First Night in Fullerton

New Year's Eve
Downtown Fullerton

“First Night” is the city’s annual New Year’s Eve party, offering family-oriented, alcohol-free activities at numerous locations in the streets, sidewalks and buildings in Fullerton’s historic downtown.

TET FESTIVAL

Friday, January 27 through Sunday, January 29, 2012
Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Blvd

Sponsored by the Union of Vietnamese Students Association, celebrates the arrival of spring and the first day of the lunar year. As a means to preserve culture, the Vietnamese American community celebrates during this event through a vibrant array of traditional foods, ceremonies, and customs.

Taste of San Juan

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 | 6:00 - 9:00 pm
San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano
949-493-4700

This is the kick-off celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, which is the famous Return of the Swallows celebration in San Juan Capistrano. This event brings together many of San Juan's marvelous restaurants under one roof to tempt you with 'tastes' of their fare.

Festival of Whales

March 3-4 & 10-11, 2012
Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point
(888) 440-4309

It's time of the year for the whales to make their annual trip down south and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will celebrate with their Annual Street Fair, which is part of the Whale Festival with a weekend of fun, food, entertainment and an arts & craft show with over 100 vendors.

Swallows Day Parade & Mercado

Saturday, March 24, 2012
Parade begins at 11:00 am | Mercado runs 8 am - 5 pm
Dowtown San Juan Capistrano
949-493-1976

The Parade takes place in down-town San Juan Capistrano. This is the nation's largest non-motorized parade. It is totally organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Arrive early; most street closures are by 10.00 a.m. The parade begins promptly at 11 am.

The Mercado is a Street Fair and Market Place where you can eat, drink, and shop at over 100 booths. It is THE place to be after the parade! Listen and dance to the music of The Working Cowboy Band, a traditional country music band.

Bubblefest

2012 Dates to be announced
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana

The mysteries of bubbles are revealed as guests explore the sciences behind the amazing and colorful world of bubbles. Hands-on bubble activities demonstrate a bubble's science and math principles (such as surface tension, elasticity, air pressure, molecular properties, and geometric properties), while Fan Yang's Mega Bubble Show puts those theories to the ultimate test.

Bolsa Chica Conservancy's 2012 Earth Day Festival

2012 Date to be announced
Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Huntington Beach
714-846-1114

The Earth Day Celebration at Bolsa Chica Wetlands is a fun free way to get outside and learn about the environment with the whole family! The day will include interactive booths and games that explore all aspects of the wetlands! Featuring marine animals, birds, coyotes and racoons, wetland ecology,history of the wetlands, and guided tours; kids can have fun while learning all about the wetlands and recieve prizes for answering questions! Hot dogs, sno cones, refreshments and more!

Spring Citrus Fair

April 19 (rides only), 20, 21 & 22, 2012
La Habra Boulevard between Euclid and Cypress Streets
562-697-1704

With period charm, backyard gardener's exhibits, food competition, entertainment, carnival rides, and a promotional county-wide talent search for a singer to headline with our Spring Citrus Fair Character Mascots: Limon the Lemon, Val Encia Orange, and Big Hass Avocado, our Fair is sure to be a county-wide crowd pleaser!!

Newport Beach Film Festival

April 26 - May 3, 2012
Newport Beach
949-253-2880

Showcasing more than 350 films from around the world, offering an ambitious and international selection of features, shorts, documentaries and animation that will compete for both Jury and Audience awards.

Annual Street Painting - Arts Alive Festival

May 5-6, 2012 | starts at 12 noon
Norman P. Murray Community Center, Mission Viejo
949-470-8440

Artist from all over transform and capture amazing beauty of art using pastel chalk as the medium to blend onto asphalt as their canvases. With each artist's techniques and their enthusiasm for the love of art you can truly experience the metamorphosis around you.

Rancho Days Fiesta

2012 Date to be announced | 11:00 a.m
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest
949-923-2230

Celebrating the history of Saddleback Valley, there are children’s activities include piñatas, free crafts projects and a chance to make your own pottery. Help churn and taste homemade ice cream and butter, sample fresh tortillas and warm bread from the horno oven. Dip candles and grind corn while learning about the early days of Orange County.

