The locals favorite! One of the Best lists one of the Best lists of Orange County Events THIS WEEKEND for Kids and Families - September 15, 16, and 17, 2023. There are so many fun things to do in Orange County this Friday, Saturday or Sunday..some events are FREE!
Looking for info on – FREE family activities, children's activities, community events, great food trucks, OC entertainment, live music performances or craft fairs? We've got the scoop on local destinations, vendors pop-ups, special neighborhood events, award-winning attractions, parades, concerts and festivals!
If the event is happening here in Southern California for the general public, it will be listed on this events calendar!
(To submit your event, email jill@sandytoesandpopsicles.com.) Details change! Double check event's website before going.
Things to Do in Orange County All Weekend
Jump to: OC Events Happening All Weekend
Friday, September 15th Events | Saturday, September 16th Events
Sunday, September 17th Events
Top Family Events Happening ALL Weekend in OC
These events are happening ALL weekend in Orange County. Scroll down further for Saturday and Sunday only events:
Family-Friendly Tide Pools in the OC
Check out this list of the best family-friendly tide pools in Orange County.
Laguna Beach Fairy Garden
The cutest fairy garden in all of Orange County
Free Miniature Train Rides at Fairview Park
Goat Hill Junction at Fairview Park
2500 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
10:30am - 3:30pm
If you haven't been to the Goathill Junction Railroad to ride the miniature train rides yet, I highly recommend checking them out. I feel that these little trains are one of the hidden gems of Orange County. There is a height requirement and kids must be able to sit by themselves. Bring a picnic! Free.
Knott's Coaster Campout
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
Saturday & Sunday
This is no ordinary camping trip! The Coaster Campout is your opportunity to camp for one night at Knott’s Berry Farm! The Coaster Campout package includes parking, two-day admission for each camper to enjoy both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark on September 16 and September 17, a camp spot for your tent, and a continental breakfast! Each campsite can accommodate up to 4 people.
Creep It Real at Heritage Museum
Heritage Museum of Orange County
3101 W. Harvard Street, Santa Ana, CA
Saturday 1 - 7pm & Sunday 11am - 5pm
Camp Creep It Real OC is a Halloween and Horror event with over 120 Spooky vendors, a 
Hocus Pocus
museum, CELEBRITY GUESTS, Food Trucks, a Halloween band, a magician Halloween music only DJ, Roaming Characters, Themed photo ops, and more!
Roger's Gardens Halloween Boutique
Roger's Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, CA
Open Daily 9am - 6pm
Step into the magical world of Roger's Gardens’ Halloween Boutique, a SoCal hotspot for all your seasonal shopping and instagrammable Halloween photos! Immerse yourself in their bewitching selection of curated Halloween décor and exclusive artisan pieces.
Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad - Opening Weekend
Irvine Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA
8am - 6pm
Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch is fun for the entire family. Enjoy the many activities for kids of all ages. The Pumpkin Patch is located just behind the train station and admission is FREE. Gate entrance fee will be charged by the County of Orange for each vehicle that enters Irvine Regional Park.
Pumpkin Patch at Tanaka Farms - Opening Weekend
Tanaka Farms
5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine, CA
All Day
Pick your own pumpkin right out of the pumpkin patch! Tanaka Farms is one of the only farms in Orange County with a REAL pumpkin patch! Tanaka offers lots of activities, wagon rides, petting zoo, arts and crafts. They also have a pumpkin cannon! PARKING PASS REQUIRED
Dozynki - Polish Harvest Festival
3999 N Rose Drive, Yorba Linda, CA
Saturday 12 - 10pm & Sunday 11am - 4pm
FREE (admission)
Taste delicious Polish food such as freshly prepared stuffed cabbage, traditional pierogi, crepes, potato pancakes, authentic Polska Kielbasa, Polish beer, and much more. You will be entertained by various folk dancers in traditional costumes, famous Polish artists and bands, children reciting Polish poetry and singing Polish songs. You will have an opportunity to explore different vendors' booths and meet representatives from diverse Polish organizations and businesses. There will be games, face painting, arts and crafts for kids.
San Antonio Fiesta
San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church
5800 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA
Friday - Sunday | Times Vary
This 3-day Fiesta includes activities such as food booths, German beer and a sports bar, games, carnival rides and continuous live entertainment. Additional highlights will feature a silent auction full of exciting items, as well as daily Bingo games.
Kids Play & Walk with Goats
Goods and Goat Market
29458 Trabuco Creek Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Times Vary
Cuddle, Brush, and Play with our special Yoga Goats. Look for chicken eggs and feed worms to the hens! We have new furry friends - Bunnies and Guinea Pigs. The zipline is a big hit! Play in the rocks with our antique Tonka Trucks. We have a Shooting Gallery with Nerf guns for kids to play with.
