August is a vibrant month in Orange County, bustling with exciting events that cater to diverse tastes. The Orange County Fair, the county’s largest annual event, is a must-visit destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. With thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment, and delicious food, the fair is an unbeatable summer tradition. For those interested in maritime history and culture, the sea festival is another popular event that celebrates all things oceanic. Moreover, the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is a thrilling spectacle that showcases California’s rich cowboy and ranching heritage. The Festival of the Butterflies in San Juan Capistrano, on the other hand, is a beautiful celebration of the county’s nature and ecology, focusing on the vibrant and mesmerizing monarch butterfly. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, Orange County has something for everyone in August 2023.
The Orange County Fair – Costa Mesa
July 14 – August 13, 2023
Wednesdays-Sundays
It’s Time for Fun!! Tickets for the annual OC Fair are on sale, but with limited daily capacity this year, days could sell out. The annual Orange County Fair is the premier family attraction in Southern California, offering a wide variety of exhibits, foods, entertainment, rides, and hands-on activities. There is something for everybody at the Fair, including the summer headline concert series, working farm and petting zoos, thrill rides, contests, and games.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. There will be no transaction fees on Fair admission! Fairgoers should make sure to get tickets for special days and group adventures now.
LOCATION:
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
INFORMATION:
714-708-FAIR
Sawdust Festival – Laguna Beach
Friday, June 30 to Sunday, September 3, 2023
Outdoor arts and crafts festival. Watch artists create their work and buy directly from the artists while enjoying the wonderful atmosphere.
LOCATION:
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach
INFORMATION:
949-494-3030
Pageant of the Masters “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists”
Laguna Beach
July 7 – September 1, 2023
Shows Nightly at 8:30 pm
The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Each evening during the summer season, classic and contemporary works of art are faithfully re-created with theatrical illusion and real people posing as living pictures. Enjoy art that comes to life under the stars in the Pageant’s outdoor amphitheater. In 2023, the Pageant of the Masters will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first presentation of “living pictures” at the Festival of Arts. From that humble beginning, the Pageant has continued to evolve and grow into the world-class entertainment it is today. The 2023 production, “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists,” will acknowledge the deep connections and memorable stories of artists assisting one another throughout the world and throughout history.
Tickets start at $35 per person (Includes season pass to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show)
LOCATION:
650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
TICKETS / INFORMATION:
www.foapom.com
(949) 497-6582, (800) 487-3378
Two Stepping Under the Stars – San Juan Capistrano
August 5, 2023
Fifteen years ago, a small group decided to get together and throw a Barn Dance so that they could share what makes San Juan unique- our equestrian culture! This event has grown and grown, and now close to 5000 guests of all ages come out for this fun evening under the oak trees and stars.
The evening consists of a live band, Country Western dancing, a Silent Auction, and much more.
LOCATION:
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park
La Pata and Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Festival of the Butterflies – San Juan Capistrano
August 5, 2023
Come on over to this FREE street fair along the Los Rios Historic District. The Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano will be strolling through Los Rios street and park, entertainment, acclaimed environmental speakers will be speaking at the Los Rios Park Stage, vendors will have booths full of resources, merchandise, food & drinks around the Los Rios Park, a kids activity zone at the Los Rios Park playground and more!
LOCATION:
Los Rios Park
San Juan Capistrano, CA
San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival – San Clemente
Sunday, August 13, 2023
9 am – 7 pm
Held on Scenic Ave. Del Mar, two main blocks of downtown San Clemente are dedicated to an entire day of FUN. Food and game booths sponsored by local nonprofit organizations, three stages with continuous live music throughout the day, contests for all ages, a Salsa Challenge, an arts & crafts show, a kiddie area, exhibits, face painters, and much more
LOCATION:
Ave Del Mar
San Clemente
INFORMATION:
949-492-1131
Dachshund Races – Huntington Beach All Small Breed & Corgi Races
Sunday, August 20
9:30 am, racers check-in, 10 am gates open, and 11 am races begin.
Great Family Fun! Come see these short-legged but swift ‘wiener dogs’ race to the finish line once a month at Old World Village.
The Wiener Dog Races are always one of the most popular attractions at Old World, and while the races are usually held once a month, during Oktoberfest, you’ll enjoy the ‘Running of the Wieners’ every Sunday. Entry and admission prices vary
LOCATION:
Old World Village Festival Hall
7561 Center Avenue #49
Huntington Beach
Sea Country Festival – Laguna Niguel
August 25-27, 2023
Bring your friends and family to experience this end-of-summer event with music, rides, games, food, and much more! The Festival is a free entry event, with nominal fees for attractions and games.
LOCATION:
On Dorine and El Lazo (in between the Laguna Niguel Design Center and the Chet Holifield Federal Building)
Laguna Niguel, Ca
Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo – San Juan Capistrano
August 26-27, 2023
This Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is good ol’ entertainment for the entire family, not to mention the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation. Proclaimed as the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation, this year’s Rodeo features saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, calf roping, tie-down roping, and bull riding. You won’t want to miss this year’s excitement.
