Festivals in Orange County
Celebrating Community: The Enduring History of Small Town and City Festivals in Orange County
The Strawberry Festival
Garden Grove, CA
From quaint gatherings in small towns to bustling celebrations in metropolitan hubs, festivals in Orange County have long been an integral part of our culture. These vibrant events serve as a nexus of tradition, culture, and community spirit, fostering connections among residents and visitors alike. Delving into our Orange County history and unveiling a tapestry of shared heritage and collective joy.
Our Orange County festivals have roots that can be traced back to ancient times when agrarian societies marked harvests with festivities to express gratitude to the gods for bountiful yields. These early celebrations evolved into annual traditions, characterized by feasting, music, and communal rituals. Over time, these gatherings became focal points for social cohesion, reinforcing bonds within our close-knit communities.
In medieval Europe, seasonal festivals played a pivotal role in fostering camaraderie among villagers. Events like May Day and Midsummer festivals provided opportunities for locals to come together, participate in games and dances, and celebrate the changing seasons. These traditions were not merely recreational but also imbued with spiritual significance, often incorporating religious rites and folklore.
As urban centers began to flourish during the Renaissance, city festivals emerged as grand spectacles of civic pride and cultural expression. Renaissance fairs, masquerade balls, and street parades became hallmark events, showcasing the wealth and sophistication of burgeoning metropolises. These gatherings attracted artists, merchants, and revelers from far and wide, transforming city streets into vibrant stages of creativity and merriment.
The Industrial Revolution ushered in an era of rapid urbanization, altering the fabric of society, and reshaping the nature of festivals. While our industrial cities retained traditions of carnival and pageantry, they also introduced new forms of entertainment, such as amusement parks and expos. These modern attractions reflected the dynamism of urban life and appealed to diverse audiences, bridging gaps between social classes and cultural backgrounds.
In the 20th century, the rise of tourism and globalization further enriched the festival landscape, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and hybrid celebrations. Our small towns embraced their unique heritage, hosting events that showcased local crafts, cuisine, and folklore. Meanwhile, our larger cities embraced diversity, hosting multicultural festivals celebrating the rich tapestry of global cultures.
Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach, CA
Today, our small-town and city festivals continue to thrive, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences for attendees of all ages. Whether it’s a traditional county fair, a music festival in the heart of the city, or a cultural celebration honoring ancestral traditions, our Orange County festivals serving as reminders of the enduring power of community and the timeless allure of shared celebration. As we gather in Orange County to revel in the joy of festivals, we pay homage to the rich tapestry of human history and the boundless creativity of the human spirit.
Please see our list below for a festival near you. And if you know of one that isn’t listed, please let us know and we will add it.
Have fun at our Festivals in Orange County!
The Team @ My Local OC
“Serving the Orange County Lifestyle.”
Written by: Patricia Braun – Publisher My Local OC
Festival Research & List Compilation – Tina McNamara – Marketing Assistant
2024 Festivals in Orange County
At the time of this post, these events are active.
But it’s always a good idea for you to check the local festival number before you go.
