1. 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

1. 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.
2. 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