20 Can't Miss Events This Summer In Orange County
(Credit: OC Fair)
Looking for something fun to do this summer in Orange County? Don't miss these fabulous events hitting the OC scene this July and August. From live music and concerts to theater to festivals, fairs, and family-friendly fun, here are the 20 Can't Miss Summer Events in Orange County.
Disneyland's Diamond Celebration
1313 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4636
www.disneyland.com
Summer at the Disneyland Resort brings a celebration of the park's 60th Anniversary, and the park is shimmering with bling to ring in its Diamond Celebration Anniversary. Don't miss specialty drinks, live entertainment, in-park contests, and three brand-new attractions: Paint the Night all-new electrical parade, Disneyland Forever! Fireworks spectacular, and a completely new World of Color show focused on Walt Disney himself.
Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-1145
www.foapom.com
Dates: July 8, 2015 - August 31, 2015
Head to the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach for the 2015 Pageant of the Masters, themed "The Pursuit of Happiness," set onstage to ninety minutes of living picture re-creations of classical and contemporary art works. The 2015 Pageant of the Masters "The Pursuit of Happiness," will explore the many sources of happiness, both ancient and modern through our theatrical production of "living pictures."
German Heritage Day
Old World Village
7561 Center Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 895-8020
www.oldworld.ws
Date: July 12, 2015
Huntington Beach's Old World Village hosts its annual German Heritage Day with free food for the first 500 people, folk dancers, weiner dog races, and live German music throughout the event.
Dancing with the Stars Live
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
South Coast Plaza
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.scfta.org
Date: July 15, 2015
A one-night only event for fans of the hit television show "Dancing with the Stars" twists, shimmies, and jives on stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts this July. The Perfect Ten Tour puts America's favorite DWTS dancers live on stage performing some of their most beloved routines.
Visit The 2015 OC Fair
Orange County Fairgrounds
88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.ocfair.com
Date: July 17-August 16, 2015
The OC Fair is back in town and you won't want to miss it this Summer. Celebrating its 125th anniversary with "One Big Party," visitors will be offered 23 days of entertainment, activities, and old-fashioned fun to the county. Visit our guide to the 2015 OC Fair
Ocean Festival
San Clemente Pier
San Clemente, CA 92672
www.oceanfestival.org
Date: July 18-19, 2015
The "Greatest Show on Surf!" unfolds at San Clemente's Pier for its annual Ocean Festival. Waterman & Waterwoman competitions, a 5K beach run, surf and bodysurfing contests, a fishing derby, and much more will be offered this weekend.
Willie Nelson and Family
Pacific Amphitheatre
100 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.pacamp.com
Date: July 19, 2015
Alison Krauss and Union Station join country legend Willie Nelson in a one-night, outdoor summer event you can't miss at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa. Listen to the legendary country artist while you lay out on the grass or get a seat up close!
See Imagine Dragons In Concert
The Honda Center
2695 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 704-2400
www.hondacenter.com
Date: July 20, 2015
Don't miss the big stage production event of Imagine Dragons, the popular rock band hailing from Las Vegas, at the Honda Center this June. Tickets for this festival-loved band start at just $39.
Capistrano Shakespeare Festival
Historic Town Center Park
El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
www.caminorealplayhouse.org
Dates: July 24-August 2, 2015
The 2015 revival of the Capistrano Shakespeare Festival presents the classic comedy, "Midsummer Night's Dream" outdoors while "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare," a unique adaptation and re-mix of all Shakespeare's complete works, will be offered on the indoor stage during the festival.
Steve Miller Band
Pacific Amphitheater
100 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.pacamp.com
Date: July 24, 2015
Part of the OC Fair's lineup of exceptional live entertainment, the Steve Miller Band takes the Pacific Amphitheatre stage for one night only, with tickets starting at just $30. You'll sing along to The Joker, Fly Like an Eagle, and dozens more of the popular band's greatest hits in their decade-spanning career.
