Make the Most of May: Can’t-Miss Events in Orange County!

May is buzzing with events across Orange County! From Cinco de Mayo celebrations and art walks to citrus fairs and dachshund races, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're planning a family outing or a fun weekend with friends, check out the full list of local happenings.

La Habra
Spring Citrus Fair 
May 2-4, 2025

The La Habra Chamber of Commerce will produce its Annual Spring Citrus Fair — full of period charm — showcasing the history of the La Habra Valley.

The event will include entertainment, carnival rides, local food, exhibits & character mascots. Free Admission

LOCATION:
La Habra Boulevard between Euclid and Cypress Streets

Huntington Beach
Chili at the Beach 
Saturday, May 3, 2025

Chili Cook-Off and Salsa Tasting Contest.

In addition, there will be children's activities with kids' games and entertainment, all benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Valley.

LOCATION:
Main St & Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach

INFORMATION:
(714) 536-8300

Lake Forest
Rancho Days Fiesta
May 3, 2025
11 am to 3 pm

Come explore the rich history of Orange County's rancho era through hands-on activities, crafts, music, dance, and more!

Activities and performances include:
- Native American and Folklorico dancing
- Early California ranching hands-on activities and exhibitors
- Music, piñata breaking, and crafts for children
- Charro horse riding and roping demonstrations
- Historic buildings open, courtesy of the Amigos de la Colina docents

Pets are welcome outdoors only on leashes no longer than six feet. Events and parking are free.

LOCATION:
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest
949-923-2230

San Clemente
Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
May 3, 2025
2-6 pm

The festivities include live entertainment, a Vendor Pavilion, and a Children’s Pavilion with inflatable games, face painting, Fun on the Run Mobile Recreation, and giant slides. The entire family will enjoy this event!

LOCATION:
Max Berg Plaza Park
1100 Calle Puente
San Clemente, CA

INFORMATION:
949-361-8264

Newport Beach
OC MARATHON 
May 3-4, 2025

Join thousands of other community-minded runners and walkers at the OC Marathon, beginning at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa just south of Santa Barbara Drive. Pledges to benefit eleven local children's charities through Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK).

INFORMATION:
(949) 222-3327

Westminster
Shutter Shak Unveiling – A Blast from the Past in "California Crazy" Architecture 
May 4, 2025
1 - 4 pm

Join us for the unveiling of an original 1976 Shutter Shak, a stunning example of "California Crazy" roadside architecture. This unique structure, once a beloved photo film developing hub, will be on display alongside an exhibition of vintage cameras, celebrating the artistry and history of photography.

Experience a rare piece of architectural nostalgia and immerse yourself in the golden era of photography. This event offers a unique opportunity for architecture buffs, photography enthusiasts, and lovers of Americana to step back in time and explore the intersection of design and culture.

LOCATION:
Westminster Historical Society
8612 Westminster Blvd
Westminster, CA

Santa Ana
Open Garden Day 
May 10, 2025
10 am - 4 pm

Experience the inviting neighborhoods of West Floral Park and Jack Fisher Park in North Santa Ana. You are invited to stroll through our variety of gardens throughout the day. Tranquil spaces, unique planting ideas, and inspiring yard designs are open for your viewing.

This one-day community event offers an array of activities: lovely gardens to tour, garden expert talks & demonstrations, vintage cars to peruse, a street full of vendors selling unique garden treasures, and gourmet food trucks with plenty of tasty treats.

LOCATION:
Neighborhoods of West Floral Park and Jack Fisher Park in North Santa Ana

INFORMATION:
714-836-9777

Fountain Valley
Annual Crawfish Festival  
May 16-18, 2025

Fresh live crawfish (MORE TENDER THAN LOBSTERS), flown in daily from Louisiana and prepared true, Louisiana-style with Cajun potatoes, corn on the cob, and tangy remoulade dipping sauce. Crawfish Festival has become a tradition to over thousands of festival goers annually. Come experience a New Orleans tradition!

LOCATION:
Fountain Valley Sports Park
16400 Brookhurst Street
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
FREE PARKING!

Anaheim
Greek Festival 
May 16-18, 2025

Come and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Greece. Along with authentic Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries, you will find traditional Greek dancing, an outdoor marketplace, and a Kids Zone with carnival rides, games, and other activities for the children.

LOCATION:
St. John Greek Orthodox Church
405 North Dale Street
Anaheim

Anaheim
Anaheim Children's Festival 
Saturday, May 17, 2025
11 am – 3 pm

The Anaheim Children’s Festival offers families and people of all ages the opportunity to enjoy exploring and making art together. The Children’s Festival includes booths, art projects, musical and performing groups, and plenty of fun for kids and families! All art activities are FREE to all participants!

