experience to ignite your sights and scenes. Watch local chefs prepare your meal in real time, shop local vendors and artisans, and see live musical performances. And you can watch the kids play games from you spot at the bar!
Steel Craft Garden Grove Mid Autumn Festival
12900 Euclid Street, Garden Grove
September 10, 2022
1PM – 9PM
The Mid-Autumn Festival, aka the Moon Festival is coming to SteelCraft Garden Grove! Celebrate with lantern crafts, mooncakes, lion dancing and live music. This is a fun, family friendly event.
Wiener Dog Races
Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach
7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach
Select Sundays from 12PM – 2PM (races begin at 1)
- Sunday, June 26
- Sunday, July 17
- Sunday, August 28
- Sunday, September 18
- Sunday, October 9
- Sunday, October 16
- Sunday, October 23
You can also see Wiener Dog races at the Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday, July 16, 2022. The first Wiener dog race is at 6:30PM. There will be a total of 11 races held between the live horse races. Los Alamitos Race Course is located at 4961 Katella Avenue. Admission is $3 per person for everyone 18 and over.
Witches Brew Night Market
TBA
Anaheim Packing District
440 S Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
4PM – 9PM
Visit this Magickal Marketplace filled with spooky shoppes, magickal wares, and art. Features over 50 dining options, themed photo ops, cocktails, and more.
Concerts and Events at the Honda Center
The Honda Center has plenty of exciting events lined up this season! In addition to the Ducks games, you can get tickets to concerts and other sporting events. Here’s what’s on the schedule right now:
- August 12 & 13, 2022: PBR Teams – Bull riding competition
- August 19, 2022: OneRepublic
- September 2 & 3, 2022: Pepe Aguilar
- September 7, 2022: Kendrick Lamar
- September 9, 2022: Los Angeles Azules
- September 16, 2022: WWE Friday Night SmackDown
- September 17, 2022: Twenty One Pilots
- September 21, 2022: Iron Maiden
- September 22, 2022: Iron Maiden
- September 23, 2022: Gloria Trevi
- September 25, 2022; Casting Crowns
- October 1, 2022: Alan Jackson
- October 8, 2022: Shinedown
- October 15, 2022: Karol G
- October 28, 2022: The Who
- November 5, 2022: The B-52’s
- November 11, 2022: Greta Van Fleet
- November 16, 2022: The Smashing Pumpkins
- December 1 & 3, 2022: Jo Koy
- December 4, 2022: Andrea Bocelli
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OC Fair & Event Center Events
There’s always something fun going on at the OC Fair, amirite? Even in the off-season, the Costa Mesa event center has something to look forward to, whether it’s the weekly farmers market held every Thursday from 9 to 1, or an incoming exhibition. Here’s what’s going on this month:
See What’s Happening For the OC Fair and Who’s Playing At Pac Amp!
Events at City National Grove
The City National Grove of Anaheim has a great lineup coming up!
- July 16 – OPM Summer Fest US Tour 2022
- August 20 – Anjelah Johnson-Reyes
- August 26 – Breakthrough
- August 30 – Elvis Costello & The Imposters
- September 9 – Angeline Quinto & Budakhel
- September 10 – Miranda Sings
- September 13 – Home Free: Road Sweet Road Tour
- September 30-October 1 – Champions Of Magic
- October 9 – Celebrating David Bowie
- October 12 – Henry Rollins
- October 29 – W.A.S.P.
- November 11 – DCapella
- November 18 – Teo Gonzales & Rogelio Ramos
- November 22 – Rumors Of Fleetwood Mac
- December 1&2 – Hollywood Medium Tyler Henry
- December 8 – Daniel Howell
- December 14 – Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza
Get venue details and see more events coming to the National Grove here.
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OC Craft Runners Weekly Run Club
Join the best Weekly Run Club in OC. They’re 100 strong every Monday night, when they meet at local breweries, run 5K and then spend all their money – pumping up small OC business and creating an opportunity for fitness and companionship each week. You can see what they do on Instagram: @oc.craft.runners
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Fiesta De Futbol & Theme Nights
Orange County Great Park Championship Stadium
8272 Great Park Blvd., Irvine
Kickoff at 7PM
Come out for some soccer and see Fiesta De Futbol featuring the Orange County Soccer Club. Prior to the game, visitors can enjoy live mariachi, special food & drink deals and family entertainment including face painting, inflatable games and more. Other theme nights and events are also happening including Kids Carnivals, Beer Fests, and more!
