Things to Do in Orange County This Summer: Festivals, Concerts, Beaches & Family Fun

Thinking about a move to OC? Here's a local's guide to summer festivals, concerts, beach days, and family fun, plus what it's like to live here.

Orange County summers are full. The OC Fair runs July 17 to August 16, 2026 in Costa Mesa. Laguna Beach hosts three art festivals from late June into September. You'll also find free concerts, long beach days, and easy family outings. Here's how locals enjoy the season, and what it tells you about living here.

What makes summer in Orange County special?

Summer is when OC shows off. The weather sits warm and dry for months. The beaches fill up. The festivals open. And the whole county feels like it's outside.

For someone moving here, summer is the real test drive. You get to see the parks, the piers, and the downtowns at their busiest. If you love the buzz, you'll feel at home fast.

When is the OC Fair, and is it worth it?

The OC Fair returns July 17 to August 16, 2026 in Costa Mesa. It runs 23 days, Wednesday through Sunday. This year's theme is "Your Adventure Awaits."

General admission runs about $13 to $15. Kids 5 and under get in free. There are rides, animals, fair food, and concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre. It's a classic family day, and it's right in the middle of the county.

If you're house-hunting near the fair, look at Costa Mesa and nearby Santa Ana. Both put you minutes from the fairgrounds at 88 Fair Drive.

What are the Laguna Beach art festivals?

Laguna Beach is the art heart of OC. Three festivals run side by side each summer.

The Sawdust Art Festival runs June 26 to September 6, 2026, with more than 180 local artists. The Festival of Arts runs July 7 to September 3, with over 100 Orange County artists and tickets from $5 to $15. The Pageant of the Masters performs nightly July 9 to September 4, with tickets starting around $42.

Want all three in one trip? A Passport to the Arts is about $29 for one-time entry to the festivals. Laguna homes cost more than most of OC. But you're paying for the coast, the canyon, and the art scene.

Where should families spend a summer day?

You've got easy options. Huntington Beach is great for surf and a long, flat pier walk. Newport Beach has the Balboa Fun Zone and the ferry. Irvine has shady parks and the Great Park balloon ride.

Families who plan to settle here often look hard at Irvine. The schools rank high, and the parks are everywhere. Move-in buyers love how planned and green it feels.

Are there free things to do, too?

Yes, plenty. Many OC cities run free summer concert series in their parks. The beaches are free if you skip the paid lots. And a sunset walk on any pier costs nothing.

That mix matters when you're picking a town. The best OC neighborhoods give you fun within a short drive, paid or free.

By the Numbers

• OC Fair 2026: 23 days, July 17 to August 16, in Costa Mesa.
• OC Fair general admission: about $13 to $15.
• Sawdust Art Festival: 180+ local artists, June 26 to September 6.
• Festival of Arts: 100+ OC artists, tickets $5 to $15.
• Pageant of the Masters: nightly July 9 to September 4, tickets from about $42.
• Passport to the Arts: about $29 for entry to three festivals.

The Bottom Line

Summer is the easiest time to fall for Orange County. Pick a weekend, hit a festival or a beach, and notice which town feels like you. When you're ready to talk neighborhoods, schools, or prices, I'm one call away.

FAQ's

When does the OC Fair start in 2026? It runs July 17 to August 16, 2026, in Costa Mesa. It's open Wednesday through Sunday.

What's the best OC town for families moving in? Irvine is a top pick for schools and parks. Tustin, Orange, Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa are great too, depending on your budget and your commute.

Can I see all the Laguna art festivals in one day? Yes. The Passport to the Arts gives one-time entry to three festivals for about $29. They sit close together on Laguna Canyon Road.

Is summer a good time to buy a home in OC? It can be. There are usually more homes for sale in summer. That gives buyers more to choose from, so it's a smart time to start looking.

Sources

• OC Fair dates, theme, and admission: ocfair.com; NBC Los Angeles, "New OC Fair tickets and bundles go on sale for 2026 season."
• Sawdust Art Festival dates and artist count: sawdustartfestival.org; Locale Magazine, "Sawdust Art Festival Laguna Beach: 60th Anniversary Guide 2026."
• Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters dates and ticket prices: Laguna Beach Independent, "2026 Festival Season Is Here"; Visit California, "Laguna Beach"; foapom.com.
• Passport to the Arts price: Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters (foapom.com); Visit Laguna Beach.