Things to Do in Orange County This Friday, September 15, 2023
OC Public Library FREE Events
Here you will find all the family-friendly library events in your Orange County library.
Wild Tales
Upper Newport Bay
2301 University Drive, Newport
10:00 - 10:45am
FREE
Upper Newport Bay’s popular storytime is back! Wild tales will be offered every Friday and include an outdoor storytime in their amphitheater, an age-appropriate hike, and a craft project in our classroom. Each session has a new story, hike theme, and craft project.
Super Special Storytime with Cocomelon
Play & Parties - The Village at Orange Mall
1500 E. Village Way, Suite 2131, Orange, CA
10:30am
Play & Parties hosts Live Storytimes, Singalongs, Kids Clubs & Parties! They offer safe, socially distanced creative experiences, and quality educational gifts, books, & dress up.
Park(ing) Day in Mission Viejo
North Paseo
25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA
3 - 6pm
FREE
Join the fun for Mission Viejo's second annual Park(ing) Day Children’s Fair! Event will include arts and crafts, music, interactive games, an environmental learning center, animal services, activities for grandparents and grandchildren and much more. On this day, people across the world temporarily repurpose street parking spaces and convert them to tiny parks and places for art, play, and activism. This event is designed to foster fun, creativity and social engagement for children of all ages and those young at heart.
Tot Walk- Aliso and Wood Visitor Center
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park - Aliso and Wood Visitor Center
28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA
9 - 11am
FREE
Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones (infant to age 3) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and the creek. We will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring! OC Parks staff might lead a game or introduce a local resident to the children.
Lego Block Party - Irvine University Park Library
Irvine University Park Library
4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA
3 – 4pm
FREE
Children are invited to play and create for an hour with Lego blocks.
Little Seedlings Story Time
Sherman Library & Gardens
2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA
10am
Explore nature through the wonderful world of books. Join us every Friday as we share our favorite stories, picture books and poems. Perfect for preschool children and their caregivers.
Main Street Classic Car Show
Historic Main Street, Garden Grove
4-8pm
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.
Eco Tots at the Ecology Center
The Ecology Center
32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA
9am - Noon & 1 - 3pm
We’ve designed this outdoor classroom for children to explore and connect with The Ecology Center’s beautiful, vibrant landscape. Children ages 1 to 5 and parents will help care for our gardens, save and plant seeds, enjoy a taste from the farm, protect indigenous plants, build shelters and fairy houses, and make beautiful arts and crafts from nature’s bounty.
Kids Play & Walk with Goats
Goods and Goat Market
29458 Trabuco Creek Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Times Vary
This special time is set aside for ALL GOAT LOVERS to visit the farm. Or see what it's like to walk a pet goat. This is a 30 minute walk with the herd. Take them up our trail to explore and exercise. While walking, learn stories from the farm and tons of Goat Facts from Farmer James.
Things to Do in Orange County This Saturday, September 16, 2023
OC Public Library FREE Events
Here you will find all the family-friendly library events in your Orange County library.
Movie in the Park - Yorba Linda
Eastside Park
5400 Eastside Circle, Yorba Linda, CA
7:30 - 9:30pm
FREE
Enjoy a Saturday evening at the park watching a family movie on our 20ft inflatable movie screen. Bring your chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner!
Kids Fishing Derby
Ralph B. Clark Regional Park
8800 Rosecrans Avenue, Buena Park, CA
8 - 11am
FREE
The event is open to residents of the Fourth District, which includes the cities of Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton & portions of Anaheim. Fishing derby age limit is 15-years-old and younger. Fishing rods and bait will be provided at no cost while supplies last. Food truck on site for breakfast and coffee, free hot dog lunch provided.
National Dance Day at the Segerstrom
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
1pm
FREE
No dance experience is required to enjoy this fun filled event with free entertainment and activities! The day will feature live performances and workshops from local groups in a wide range of dance styles, the chance to learn this year’s official National Dance Day routine from a special guest artist, plus fun extras including an ice cream truck, photo booth, and 360º video booth to capture all of your favorite moments. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Laser Shows the OCC Planetarium
OCC Planetarium
2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA
Times Vary
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.
Eco Tots at the Ecology Center
The Ecology Center
32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA
9am - Noon & 1 - 3pm
We’ve designed this outdoor classroom for children to explore and connect with The Ecology Center’s beautiful, vibrant landscape. Children ages 1 to 5 and parents will help care for our gardens, save and plant seeds, enjoy a taste from the farm, protect indigenous plants, build shelters and fairy houses, and make beautiful arts and crafts from nature’s bounty.
Archery for 10 and up
Oak Canyon Nature Center
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
10 & 11:30am
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.
Discover Nature Family Program
Oak Canyon Nature Center
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
10:30am
FREE
Come Saturday mornings for an hour long, naturalist-led hike through Oak Canyon to learn about the Canyon's plants, animals, history, ecology, and more! Each week is a themed hike and ends at the Interpretive Center for a live animal demonstration.
