Hello August! Your kids may be going back to school this month or still have more weeks of summer vacation. Either way, if you’re looking for ways to keep that quality time family vibe going, check out our list of the most interesting kid-friendly August 2023 events Orange County has to offer!
August 7-14 Events
Brea Fest – Brea
August 11
6:30 – 10 pm
From the website: “Brea Fest is a family event that is the “tastiest” celebration of the year! Guests are invited to sample delicious food and beverages donated from local restaurants while listening to live music. Enjoy exhibitions in the Gallery, demonstrating artists, live theater performances, shopping in market row, and much more! “Kidsville” is sponsored by North Hills Church and includes face painting, balloon animals, make-and-take crafts, a bounce house and kid-friendly foods.”
Free admission and entertainment plus a nominal fee of $4 per ticket that can be used for food and/or beverages. Proceeds from the event support Brea’s Art Programs, such as the Curtis Theatre, Brea Art Gallery, and Concerts in the Park.
Ice Cream Social at Laguna Art-A-Fair – Laguna Beach
August 13
1-3 pm
From the website: “The social will be held in the courtyard of the art festival, where visitors can enjoy the stunning surroundings of colorful artwork from 115 local and international artists. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with other art enthusiasts while indulging in your sweet tooth. Don’t miss out on this fun event! Admission to the Ice Cream Social is included in the regular admission ticket to the Laguna Art-A-Fair. Join us for a day filled with art and ice cream, and make some unforgettable memories with your friends and family.”
Tickets are $15 season pass, $10 for one day pass, $8 for seniors/student season pass, and free for children 12 and under, military, Laguna Beach resident, and Pageant of the Masters same day ticket holders.
San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival – San Clemente
August 13
9 am – 7 pm
From the website: “Held on scenic Ave. Del Mar, two main blocks of downtown San Clemente are dedicated to an entire day of FUN. Food and game booths sponsored by local nonprofit organizations, three stages with continuous live music throughout the day, contests for all ages, a Salsa Challenge, arts & crafts show, kiddie area, exhibits, face painters and much more.”
Free admission and free parking shuttles.
Movies In The Park – Various OC Locations
August 8
Casa Romantica – Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark | San Clemente
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
$5-$10
From the website: “Outdoor movie screening under the stars with candy, popcorn, and wine in Casa Romantica’s Courtyard. Globe-trotting archaeology professor Indiana Jones sets out to seize a biblical artifact known as the Ark of the Covenant. This event has open lawn seating. Guests must bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to this film screening.”
August 11:
Mason Park – Kung Fu Panda | Irvine
Central Park – Trolls | La Palma
Lake Forest Sports Park – Sonic the Hedge Hog | Lake Forest
August 13
Irvine Spectrum Center – Top Gun: Maverick | Irvine
August 14-21 OC Events
Movies In The Park – Various OC Locations
August 18
Laguna Niguel Regional Park – Spider-man: No Way Home
La Palma | Laguna Niguel
Central Park – Coco
Newport Beach | Cliff Drive Park – Turning Red
August 19
Yorba Linda | Hurless Barton Park – Lightyear
August 20
Irvine | Irvine Spectrum Center – Jungle Cruise
August 21-28 OC Events
Sea Country Festival – Laguna Niguel
August 25-27
From the website: “Bring your friends and family to experience this end-of-summer event with music, rides, games, food, and much more! The Festival is a free entry event, with nominal fees for attractions and games.”
Free.
Costa Mesa Playhouse presents: The Beauty Queen of Leenane – Costa Mesa
August 25-September 17
From the website: “Martin McDonagh’s darkly comic “The Beauty Queen of Leenane,” which premiered at the Galway’s Druid Theatre in 1996, tells the tale of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman, and Mag, her manipulative ageing mother. Mag’s interference in Maureen’s first and potentially last loving relationship sets in motion a chain of events that are as tragically funny as they are horrific.”
Farmakis Farms Craft Market – San Juan Capistrano
August 26
From the website: “Family-owned Christmas tree farm and certified farmers’ market located in San Juan Capistrano now offering a monthly craft market! Crafts, arts, handmade goods and one of a kind items! FREE to attend. Will be held the 2nd Saturday of every month.”
Free.
Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo – San Juan Capistrano
August 26-27
From the website: “This Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is good ol’ entertainment for the entire family, not to mention the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation. Proclaimed as the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation, this year’s Rodeo features saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, calf roping, tie down roping and bull riding. You won’t want to miss this year’s excitement.”
Movies In The Park – Various OC Locations
August 25
Aliso Viejo | Aliso Viejo Middle School – Toy Story
Laguna Niguel | Laguna Niguel Regional Park – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
La Palma | Central Park – Super Mario Bros. the Movie
August 27
Irvine | Irvine Spectrum Center – Spider-Man: No Way Home
August 28-31 Events
Festival of Arts Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate – Laguna Beach
Thursdays, July 13 – August 31
5:30pm
From the website: “Chocolate, wine, and all that jazz sweetens up the Festival of Arts this summer! On Thursday nights, indulge your senses at the “Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate” series. Sample a wide variety of wines specially selected and paired with gourmet chocolates.”
Cost: $25 (does not include Festival of Arts admission or reserved seating). There is limited “nightclub” seating available in reserved section for $50 per person per concert.
Sigler Park Splash Pad – Tustin
Open daily now through September 4
12-5 pm
From the website: “The sun is shining! The weather is warm! The Sigler Park Splash Pad opens Memorial Day weekend!! The Sigler Park Splash Pad opens for the season starting Saturday, May 27th. Explore an array of fun new features including a grand captain’s wheel, a huge ship anchor, friendly fishes, and cool sea serpents! Join us this summer in staying cool, making memories, and having fun! Private rentals are also available!”
Free.
