Labor Day weekend is almost here and that typically signifies the end of Summer and back to school. With families trying to cram in last minute beach days and BBQs while holding on to those final few days of freedom. When I was growing up we didn’t start school until after Labor Day. But now with our local school district starting in August, we welcome it as an early school year long weekend. And one of my favorite ways to celebrate Labor Day weekend is at the Orange International Street Fair.
If you’ve grown up anywhere near the City of Orange then you are probably familiar with this event. It’s the city’s annual Labor Day weekend celebration of international food and drinks through the streets of Old Town Orange. And by the way, this is not a sponsored post. I just love this Fair so much I want everyone to know about it!
History Of The Fair
The fair began in 1973 when the city was looking for ways to celebrate its centennial year. Inspired by the Orange Street Fair 0f 1910, its quick success and popularity launched the event into an annual celebration.
Fair Location And Experience
The Orange International Street Fair takes place near Plaza Park in the historic downtown district of Orange. The traffic circle is closed and patrons are allowed to freely walk the picturesque streets and enjoy food and drinks while experiencing cultures from around the world. The streets are all divided and each have its own country represented by food, music, arts, and drinks from around the world.
My street fair experience began in my college days as an active participant of all day festivities. As long time Orange residents, my husband and I used to spend all 3 days enjoying all of the events, entertainment, and adult beverages we could. Now as responsible adults we enjoy bringing our kids to enjoy the annual tradition. We try and spend one kid free date night at the fair on Friday or Saturday and take a daytime outing with the kids on Sunday.
Street Fair Tips
The fair can get crowded at nighttime and hot during the day so plan accordingly. Make sure to pack sun screen, hats, and drink plenty of water.
The Fair always seems to fall on the hottest weekend of Summer!
The best time to bring kids is during the day right when it opens or late afternoon. Once the sun goes down the all day drinkers show their true colors and that is when the crazy could happen.
Street Fair admission is free and all of the food and beverage booths are run by local community groups, schools, and non-profits. Some of our favorite food options include the BBQ skewers from Ginza Street, the Ableskiver’s (danish donut) from Danish Street, and the Loukoumades (honey donut) from Greek Street. German Street and Ireland always have great live music entertainment.
Children’s Street is a celebration of our littles.
Fun carnival games and activities with foods like mini corn dogs and tater tots are perfect for the younger crowd. No alcohol is allowed inside Children’s Street.
Inside the traffic circle the streets are lined with local vendors, artists, and craft booths. A main stage with live music and entertainment performances take place all weekend.
If you are in the Orange area stop by this weekend and check it out.
The fair runs:
Friday, 8/30 5:00pm- 10:00pm
Saturday, 8/31 10:00am-10:00pm
Sunday, 9/1 10:00am-10:00pm
For more information on the Orange International Street Fair event and entertainment schedule visit their website:
http://www.orangestreetfair.org
Let us know if you attend the Fair and what your favorite part about it is in the comments below!