Soka University's Annual International Festival

May 5, 2012 | 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Soka University, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo
949-480-4081

Enjoy over 700 musicians and dancers performing on three stages! The 2012 International Festival will again be part of the Orange County's Imagination Celebration, presented in cooperation with Arts Orange County and the Orange County Department of Education. There will be lots of international food, exhibitors, games and activities, an art exhibition, ceramic sales and demos, a children's play area with Superslide and Bounce House, student project presentations--- and much more!

Annual Muckenthaler Motorcar Festival

May 19-20, 2012
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern, Fullerton
714-738-6595

A One-of-a-kind Automotive Cultural Event, this oldest and grandest car show in North Orange County hosts Hot Rods and a Concours d'Elegance with the true classics of the automotive industry spread out over 8 acres of lawns.

Strawberry Festival

May 25-28, 2012
Village Green (Euclid St & Main St), Garden Grove
714-638-0981

The Strawberry Festival over the years has evolved into a variety of Commercial booths, Arts and Crafts, Game Booths, Food and major Carnival Rides. Stage shows feature celebrity and local performers and the largest Strawberry Shortcake is devoured by hungry fairgoers on opening night. Parade is held on Saturday.

Doheny Blues Festival

May 19-20, 2012
Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
Ticket Sales & info: (949) 360-7800

The Annual Blues Festival is the true kick-off to summer with a weekend filled with music, lots of vendors and a International Food Court that features foods from around the world. Be sure you come down to Doheny State Beach and celebrate the beginning of summer with Orange County’s Favorite and most anticipated annual summer festival!

Battle of the Mariachi Festival

Saturday, May 12, 2012 | 11 am - 4 pm
Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
(949) 234-1321

The festival includes "Battle of the Mariachis", live musical entertainment, cultural merchandise, children’s art workshops, mariachi vocals and authentic Mexican food. Mariachi performers compete for cash prizes.

Tustin Street Fair & Cook-Off

2012 Dates to be announced | 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Old Town Tustin
(714) 573-3326

The event features the Chili Cook-Off, craft booths, non-profit food vendors, entertainment, kids carnival, music and much more. Admission is free.

Annual Irish Fair and Music Festival

Saturday & Sunday, June 16-17 2012 | 10 am to 7 pm
Oak Canyon Park, Next to Irvine Lake

The Great American Irish Fair and Music Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the Western United States. The Fair highlights multiple entertainment areas featuring the very best in the music, song, dance and sport of the Irish, along with Irish, Scottish and English import shops and arts and crafts vendors along with sheepherding shows, Irish horse shows, Irish dog shows and one of the largest Irish Step Dancing competitions in California.

St. Pauls Annual Greek Festival

2012 Dates TBA
4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine

"A Taste of Greece"
A fun-filled festival for the whole family with Greek food, music, boutiques, dance (and dancing lessons!) and carnival.

Art-A-Fair

2012 Dates Coming
777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA
(949) 494-4514

Art-A-Fair 2011, now in its 45th year, is one of So Cal's most popular art festivals! The juried art of our 125 international, national and local artists promises to inspire & bring forth passion. Walk among the artists as they create their fine art and master craft pieces and learn what inspired them. Also, take advantage of art workshops taught by AAF artists – just $25 for two hours or $40 for four hours!

Sawdust Festival

June 29 – September 2, 2012
935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach
949-494-3030

Featuring the fine art and craft of nearly 200 Laguna Beach artists. Art enthusiasts, collectors, and novice artists have come to the Sawdust since the beginning of this festival in 1966. Meet the artists and try your hand at some of the art and craft projects provided.

4th of July Activities

Fireworks displays, festivals, 5K runs and more!

Events listed by City

Pageant of the Masters

July 7 - August 31, 2012 | Performances nightly at 8:30
650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach
949-494-1145

Presented in July and August since the early 1930's, these colorful events have won worldwide recognition. The Festival is a juried exhibit of fine, strictly original works by 160 gifted artists, while the Pageant is a spectacular stage production of living art re-creations.

The Orange County Fair

Jul 13, 2012 - Aug 12, 2012
Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa
714-708-FAIR

The annual Orange County Fair is the premier family attraction in Southern California offering a wide variety of exhibits, foods, entertainment, rides and hands-on activities. There is something for everybody at the Fair including the summer headline concert series, working farm and petting zoos, thrill rides, contests, and games.

Ocean Festival

2012 Dates coming
San Clemente Municipal Prier & Beach
949-440-6141

Full weekend of family events Classic Woody Car Show, Surf and Ocean Art Show, Children's activities. Annual Beach Party and Concert included.