Vans US Open of Surf
Main Street & Pacific Coast Hwy.
Huntington Beach, CA, 92648
www.vansusopenofsurfing.com
The Vans US Open of Surfing hits the Orange County beach late July each year with a full lineup of competitions, exhibitions, activities, and fun on the sand by the Huntington Beach Pier. In addition to surfing, you can also catch air on the concrete as you watch BMX and skate competitions.
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
2000 East Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA 92806
www.angels.com
Dates: Throughout Summer
Summer is the perfect time to head down to Anaheim for a day or night game. Root for the home team as the Angels take on a variety of teams like The Boston Red Sox, The Seattle Mariners, The Minnesota Twins, The Texas Rangers, and many more. Visit www.angels.com for a full schedule.
The Phantom of the Opera
South Coast Plaza
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.scfta.org
Dates: August 5-16, 2015
Andrew Lloyd Webber's stunning masterpiece takes the Orange County stage this summer for a short, 11-day run on the Segerstrom Center Stage. The beloved, Cameron Mackintosh touring production, with a cast and orchestra of 52, is a theatrical event that can't be missed.
La Habra Corn Festival
El Centro Lions Park
201 North Cypress
La Habra, CA 90631
Dates: August 7-9, 2015
The whole family will love the fantastic rides, good, games, and music at the La Habra Corn Festival. Free admission daily, plus the chance to enjoy juicy corn-on-the-cobb while watching the crowning of Miss La Habra. Enter your cute little ones (babies and dogs!) to win the most-adorable prizes.
Ribs, Pigs & Watermelons Summer Festival
Huntington State Beach
22300 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
www.afhusa.org
Date: August 7, 2015
The Ribs, Pigs and Watermelons Summer Festival is back this year. Visitors will get to enjoy a weekend of BBQ competitions, tastings, craft beer tastings, and a variety of eating contests, including ribs & watermelon, offering fun for the whole family.
7th Annual LobsterFest
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
www.visitnewportbeach.com
Date: August 8, 2015
Located in Newport's lovely Back Bay Nature Preserve at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, the 7th Annual LobsterFest offers fresh Maine lobster (flown in on the day of the event and prepared on site), paired with a variety of other seafood specialties including clams, crab, and shrimp. Guests will enjoy the Eastern-themed spread while listening to live entertainment on the beach.
San Clemente Fiesta Music Street Festival
Ave Del Mar
San Clemente, CA
www.scchamber.com
Date: August 9, 2015
The Fiesta Street Festival Block Party in San Clemente is a family-friendly event that brings the whole community together. Enjoy live entertainment, including live music on three stages throughout the day, contests, a Salsa challenge, arts & crafts show, kid's area, and plenty of dining opportunities.
Dana Point Lobster Beach Fest
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
www.danapointlobsterfest.org
Date: August 15, 2015
Come join the fun at Dana Point's 6th annual Lobster Beach Fest, sponsored by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club. Entry includes your lobster, seafood, and steak dinner, live music, a silent auction, and an entire evening of lobster-themed fun. Advance tickets offer a discount off of full admission prices.
The Fit Expo
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92802
www.thefitexpo.com
Dates: August 22-23, 2015
Fitness buffs (and those hoping to be so) must make a stop at The Fit Expo, hitting the Anaheim Convention Center this August. Competitions for a variety of fitness categories, including fitness, physique, women's figure, martial arts, and strength contests, take the stage, while numerous other live demonstrations, such as bodybuilding, Jiu Jitsu, powerlifting, strongman, and loopkicks demonstrations will leave you gawking.
Cypress Community Festival
Cypress Community Center
Oak Knoll Park
5700 Orange Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
www.cypressfestival.com
Date: July 25, 2015
Celebrate the city of Cypress with a massive one-day event featuring a car show, Chili cook-off, amusement rides, live entertainment, vendors, and much more. Admission is free to this event!
