Jul 11 – 12, 2025: Enjoy the Dana Point Shakespeare Festival nearby.
Jul 18 – Aug 17, 2025: The exciting Orange County Fair will be happening.
Jul 19 – 20, 2025: Head to the Ocean Festival in San Clemente, a short drive away.
Ongoing: Experience the Festival of Arts in nearby Laguna Beach.
Ongoing: The Sawdust Art Festival, showcasing local artists, continues in Laguna Beach.
Ongoing: Explore Laguna Art-A-Fair for more art displays in Laguna Beach.
Ongoing through August 10, 2025: Catch Summer Concerts in the Park. Check specific dates for different bands:
July 13, 2025: Family Style (Blues/Soul)
July 27, 2025: Modern Highway (Top 40)
August 2025
Aug 1 – 6, 2025: Dancers can participate in the Project 21 Summer Intensive.
Aug 2 – 3, 2025: The TheFitExpo Anaheim 2025 returns to the Anaheim Convention Center.
Aug 10 – 11, 2025: The San Clemente Ocean Festival takes place.
Aug 10, 2025: The final Summer Concert in the Park features Flashback Heart Attack (80s).
Aug 17, 2025: The Orange County Fair concludes.
Ongoing: The Pageant of the Masters continues in Laguna Beach.
Ongoing: The Sawdust Art Festival continues in Laguna Beach.
Ongoing: Laguna Art-A-Fair continues in Laguna Beach.
Ongoing: Weekly Tumbling & Gymnastics Camps are available in Yorba Linda.
Ongoing: The Little Scholars Summer Camp offers activities for children in Yorba Linda.
September 2025
Sep 27, 2025: Celebrate at the OC Pride 2025 Festival & Parade in Costa Mesa. This is a ticketed event.
Ongoing: The Sawdust Art Festival concludes at the end of the month in Laguna Beach.
Ongoing: Laguna Art-A-Fair concludes at the end of the month in Laguna Beach.
October 2025
Oct 2, 2025: Attend the Internship & Career Expo at CSU Fullerton.
Oct 8, 2025: The California Technology Summit is at the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort.
Oct 7 – 9, 2025: Attend WESTEC, a manufacturing technology series in Anaheim.
Likely late October: The Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival typically takes place in Old Towne Orange, offering a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating from local merchants, a costume parade, entertainment, and games. Food and drinks are usually available for purchase from non-profit groups.
November 2025
Nov 7 – 9, 2025: The Brennemann Lectures are held at Disneyland Park.
Nov 28 – Dec 23, 2025: The Christmas Train begins its festive runs at Irvine Regional Park.
December 2025
Dec 3, 2025: The Family Foundation Alliance: Celebration of Giving 2025 takes place.
Dec 23, 2025: The Christmas Train at Irvine Regional Park concludes.
TBD December 2025: The Newport Christmas Boat Parade is expected to take place in Newport Beach.
Likely early December: Orange’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is a beloved annual event, bringing festive cheer to the community.
January 2026
Jan 24, 2026: Enjoy The Holidays with Canadian Brass at Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Jan 24, 2026: See the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Jan 24, 2026: Enjoy Seong-Jin Cho, piano at Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Jan 29, 2026: The Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería / Minería Symphony Orchestra performs at Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Ongoing: See Great American Crooners: A Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS Production at Irvine Barclay Theatre.
What to do in Orange, California
Arts & Culture
Old Towne Orange: Step back in time in this historic district, famous for its preserved early 20th-century buildings that circle a central plaza. It’s brimming with unique shops and diverse restaurants and is even on the National Register of Historic Places. Strolling through here is an experience in itself.
Old Towne Walking Tour: Discover the rich history and beautiful architecture of Old Towne Orange at your own pace with a self-guided tour.
Cypress Street Barrio Tour: Delve into the vibrant Mexican American heritage of this community through a special tour.
Orange Public Library & History Center: Explore local history and fascinating collections at this community hub. 407 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.
Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens: Visit the beautifully preserved home and gardens of the renowned Polish actress, Helena Modjeska. Admission is typically $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children, and visits are by appointment only.29042 Modjeska Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676.
George Key Ranch Historic Park: Get a glimpse into early Orange County life at this historic ranch. 625 W Bastanchury Rd, Placentia, CA 92870.
Heritage Hill Historical Park: This park features several historic buildings that transport visitors through different periods of Orange County’s past. 25151 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630.
Hilbert Museum of California Art: Located at Chapman University, this museum showcases a wide range of California art, from representational paintings to pop art and animation. Admission is free with advance reservation.167 N Atchison St, Orange, CA 92866.
Chapman University: Explore the beautiful campus grounds and architecture of this private university. While specific academic programs have tuition costs, visiting the campus itself is free. One University Dr, Orange, CA 92866.
Outdoor Activities & Parks
Irvine Regional Park: This expansive park offers a wide array of activities for all ages. 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869.
