Things to Do in Orange County this Summer
With summer upon us, now is the perfect time of year to enjoy some beautiful weather as well as take advantage of the many fun activities all around Orange County. We've put together a list of just some of the events and things to do this summer for kids and adults alike. Best of all, many of these are free or cost very little.
We recognize many of our clients live outside the Orange County area - be sure to check online for summer activities near you or, better yet, come see us this summer!
Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
The Pageant of the Masters is the Festival of Arts’ crowning jewel and arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Where Art Comes To Life!
The Festival Arts Show is one of the nation’s oldest and most highly acclaimed juried fine art shows. From early July through the end of August, the Festival of Arts opens its doors daily for visitors to not only enjoy the award-winning work of exhibited artists, but also demonstrations and art workshops, daily art tours, live music, special events, on-site restaurants and much more.
Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
The festival is celebrating its 52nd Anniversary this year. Set in a cool 3-acre eucalyptus grove, the Sawdust is a picturesque and eccentric hand-built village featuring the fine art and craft of over 200 local artists.
Orange County Fair
The ninth largest fair in the country returns with the theme, “Free Your Inner Farmer,” and its traditional lineup of competitive exhibits, carnival rides, shopping, food and concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre adjacent to the fairgrounds. Ticket prices for 2018 are the same as they were last year.
Surfing
The Vans US Open of Surfing brings a 9-day celebration of surfing and surf culture to the sands of Huntington City Beach with over 300 world class athletes. Experience the top surfers in the world competing in the world's only surf arena, along with skateboarding and BMX in the at the beach. This family-friendly event will feature sponsor exhibits on the sand, free outdoor movie showings, art installations, over 20 sponsors, retail store, athlete meet & greets or autograph sessions, and musical acts.
South Coast Plaza - "Segerstrom Pioneering Spirit: An American Dream"
As part of its 50th anniversary celebration in 2017, South Coast Plaza presents "Segerstrom Pioneering Spirit: An American Dream" in Jewel Court from June 13 to July 31. The historical exhibit tells the story of how the family of C.J. and Bertha Segerstrom immigrated to the U.S. from Sweden and established C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, an agricultural and commercial real estate enterprise in Southern California. The family developed South Coast Plaza, one of the world's leading luxury destinations for shopping and dining. They played a significant role in establishing the renowned Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Tanaka Farms
Explore the Calendar of Tours & Events at Tanaka Farms this summer. Plan to attend the Summer Corn Harvest Festival every weekend or take a Strawberry Tour. What a delicious way to enjoy a summer day!
Summer Workshops
- Home Depot offers adult and kid's building workshops and clinics for free.
- Michael's has kid's craft classes for as low as $2 per person.
- Microsoft stores offer free classes for adults and kids - search for your nearest location here to view the schedule of upcoming events.
- Apple stores also host free workshops over three-day spans for kids ages 8-12.
Summer Concerts & Movies
You're sure to find free outdoor concerts and movies all summer long in various communities around the county. Check here for the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema calendar. Here is another link for summer concerts all throughout OC.
Don't forget that local theaters offer discounted tickets on select days and shows! For example, Regal has $1 movies and AMC offers a summer movie camp for family-friendly films.
Bowling
Ask your local bowling alley if they participate in Kids Bowl Free. If so, register your kids and they receive two free games of bowling every day of the summer. There are local lanes in Anaheim, Fountain Valley and Irvine that participate in the program.
It's impossible to list everything there is to do this time of year but we hope you get out and enjoy all that summer in Orange County has to offer!