(Updated January 2026)
This is your go-to list of Orange County events for families happening this weekend (January 30-February 1, 2026). Discover the best things to do in Orange County on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, including free family-friendly events across OC.
Looking for free family-friendly weekend events in Orange County? This guide highlights the best things to do in Orange County this weekend, including kids' activities, community events, food trucks, live music, and craft fairs. Events are organized by date to help families plan their weekend with ease. Always double-check the event website for the latest details.
To submit a weekend event, email jill@sandytoesandpopsicles.com.
Jump to: All Weekend · Friday · Saturday · Sunday
Things to Do in Orange County - All Weekend
Orange County Storytimes
Huge list of every story time in Orange County.
OC Public Library FREE Events
Here you will find all the family-friendly library events in your Orange County library.
Monster Jam (Anaheim)
📅 January 31 - February 1, 2026
📍Angel Stadium
2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806
Experience adrenaline-charged fun for everyone. You'll be on the edge of your seat watching the legendary Grave Digger®, snarling El Toro Loco, mighty Megalodon® and more push the limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions. Monster Jam. As Big As It Gets!™
Solar System Encounter at Discovery Cube (Santa Ana)
📅 January 22 - February 22, 2026
📍 Discovery Cube OC
2500 N Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Embark on an immersive journey through our cosmic neighborhood as the Solar System Encounter returns to Discovery Cube Orange County! Featuring stunning, ultra-high-definition imagery from the James Webb Telescope. This stellar exhibit surrounds guests with colossal 360° models of the sun, planets, Earth's moon, and even the dwarf planet Pluto. Vivid lights, breathtaking visuals, larger-than-life displays bring each world to life, inspiring visitors of all ages to explore, discover, and be amazed by the wonders of our Solar System.
Things to Do in Orange County - Friday
Concert in the Jeronimo Tunnel with Elevated Measure (Mission Viejo)
📅 Friday, January 23, 2026
📍 Jeronimo Tunnel
Jeronimo and Arbolitos, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
💰 FREE
Enjoy a free concert in the Jeronimo Tunnel with Elevated Measure. A fun blend of American Reggae, Country and Blues!
🍂 Wild Tales (Newport Beach)
📅 Friday, January 23, 2026
📍 Upper Newport Bay
2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA
💰 FREE
Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.
Nose, Toes & Ears Preschool Program (Orange)
📅 Friday, January 23, 2026
📍 Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close!
Program is for ages 3-4 years old ONLY. Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program
🦉 Nature Creativity: Tracing Your Life Through Tree Rings (Irvine)
📅 Friday, January 23, 2026
📍Mason Regional Park
18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
💰 FREE
Join OC Parks naturalists and explore life's journey with the help of tree rings. This program will include nature journaling, a quiet meditative walk and exploring the science of dendrology. We will meet near parking lot A. This program is designed for ages 12 and up.
🚘 Main Street Classic Car Show (Garden Grove)
📅 Every Friday
📍 Historic Main Street
Garden Grove, CA
💰 FREE
The Main Street Classic Car Show is the longest-running car show in Orange County. With roughly 50 parking spaces, and the show running every Friday, you're bound to catch a wide variety of rides on display.
Things to Do in Orange County - Saturday
🎨 Family Program at OCMA (Costa Mesa)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Orange County Museum of Art
3333 Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, CA
💰 FREE
Exercise your creativity and learn through making with daily art workshops at the museum! Participants will use watercolor and drawing materials to create portraits of meaningful places in Orange County. This free, drop-in program is open to all ages and hosted on Level 2. Families must sit together for the duration of the program as the projects may involve components that require adult supervision.
🧩 Puzzle Swap (Yorba Linda)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 BuyBuy Baby Parking lot
22999 Savi Ranch Pky, Yorba Linda, CA 92887
💰 FREE
You're invited to our January Puzzle Swap! Join us Saturday, January 24th from 10-11am in the parking lot of the old BuyBuy Baby in Savi Ranch. Bring any puzzles you've completed and would like to trade.
🦉 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Mile Square Regional Park (Fountain Valley)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍Mile Square Park
16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
💰 FREE
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County's natural and cultural resources. Participants will explore Mile Square Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.
🦉 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Irvine Regional Park (Orange)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
💰 FREE
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County's natural and cultural resources. Participants will explore Irvine Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.