The Anaheim Children’s Festival has been going strong for 32 years, and it continues to grow under the umbrella of the Muzeo Museum and their commitment to the children of the Orange County area.

LOCATION:
Pearson Park
Lemon St. & Sycamore St.
Anaheim, CA

Tustin
Tustin LobsterFest 
Saturday, May 17, 2025

An afternoon of FUN for the family - enjoy entertainment, games, music, and prizes.

The Tustin Lobsterfest is an annual fundraiser event that provides financial support for the programs and services sponsored by the Tustin / Santa Ana Rotary Club. All net proceeds from this event help pay for local Rotary programs throughout Tustin and Santa Ana.

LOCATION:
Peppertree Park – Corner of First and C Street
Tustin, CA

Huntington Beach
Old World Wiener Nationals Dachshund Races 
May 18, 2025
“Cobblestone Classic” Race & Pet Expo
10 am - 2 pm

Great Family Fun! Come for a fun-filled day of watching adorable dachshunds race to the finish line. This event is perfect for dog lovers of all ages. Get ready to cheer on your favorite furry friends as they dash towards victory! Don’t miss out on the excitement of the Old World Wiener National Races. Bring your family and friends for a day of laughter, fun, and adorable pups!

UPCOMING DATES:
June 8, 2025 – “Summer Showdown” Race & Pet Expo
August 3, 2025 – “Old World Derby” Race & Pet Expo
September 7, 2025 – “Oktoberfest Launch” Race & Pet Expo
September 21, 2025 – “Princess Theresa Trot” Race & Pet Expo
October 5, 2025 –“Blitzkreig Bob” Race & Pet Expo
October 19, 2025 –“Prince Ludwig Open” Race & Pet Expo
November 2, 2025 –“Old World National Championship” Race & Pet Expo

LOCATION:
Old World Village Festival Hall
7561 Center Avenue #49
Huntington Beach

Santa Ana
Santa Ana Zoo's Party for the Planet/Endangered Species Day 
May 18, 2025
11 am - 2 pm

Celebrate Earth Day and Endangered Species Day with a scavenger hunt and special activities.

General Public – free with price of admission; FOSAZ Members – FREE. City of Santa Ana Residents – FREE.

LOCATION:
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E Chestnut Ave
Santa Ana, CA

Balboa
Balboa Island ArtWalk 
Sunday, May 18, 2025
9 am to 5 pm

Over a mile of art and live music!

Balboa Island ArtWalk features 90 artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Spectators will enjoy live music throughout the day on three stages along the wal.k Admission is free.

LOCATION:
1000 South Bayfront
Balboa Island, CA

Brea
Taste of Brea & Business Expo
Thursday, May 22, 2025
5- 9 pm

Brea's Annual Foodie Extravaganza is here! Enjoy a delicious mix of food, drinks, and fun in Brea Downtown.

Come and enjoy dancing to live music with family and friends. Spend this evening strolling the Brea Downtown, enjoying tasty samples from our local Brea restaurants and beer/wine providers while reveling in the beautiful domain that Brea has to offer.

LOCATION:
Downtown Birch St. promenade

Garden Grove
Strawberry Festival 
May 23-26, 2025

The festival is a parade and carnival celebrating the city's strawberry-growing history. Free admission!

LOCATION:
Euclid St & Main St
Garden Grove, CA

INFORMATION:
714-638-0981

Costa Mesa
Scottish Fest 
May 24-25, 2025

The event features hundreds of bagpipers and drummers, Scottish and Irish food and vendors, Scottish clans, Highland dancing, and traditional Scottish feats of strength like the hammer throw, putting the stone, and caber toss. Part of the United Scottish Society, the festival was established in 1932 and was called a Highland Games in the tradition of Scottish heritage.

LOCATION:
OC Fair and Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Silverado
Giracci Vineyards Sip & Stroll 
Sunday, May 25, 2025
11 am - 4 pm, Winery open until 5 pm

OC Spring Wine & Farmer's Market Sip & Stroll

Sip wine, shop, and stroll around to experience the array of food and lifestyle exhibitors. Kids activities, Dog Friendly, Live Music & more! There will also be goats, chickens, 2-week-old ducks, and chicks aged 1 to 2 months for sale. Free Admission.

Sip & Stroll Farmer’s Market will be occurring on the last Sunday of every month through November.

LOCATION:
Giracci Vineyards & Farms
16162 Jackson Ranch Rd
Silverado, CA 92676