Save This List for Some Summertime Fun!
Is your summer calendar open? Because you’re going to want to save these dates! No matter how long the wait ‘til summer always feels, event dates seem to fly by without notice. Orange County is full of special events you don’t want to miss, so save the date for these sun-filled soirees. We’re talking about everything from midsummer parties on a dock to pop-punk music festivals! And we’re even sharing our favorite place to watch Fourth of July fireworks. Grab your sunscreen and your crew and make summer ‘24 one to remember.
Skål Pizza x Malibu Farm: Midsummer by the Marina
When: June 21, from 3-6 p.m.
Alfresco dining season is upon us! Dine outdoors in true Orange County style, which means by the water with a cool ocean breeze. Skål Pizza and Malibu Farm—two restaurants in Lido Marina Village—are our favorites for a summer bite, or should we say midsummer? This trendy pizza parlor and farm-to-table restaurant are loved by locals for their fresh, seasonal cuisine.
To kick off this summer season, Skål and Malibu Farm are hosting Midsummer by the Marina, an on-the-dock event complete with a smörgåsbord of signature pizzas, wood-fired veggies, Swedish punch and fruit-filled desserts. Grab a complimentary flower crown courtesy of Empress Gin and dance the night away to DJ sets as the sun sets. Photo ops will be teeming with florals for European-summer-style photos, and all guests will enjoy special perks like unlimited bites, two cocktails or mocktails, Swedish candy-filled goodie bags from Sockerbit and tarot card readings courtesy of Absolut Elyx. If you’re an Orange County local, you’re going to want to attend this midsummer soiree. Grab your tickets here!
Location: Newport Beach
Craft Market at Farmakis Farms
When: Sept. 14, Oct. 12 and Nov. 9
Feelin’ crafty this summer? Plan a trip to Farmakis Farms on Sept. 14 to visit their pop-up craft market! This quaint, family-owned farm in San Juan Capistrano is known for its certified farmers market and Christmas tree farm during the holidays but also hosts several other events throughout the year. Take a stroll through the eucalyptus groves as you browse through curated goods from local vendors. Shop everything from jewelry, candles and soaps to succulent arrangements and handmade cards! This market even features the work of some incredible artists and authors.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
2024 Pageant of the Masters
When: July 6-Aug. 3
The first Pageant of the Masters was held in 1933 and put Laguna Beach on the map as OC’s artistic hub. Now, the show attracts travelers from across the globe for a night of real-life magic. As stars come out over the amphitheater and the live orchestra crescendos, mesmerizing artwork comes to life—literally! Actors dressed as portrait characters stand perfectly still to recreate historic works of art as living masterpieces. Bring your binoculars to catch any movements! This year’s theme, “À La Mode: The Art of Fashion,” travels through history’s biggest fashion trends.
Local Insight: Arrive early because the festival grounds are full of art displays. You can even bring your own wine to sip as you admire the artwork.
Location: Laguna Beach
OC Fair
When: July 19-Aug. 18
Nothing screams summer quite like a day at the fair. Fried Oreos, bottle toss and adrenaline-inducing rides create the storybook-type-of-summer fun. Plus, there’s something for everyone. Thrill-seekers can strap into the Sky Flyer, foodies can try just about anything on a stick and music junkies can find old-timey tribute concerts at The Hangar. It’s best to go in the evenings, which tend to be slightly cooler. Nighttime is also when rides light up the fairgrounds and main bands take the stage. Add an OC Fair day to the calendar with friends, family or for a date night! Required tickets can be purchased online only.
Local Insight: Look out for $5 menu items at food stands to sample your way through fair favorites.
Location: Costa Mesa
4th of July Fireworks at Doheny State Beach
When: July 4, 9-9:30 p.m.
The countdown to summer’s most explosive holiday has begun! Enjoy some surf and sun at Doheny State Beach this Fourth of July and stay to watch the fireworks display. Pyrotechnics are shot off from a floating barge just off the shore, so rings of color reflect on the ocean as the embers fall. Doheny’s easily accessible paid parking and picnic areas also make this a great beach for young families. Reserve a fire pit in advance to create the ultimate Fourth of July bonfire experience! S’mores are always a good idea.
Location: Dana Point
OC ShakesBeer Festival
When: June 29-30
What daiquiris were to Hemingway, hazys were to Shakespeare. Beer festivals are always a fun time, but add a literary twist and you’ve found the OC ShakesBeer Festival. This free summer event in Orange County will feature live music and the best breweries in Dana Point. Attendees should reserve a spot online, but seating is first come, first served—chairs can be set up starting at 2 p.m. Expect pours by Delehunt Brewing, Station Craft Brewery and Docent Brewing Co., as well as a local craft fair. ShakesBeer Festival is dog-friendly, but leave any outside food or alcohol at home.
Location: Dana Point
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Film Series
When: Friday nights from June 7-Aug. 30
The lineup has been released, and the OC Parks Sunset Cinema Film Series is not something you want to miss! Grab a lawn chair, picnic blanket and your favorite theater snacks and head to your local park for a new kind of Friday-night lights. Classics like “The Goonies” create a nostalgic feel while new releases like “Wonka” keep you in the pop culture loop. Movies roll at 8 p.m., but the pre-show entertainment is just as fun—think character meet-and-greets from the “Frozen” crew! No time to pack the cooler? Food trucks and a beer and wine garden will be available at each event.
Locations: Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
Sad Summer Festival 2024
When: July 13
It’s not exactly what you think it is, but get ready to get in your feels! Inspired to bring music to more people, Sad Summer Festival 2024 is a pop-punk music festival that makes a night-two pit stop in Santa Ana on July 13. Nine bands will take the stage at The Observatory Festival Grounds to kick off the summer tour. This year’s headliners are Mayday Parade and the Maine, who also co-headlined the first Sad Summer Festival in 2019. Tickets are general admission, but VIP passes will get you access to a priority viewing area, a specialty cocktail bar and first entry into The Observatory.
Local Insight: Keep on the lookout! It’s not uncommon for artists to hang out with fans between sets.
Location: Santa Ana
Summer Sounds at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
When: Fridays in June and July
Summer Sounds at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts makes concert-worthy music accessible to everyone. This energetic concert series of multi-genre musical artists takes place on Friday nights in June and July. It’s completely free and open to all ages—just follow the beat to the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza to find the band. It’s recommended that music lovers bring beach chairs and picnic necessities. Or, for a no-effort night, indulge in sips and sandos from George’s Café before letting loose on the dance floor. Check the online schedule beforehand to find out which artists will be playing when!
Location: Costa Mesa
Witches Brew Night Market
When: July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 21
Even summer can be the season of the witch—the Witches Brew Night Market crafts spooky experiences and bewitching brews. Fly a broomstick over to Second Street Promenade in Santa Ana for a night of witchcraft and whimsy. Dress the part, and you’ll feel like a main character in “American Horror Story” for the night. Members of the coven can shop from over 35 vendors at the craft fair and find fun photo ops themed with dark magic. The Witches Brew Night Market travels across SoCal, with Orange County events on July 13, Aug. 10 and Sept. 21. See you there if you dare!
Location: Santa Ana
