These torrential rains we’ve been having here may have kept you and everyone else indoors last month. But hopefully we’ll have dry sunny days ahead this March, and the wildlife of Orange County will begin to poke their heads out of their caves, rabbit warrens, and cozy homes to see what fun can be had outside this springtime. We’ve done a bit of sniffing around in advance, and have found that the answer is there are several fun Orange County Events March 2024 has to offer!
From holiday celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day, California Arbor Day, Holi, Purim, Nowruz, Ramadan, Easter, and more. So once the rain finally lets up and you’re ready to emerge from your cozy homes, we think you’ll find there’s something for everyone on this list!
Orange County Events March 2024
Annual Festival of Whales – Dana Point
March 1-3
From their website: “Welcome to the Dana Point Festival of Whales, where oceanic wonders and coastal celebrations collide! We invite you to immerse yourself in a maritime extravaganza like no other. Nestled in the heart of Dana Point, our festival pays homage to the majestic whales that grace our shores each year during their migratory journey. Picture a vibrant tapestry of marine-themed activities, educational exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment that captures the essence of our deep-sea neighbors. From captivating whale-watching excursions to engaging marine conservation talks, our carefully curated program promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.“ The event kicks off on Friday at sunset with the Welcoming of the Whales Ceremony at the Ocean Institute followed by a reception with free non-alcoholic beverages and food truck cuisine available for purchase.
Free to attend. Food available for purchase.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Railroad – Orange
March 2-30
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 $8 each; book of 15 tickets is $100 ($20 savings). Parking is $3 per vehicle on weekdays; $5 on weekends; $7 on holidays. NOTE: Easter egg hunts may sell out; plan to arrive early and exchange your ticket for a wristband for a specific time.
Bubblefest at the Discovery Science Center – Santa Ana
March 2 – April 7
From their website: “This spring break, bring the kids to do what they love most – discover & play at Orange County’s #1 family-friendly annual event! Bubblefest is an immersive science inspired festival with scientifically sudsy activities for kids of all ages. Don’t miss the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, featuring world-famous bubble artist Melody Yang, where you’ll watch a live bubble art performance synchronized with high energy music, eye-catching lasers, and a dazzling display of bubble stunts and soapy tricks.”
Ticket presale begins March 7 and details haven’t been announced as of press time. Last year, Bubblefest presale tickets started at $31.95 and included all day access to the indoor and outdoor exhibits, plus a seat at the Mega Bubble Laser Show and entry to the Bubble Zone. Children ages 2 and under are free if they sit on their adult’s lap. Check local magazines for coupons!
Ramadan at Pretend City – Irvine
March 10
Pretend City has a wonderful year-round diversity program that includes celebrations from every major world religion, cultures, and traditions. This April – along with several other fun theme days – they are celebrating Ramadan, the holy month where hundreds of millions of muslims around the world focus on their faith and perform generous acts. From their website: “Experience the beauty of Ramadan at Pretend City with a special celebration featuring activities. Join us as Author Natasha Khan Kazi shares her book on the traditions of Ramadan. Sana Yousuf from OC Henna is coming into our space to share henna art with our guests! Sana will provide free hennas to anyone who is interested! This is a huge part of any celebration in the Islamic Culture and we are celebrating Ramadan with the decoration of your hands or feet! Henna comes from a plant and has been used as a natural dye throughout history in many cultures.”
Included with museum admission. $19.95 adults and children over 12 months. Seniors $17.95 and military and their families $16.95.
Arbor Day Planting At The HB Urban Forest – Huntington Beach
March 15
Celebrating the past, present, and future of native species, this year’s tree-rific event commemorates Huntington Central Park’s 50th year! Past Arbor Day events have featured a special guest storyteller, planting of native trees, inspirational tree tag writing, and a short walk to see new growth of the trees that were planted in the previous year. Fun fact: Huntington Beach is officially “tree city, USA” so what better place to hold this event than in the city’s Central Park!
