Fall in Orange County is all about soaking up the season’s best vibes with food and fun from this year’s harvest. From the streets of Old Towne Orange to the colorful lanterns of the Mid-Autumn festivals, there’s a festival here that’ll make you feel right at home—whether you’re indulging in bratwurst and beer at Oktoberfest or getting crafty at the Irvine Global Village. Check out our list of awesome fall festivals in Orange County that bring together the amazing flavors and traditions that make OC a truly special place to be this time of year.

1. Orange International Street Fair

• Date: August 30-September 1, 2024
• Location: Old Towne Orange Plaza, Orange

Hosted annually over Labor Day weekend, The Orange International Street Fair had been a staple in Orange County for decades and transforms Old Towne Orange into a global culinary tour. With sections of the cross streets of W. Chapman and N. Glassell designated as a differenct “country,” guests can enjoy cuisine ranging from Mexican street tacos to Asian spring rolls, and from Greek gyros to Lebanese shawarma. The fair also features live entertainment on multiple stages, including local bands, traditional dances, and other cultural performances.

Most food and drink booths are operated by local nonprofits, so you can enjoy great food while also suppoting important causes within the community. You can also support local artisans and crafters who set up booths near the center of the Circle, featuring handmade goods, arts, and more. Entry is free.

2. Old World Oktoberfest

• Date: September 8-November 3, 2024 (Wednesday-Sundays only)
• Location: Old World Village, Huntington Beach

The Oktoberfest celebrations at Old World Village in Huntington Beach are as close to Munich as you can get without leaving California. Held annually since 1978, this event is famed for its authentic German beer, served in large steins, and delicious Bavarian cuisine. The festival features live German bands, beer-drinking contests, and even Dachshaund races on Sundays! Enjoy bratwurst, schnitzels, and freshly baked pretzels, all while listening to live Oompah bands.

The event offers free admission for people of all ages every Wednesday and Thursday, however weekend admission costs vary depending on the time and day, which you can see here. The party becomes a 21+ event on Friday and Saturday evenings. Those times tend to sell out, so we recommend getting your tickets in advance here.

3. Mid-Autumn Festival

Date: September 13, 2024
Location: Great Park, Irvine

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional East and Southeast Asian celebration of the harvest and the full moon and dates back over 3,000 years to when the Emperor of China worshipped the moon for bountiful harvests. Traditionally, this festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, when its believed the moon is at its fullest and brightest. It’s a celebration that holds deep significance in many East Asian communities, particularly among the Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese cultures.

The event at Great Park is held in the evening from 5 PM – 9:30 PM and brings together cultural performances, artistic demonstrations, craft booths, and traditional mooncakes and seasonal foods from across East Asian cuisine. It’s a family friendly and wonderful event that celebrates the great diverse cultures of Irvine and Orange County. Entry is free.

4. OC Moon Festival (Tết Trung Thu Festival)

Date: September 13, 2024
Location: Mile Square Park, Fountain Valley

As an alternative to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Irvine, the OC Moon Festival in Mile Square Park focuses on the more specific Vietnamese traditions around the Mid-Autumn Festival (or Tết Trung Thu), which date back thousands of year. Families can wait in line for free colorful lanterns and moon cakes while enjoying live folk music and cultural performances.

There are several food and drink vendors offering modern and traditional Vietnamese fare. This festival is particularly fun for kids with several stalls dedicated just to them, featuring activities like face painting, balloon animals, and craft stations. Entry is free.

5. Dożynki Polish Harvest Festival

• Dates: September 21-22, 2024
• Location: Saint John Paul II Polish Center, Yorba Linda

Celebrating the Polish tradition of Dożynki, this centuries-old tradition celebrates the culmination of the harvest season with a lively event held annually at the Polish Center in Yorba Linda. Dożynki offers a glimpse into Polish culture, featuring traditional folk music, dances, and, of course, a spread of authentic Polish cuisine. Admission is free, but you’ll have to purchase “tickets” which can pay for food, games, and gifts.

Visitors can enjoy an array of traditional Polish foods including well known pierogi, kielbasa and pączki and lesser known dishes like bigos (a stew of sauerkraut and meat) and nalesniki (Polish style crepes). There is also a selection of Polish beer (or piwo), and guests can get additional Polish goods from the Polish grocery stall annually hosted by the Polka Deli.

6. Tustin Tiller Days

• Dates: October 4-6, 2024
• Location: Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin

Tustin Tiller Days harks back to Orange County’s agricultural roots with tractor displays, carnival rides, and live entertainment. It’s also an opportunity to give back–similar to the Orange International Street Fair, many of the booths are run by local nonprofit and community groups in an efffort to raise funds.

Come and enter into the hot wing eating contest on Friday, enjoy the special pancake breakfast, weiner dog races, and Tillers Day parade on Saturday, or compete in the ice cream eating contest and enjoy a pint at the Annual Backyard Brewfest on Sunday. Entry is free.

7. Irvine Global Village Festival

Date: October 5, 2024
Location: Great Park, Irvine

The Irvine Global Village Festival is a one-day event celebrating a kaleidoscope of cultures that make up the community of Irvine and offers a chance to experience the world without leaving Orange County. The festival features internation cuisine from local vendors, so you can sample dishes from Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. You can also enjoy great global performances that range from traditional to contemporary, including Chinese dragon dances, Mexican folklorico, Middle Eastern belly dancing, and African drumming.

The festival also offers some great shopping and interactive experiences. The international marketplace showcases booths where you can purchase handcrafted goods and global foods and spices while also offering activities like henna tattooing, calligraphy, and craft-making demonstrations. There is also a Kids Village, which offers crafts, interactive activities, a petting zoo, and more! Entry is free.

Know of any other harvest festivals happening this fall in OC? Share with us in the comments!