Cypress Community Festival

2012 Dates coming | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave, Cypress
(714) 229-6780

One of the largest one-day festival in Orange County that attracts over 20,000 people annually. Event includes: Chili Cookoff, Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Car Show, Family Games, Food Booths, Chamber Business Expo, Children's Rides, Arts & Crafts, Beer Garden & Continuous Entertainment. Also a 5K/10K Run/Walk

La Habra Corn Festival

Always the first full weekend in August
El Centro Park, 201 North Cypress, La Habra
562-691-3482

The festival includes a fall parade and two day carnival at El Centro Park. The Corn Festival Parade is open to most any group that wants to participate. Applications may be obtained at the La Habra Chamber of Commerce or from Pageantry Productions in South Gate. The parade is one of the largest daytime parades in southern California.

San Clemente Street Faire and Fiesta

August 12, 2012 | 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Held the second Sunday in August
Ave Del Mar, San Clemente
949-492-1131

A unique family-orientated event with continuous entertainment on three stages. Food booths, contests and games provided by non-profit organizations.

Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo

2012 information coming
30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano

This Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is good ol' entertainment for the entire family, not to mention the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation. Proclaimed as the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation, this Rodeo features saddle bronc and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping

International Street Fair

August 31 - September 2, 2012
Every Labor Day weekend
Downtown Orange

International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.

Octoberfest

September 4th - October 30th 2011
Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach
714-647-7107

If you love to drink beer, eat bratwürst and sauerkraut and enjoy dancing to "Oompah-pa music directly from Linzerbuben, Austria, then you'll love the Oktoberfest at Old World Village with its traditional German festivity. Complete with German bands imported from Europe, dancing, and imported beers (of course) and tasty German foods from bratwürst to potato salad to hot pretzels and apple strudel, Oktoberfest has something for everyone.

Tall Ships Festival

Early September
Dana Point Harbor / Ocean Institute
949-496-2274

The largest annual gathering of tallships on the West Coast, this festival features a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live music, art shows and a variety of tasty food. Interactive living-history encampments including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers are sure to entertain and amaze guests of all ages and are not to be missed. Additionally, you can explore the historic tallships and listen to the crew share tails of adventure and life at sea.

Annual BB Jazz Festival

September
Central Park, Huntington Beach
714-377-7574

This concert series brings the finest in contemporary jazz to Huntington Beach. Event also has large vendor village for food and crafts and a full day of R&B and Contemporary Music.

Annual Taste of Newport

September
Fashion Island, Newport Beach
949-729-4400

The Taste of Newport is a three-day festival drawing over 75,000 people with over 30 restaurants, 15 wineries, rich tasting brews, flavorful drinks and top notch live entertainment. The Taste is truly Newport Beach's social event of the year!

Halloween Events

Haunted Houses, parades, carnivals and much more!

Events listed by city

Mission Viejo Readers' Festival

October | 11 am - 5 pm
Norman P. Murray Community Center, Mission Viejo

A full day of authors, adult and children entertainment, vendors, food....Dean Koontz and Henry Winkler are the featured authors at the 2009 event speaking and taking questions and signing books.

Tiller Days

September / October
Columbus Tustin Park, (corner of Prospect and Irvine Blvd)
714-573-3326

Tustin Tiller Days has been a regular event in Tustin since 1957. The event provides an opportinity for Tustin to celebrate Orange County's agricultural heritage. Features Parade (on Saturday at 10 am), carnival, rides, food and entertainmnet

Irvine Global Village Festival

Saturday, September 29 - 2012
Bill Barber Park, Irvine
949-724-6606

Boasting artistic cultural performances on three stages, the Festival's live entertainment is a mosaic of music and dance representing more than 50 cultures from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Immerse yourself in cultural displays, world religion and demonstrations, indulge in international cuisine, explore our world marketplace and keep the little ones in motion with hands-on art projects, games and activities in a giant, interactive Kids Village. Festival admission and parking are free.

The Vintage "Farewell to the Swallows"

October
Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
949-493-4700

An annual celebration produced by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the return of its famous, small swallows to their winter home in Goya, Argentina. Includes dancing, entertainment, dining and wine tasting.