Aliso Viejo TBD Soka Peace Festival 1 University Drive 949.480.4278 Website
Anaheim (On HOLD for 2025) Anaheim 5 de Mayo Fiesta – Festival @ La Palma Park 1151 N La Palma Pkwy 714.265.7191 option 1 Website
Anaheim May 16 – 18 OC Greek Food Festival @ St. John’s Church 405 N. Dale St. 714.827.0181 Website
Anaheim May 17 Anaheim Children’s Festival – Free Event @ Pearson Park Lemon St. & Sycamore St. 714.765.6450 Website
Anaheim June 13 – 15 Taste of Japan Anaheim 2024 @ STC Anaheim GardenWalk 400 W Disney Way FREE Admission Website
Brea May 16 – 18 Brea Bonanza Days – Country Music Festival @ Brea Downtown 330 West Birch Street Website
Brea May 30 – June 1 Brea Fest @ Civic & Cultural Center 1 Civic Center Circle 714.990.7600 Website
Buena Park September 27 Buena Park Culture Fest @ Buena Park Civic Center 6650 Beach Blvd. 714.562.3500 Website
Costa Mesa TBD OC Boho Fest @ The MET 535 Anton Boulevard Website
Costa Mesa May 24 – 25 Scottish Fest @ OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Dr. Website
Costa Mesa TBD SoCal VegFest – Biggest Vegan Festival @ OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive Website
Cypress TBD Cypress SummerFest @ Civic Center Green 5275 Orange Avenue 714.229.6700 Website
Dana Point June 21 – 22 Doheny Surf & Art Festival @ historic Doheny State Beach 25300 Dana Point Harbor Website
Dana Point March 7 – 9 Festival of Whales @ Dana Point Harbor 34675 Golden Lantern Website
Fountain Valley May 16 – 19 Crawfish Festival @ Fountain Valley Sports Park 16400 Brookhurst Street 562.495.5959 Website
Fountain Valley June 19 – 22 Fountain Valley SummerFest @ Fountain Valley Sports Park 16400 Brookhurst Street 714.839.8611 Website
Fountain Valley September 5 – 7 The Original Lobster Festival @ Fountain Valley Sports Park 16400 Brookhurst St 562.495.5959 Website
Fullerton TBD Southern California Drone Film Festival @ Fullerton College 321 E. Chapman Ave Website
Garden Grove May 23 – 26 Garden Grove Strawberry Festival @ Village Green Park Main Street & Euclid Street 714.638.0981 Website
Huntington Beach May 3 Derby Days Festival – Surf City Derby Party @ Huntington Beach Sports Complex 18100 Goldenwest Street 949.836.2584 Website
Huntington Beach July 25 – 27 BBQ Music Fest @ Huntington Beach Sports Complex 18100 Goldenwest Street 562.495.5959 Website
Irvine TBD Irvine Greek Festival @ St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church 4949 Alton Parkway 949.733.2366 Website
Laguna Beach June 27 – Aug 31 Open Daily 11am Summer Sawdust Art Festival @ 935 Laguna Canyon Road 949.494.3030 Website
Laguna Beach July 5 – Aug 29 Festival of Arts – Pageant of the Masters 650 Laguna Canyon Road 800.487.3378 Website
Laguna Niguel August 22 – 24 Sea Country Festival @ on Dorine and El Lazo 949.425.5100 Website
La Habra May 2 – 4 La Habra Annual Citrus Festival 321 E. La Habra Blvd. 562.697.1704 Website
Newport Beach May 30 – June 1 Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival @ Hyatt Regency Newport Beach 1107 Jamboree Rd Purchase Tickets Online Website
Newport Beach June 13 – 14 Wooden Boat Festival @ Balboa Yacht Club 1801 Bayside Drive 949.673.3515 Website
San Clemente July 19 – 20 San Clemente Ocean Festival – “The Greatest Show on Surf” @ (see website – info coming soon) 949.440.6141 Website
San Clemente Aug 10 Fiesta Music Festival @ 100 & 200 Blocks of Avenida Del Mar 949.492.1131 Website
San Juan Capistrano TBD Festival of The Butterflies @ Los Rios Park 31791 Los Rios St 949.674.6307 Website
San Juan Capistrano September 27 – 28 San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival @ Saint Basil Church 31612 El Camino Real 949.542.3445 Website
Santa Ana Aug 24 Chicano Heritage Festival @ Flower Street and Civic Center Drive Website
Santa Ana Sept 14 Orange County Blues Festival @ Stages Bar 604 East Dyer Road Purchase Tickets Online Website
Tustin May 17 Tustin LobsterFest @ Peppertree Park 230 W First St Purchase Tickets Online Website
Yorba Linda June 1 Celebration of The Arts & Music Festival @ Hurless Barton Park 4601 Casa Loma Ave 714.961.7100 Website
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