🦉 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Clark Regional Park (Buena Park)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Clark Regional Park
8800 Rosecrans Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621
💰 FREE
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County's natural and cultural resources. Participants will explore Clark Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.
Animal Art for Ages 7-10 (Orange)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
💰 FREE
Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close!
Program is for ages 7-10 years old ONLY. Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program
Farmers Market and Crafts (Mission Viejo)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 North Paseo at LOS OSOS
25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
💰 FREE ENTRY
Every Saturday, you can shop a variety of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cooked items, handmade crafts and more. Vendors include Bee Ladies Honey, Butter Crumbs Bake Shop, South Coast Farms, Tea Lucky, The Tamale Fiesta, Black Sheep Farms, Got Green Drinks and many more.
🍜 Mini Food Tasting Event (Fountain Valley)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Mekong Supermarket
9380 Warner Ave, Fountain Valley, CA
💰 FREE
Mekong Supermarket warmly invites you and your family to our Mini Food Fair - Free Food Sampling Event!
🐕 Author event: Meet Dion Leonard and Gobi (Laguna Beach)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Laguna Beach Library
363 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
💰 FREE
Join author Dion Leonard for a captivating event as he presents the main edition of his New York Times bestselling book, Finding Gobi. This inspiring, true story chronicles Dion's journey during a grueling 155-mile ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert in China, where he met a small stray dog named Gobi.
☁️ Marshmallow Metropolis (Laguna Beach)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Rivian Laguna
62 South Coast Highway,
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
💰 FREE
Join Rivian and Sunnyside's early childhood educators as we learn principles principles of center of gravity, structural integrity, balance, and foundation. Together we will build your own structure and see if it can withstand a dinosaur attack!
📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Fullerton)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Fullerton - Amerige Heights Town Center
1923 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92833
💰 FREE
Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!
📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Tustin)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Tustin - The District Tustin Legacy
2857 Park Avenue Suite #M0004, Tustin, CA 92782
💰 FREE
Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!
📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Orange)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Orange - Outlets at Orange
20 City Blvd W. Suite 1000, Orange, CA 92868
💰 FREE
Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!
📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Aliso Viejo)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Aliso Viejo - Aliso Viejo Town Center
26751 Aliso Creek RoadAliso Viejo, CA 92656
💰 FREE
Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!
📚 Storytime and Activity at Barnes & Noble (Huntington Beach)
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
📍 Barnes & Noble Huntington Beach - Bella Terra
7881 Edinger Ave. #110, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
💰 FREE
Join us for Storytime every Saturday in our Kids department! Fun activities will vary from book to book! Parents/guardians must attend with their kiddos!
🏹 Archery for 10 and up (Anaheim Hills)
📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Oak Canyon Nature Center
6700 E Walnut Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807
Do you know how to shoot a bullseye? Join us for open range archery and we will teach you the basic skills needed to point, aim, and shoot an arrow. We will cover the correct way to draw a bow and talk about range safety. Ages 10 and up.
🚘 Anaheim GardenWalk Cars, Coffee & Culture (Anaheim)
📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Anaheim GardenWalk
400 Disney Way Anaheim, CA
💰 FREE
California's only indoor covered Cars & Coffee event! Every Saturday morning, call GardenWalk your home cars & coffee or simply stop by and bring your crowd for a covered C&C late morning gathering. All makes, models, projects, and finished builds are welcome. Enter at Clementine Street north (Clementine & Disney Way).
🚘 South OC Cars and Coffee (San Clemente)
📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Outlets at San Clemente
101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672
💰 FREE
The name says you'll find cars and coffee there. But you'll also find people and conversations. And those conversations will cover anything from powertrains to politics.
🚘 Exotics & Espresso (Irvine)
📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Eurocar
150 Progress, Irvine, CA 92618
💰 FREE
Each Saturday morning, car enthusiasts from all over gather in the parking lot of Adams Ave Donuts to enjoy a donut, a cup of coffee and a spectacle of hot rods and classic cars.
🚘 Classic Cars at Donut Derelicts (Huntington Beach)
📅 Every Saturday Morning
📍 Donut Derelicts
9015 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
💰 FREE
Each Saturday morning, car enthusiasts from all over gather in the parking lot of Adams Ave Donuts to enjoy a donut, a cup of coffee and a spectacle of hot rods and classic cars.
