The Omicron wave is starting to subside finally, and the wildlife of Orange County are beginning to poke their heads out of their caves, rabbit warrens, and cozy homes to see what fun can be had outside this springtime. And after a bit of sniffing around, we’ve found that the answer is there are several fun Orange County Events March 2022 has to offer!
From holiday celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day, California Arbor Day, Holi, Purim, Nowruz, and more. And then there’s the festivals: OC Cherry Blossom and Bubblefest. Whether you’re comfortable with only outdoors and socially distanced events, willing to do indoor events, or still sticking with virtual for now, there’s something for everyone on this list!
Orange County Events March 2022
Arbor Day Planting At The HB Urban Forest – Huntington Beach
March 5
Celebrating the past, present, and future of native species, this tree-rific event features a special guest storyteller, planting of native trees, inspirational tree tag writing, and a short walk to see new growth of 2021 trees.
Free. Please wear green!
OC Cherry Blossom Festival – Huntington Beach
March 11-13
PLEASE NOTE: The organized portion of this event has been cancelled due to COVID. However, you can still go see the blooming cherry blossom trees that are planted at this park. Have you ever seen a copse of cherry blossom trees in full bloom? It’s a beautiful sight! And did you know that we have a garden of cherry blossom trees right here in Orange County? Here’s your chance to see these lovely trees while enjoying this annual celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture. From their website: “The Orange County Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual spring celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture in Southern California. Each year the festival brings together a broad spectrum of performers and activities that span the traditional to the contemporary. Taiko drumming, minyo, classical dance, gagaku music, origami, ikebana are presented alongside cosplay contests, anime characters, electronic music, jazz, video game tournaments and beyond.”
FREE to park and walk through the trees at your leisure.
Celebrate Purim At Pretend City – Irvine
March 16
From their website: “Today we celebrate this festive Jewish holiday including sweets, story times, and art activities. Purim is all about honoring the bravery of Queen Esther and her successful plan to save the Jews. The story helps children learn about courage, bravery and standing up for what’s right. Your kids will be able to learn about the meaning behind this important holiday….Decorate your very own grogger or create a unique mask. Children will be able to dress up and dance with our noisemakers and masks….Follow along as we read about a family and their adorable dog as they celebrate the kid-friendly holiday of Purim. This celebration includes a megillah reading, parade and cookie baking. In addition, children will learn more about the holiday through crafts….Learn about yummy Hamentaschen and sample some of ourselves….Let’s end this day of celebration with our Heading Home Purim Day Parade! Also, you can visit the art studio to make your very own masks for the end of day parade.”
Included with museum admission. $14.95 adults and children over 12 months.
Holi Hangama 2022 by OC India Women – Irvine
March 18
From the OC India Association Facebook event page: “Like every Holi, please join in with your family for Holi Hangama on Friday, March 18th at Sweet Shade Park, Irvine, CA 92606 from 6:00 -7:30 pm. Please bring your own colors, sweets, snacks and soft drinks to share with everyone. It’s a community get together. …We will play Music & Dance on Holi Songs.”
Free, No tickets. Wear White with colored Dupattas to play with colors.
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at Tanaka Farms – Irvine
March 19
From their website: “Enjoy a tractor-pulled wagon ride up to our beautiful hilltop venue for a buffet lunch and outdoor games and activities. Buffet Menu: Corned Beef, Bangers & Mash, Veggie Bangers & Mash*, Fire Grilled Chicken, Colcannon*, Cabbage*, Carrots*, Potatoes*, Broccoli Salad, Kale & Strawberry Salad*, Irish Soda Bread, Lime-Ade, Iced-Tea, Water, Coffee, and dessert (TBA). *Made with vegan ingredients in a shared kitchen.”
Reservations required. Prices: $59 (13+ years), $39 (4 – 12 years), Children 3 and under are FREE.
Dinosaur-like Birds and Bird-like Dinosaurs – Orange
March 19
From their website: “Learn about the exciting journey of feathered dinosaurs to our modern birds! A specialist from the Dinosaur Institute at Natural History Museum LA will join a zoo educator to explore this topic. All classes include hands-on learning, fun crafts or activities and meeting zoo creatures up close!”
$5 per child, ages 8-10 only. Registration required.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Railroad – Orange
March 26-April 16
From their website: “Hop on over with family and friends to enjoy this fun and exciting Spring-time event! Children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny as well as participate in several festive activities that are located throughout the area. No reservations required and the train and activities operate daily.”
Entrance to Easter Eggstravaganza is free. Activity tickets are $6 each; book of 15 tickets is $80 ($10 savings). Parking is $3 per vehicle on weekdays; $5 on weekends; $7 on holidays.
March 26
From their website: “Celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, with the Farhang Foundation and Pacific Symphony! A traditional festival that marks the beginning of spring, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the “rebirth of nature” and wash away the past. Joining the Symphony for this festive celebration are vocalist Alireza Ghorbani, guest conductor Shardad Rohani, vocalist Mojgan Shajarian and guitarist Lily Afshar. Pre-concert festivities from 7 to 7:45 p.m. include traditional musicians and dancers and a grand Haft Sîn display.” For more info about this Iranian New Year holiday, read our post on Nowruz!
Tickets start at $74. All ticket holders must wear a mask AND provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test (PCR test taken within 48 hours or antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance). Home tests will not be accepted. Guests over the age of 18 must also bring photo ID.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! – Huntington Beach
March 28
Though one of the later Orange County events March 2022 events on the calendar, this activity is sure to please even the grinchiest of kids. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with some of his famous characters and create a special Dr. Seuss themed craft at this children’s event at Bella Terra.
Free but RSVP required. All attendees are eligible for free and discounted items at select Bella Terra vendor locations.
Bubblefest at the Discovery Science Center – Santa Ana
March 30 – April 17
From their website: “Orange County’s popular spring family festival returns to Discovery Cube Orange County. …Come see the colorful and spectacular Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, a breathtaking 45-minute production featuring world-famous bubble artist Melody Yang. Each show combines bubble artistry, music, and lasers that amaze and delights kids of all ages – including grown-up kids.”
Bubblefest presale tickets start at $23.95 and includes all day access to the indoor and outdoor exhibits, plus a seat at the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show and entry to the outdoor Bubble Zone. Children ages 2 and under are free. Check local magazines for coupons!
Magical Fairy Home Building Workshop – Mission Viejo
Virtual
Build your own personalized fairy home by purchasing a Magical Fairy Cottage kit, which includes access to a 1 hour instructional video. The kits come boxed and bagged, and can be used at home or given as a gift. Everything including pixie dust is included so all you need to supply is your imagination! For more info about the Oso Creek Trail Fairy Garden or for some Fairy Home inspiration, check out this post I wrote over at Eco Friendly Mama.
Kits can be picked up in Mission Viejo for $50, or mailed directly to you for $70.
We hope you enjoy one of this wide variety of Orange County Events March 2022 has to offer. Know of a family-friendly event in March that you think should make the list? Please let us know in the comments below!
