Are you ready for summer in Orange County? While many of us might associate summer in OC with Disneyland and the beach, there are also a slew of exciting events to enjoy with friends and family. From fairs and festivals to outdoor shows and concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to the top 8 events happening this summer that you won’t want to miss.

1. Knott’s Summer Nights

• Dates: June 14 – September 2
• Location: Knotts Berry Farm, Buena Park

Enjoy exciting summer evenings at Knott’s Berry Farm with live entertainment, interactive experiences, and delicious food options. From June through August, the park becomes a lively nighttime festival featuring local bands, DJs, and special summer-only food and drink offerings. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of thrill rides and family fun. Activities take place from 5:30 PM until park closing.

2. Sawdust Art & Craft Festival

• Dates: June 28 – September 1
• Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach

The 58th Sawdust Art & Craft Festival celebrates local artisans in a special venue just for the event in beautiful Laguna Beach. Explore over 180 artist booths featuring handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and fine art. Enjoy live entertainment, art demonstrations, and various workshops that let you tap into your creative side.

3. OC ShakesBEER Festival in Dana Point

• Dates: June 29 – 30
• Location: Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point

The OC ShakesBEER Festival in Dana Point is a family-friendly and unique event combining craft beer tasting with live Shakespearean performances. This year, attendees can enjoy an open-air production of The Tempest (or live music before the show) while enjoying craft beer and food from local vendors. Extra bonuses? Entry to the event is FREE and your canine companions are welcome to join you as well!

4. Pageant of the Masters

• Dates: July 6 – August 30
• Location: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach

Directly across the street from the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival is the Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters, a unique event where art comes to life. Witness live recreations of famous artworks with real people posing to create stunning tableaux vivants. This year’s theme, “À La Mode: The Art of Fashion,” will revisit some of the history’s grandest fashions trends and spectacles. Before the event, guests are invited to stroll through the festival art show or enjoy food and drink in the courtyard.

5. Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series

• Dates: July 9 – September 14
• Location: Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa

Catch some of the hottest acts performing live at the Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series. From Cake and Ziggy Marley to Alice Cooper and John Fogerty, this summer concert series features a diverse lineup of musicians, offering everything from rock and pop to country and jazz. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening under the stars with friends and family.

6. Orange County Fair

• Dates: July 19 – August 18
• Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

The OC Fair is a beloved summer tradition, offering thrilling carnival rides, delicious fair food, and live concerts. Each year, the fair features new attractions and interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family. This year’s theme, “It’s Always a Good Time,” also features competitions for bakers, makers, and creators! Find all the competitions happening this year here.

TIP! Think you’ll go multiple times this summer? Get an Every Day Passport for $60 to enjoy daily entry to the fair with no restrictions or blackout dates.

7. OC Parks Summer Concert Series

• Dates: June 20 – August 22
• Location: Various parks in Orange County

Enjoy FREE live music at the OC Parks Summer Concert Series, held in some of Orange County’s most beautiful parks. This family-friendly event series features a variety of musical genres from local bands and tribute acts, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars.

8. US Open of Surfing

• Dates: August 3 -11
• Location: Huntington Beach Pier

The US Open of Surfing is the world’s largest surfing competition, held annually in Huntington Beach. Taking place this year in early August, the event features top surfers from around the globe, along with skateboarding and BMX contests, live music, and vendor booths. Whether attending to witness extreme sport pros compete or just to enjoy the high energy, food, and live music, the world-renowned event is worth putting on your bucket list.

On a budget? Check out our favorite family-friendly events that won’t break the bank this summer!