Things to Do in Orange County - Sunday
❄️ Winter Festival (Yorba Linda)
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026
📍 Yorba Regional Park
7600 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807
💰 FREE
No need to drive hours for winter fun! Enjoy sledding, making snow angels, and snowball fights just around the corner at the Winter Festival at Saint Mary & Saint Verena Church. Join us for a festive celebration featuring face painting, jumpers, delicious food, exciting activities, and the warmth of community spirit. All are welcome!
🚂 Model Train Show (Anaheim)
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026
📍 Brookhurst Community Center
2271 W. Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807
💰 $5 per family
Whether you're a long-time train collector or operator, new to the hobby or just like trains, this is where you want to be. As always, the hall will be full of tables loaded with model trains and accessories of all scales, from N to G and everything in between. Do you need parts? Our members have them, all at great prices. You'll find railroad memorabilia (timetables, locks and keys, lanterns and you name it). Looking for railroad books? There's always a good selection. Plus, there will be toys: vintage vehicles, Hotwheels and Tootsietoys, and Erector sets, maybe even a robot or two.
🦉 Jr. Ranger Adventure: Yorba Regional Park (Anaheim)
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026
📍 St. Verena Coptic Orthodox Church
401 Fairmont Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA
💰 FREE
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County's natural and cultural resources. Participants will explore Yorba Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.
🎷 Jazz in the Palm Court (Irvine)
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026
📍 Orange County Great Park
8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA
💰 FREE
The Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex presents a three-part live music series, Jazz in the Palm Court. Inspired by a diverse range of composers and musicians, this event echoes the rich traditions and wide stylistic spectrum of jazz - from the soulful sounds of blues and swing to the bold innovations of bebop and contemporary jazz. Bring folding chairs and blankets for seating around the Palm Court.
Free Things to Do This Weekend in OC
These Orange County places are FREE to visit, and open year round to the public. They make great places to visit on the weekends with family:
- Centennial Farm - OC Fair & Event Center | Times Vary
Centennial Farm is open to the public. Visit the animals and the farming gardens. Admission and parking are free - Family-Friendly Tide Pools in the OC Beaches in Orange County
Check out this list of the best family-friendly tide pools in Orange County. - Niguel Botanical Preserve - Crown Valley Community Park | All Day
If you are looking for a scenic, family friendly nature experience, then the Niguel Botanical Preserve in Laguna Niguel is a great place to check out. - The Ecology Center - The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano
Every Saturday and Sunday - Open for self-guided exploration. Be sure to check their calendar for workshops and events happening every weekend! FREE - Pier Plaza Art Afaire - Pacific Coast Highway & Main, adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier
An arts and crafts fair overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Fun Things to Do this Weekend in OC
These OC places are open year round, and make great places to visit on the weekends with family:
- Orange County Farmers Markets - All Over OC | Times Vary
Check out this list of all the farmers markets happening in Orange County. - Balboa Fun Zone - 600 E. Bay Avenue, Newport Beach
The Fun Zone has over 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor restaurants, carnival games, vendors, food and fun overlooking the Newport Harbor & Balboa Island. - Anaheim Packing District - 440 S. Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim
One of the last remaining citrus packing warehouses in OC, that has been historically preserved and retrofitted into a market hall with restaurants, food and vendors. - Irvine Park Railroad - Irvine Regional Park, Orange | All day
Ride the train, concessions, Wheel Fun Rentals - paddleboat and bike rentals, pan for gold, OC zoo, and enjoy the park. - OCC Planetarium - Orange Coast College | Times Vary
The OCC Planetarium is an innovative and immersive experience. Regular showings are offered on weekends so everyone can come enjoy a rotating schedule of breathtaking full-dome experiences that transport you to faraway worlds.
Don't forget about all of these fun things to do in Orange County!
- THE WIZ Opens at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa (January 2026)
- Día de los Muertos Events for Families in Orange County
- 100 Halloween Events in Orange County for Kids [2025]
- ANNIE the Musical has come to Orange County
- 61 Lunar New Year Events in Orange County for Kids and Families [2026]
- 🏁 Best Tips for Monster Jam Anaheim 2026 at Angel Stadium [2026]
- Where to Take Photos with Santa in Orange County, CA (2024)
- Best Christmas Lights in Orange County (2025)
