It’s the month of May and you know what that means! Well…actually here in Orange County, May 2022 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 2022 has to offer!
May Day Festival – Fullerton
May 1
This first annual family-friendly event will be kicking off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The event, hosted at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, will feature cultural displays, performances, and Asian and Pacific Islander Vendors. Also being dubbed the Hawaiian Festival, there will be arts & crafts, food and drink for sale as well.
Free.
May The Fourth Be With You Day at the Disneyland Resort – Anaheim
May 4
First up on the Orange County events May 2022 calendar is May the 4th, AKA May The Fourth Be With You Day. It’s been almost three 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.
626 Night Market – Costa Mesa
May 6-8 and 13-15
From their event page: “626 NIGHT MARKET RETURNS FOR IT’S 10TH SEASON OF TRANSCENDING TRADITION! 626 Night Market is back at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. The iconic Californian festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages. Come celebrate a decade-long tradition of taste and togetherness with us!”
Admission: $5. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $10. Most vendors accept cash only and ATMs are available.
Rancho Days Fiesta – Lake Forest
May 7
Here’s a family-friendly way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Orange County events May 2022. From their website: “Come explore the rich history of Orange County’s rancho era through hands-on activities, crafts, music, dance and more at the annual Heritage Hill Historical Park Rancho Days Fiesta! 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 7
From their website: “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. The parade is a celebration of all that is unique about Orange and participation in the parade is an amazing opportunity We are thrilled to have the parade return again in 2022!”
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
Jurassic Trails and Tails – Laguna Niguel
May 13-15
From their website: “Welcome adventurers! Take a step back through time and experience a wild adventure at Crown Valley Park. You do not want to miss this opportunity to visit the Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Velociraptor, and T-Rex in their natural environment. Be sure to check out our prehistoric crafts, activities, and entertainment. Food will be available for purchase on site.“
A One-Time Only Entrance Ticket is available at $10 per person, or you can purchase an Unlimited Entrance Wristband at $15 per person. Everyone 2 years and older requires a ticket or wristband to enter the trail. Tickets will be available for purchase in person at Crown Valley Community Center starting on Wednesday, April 13th during normal building operating hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Exact cash, check, or credit card accepted. No refunds. While supplies last.
62nd Garden Grove Strawberry Festival – Garden Grove
May 27-30
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. Pricing info has not been announced as of press time. In years past, all-day ride wristbands were $30 on Friday only; $35 all other days. Tickets for individual rides could also be purchased for $1 per ticket.
Scottish Fest Orange County – Costa Mesa
May 28+29
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!“
At-the-gate 1 day ticket prices: Adults (age 13 and up) $30, Seniors $26, Children $5 (6 and under are free). Parking fee is $9 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 31
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. $14.95 adults and children over 12 months. Military and their families $11.95.
There are so many family-friendly fun Orange County events May 2022 has to offer. Happy Mother’s Day to all our readers!