Orange County Children's Book Festival

Early October | 9:30am - 4:30pm
Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa
(714) 838-4528

The Orange County Children’s Book Festival is designed specifically for children of all ages. This family-fun festival attracts more than 20,000 visitors who will be entertained and delighted by authors, illustrators, booksellers, animals, storytellers, costumed characters, train rides, crafts, food and entertainment and much, much more.

Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival

Check back for 2012 dates!
Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA
(310) 208-7290

The Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival is a cultural and historical event that includes exhibitions, food, art craft, performances, dances and live music activities. Visitors enter the festival area through the “Civilizations Path”, which consists of 14 gates each representing different civilizations like Hittite, Troy, Urartu, Frig, Lydia, Ionia, Kingdom of Commagane, Persians, Byzantium, Roman Empire & Republic of Turkiye.

Visitors are can also sample many different kinds of food including kebabs and doner (Gyros), various kinds of desserts including baklava, dumplings, and the world famous tough and sticky Maras’s ice-cream. The Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival is a feast for all of the five senses!

Silverado Days

mid October
William Peak Park, 7225 El Dorado Drive, Buena Park

Held each October, this community festival includes a parade, food and game booths. Featured contests include World Amateur Arm Wrestling Championship, Custom Car Show,a pie-eating contest, International Chili Society Chili Cook off, hog calling, sexiest/hairiest legs, Little Miss Chili Pepper & Mr Hot Stuff Baby Contest, dog show and Karaoke Contest.

The Heritage Festival and Parade

mid October
Tri-City Park, 2301 N. Kraemer Blvd, Placentia
(714) 524-8535

Since 1965, this celebration of the city's heritage includes a parade and fair booths. The events begins with the Chamber of Commerce pancake breakfast followed by the parade and band review. The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. and features many exciting activities for the entire family including the annual car show, a crafts fair, food booths, kids games and more.

San Clemente Sea Fest

Held on the Sunday, following the first
Wednesday in October
San Clemente Pier, San Clemente
949-492-1131

Sponsored by the San Clemente Chamber, this event features a Chowder Cook-off, an Arts & Craft Show, Business Expo, entertainment and an array of fresh seafood, served seaside on the beach in the historic San Clemente Pier area.

OC Jewish Arts Festival

information coming for this year's event
Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County
1 Federation Way, Irvine, CA
(949) 435-3400

This November the Orange County Jewish Theatre will offer an exciting Festival of entertainment, author events and films. The Orange County Jewish Arts Festival combines the traditional Book and Film Festivals and celebrates Jewish entertainers, authors, entertainers, history and culture.

Annual La Palma Days

mid November
La Palma Central Park
714-690-3350

This annual tradition event has been celebrated for over 20 years, encouraging residents, business partners and friends to celebrate La Palma’s community spirit. The event features Miss La Palma Pageant, Parade & Band Review, Activities, Entertainment, Cultural & Historical Activities & International Food & Product Vendors

Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving Day
Dana Point
Race Hotline: 949-496-1555

California's Largest Thanksgiving Day Run Event and one of America's Most Scenic Runs... hosted by The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Tour the beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves of Dana Point. Enjoy pounding surf, rugged cliffs, and cool ocean breezes as you sail through the Dana Point Marina, Doheny State Park and pass the historic tallship Pilgrim moored in Dana Point Harbor.

Holiday Events

Details of holiday events beginning in November.

Click Here for events listed by city

Sawdust Winter Fantasy

2012 dates coming
935 Laguna Canyon Rd
949-494-3030

This unique fair offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique artisan crafts from various local artists. Includes live entertainment, hands-on art projects and picture-perfect moments, the Sawdust Art Festival's Winter Fantasy will become your family's holiday tradition.

General Admission:
$6.00 Adults, $3.00 children 6-12

Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

December
Newport Beach

FREE to the public. The boat parade will light up the harbor for five consecutive nights from December 16-December 20 2009. The parade starts at Collins Island at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately two and a half hours over 250 ships participate in the parade along with hundreds of water front estates. Providing the backdrop for the parade is the Ring of Lights waterfront home and business decorating competition. FREE for spectators, entry fee for participating boats. Over 1 million people view the parade each year.

For those of you that would like to be in parade Newport Landing offers 2 general admission cruises nightly every night of the parade that are a part of the actual parade. Viewing the parade from a ship means that you see all of the parade and homes in full decor that line the waterfront. General admission tickets can be reserved over the phone.

Location for cruises:
Newport Landing Sportfishing
309 Palm - Suite A Newport Beach Ca
949-675-0551