Summer Festivals in Orange County

1. Colonial and Early American Influences:
  - Many summer festivals in the United States have roots that trace back to colonial times and early settlements. These festivals often revolved around agricultural fairs, religious celebrations, and community gatherings.
2. Cultural and Ethnic Food Celebrations:
  - The United States is a melting pot of cultures, and many summer festivals celebrate specific ethnic traditions and heritages. For example, celebrations like the Feast of San Gennaro in New York City’s Little Italy or the Greek Festivals held in various cities across the country.
    
    The Costa Mesa Lion’s Club Annual Fish Fry
3. Music Festivals:
  - Music festivals have been a significant part of American summers since the mid-20th century. Events like the Newport Folk Festival (founded in 1959) and Woodstock (1969) became iconic for influencing music and youth culture.
4. Arts and Film Festivals:
  - Festivals celebrating arts, crafts, and films gained popularity throughout the 20th century. Examples include the Sundance Film Festival (founded in 1978) and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival (begun in 1991).
5. State and County Fairs:
  - State and county fairs are quintessential American summer events, often featuring agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, and food concessions. U.S. Summer festivals date back to the early 19th century.
    
    The Orange County Fair – Courtesy of Michael Goulding

Modern-Day Festivals:
- Today, summer festivals in Orange County encompass a wide range of themes and formats, including music festivals and community events celebrating local history, cuisine, and arts.
Impact and Evolution:
- Summer festivals have evolved, reflecting changes in society, technology, and cultural trends. They serve as entertainment and economic drivers for local communities, drawing tourists and promoting local businesses.

The history of summer festivals in Orange County and the United States is a vibrant tapestry that continues evolving with the passing of each year. These festivals celebrate diversity, fostering community spirit, and preserving cultural heritage.

SUMMER FESTIVALS IN ORANGE COUNTY

Anaheim June 21-23 YOKOCHO Fest @ Taste of Japan Anaheim 2024 @ STC Anaheim GardenWalk 400 W Disney Way Purchase Tickets Online Website

Anaheim Vegan Faire July 27, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm @ 201 Center St Promenade Instagram

Brea Brea Fest August 9, 6:30 – 10:00 pm @ Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle Website

Costa Mesa Brew Fest June 21, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm @ THE MET, 535 Anton Boulevard Website

Costa Mesa Food and Wine Celebration (21+ event, No Children Allowed) June 22, 4:00 – 7:00 pm @ Argyros Plaza – Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive Purchase Tickets Online Website

Costa Mesa Fish Fry & Carnival June 28-30, 11:00 am (5:00 pm Friday) – 10:00 pm @ 570 18th Street Website

Costa Mesa Orange County FairJuly 19 – August 18 @ OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive Website

Cypress Cypress SummerFest June 9 @ Civic Center Green, 5275 Orange Avenue Website

Dana Point Doheny Surf & Art Festival June 22-23 @ historic Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Website

Dana Point ShakesBEER Festival June 29-30 @ Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point RSVP Online, Free Entry Website

Fountain Valley Fountain Valley SummerFest June 13-16 @ Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst Street Website

Fountain Valley The Original Lobster Festival (Long Beach Original Lobster Festival) September 6-8, various times @ New Location! Fountain Valley Sports Park Website

Fullerton Southern California Drone Film Festival June 7-8 @ Fullerton College 321 E. Chapman Ave Website

Huntington Beach BBQ Music Fest August 16-18, various times – see website @ Huntington Beach Sports Complex Website

Huntington Beach Taste of Huntington Beach August 25, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm @ HB Outdoor Sports Complex, 18100 Goldenwest St Purchase Tickets Online Website

Irvine Irvine Greek Festival June 21-23 @ St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway Website

Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival June 28 – September 1, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm @ 935 Laguna Canyon Road Website

Laguna Beach Festival of Arts – Pageant of the Masters July 3 – August 30 @ 650 Laguna Canyon Road Purchase Tickets Online Website

Orange Orange International Street Fair August 30 – September 1, 10:00 am (5:00 pm Friday) – 10:00 pm @ Downtown Orange Website

Placentia Taste of Placentia August 15, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm @ 2301 N Kraemer Blvd Website

Rancho Santa Margarita Annual Fiesta de Solano – Carnival Games, Food Trucks, Live Music, Inflatables July 12-13, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm @ Solano Catholic Church, 22082 Antonio Pkwy Website

San Clemente San Clemente Ocean Festival – “The Greatest Show on Surf” July 20-21 @ See Website For More Information Website

San Clemente 2024 Fiesta Music Festival August 11, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm @ 100 & 200 Blocks of Avenida Del Mar Website

San Juan Capistrano Festival of The Butterflies August 3, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm @ Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios St Website

San Juan Capistrano San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival September 23-24 @ Saint Basil Church, 31612 El Camino Real Website

Santa Ana Chicano Heritage Festival August 3, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm @ Flower Street and Civic Center Drive Website

Santa Ana Orange County Blues Festival August 25 @ Stages Bar, 604 East Dyer Road Purchase Tickets Online Website

Yorba Linda Taste of Yorba Linda July 26, 6:00 – 10:00 pm @ Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Purchase Tickets Online Website

Yorba Linda Chalk Art Festival August 26 @ Yorba Linda Public Library and Cultural Arts Center, 4852 Lakeview Avenue Website

***Not responsible for errors and omissions.

Written By: Patricia Braun – Publisher My Local OC
Research By: Tina McNamara – Marketing Assistant