Irvine Park Railroad: Enjoy a charming train ride, paddle boats on the lake, or rent bikes to explore the trails. Train rides are $7 per person. Paddle boat rentals are $22 for half an hour. Bike rental prices vary. Pony rides are $8 per person (cash only).
OC Zoo (within Irvine Regional Park): Meet animals native to the Southwestern United States at this smaller zoo. Zoo admission is $2 per person (ages 3 and over). Keep in mind there’s a separate park entrance fee for Irvine Regional Park.
Orange Plaza Square Park: The heart of Old Towne Orange, this historic park is a central gathering place, perfect for relaxing, people-watching, and attending community events. Free to enter.100-142 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.
El Modena Open Space: Ideal for those seeking hiking trails and a chance to observe nature. Orange, CA 92869.
Ralph B. Clark Regional Park: This park features diverse landscapes, walking paths, a nature center, and a large playground. 8800 Rosecrans Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621.
Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park: A natural open space perfect for hiking and horseback riding. 30952 Oso Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
William R. Mason Regional Park: Known for its serene lake, walking paths, and expansive grassy areas. 18712 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612.
Entertainment & Shopping
The Outlets at Orange: An outdoor shopping destination with a variety of well-known brand stores and restaurants. 20 City Blvd W, Orange, CA 92868.
Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market: A lively weekly market where you can find fresh local produce, unique artisanal goods, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere. 303 W Palm Ave, Orange, CA 92866.
The Escape Game Orange: Test your problem-solving skills and teamwork in an immersive escape room adventure. Expect to pay around $42 per adult.20 City Blvd W Suite 1150, Orange, CA 92868.
AMC Orange 30: A large movie theater complex offering a wide selection of current films in multiple auditoriums, including IMAX and Dolby Cinema. Ticket prices vary by showtime, format (e.g., standard, 3D, IMAX), and age (adult, child, senior). Matinee prices before 4 PM are typically 25% off evening base ticket prices.20 City Blvd W, Suite E, Orange, CA 92868.
Vans Skatepark: This popular indoor skatepark offers over 35,000 square feet of features for skateboarders. The Vans Off the Wall Skatepark is free to the public.20 City Blvd W, Orange, CA 92868.
Antique Row: Explore the numerous antique shops and vintage stores concentrated around the Orange Circle. It’s a treasure trove for unique finds and collectors. Costs vary depending on purchases.Generally located around W Chapman Ave and N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866 (e.g., Country Roads Antiques is at 216 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866).
Disneyland Park (nearby in Anaheim): The iconic original Disneyland, offering beloved attractions, parades, and character encounters. Ticket prices start from $104 for a 1-day, 1-park ticket, with variations depending on the date and whether you choose park hopper options.1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802.
Universal Studios Hollywood (nearby in Hollywood): This theme park combines thrilling rides with a fascinating studio tour, letting you go behind the scenes of famous movies. Tickets generally start from $109 for a 1-day ticket, with prices changing based on the date.100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
Knott’s Berry Farm (nearby in Buena Park): A popular theme park featuring exciting thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, and various live entertainment options. Tickets are typically $70 per person.8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620.
Angel Stadium of Anaheim (nearby in Anaheim): Catch a baseball game and cheer on the Los Angeles Angels. Baseball game tickets can start from around $8.2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806.
What to eat in Orange, California
O SEA | seafood for thought: A highly-regarded seafood restaurant in Old Towne Orange, praised for its fresh, responsibly-sourced seafood and innovative flavors. Appetizers typically range from $7-$27, with main dishes costing $28-$45.109 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866.
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations: Enjoy elevated American comfort food in a stylish setting, accompanied by an impressive selection of whiskeys. Main course entrees generally run $20-$40.118 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.
Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar: Known for its inviting atmosphere, a wide variety of craft beers, and delicious, freshly prepared meals made with local and sustainable ingredients. Entrees typically fall between $18-$35.190 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866.
1886 Brewing Co: A local brewery offering its own craft beers alongside a menu of satisfying comfort food. Main dishes typically $15-$30.114 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866.
The Orange Hill Restaurant: Experience fine dining with breathtaking panoramic views of Orange County, serving classic American cuisine. Starters are typically $16-$36, and main courses range from $30-$60+.6410 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869.
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen: A popular choice for authentic and elevated Mexican dishes in a sophisticated ambiance. Entrees typically cost $20-$35.141 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866.
Watson’s Soda Fountain & Cafe: Step into a classic American diner and soda fountain for a nostalgic experience in Old Towne. Main dishes usually range from $10-$20.116 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.
Citrus City Grille: Enjoy a blend of Mediterranean and American flavors in a modern setting. Entrees are typically $20-$40.122 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866.
Provisions Market: A casual spot offering gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and a diverse selection of craft beers. Sandwiches and salads generally cost $12-$18.143 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866.
Bruxie: Famous for its creative and delicious gourmet waffle sandwiches, available in both sweet and savory varieties. Waffle sandwiches typically range from $8-$15 each.292 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866.