Free.
OC Fire Authority Open House – Irvine
March 16
Come to the OC Fire Authority’s headquarters in Irvine for their annual family-friendly open house event. Meet your local fightfighters (including our canine fire-fighting heroes!), learn fire safety, watch live demonstrations, and even put out pretend fires yourself. There will be fun fire safety activities, fire engine rides, and more.
Free.
OC Parks: Toddler Treks – Upper Newport Bay
March 16 (and every Friday in March)
From their website: “Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay. Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-10:45am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.”
Free. For ages 2-5. Advanced registration is required for parent and child(ren).
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at Tanaka Farms – Irvine
March 16+17
From their website: “Join us for a very special, St. Patrick’s Day themed U-Pick Tour! Then head back to the covered picnic area where Chef Jim and his Team will serve up some classic St. Patrick’s Day fare!”
Reservations required. Prices: $49 (13+ years), $29 (4 – 12 years), Children 3 and under are FREE.
Walk Through The Solar System Exhibit – Mission Viejo
March 18
From the City of Mission Viejo’s library website: “Local nonprofit Science Heads invites patrons of all ages to “Walk-Through the Solar System.” The exhibit incorporates scale models of the planets and includes several hands-on activities that allow guests to experience differences is size, mass, and atmosphere.”
Free.
Celebrate Purim At Pretend City – Irvine
March 23
From their website: Learn how to celebrate this festive Jewish holiday honoring the bravery of Queen Esther in defending her people including sweets, story times, and art activities. Children will learn more about the holiday through crafts like decorating your very own grogger (noise maker) or create a unique mask. There will also be a Purim-themed storytime and a Purim Day Parade!
Included with museum admission. $19.95 adults and children over 12 months. Seniors $17.95 and military and their families $16.95. In years past they have offered $2 off general admission if you come wearing a costume for the Purim parade.
Bella Terra: Spring Fling – Huntington Beach
March 23
Though one of the later Orange County events March 2024 events on the calendar, this activity is a festive way to kick off the spring season! Celebrate Spring with live entertainment, plant potting stations, kids activities and crafts, Easter Bunny photo op, gift bags and more at this children’s event at Bella Terra.
Free. Parking recommended in the parking structure next to Costco.
March 23
From their website: “A traditional festival that marks the beginning of spring, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the rebirth of nature and wash away the past. Celebrate the Iranian New Year with Pacific Symphony!” Pre-concert festivities from 6 to 6:45 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 $75 and are going fast.
Holi Fest – Irvine
March 30
Celebrate Holi, the traditional Indian festival of colors, with a fun and colorful activity while supporting a children’s rights organization at the same time. Gather at the Great Park and enjoy live Bollywood-style music, Indian food vendors, and the main event – a rainbow explosion in the form of a massively fun colored dust “fight” where all attendees playfully toss dye powder around in a sort of crowdsourced tie dye experience. You will definitely want to wear white, or clothing you don’t mind getting dirty!
$15 each or $8 each for groups of 10+. Children under 10 are free. Holi colored powder packs of 4 available for $8. Discounted food tickets available online in advance.
Easter Bunny Photos at MainPlace Mall – Santa Ana
March 8-30
Hop on over to the MainPlace Mall anytime from now until March 30th to get a photo taken with your kiddos and the Easter Bunny, a timeless and classic Orange County events March 2024 has to offer families! They also offer a special “Sensory-Friendly Bunny” hour and certain days where you can bring your pet to take a photo with the Easter Bunny (check link above for details).
Meeting the Easter Bunny is free; photos available for purchase. Reservations are not required but strongly encouraged, and can be made through the website link above. MainPlace Mall MyPerks members receive $5 off photo package price. Membership is free to join! Receive a free basket of virtual activities, including printable activity sheets, coloring pages, and free access to MyPhoto ($20 Value) when you book reservations.
We hope you enjoy one of this wide variety of Orange County Events March 2024 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!
