We blinked and somehow it’s the end of the school year already! June means summer break, summer fun, summer festivals, and summer heat! To help you fill those looooong school-free days in the first month of summer, we’ve put together this carefully curated list of the most interesting, family-friendly Orange County events June 2024 has to offer!
And if you haven’t yet, definitely check out our Guide to Orange County’s Best Summer Camps. It is filled with a wide variety of camps that your kids will surely love.
Here are some fun events to fill your summer days in Orange County this June 2024!
Brea Summerfest – Brea
Now through June 2
Discovery Cube’s “Ocean Encounter” – Santa Ana
Now – September 2
If you haven’t yet checked out this awesome exhibit at The Cube, now is the time! From their website: “Immerse the whole family in an interactive aquatic wonderland where you’ll explore the zones of the ocean including Sunlight Zone, Twilight Zone, Midnight Zone, Abyss, and Trenches, each showing different aspects of ocean life and the threats they face from human activity. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about ocean conservation efforts and engage with hands-on activities and a submarine that provides an immersive experience into the mysteries of the ocean. The exhibit also highlights important ocean issues such as coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and kelp forest decline and offers ways to help solve these problems. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to connect with the wonders living just beneath the surface and be inspired to protect our coastal community.“
Tickets: Adults ages 15+ $23, Children ages 3-14 $18, Seniors ages 62+ $20. Parking: $8.
Beach Clean Up – Huntington Beach & San Clemente
June 1 (San Clemente), June 8 (Huntington Beach), June 15 (Bolsa Chica)
If you’re going to be at the beach anyway this June, why not spend a couple hours helping to clean up our beautiful beaches. This event is a nice way for children to learn about the importance of keeping our planet clean, and have a fun day in the sand at the same time.
Free. Registration required.
Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off – Tustin
June 2
From their website: “This annual party takes place in the streets of Old Town Tustin holds the distinct honor of being the largest one-day chili cook-off in the country, according to the International Chili Society. The event comes alive with a variety of exhibitors featuring crafters, community organizations, food and chili booths, and craft beers and wine. Live music and contests are featured on event stages and there is a Kids Fun Zone with games, bounce houses, and entertainment. Proceeds from the event are donated to local non-profit organizations and service groups whose members volunteer during the event. The 2023 event was able to give back $17,500 to local non-profit organizations.”
No entry fee. Food available for an additional cost.
The Heart Of Robin Hood – Fullerton
June 4 – 26
Here’s an updated twist on the classic Robin Hood story, and perhaps a way to introduce your young fans of the Disney classic film to live theater? From the Muckenthaler Cultural Center website: “The notorious Robin Hood and his band of outlaws steal from the rich, creating a fearsome reputation amongst those who dare to travel through the mighty Forest of Sherwood. But they do not share their spoils with the poor and are unloved by the people, who must also pay unfair taxes to the evil Prince John as he plots to steal his brother’s crown. In this time of chaos and fear, it is down to Marion to boldly protect the poor and convince Robin that he must listen to his heart if they are to save the country.”
Baby Music At Play & Parties – Orange
June 3rd and every Monday of the month
Here’s a fun parent & me activity you can drop into when your baby’s napping schedule permits! From their website: “Baby Music & Play introduces songs to the littlest ones just venturing out for their first circle time music experiences. Fine motor development is enhanced through finger and hand play songs, clapping, instruments and basic movement. Parachute time is a favorite and the teacher plays the Ukulele at the end of class for a special song where all the little ones get to strum along.”
$20 for a 45 minute class. Recommended for ages 3 months to 2.5 years old. Sign up via their website here.
OC Parks Sunset Summer Cinema
June 7 and every Friday night during the summer until August 30
From their website: “12 free movie screenings Friday nights beginning June 7 to Aug. 30 at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Mason 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 blockbusters and popular classic films, complete with dynamic pre-show entertainment such as character interactions, DJ-led games and more. Cinema events begin at 6 p.m. with screenings starting after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m.”
The series kicks off in June 2024 with WONKA (2023) and includes other family crowd pleasers like THE LITTLE RASCALS (1994), MIGRATION (2023), and MEN IN BLACK (1997). 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 so bring your own chairs and blankets.