Get tickets to these fun events here
SeaLegs At The Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
The 2022 season is officially on at SeaLegs! Get food, drinks, and fresh air at this beachfront venue and enjoy live music and other special events. Regular events include Reggae Sundays, country musicians, comedy nights, and more. Check the calendar and follow them on Instagram to find out what’s happening on the sand.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
Now through August 14 plus weekends through September 5th is Knott’s Summer Nights featuring over 25 different musical acts and DJs, fresh new food and drink offerings, interactive experiences, family friendly games, and Instagrammable photo ops. Knott’s Summer Nights begins at 5:30PM. Get the most out of Knott’s Summer Nights by purchasing a tasting card to try 6 items from the Summer Nights food booths.
Also at Knott’s is Ghost Town Alive! Select days now through September 5th. All summer long you’ll find cowboys and bandits, robberies and judges, western hoedowns and authentic Wild West adventures in the town of Calico. Ghost Town Alive! begins at 10 and runs through 5:30PM.
Visit the Camp Snoopy Theater to see Sally and Schroeder in the summer feature, Music Goes ‘Round and Around.
Anaheim Packing District Music & Events
440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim CA 92805
Come down to the Anaheim Packing District for live music, comedy nights, trivia nights, and more. Keep an eye on the calendar to see what musicians will be performing and other special events!
Disneyland & California Adventure
Reserve your spot and purchase tickets
Disneyphiles and fanatics can finally get back on park property! The park is currently open. Tickets and reservations must be made online in advance.
Even better, it’s Halloween Time at Disney so the park is all decked out in seasonal décor!
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Donut Life Museum
Westminster Mall
2036A Westminster Mall – Westminster, CA 92683
Hours Vary
Details and tickets
Experience donuts in a “hole” new way. The all-ages interactive experience is fun for making memories and capturing unique photos with your family. Tickets start at $20.00 plus fees for Adults and $15.00 plus fees for Kids ages 4-12. Kids 3 and under are free. Get your tickets now for this sweet experience.
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Downtown Disney
1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Downtown Disney is open to the public with social distance restrictions in place. Visitors can enjoy the world of Disney, shop at select retail shops, and dine at select open restaurants. Visitors must wear a mask at all times, except when eating or drinking, and temperature checks will be conducted upon entry for guests over the age of 2. Parking is available in the Simba Lot only for $10.
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DIY – At – Home
Many of the local maker studios and other do-it-yourself shops are now offering DIY Take Home Kits so you can pickup curbside and get creative at home, either on your own, with your family, or even plan a Zoom with friends. Here are a few of the best DIY-At-Home kits around Orange County:
Duff’s Cake Mix – 827 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine – Pick up DIY cake decorating kits. Cake, fondant, buttercream, decorations and instructions included in the cost of the kit.
Blaze Pizza – Make pizza night more fun with DIY pizza making kits from Blaze Pizza. Kits can be purchased as one, two or four individual sized pizzas complete with dough, sauce, cheese, dusting flour, and up to seven toppings.
AR Workshop – Huntington Beach & San Juan Capistrano – Pick up DIY kits including wood crafts, canvas projects, custom signs, holiday themed crafts, and more.
Home Depot – Locations throughout OC – Register for the monthly kids workshop and pick up your kit in-store at the Customer Service desk.
Hidden Talents – This Huntington Harbour ceramics studio offers kits delivered straight to your door. Kits can also be purchased and taken to-go.
How it works:
- Text/Call in your order to 714-330-1817
- Once confirmed, pay for your order with Venmo: @Debra-Wainer
- Products will be delivered to your door (within 5 miles)
- Complete your project at home and call for pick up when ready
- Ceramics will be glazed and fired and ready within a week!
What’s Included?
- $30 per item
- One ceramic item (see photos here)
- 8 paint colors (specific colors at request)
- Brushes on loan
- Delivery
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GardenWalk Coffee Cars & Culture
Every Saturday
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free
Event details
Come to Anaheim GardenWalk where this new car show brings OC, LA, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego County pop-up car shows together under a 400,000 square foot, 4,000 stall facility just steps from Disneyland. Upcoming competitions will include Classic Customs, Chopped Champions, Heroic Hot Rods (designated to veteran owners), Screamers (engine & exhaust decibel sound challenge), Truck Terrors (lifted trucks), Jaw dropping Exotics, and The VW (classic VWs and the touring stories they tell).
Find more car shows around Orange County here.
Ghost Walks with Haunted OC
Tours start at $24 per person
Explore Orange County’s supernatural side with Haunted Orange County. Tours are 90 minutes to two and a half hours depending on location. Choose from five OC locations:
- Old Town Orange
- San Juan Capistrano
- Downtown Santa Ana
- Black Star Canyon
- Fairhaven Cemetery
- The Kellogg House
Kaleidoscope Mission Viejo
27741 Crown Valley pkwy, Mission Viejo
Visit Kaleidoscope for live music in the courtyard on Fridays and Saturdays at 5:30, cornhole on Tuesday nights at 6:30, and special events like the Honey Babe Market. Follow them on Instagram to see what’s happening.
