TET FESTIVAL - Garden Grove (February)
Sponsored by the Union of Vietnamese Students Association, celebrates the arrival of spring and the first day of the lunar year. The event is held annually in February in the Garden Grove Park.

Located on Westminster Blvd. between Magnolia and Brookhurst

Los Alamitos Annual 10K Run/5K Run - Los Alamitos (February)
The yearly event has continued to provide not only a forum for local avid runners and walkers, but has also instilled a sense of pride and teamwork between the Los Alamitos City Council, the citizens of Los Alamitos, the Rossmoor Community Services District, and the local business community.

562-430-1073

Tet New Year Celebration - Westminster (February)
Visitors can participate in various festivals or watch the parade as Little Saigon streets come alive with the celebration of "Tet," the Vietnamese celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year. For this event, Little Saigon is bathed in the good luck colors of red and yellow and a host of traditional items, specially ordered, are available for the occasion.

714-898-3311

Return of the Swallows Festivities - San Juan Capistrano (March)
Welcoming the annual return of the swallows from their winter home in Argentina. This world renown event includes 3 weeks of celebration - parades, mercado, hoosegow day, and much more.

Festival of Whales - Dana Point (March)
It's time for the whales to make their annual trip down south and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will celebrate with their 9th Annual Street Fair, which is part of the 29th Whale Festival with a weekend of fun, food, entertainment and an arts & craft show with over 100 vendors.

Dana Point Harbor

Phone: 949-496-5794

Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race - Newport Beach (March)
More than 600 boats race from Newport Beach to Ensenada, Mexico

714-834-6106

Doheny Blues Festival - Dana Point (May)
Performances from top Blues, Rock and R & B musicians. Waterfront grass park with two stages at opposite ends of the venue. Art & Craft vendors, memorabilia, and eclectic displays. Food Court with various restaurants and beverages of all type

Info Line: 949-360-7800

Strawberry Festival - Garden Grove (May)
The festival is a parade and carnival celebrating the city's strawberry-growing history

Phone: 714-638-0981

Oaks Blenheim Show Jumping - San Juan Capistrano
June through September
Popular Show Jumping events held at the Oaks/Blenheim Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano. This premier equestrian facility annually hosts premier events such as the Summer Classic $35,000 Classic Grand Prix. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon for the horse enthusiast.

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 - Map

949-443-1844

Music Under the Stars - San Juan Capistrano (June - September)
Featuring dining and dancing in the beautiful Mission courtyard to live music of the big bands, 6:30-9:30 pm

Pageant of the Masters - Laguna Beach (July)
Each night during the summer season at 8:30 the Festival of Arts presents its most famous attraction, the Pageant of the Masters. What is it?

Ninety minutes of "living pictures" - incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind.

Laguna Canyon Road - Map

For information: 949-494-1145

The Orange County Fair - Costa Mesa (July)
The 110th 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.

714-708-FAIR Ext. 3247

Art-A-Fair - Laguna Beach
(July)
The Art-A-Fair Festival is a community of artists which gathers every summer in Laguna Beach for what has become Southern California's fastest growing art festival.

13th Annual Taste of Newport - Newport Beach (September)
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!

Newport Center Drive, Fashion Island in Newport Beach

Annual Sandcastle Contest - Corona Del Mar (September)
A popular tradition in our community for 40 years, the Sandcastle contest draws participants of all levels and experience to build creations on the beach. Awards are given by a panel of judges. A fun day for everyone! Some very incredible creations are made! Held at Big Corona State Beach

949-729-4400

Tall Ships Festival - Dana Point (September)
At the Marine Institute: Sea Chantey Concert, maritime exhibits and demonstrations, Port Royal Privateers encampment, model boat building, wood carving, touch tank encounters, rope challenge course, crafts and food.

949-496-2274

Labor Day Family Picnic - Yorba Linda (September)
Huge family picnic on Sunday and Monday during the Labor Day weekend. Games, chalk art activities and dancing to live music are some of the items scheduled. The events are free with admission.

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714-993-5075

Doheny Days - Dana Point (September)
The two-day World Music & International Food festival will feature:

Top musicians from the genres of Reggae and world-beat music, Art & Craft vendors, environmental exhibits and sponsor display, an International Food Court with various ethnic foods and beverages. A festive concert atmosphere just steps away from the beach

Infrmation: 949-360-7800

Oktoberfest at Old World Village - Huntington Beach (October)
Old World Village, a replica of a Bavarian town, sponsors this annual event. Food, fun, drink, and an oompah-pa band direct from Germany plays every Wed.-Sun. This event includes various activities in celebration of the Harvest Season. Wed./Thurs. 6:30-10pm. Fri./Sat. 6:30pm-1am. Sun. 2-6pm.

714-895-8020

Vintage at the Mission - San Juan Capistrano (October)
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.

For information, please call: 949-493-4700

Treats in the Streets - Orange
(October - before Halloween)
The streets surrounding the Old Towne Plaza are closed off to traffic and Old Towne merchants decorat their shops and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Families also enjoy games, old-fashioned hayrides and Halloween arts and crafts. Treats in the Streets provides a safe environment for children to enjoy Halloween.

714-744-7272

Dinosaur Dash - Tustin (October)
A fund-raiser for the Tustin PublicSchools Foundation, this 5K-10K run is held in the Tustin Market Place.

714-832-6299

Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade - Laguna Niguel (December)
Featuring marching bands, equestrian units, youth groups, vehicles, civic groups, schools, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa.

To learn more about each individual city's annual events, please visit our city pages by clicking on the map to the right.

Go To Interactive Orange County City Map