The Barber Of Seville Opera For Kids – Costa Mesa
June 8
What better way to introduce your family to the classic artform of opera than with a kid-friendly show at the Segerstrom Center For The Arts? From their website: “Don’t miss out on this fun-filled adventure! Join Figaro, the clever barber, as he helps the brilliant Rosina in her hilarious quest for true love. But is the object of her affections really who he says he is? Rossini’s thrilling opera is filled with catchy tunes, silly antics, virtuosic singing, and lots of laughs. Enjoy pre- or post-concert fun with special activities for kids in the concert hall lobbies related to the theme of the concert, including a coloring station, craft station, photo backdrop, and S.T.E.A.M. station. Activities start at 9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers, and 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers.”
Tickets start at $15.00.
Pier Swim – Huntington Beach
June 8
For 73 years now, local ocean lovers have been participating in this Surf City tradition, which starts with a run on the beach and a swim around Huntington Beach’s iconic pier. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, it can be fun to watch the horde of avid swimmers dive enthusiastically into the water and emerge some minutes later triumphant in their return.
$25 per person to participate. Swimmers as young as 12 years old are allowed to race. Free to spectate.
Cypress Summerfest – Cypress
June 9
This free family-friendly event on the Civic Green in Cypress features a magic show, crafts with the Cypress Library, activities, games, booths, food trucks, and an outdoor screening of PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH.
Free.
Playdate With Spiderman at Play & Parties – Orange
June 12
If you’re looking for something fun to do with your child indoors where it’s cool and shady (no sunscreen required!), check out Play & Parties in Orange. They have a full line up of kid-friendly activities during the day (plus adults-only events in the evenings) including playtime and art classes. On Wednesdays, they host character playdates where your child can hang with their cartoon idols without dealing with the crowds, lines, and costs of a theme park visit. This June 12th’s event features Brooklyn’s favorite friendly neighborhood superhero, Spiderman! Other playdate events in June include Gabby, Ariel, and Rapunzel!
$20 per class. The Playtime includes theme games, dancing, super hero training, and of course a time to chat with favorite friends and take pics. These classes are geared for the younger ones in the mornings and slightly older ones in the afternoons and are recommended for all ages. Check their website for the full event schedule!
FV Summerfest – Fountain Valley
June 13-16
This fun and kid-friendly annual summer tradition includes carnival rides, evening drone shows (which I think replaced fireworks from years past!), beer & wine garden, food booths, vendors, and live music from bands including local favorites Tijuana Dogs, and a tribute to Taylor Swift. One of the classic Orange County events June 2024 has to offer and also a great way to celebrate Father’s Day with your family!
$5 for all attendees age 5 and up.
OC Parks Summer Concert Series
June 20 and every Thursday during the summer until August 22
From their website: “Enjoy live music from exceptional bands and artists 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 The Smiths and Morrissey cover band Sweet and Tender Hooligans June 20 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and renowned artists including Mariachi Divas, Flashback Heart Attack, A Thousand Horses, No Duh, Ozomatli, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The FABBA Show. Jimmy’s Buffet will round out the 2024 OC Parks Summer Concert Series at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.”
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. June 2024 events take place outdoors so bring your own chairs and blankets.
Irvine Juneteenth Freedom Celebration – Irvine
June 22
From their website: “Join us at the 3rd Annual Irvine Juneteenth Freedom Celebration presented by BIPOC Orange County in partnership with the City of Irvine! This free event is a celebration of freedom, hope, and joy that honors the history and contributions of Black Americans to the cultural fabric of our nation. The community is invited to learn about Black culture and the unique cultural significance of Juneteenth through music, dance, poetry, art, interactive activities, local organizations, and live performances.”
Free. To learn more about Juneteenth, America’s newest Federal Holiday for one of America’s oldest celebrations, please read our Juneteenth post here.
Doheny Surf & Art Festival – Dana Point
June 22-23
Bring your surfboard for this day celebrating the ocean waves, local artisans, and SoCal good vibes. There will be live music, food vendors, beer garden, and of course, sand and surfing.
Free. State parking fees required if parking at the beach.
Whatever Orange County events June 2024 tempts you into attending, we wish you a very happy and healthy start to your summer. Remember to apply your sunscreen, stay hydrated, mask up when applicable, and above all else, have a blast!