Family Workshops at AR Workshop
AR Workshop
31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2 San Juan Capistrano, CA
10am - 1pm
Join AR Workshop for a family DIY class to make one of their many wood projects! In the workshop, you will have the opportunity to customize your project with your choice of designer paints and (non-toxic!) stain colors.
Anaheim GardenWalk Cars & Coffee
Anaheim GardenWalk
400 Disney Way Anaheim, CA
8 - 11am
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
Outlets At San Clemente, San Clemente
9 - 11am
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.
Classic Cars at Donut Derelicts
Donut Derelicts, Huntington Beach
Saturday Morning
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 This Sunday, September 17, 2023
OC Public Library FREE Events
Here you will find all the family-friendly library events in your Orange County library.
Fiesta Latina en Irvine at the Great Park
Orange County Great Park
Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex
8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA
11am - 3pm
FREE
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation, society, and community. Learn about Latin American indigenous communities and those with Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, Central American, and South American roots through music, food, language, literature, and art.
Heritage House Open House in Mission Viejo
North Paseo
25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA
11am - 1pm
FREE
The public is invited to visit Mission Viejo’s Heritage House to learn about our City’s rich past. Nestled in Melinda Park, the City’s Heritage House was established in 2003 to educate the public about Mission Viejo history. Today, the Heritage House is where visitors come to learn about the people and events that made Mission Viejo “The California Promise.”
Mehregan Persian Festival at Bowers Kidseum
Bowers Museum
1802 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA
11am - 3pm
Enjoy this ancient Zoroastrian and Persian Festival celebrating the end of the harvest and beginning of Winter. Honoring Mithra, the god of light, friendship, and love. We invite the entire family to come and partake in free art projects (crown and puppet making), face painting and performances of beautiful dance and music. Also, free sampling of a Persian food treat.
Free Resident Day at the Santa Ana Zoo
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA
All Day
Santa Ana residents receive free admission to the Zoo on the third Sunday of every month. Proof of residency (such as ID or a utility bill) is required.
Concert on the Green in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Civic Center Green
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA
6 - 7:30pm
FREE
The City of Newport Beach presents its annual Summer Concerts Series on the Green featuring an array of performers for your entertainment. Bring your low-slung beach chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening in a fun atmosphere. Pack a picnic dinner or purchase from on-site gourmet food trucks.
Family Hike: Agua Chinon
Irvine Ranch Open Space
13333 Black Star Canyon Road, Silverado, CA
4 - 6:30pm
FREE
Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Agua Chinon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Hike a gradual climb of 500ft elevation. Watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike will average 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation
Kid’s Fishing Clinic Sundays
Dana Wharf Sportfishing, Dana Point
12:15pm
Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites children dockside for an educational fishing clinic. Kids will learn hands-on-fishing techniques from our expert- anglers. After each Sunday clinic concludes, Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 12:45 – 5:15; Adults are $59 and Children ages 5-12 will fish for FREE when they are enrolled in the Kids Fishing Clinic!
Fun Things to Do this Weekend in OC with Family
Orange County Event Calendar
Monthly Calendar with family-friendly events all month long.
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 on Orange County. - Knott's Soak City - Knott's Soak City, 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
A 15-acre water park with 23 speed, tube and body slides! The Wedge, Tidal Wave Bay wave pool, Sunset River, and the three‑story Beach House! - Knott's Ghost Town Alive - Knott | 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park | 10am - 4:40pm
Guests can experience an authentic western adventure by becoming a star in this summer's story of the Wild West. Offers guests a firsthand experience to play s part in the unfolding story of the wild west, with fun tasks and activities as an honorary citizen of Calico. - Camping at Pretend City 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA
Step into the wilderness at Pretend City and embark on an adventure! Get ready to explore our trails, trace the footprints of critters who call our City home, and gather around the campfire for stories and s’more-making lessons. - 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.
Free Things to Do This Weekend in Orange County
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 now 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 Capstrano
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 Afair - Pacific Coast Highway & Main, adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier
An arts and crafts fair overlooking the pacific Ocean.
Events Coming Soon to Orange County
Wanna plan for thee next big event on Southern California? Here are some events that are coming soon.
What's the Surf This Weekend in Orange County?
- FRIDAY - AM: 0-1ft flat CLEAN | 0-1ft PM: flat CHOPPY
- SATURDAY - 1ft AM: flat FAIR | 1-2ft PM: flat FAIR
- SUNDAY - AM: flat CHOPPY | PM: flat CHOPPY
Don't forget about all of these fun things to do in Orange County!!!!!
101 Things to Do With Kids in Orange County
101 Things to Do With Tweens and Teens in Orange County
101 Places to Eat Sweets in Orange County
