It’s the month of May and you know what that means! Well…actually here in Orange County, May 2024 means a lot of different things. There’s Cinco de Mayo, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and so many more family-friendly fun Orange County events May 2024 has to offer!
May The Fourth Be With You Day at the Disneyland Resort – Anaheim
May 4
First up on the Orange County events May 2024 calendar is May the 4th, AKA May The Fourth Be With You Day. It’s been almost five years exactly since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at the Disneyland Resort, and if you haven’t been to Batuu since before the pandemic began, you may be feeling the subtle tug of a tractor beam pulling you towards this land? If you’re unable to secure a park reservation for this day, you could also celebrate it with a visit to Downtown Disney and picking up some Star Wars merch at the World of Disney. Or check out this post for ideas on how to celebrate May The Fourth Be With You Day at home!
Disneyland theme park tickets start at $104 per person for a one day one park ticket. Theme park reservations also required.
Rancho Days Fiesta – Lake Forest
May 4
Here’s a family-friendly way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Orange County events May 2024. From their website: “Come explore the rich history of Orange County’s rancho era through hands-on activities, crafts, music, dance and more! Activities and performances include: Native American and Folklorico dancing; Early California ranching hands-on activities and exhibitors; Music, piñata breaking and crafts for children; Charro horse riding and roping demonstrations; Historic buildings open, courtesy of the Amigos de la Colina docents.”
Pets are welcome outdoors only on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Event and parking are free.
The Orange May Parade – Orange
May 4
The Orange May Parade, originally called the May Festival Parade, was a fixture in the City of Orange from 1933 until its last march down Chapman Avenue in 1991. Originally, the parade marked the beginning of the Valencia orange packing season. It later evolved into a showcase of the many fine organizations that call the City of Orange home. Thousands of spectators lined the parade route to cheer on participants such as local schools, churches, businesses, and philanthropic organizations, instilling a sense of community and civic pride. The Orange Chamber of Commerce is honored to have revived the decades-old tradition for the City of Orange in 2019. This year’s parade is being held on May 4th and has a STAR WARS theme!
Free.
Mother’s Day – Your Home
May 8
If your family needs ideas for how to celebrate YOU on Mother’s Day, direct them to these helpful posts:
The Best Orange County Mother’s Day Brunch Options
An OC Mom’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Family Storytime – Laguna Niguel
May 10
From their website: “The City of Laguna Niguel, in partnership with Laguna Niguel Library, offers a free storytime activity at Crown Valley Community Center. Staff from the Laguna Niguel Library will read a story or two and there will be a free craft available for kids as well. This event is targeted towards parents with young children.”
Free.
LEGO Wednesday at Mariners Library – Newport Beach
May 15
If you’ve got a LEGO-obsessed kiddo and are looking for ways to keep them building in a social space, here’s a fun activity from the Orange County Events May calendar to partake in! From their website: “Drop into the Mariners Library every Wednesday to create with LEGO! From buildings to action figures- design, build, and invent at this casual but creative program for elementary age children.”
Free. No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
62nd Garden Grove Strawberry Festival – Garden Grove
May 24-27
This Memorial Day weekend celebration of all things strawberry is a Garden Grove institution. With carnival rides ranging from kiddie to thrill, contests, live performances, vendor booths, and strawberry shortcake for everyone!
Admission is free, but rides and food cost extra. Special one-price ride-all-day wristbands will be offered for all festival days at $35 per wristband on Friday and $40 each on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Tickets for individual rides can also be purchased separately at $1 per ticket. Rides require 3-8 tickets each.
AAPI Heritage Month Movie Night: MOANA – Costa Mesa
May 24
The Segerstrom Center For The Arts is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May with a multi-week lineup spotlighting AAPI artists and featuring dance, music, film and more! Bring the whole family for free events/activities on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, including Friday movie nights, Polynesian dance lessons (Tuesday Night Dance), and Live on Argyros Stage concerts. From their website: “On May 24, join us for a family movie night and screening of Disney’s Moana, preceded by a festive evening of music, food, and free activities for all! Enjoy fun photo ops, local food trucks, and artmaking activities designed for young movie fans.”
Free. Must sign up for a complimentary Plaza Pass in advance via their website. Bring your own chairs and blankets for the plaza. Food and refreshments available for purchase.
Scottish Fest Orange County – Costa Mesa
May 25+26
This two day festival over Memorial Day weekend has the distinction of being the oldest and longest running event of its kind in SoCal. From their website: “Join us each Memorial Day Weekend in May for the annual Scottish Fest, Southern California’s largest Scottish, Celtic, American Festival. Experience two days of world class Celtic music, piping and drumming competitions, Highland dancing contests, Scottish heavy athletics, Scottish gifts and foods, Scottish clans and genealogy, a fantastic children’s glen and so much more!“
Advance (before May 25th) 1 day ticket prices: Adults (age 13 and up) $30, Seniors $26, Children $6 (5 and under are free). Parking fee is $12 per car. All Military and First Responders receive free admission at the gate with proof of service/badge.
Memorial Day At Pretend City – Irvine
May 27
From their website: “Join us on Memorial Day to honor the fallen heroes of our military. We will host a morning Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to pay our respects. Pretend City will be open a full day today so bring your family to celebrate and play with us!”
Included with museum admission. $19.95 adults and children over 12 months. Seniors $17.95. Military and their families $16.95.
626 Night Market – Costa Mesa
May 31 – June 2
From their event page: “626 Night Market is inspired by the famous open-air nighttime bazaars of Asia, where people come together to eat, drink, socialize, and be entertained. Established in 2012, the large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. The iconic Californian festival features 250+ food, merchandise, crafts, artists, games, live concerts, and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages. 626 Night Market aims to unite and empower the community by serving as a platform for showcasing local talent including performers, chefs, and entrepreneurs.”
Admission: Presale $5; $6 on event days. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $12. Most vendors accept cash only and ATMs are available.
