Arts, Cars, and Strawberries: A Guide to Orange County’s Must-See Festivals for May

Looking for fun and exciting events to attend in Orange County? Look no further! With a wide variety of festivals, fundraisers, and family-friendly activities happening this May, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Southern California region. Whether you’re into art shows, car shows, food fests, or live music, Orange County has got you covered.

Star Wars Day May 4
The fun-filled event will offer attendees a chance to engage in Star Wars trivia, crafts, drawing contests, and photo opportunities with Star Wars characters. The library will also provide access to Star Wars books during the event. The event will be held at North Paseo in Mission Viejo from 4 to 6 pm.

949-470-3061 / https://envisionmv.com 

La Habra Citrus Fair May 5-7
The Fair kicks off with the Bubble Parade, which draws in all attendees. The event offers a wide range of activities, including thrilling rides, kiddie rides, delicious food, great entertainment, a custom car show, commercial merchandise, unique crafters, and merchandise. There is plenty of fun for the whole family, and the atmosphere is friendly and inviting. The fair is located on La Habra Blvd, between Euclid St and Harbor Blvd. Plus, all the entertainment, rides, and merchandise are free!

562-697-1704 / www.lahabrachamber.com 

The SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival May 5-7 

The event weekend at OC Fair & Event Center features several running events, including the OC Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Kids Run the OC, and the Celebrate OC 5K. Alongside these activities, there will be additional events hosted by various sponsors, as well as the celebration of OC festival. The schedule for the weekend can be found on the event website. www.ocmarathon.com 

Rancho Days Fiesta May 6
The annual Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park offers attendees a chance to delve into the rich history of Orange County’s rancho era. The event features hands-on activities, crafts, music, dance, and more. Visitors can enjoy performances of Native American and Folklorico dancing, view Early California ranching hands-on activities and exhibitors, participate in music, piñata breaking and children’s crafts. In addition, there will be charro horse riding and roping demonstrations, and historic buildings will be open, courtesy of the Amigos de la Colina docents. The event takes place from 11 am to 3 pm at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest.

 www.ocparks.com/events/rancho-days-fiesta-0 

Orange May Parade May 6
The “Peace, Love, & Orange” parade has a long history in the City of Orange. Initially, it marked the start of the Valencia orange packing season and later transformed into a platform to showcase the numerous organizations that call the city their home. Local schools, churches, businesses, and philanthropic organizations participate in the parade, which attracts thousands of spectators who line the parade route to show their support. The parade fosters a sense of community and civic pride, and it begins at 10 am in Historic Old Towne Orange.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta May 6
Max Berg Plaza Park in San Clemente will host an event showcasing live entertainment, including traditional Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico performances, as well as Cumbias, Tex Mex, and Salsa dancers. Attendees can indulge in authentic Mexican food served up by community groups, participate in carnival games, and browse through a vendor area. Additionally, the event will feature a juried art contest.

949-361-8264 / www.san-clemente.org 

Soka Arts, Music & Food Festival May 6
Soka University in Aliso Viejo is celebrating its dedication anniversary with a free, day-long event open to everyone. The event offers eclectic programming, including musical performances by contemporary artists, delicious food and drink selections, and a variety of exciting activities for the whole family. Children can enjoy balloon animals, bubble artists, inflatable slides, and a bounce house. The event runs from 11 am to 6 pm.

949-480-4081 / https://live.soka.edu 

OC Marathon May 6-7
The OC Marathon is a community event that brings together thousands of runners and walkers. The event starts at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, located just south of Santa Barbara Drive. Participants can pledge to support eleven local children’s charities through the Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK) program.

949-222-0456 / www.ocmarathon.com 

Gem Faire May 12-14
The OC Fair & Event Center is hosting a jewelry expo with nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. The event features fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals, and more, all at manufacturer’s prices. Attendees can also take advantage of on-site services, including jewelry repair, cleaning, and ring sizing while they shop.

503-252-8300 / www.gemfaire.com 

Open Garden Day May 13
The inviting community of West Floral Park and Fisher Park in North Santa Ana is opening its doors to visitors for a day of touring gardens. With tree-lined streets and vintage homes, these two neighborhoods offer a glimpse into a charming part of the city. Visitors can tour a variety of gardens throughout the day, showcasing tranquil spaces, unique planting ideas, and inspiring yard designs. The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm.

714-836-9777 / www.opengardenday.com 

Classic Car Show & Art Exhibit May 13
Four Sons Brewing in Huntington Beach is hosting an event featuring DJ Soluz spinning sweet tunes, craft beer, and delicious food from Kaya’s Kitchen HB. The event runs from 12 pm to 4 pm.

714-584-7501 / www.foursonsbrewing.com 

Beach Club Opening Day and Celebration May 13
The Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club is hosting an event to celebrate the opening of its Beach Club Lagoon. Visitors are invited to join in on the fun with a DJ, interactive games with prizes, and fun activities in the Fiesta Room. The event runs from 11 am to 3 pm.

949-858-1390 / www.samlarc.org 

Emergency Preparedness Expo May 13
Laguna Niguel City Hall is hosting an event to educate the public about emergency preparedness. The event features various public agencies and community partners, including the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, who will provide information and demonstrations on preparedness. Visitors can also see and touch emergency response vehicles in the Touch a Truck activity and explore interactive and informational displays. Additionally, there will be raffle prizes and giveaways. The event runs from 9 am to 12 pm.

949-362-4373 / www.cityoflagunaniguel.org 

Wild & Crazy Taco Night May 18
At the 30th anniversary of the event, the organizers will serve wild and delicious tacos prepared by some of the best local chefs in Orange County. The event’s proceeds will go towards providing critical social services, alleviating food insecurity, and making health care affordable and accessible to the underserved and underinsured in the community. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the OC Fair & Event Center.