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Live Music on the Ocean Deck
Pacific City
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Come enjoy live music outside on the Ocean Deck at Pacific City. All shows are 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Live Music at Old World
Old World Huntington Beach
7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach
Enjoy casual dining at Old World’s spacious 10,000 sq. ft. outdoor patio or in the Biergarten Hall plus live music. Day and night performances now on the calendar. Most performances are free. See who’s playing and view event information here.
Off The Road Events
Westminster Mall
1025 Westminster Mall
Every 3rd Sunday
Off The Road open air market is located at the Westminster Mall features handmade goods, cottage food, food trucks and music. Located in the mall parking lot near JCPenney. You’ll find makers, creators, musicians and collectors with lots of handmade items including everything from handmade soaps to upcycled goods. Hours are 11am – 4pm every third Sunday of the month. Parking and admission are free.
Open Market OC
Laguna Hills Mall: 24100 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, Ca 92653
Main Place Mall: 2820 N Main St, Santa Ana, Ca 92705
Pacific City: 21028 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Open Market OC is a unique shopping experience that features more than 200 local and small businesses that specialize in fashion, art, beauty, vintage, handmade items, and artisan foods. Keep an eye on the calendar – workshops and events will be added as they are allowed.
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Paint & Vino at Mess Hall Market
1705 Flight Way, Tustin
1st & 3rd Saturday of the month
Find Tickets Here
Get creative and enjoy an evening painting your next masterpiece. The Paint & Vino is hosted by artist Alexis Rivera and the events include specials from The Drink Bar.
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Ride the Train
Visit Irvine Regional Park for the day and enjoy a ride on the popular Irvine Park Railroad. What else can you do there? Pony rides are open Tuesday through Sunday, or rent a bike or paddleboat from Wheel Fun Rentals. Hiking trails are open to explore, and if you’d rather hit the trails on horseback, horse rentals are available by appointment for $55 per person. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at the park.
In addition to Irvine Regional, Orange County has many amazing regional parks, each with something unique to offer. Find one to explore here.
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Sweet Treats
Times are absolutely strange. For many, times are tough. What better way to find a little joy than with a sweet treat. Orange County has many unique and creative dessert spots, from Polar Playground’s handspun cotton candy characters to The Loop’s fully loaded churros. Some locations are tucked in corners of strip malls, others have store fronts in one of the local food halls. Wherever you decide to seek out your next dessert, we definitely recommend making this a Friday Night ritual to close out the week.
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Shopping! Support Local Businesses
Most retail businesses are currently open with modified capacity requirements for social distancing. Support your local business owner by shopping local. Orange County’s downtown areas are ripe with small businesses, restaurants, and boutiques that need your business, so take a stroll and shop to show your love.
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Solve A Mystery
Book a private room for your group at one of these escape rooms for an experience you won’t soon forget.
Crossroads Escape Room in Anaheim has been voted the #1 escape room in Southern California and #3 in the nation. Sign up for a unique private game experience for you and your crew here at Crossroads. Choose from a variety of games including The Hex Room, The Psych Ward, and The Fun House.
The Escape Game at Irvine Spectrum Center offers 60-minute escape room experiences. Choose from Gold Rush, Special Ops: Mysterious Market, Prison Break, The Heist, and Playground. To follow social distancing recommendations, all games will be private and sanitized prior to the entry of each new group. All team members will wear face coverings and practice 6-foot social distancing measures. Can’t wait to play? Book a remote game to play virtually!
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Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Monday-Friday: 9:30am – 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Reservations & Details
Sign up for a U-Pick wagon ride to cruise around the farm and pick fresh produce to take home. Wagon rides include stops to collect three different types of fruit or veggies, and guests can take a walk to the Barnyard Educational Exhibit to visit with the farm’s animal residents. Tanaka Farms also offers curbside pickup and a drive-thru produce stand.
See more Family Friendly Farms In & Around OC
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Weekly Farmers Markets
Orange County features many weekly farmers markets. The OC Fairgrounds hosts one every Thursday from 9 to 1, Irvine Regional Park hosts theirs every Tuesday from 9 to 1, and the Orange County Great Park hosts one every Sunday from 10 to 2. For 2021, there is a brand new farmer’s market in Fountain Valley at Mile Square Park located at Freedom Hall near Euclid and Edinger. Find a Farmer’s Market to explore and stock up on fresh, organic produce.
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Zoomars at River Street Ranch
31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano
10AM – 4PM
Spend a family day on the farm at Zoomars and enjoy train rides, pony rides, mining and digging, plus get up close and personal with the petting zoo animals. Meet the horses, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, the cow, a llama, an alpaca, and an emu. Prices vary per activity.
See more Petting Zoos In & Around OC
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Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.