OC Moms Guide – August 2022

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OC Moms Guide - August 2022

It’s been a long hot summer already, and there’s still one more month of it to go. How? Why? Ugh. Well, if you’re looking for the most interesting kid-friendly August 2022 events Orange County has to offer, check out this list below!

OC Fair – Costa Mesa

Now – August 15 (Wednesdays through Sundays)

The OC Fair is back again this year with many of the favorites we’ve enjoyed year after year at this month-long event. TWO different carnival areas featuring rides and games, action sports arena, arts exhibitions, animals exhibits, produce displays, live entertainment, and more.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Limited capacity so buy them early. General (13-59) $12 on Weds-Thursdays, $14 on Fri-Sat-Sunday, Senior (60+) $7, Youth (6-12) $7, Children 5 and younger are free. Fair parking is $10 per car. Unlimited ride wristbands and Taste of the Fair tickets can be purchased in addition to fair admission tickets. 

 

OC Parks’ Critter Construction Program – Orange

August 5

From their website: “Learn about the way our world is shaped by the animals around us and why some critters play a larger role in the delicate balance of life, from our oceans to our forests. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts or activities, and meeting zoo creatures up close!”

Cost is $5 per child and one parent. There’s a parking fee of $3 per car on weekdays. Program is only for ages 7-11 years old. Phone registration is required by calling 714-973-6846. 

 

Festival of the Butterflies – San Juan Capistrano

August 6

This 4th annual celebration of all things butterfly includes a kids parade (so adorable to see little ones wearing butterfly wings of their own creation!), a kidszone, vendors, live music, and a butterfly headpiece contest where entrants are judged on their use of upcycled/recycled/organic materials.

 

Brea Fest – Brea

August 12

From their 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!”

Brea Fest admission and entertainment are free. There is a nominal charge of $4 per ticket that can be used for food and/or beverages.

 

Fiesta Music Festival – San Clemente

August 14

This annual event features a kids zone with fun activities like bounce houses and face painting, live music, contests including a bubble gum blowing contest, exhibits from vendors like the Anaheim Ducks, and arts & crafts.

Free to attend. Food & crafts available for purchase. 

 

BBQ Music Fest – Fountain Valley

August 19-21

From their website: “It’s a three-day BBQ extravaganza featuring live entertainment from local bands, a smokin’ food court (including non-BBQ related items), DJ and dance lessons, cantinas, local artisans, carnival rides and games, a children’s area with magic shows and balloon twisting (Sat. and Sun.). Taste and experience firsthand the fiery chicken, pulled pork, tri-tip, pork ribs, sausages… and sides (all available for purchase) that makes barbecue so popular in the USA — all while you enjoy taking an E-picture at the free souvenir photo booth, catch a game at the live sports tent, sing along to all your favorite songs at the karaoke lounge with a live band (Fri. & Sat. night), treat yourself to a first-class tequila/whiskey tasting experience by El Baston del Rey (Voted #1) and more. …It’s time to grab the family, put on loose clothes, come with an empty stomach and head to the BBQ Music Fest Extravaganza, right here in Southern California.”

General admission starts at $5. Children 12 and under are free (food, drinks, carnival rides, and games not included). Free parking. 

Family Hike: Round Canyon – Irvine

August 20 

From their website: “Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. Hike along a fairly-flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. The hike averages 2-3 miles round-trip at an easy pace with a medium level of
interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced and
level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and make sure to bring
plenty of water.”

Free. Must register in advance through link above. 

 

Also, don’t forget about these ongoing FREE summer concert and movie events hosted by OC Parks this August 2022!

OC Parks Sunset Summer Cinema

Every Friday night during the summer until September 2

From their website: “Twelve free movie screenings will take place Friday nights from June 17 – September 2 around sunset at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy recent favorites and popular classics with pre-show entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. and show times at approximately 8 p.m. after sundown.” 

The summer 2022 series includes family crowd pleasers like ENCANTO, THE PRINCESS BRIDE, and BACK TO THE FUTURE. Click on the link above for detailed list of movies/dates.

Free Admission and free parking starting at 6:00pm (screening starts approximately at 8:00pm after sundown). Food trucks and booths will have bites and beverages available for purchase at each location. Events take place outdoors and will be held in accordance with the most current guidance from State and local health agencies. 

 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series

Every Thursday during the summer until August 25

From their website: “Enjoy live music under the summer sky at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. The concert series kicks off with Ozomatli on June 23 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and renowned touring artists including Donavon Frankenreiter, Yachty by Nature, DSB, The Aquabats, Uptown Funk, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Sweet and Tender Hooligans, and Tijuana Dogs.”

Admission and parking are free. Open to the public of all ages. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for guests to enjoy the food trucks and to save their spot on the grass for the concert. All concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m. July 2022 events take place outdoors and will be held in accordance with the most current guidance from State and local health agencies. 

 

However you choose to enjoy the last weeks of summer in Orange County, we hope you have an awesome August 2022! And if you need more fun ideas for how to fill up your summer in the OC, check out our post about 30 free or nearly free things to do with your kids this summer!

 

OC Moms Guide - August 2022 PIN

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Hilary Feldstein Ratner
Follow me on Instagram @EcoFriendlyMama, Twitter @EcoFriendlyMa, and Pinterest @EcoFriendlyMama! Though I was born and raised in New York City, I've lived in SoCal for over ten years now and am proud to call this beautiful and diverse place my home. My husband and I have a son and baby daughter (whom I was 9 months pregnant with when this photo was taken!). Prior to becoming a mommy I spent several years in feature film publicity and acquisitions for Miramax and later as the Creative Executive for Hilary Swank Productions before seguing to the music industry where I did Online Communications for the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares. In my ample pre-parenthood free time, I also freelanced as a script analyst and screenwriter. I am fortunate now to be able to devote all my time to my family, but I still love to write so am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this blog! I am a foodie, avid traveler, environmentalist, preschool board member, and unabashed Disney nut. I can also be found writing about green parenting and eco-conscious living on my personal website, https://ecofriendlymama.com.