949-270-2166 / www.shareourselves.org 

OC Greek Food Festival May 19-21
The annual festival celebrates Greek culture and traditions, featuring authentic Greek food, homemade pastries, traditional dancing, and music. Visitors can enjoy browsing the outdoor marketplace and engaging in children’s activities at the “Kidz Zone.” The event takes place from noon until 10 pm at St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim.

714-827-0181 / www.ocgreekfest.com 

Brea Bonanza Days May 19-21
The Country Music Festival offers attendees an opportunity to enjoy live country music performances and a variety of beer and wine selections. The event also features a Kids Zone with activities such as panning for gold and a petting zoo. General admission and parking are free. www.breadowntown.com 

Jurassic Trails & Tales May 19-21
Visitors are invited to witness the dinosaurs in their natural environment at Crown Valley Park, Laguna Niguel. The exhibition features a variety of dinosaur species such as Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Velociraptor, and T-Rex. Along with viewing the dinosaurs, visitors can enjoy prehistoric crafts and activities. Food will be available for purchase during the event, which runs from 4-7pm.

949-362-4300 / www.cityoflagunaniguel.org 

StandUp for Kids Orange County Car Show May 20 

A fundraiser benefiting homeless and at-risk youth in Orange County is inviting attendees to check out beautiful vintage, classic, and sports cars while enjoying food, drinks, and live music. The car show will take place at Auto Addiction OC, a classic car sanctuary, and promises to be an exciting event. The organizers hope to raise awareness and funds for their cause while giving attendees an enjoyable experience. The event will take place from 3-6pm. www.standupforkids.org 

Anaheim Children’s Festival May 20
The arts festival is a unique opportunity for the community to celebrate and engage with various forms of art. It is presented by the MUZEO and the City of Anaheim, and features a variety of artistic activities and performances for children, parents, and everyone to enjoy. The event takes place from 11am to 3pm at Pearson Park.

714-815-3885 / www.muzeo.org 

Great Strides Orange County Fun Run/5K May 20
The Great Strides event is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s biggest fundraising event that aims to bring hope to people affected by cystic fibrosis. Attendees can enjoy live music, team tents, lunch, an inspiring program, and a walk along the beautiful Huntington Beach coast. The event takes place from 8:30 am to 12 pm at the Huntington Beach Pier. www.cff.org 

Tustin LobsterFest May 20
The outdoor indulgence jubilee, Lobsterfest, invites attendees to treat themselves to unlimited whole lobster with pools of melted butter on the side, as well as other food options such as pulled pork, salads, and desserts. The event will feature music from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. 4-7:30pm / Peppertree Park www.tustinlobsterfest.com 

San Clemente Summer Kickoff Music Festival May 20
The Outlets at San Clemente invite the community to get in the Summer mood with a fun-filled event featuring lots of great live bands, dancing, community booths, free raffle prizes, and great shopping deals. The event runs from 11am to 3pm. 949-492-1131 / www.scchamber.com 

Muckenthaler Motorcar Festival May 20-21
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton is hosting an event that features hot rods, a Concours d’ Elegance, music, 50/50 raffle, food vendors, awards, beer and wine. The event runs from 8am to 2pm.
714-738-6595 / www.muckcarshow.org 

Balboa Island ArtWalk May 21
The fine art show features 90 artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Spectators can enjoy live music throughout the day on three stages along the walk. Admission is free. The event will take place from 9am-5pm at South Bayfront Promenade.
www.balboaislandartwalk.info 

Taste of Brea & Business Expo May 25
Attendees are invited to enjoy a delectable variety of cuisine, beverages, and entertainment in Brea Downtown. They can relish in the experience of dancing to live music with loved ones and friends. The event takes place from 5pm to 9pm on the Downtown Birch St. promenade.
www.tasteofbrea.com 

Strawberry Festival May 26-29
The annual Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove is a beloved event for locals and visitors alike. The festival offers dozens of thrilling rides for all ages, as well as a parade on Saturday to kick off the festivities. Visitors can enjoy live music every day at the Showmobile stage, and of course, plenty of strawberry shortcake to go around. Local vendors and food trucks set up booths to sell a wide variety of products and food. The festival also features fun games and contests, as well as performances at the Strawberry Festival Amphitheater. Best of all, proceeds from the festival go to support local charities. The festival takes place at Village Green Park.
714-638-0981 / www.strawberryfestival.org 

Scottish Fest May 27-28
The OC Fair and Event Center invites everyone to enjoy two days of family fun filled with Scottish culture and traditions. Bagpipes, drums, highland dancing, Scottish clans and genealogy, Scottish athletics, shopping, food and so much more await festival goers. The event runs from 10am to 6pm.
www.scottishfest.com 

Irvine Memorial Day Ceremony May 29
Attendees have the opportunity to honor the sacrifices made by the troops by writing down a brief remembrance that will be posted on a memory board during the event. The event will take place at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park at 10am.
949-724-6606 / www.cityofirvine.org 

La Palma Irvine Memorial Day Ceremony May 29
The ceremony, which has been in existence for over 40 years, honors the dedication and sacrifices made by the men and women of the nation’s armed forces. It will take place at 9am at City Hall.
714-690-3356 / www.cityoflapalma.org 

In conclusion, with so many exciting events and activities to choose from, Orange County offers something for everyone. Whether it’s enjoying live music, indulging in delicious food, or exploring the rich culture and history of the area, there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant community. So make sure to mark your calendar and attend these events to create unforgettable memories with family and friends. With so many unique experiences waiting for you, there’s no better time to plan your visit to Orange County.