Summer is a time for entertainment-filled festivals and Orange County is no exception. Throughout the month of June, there are a variety of family friendly festivals with packed scheduled full of everything from unique food and drinks, arts and crafts, dancing, live music and entertainment, kids’ activities, and more. Each festival has its own theme as well, so festival goers can enjoy a new cultural experience.
Choosing just from one of these exciting celebrations to highlight for this month’s Editor’s Pick is too difficult as each of the jam-packed festivals offer a different experience and entertainment for all ages.
So grab your family and indulge in the summer festival frenzy. here are the top five festivals that are happening throughout the county this month.
PICK OF THE MONTH
45th Annual Big Irish Fair and Music Fest
June 9 – June 10
The Great Park will be a lot greener than usual for this big annual Irish festival. More than 2,000 performers will be participating at the over a dozen entertainment areas. The weekend will be rich with Irish music and dancing, along with sporting events, a sheep glen, and the Leprechaun Village, which will be loaded with kids’ activities. 11am – 8pm
Orange County Great Park
6950 Marine Way, Irvine
www.irishfair.org
Doheny Surf Festival
June 23 – June 24
The popular festival is about “all things surf,” including a 60s surf contest, a Menehune (kids) surf contest, a surf tricks exhibition, and a classic longboard exhibit. Families can also enjoy live music, Polynesian dancing, and a selection of food and drinks, as well as the classic car show, surfer art and collectibles, and a vendors village. 9am – 6pm
Doheny State Beach
2500 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
www.dohenystatebeach.org/doheny-surf-festival
Long Beach Bayou Festival
June 23 – June 24
Enjoy the “joie de vivre” of New Orleans at this weekend-long festival. Families can dance in the Mardi Gras-inspired parade or indulge in the crawfish-eating contest. There will be a lively variety of Louisiana music and plenty of tasty food too. Plus, little ones will enjoy playing at the Kids Corner. 11am – 9pm, June 23 and 11am – 7:30pm, June 24.
Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach
www.longbeachbayou.com
Fountain Valley’s Summerfest
June 21 – June 24
This four-day spectacular overflows with carnival rides, live entertainment, many food and drinks options, and a variety of fun attractions. Friday night features fireworks and Saturday morning holds a car show. All rides will cost only one dollar on Thursday’s preview night. 5pm – 10pm on June 21, 5pm – 11pm on June 22, 7am – 11pm on June 23, 2pm – 10pm on June 24
The Recreation Center and Sports Park
16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley
714-649-2760 | www.fvsummerfest.com
Sawdust Festival
June 29 – September 2
Still going strong after more than 50 years, the Sawdust Festival presents over 200 artists who work in a wide range of mediums. There will be live entertainment performed on several stages as well as numerous art classes and demonstrations for both adults and children. Visit the website for additional festival details. 10am – 10pm
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
949-494-3030 | www.sawdustfestival.org
***Occasionally an event listed changes date or location after printing. Always phone ahead to confirm information. Get your event listed! Email editor@parentingoc.com. Include the name of the event, date, time, address, short description, appropriate age range, fee, phone number and photos.
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