Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend

Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend
Steve Rosansky, president and CEO of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, hosts Newport Beach 59th Annual Sandcastle Contest in Newport Beach, Calif., on Sept. 26, 2021. (Screenshot via YouTube/Luis Herrera)
9/29/2022
Updated:
9/29/2022
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Newport Beach 60th Annual Sandcastle Contest

Bring family and friends together for a sunny day at the beach! Watch as beautiful and creative sandcastles are made with exquisite detail. This year’s Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest is themed “California Dreamin” to celebrate “all things California,” from the beaches of Newport to the Redwoods in the North, all the way down to the glimmer of Hollywood. This long-running event is sponsored by The Epoch Times and presented by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. Attracting thousands of fans and spectators every year, participants range from seasoned professionals to first-timers. So get your team together and sign up now or come to the beach to watch! Each event participant receives a free t-shirt.
Corona del Mar State Beach. 3100 Ocean Boulevard, Newport Beach. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free. For more information.
Newport Beach 60th Annual Sandcastle Contest to be held in Newport Beach, Calif., on Oct. 2, 2022. (Courtesy of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce)
Newport Beach 60th Annual Sandcastle Contest to be held in Newport Beach, Calif., on Oct. 2, 2022. (Courtesy of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce)

Ohana Festival at Dana Point

Set to draw large crowds, the festival gives art and music lovers a chance to enjoy three days of performance at Doheny State Beach, featuring P!nk, Stevie Nicks, Eddie Vedder, and many others. Those looking for a quieter experience can explore the festival’s story-telling in the Cove, where guests can enjoy a collection of exhibits and panels with leading conservationists, environmentalists, researchers, and professional surfers. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Platinum tickets benefits Doheny State Beach Foundation.
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. Friday to Sunday, doors open at 12 p.m. Single-day admission $159. For tickets.

Huntington Beach Pacific Airshow

The city’s sixth annual show line-up will feature U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other powerful aircraft. This iconic Orange County demonstration is free to the public, spanning Huntington City Beach from Seapoint Street to Beach Boulevard. Guests can observe the spectacular from one of the four oceanfront hotels gracing the golden coastline, with options to watch right at the water’s edge, the pier, premier club seating, and other VIP locations for a more exclusive experience. The schedule includes a U.S. Army UH60 demo, U.S. Navy “leapfrogs,” an Ocean Cup boat race, and much more.
Huntington Street and E Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. Upgraded tickets available here.
A man looks into the water of Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
A man looks into the water of Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Breast Cancer Awareness ‘Pink Paint Party’ in Brea

Give back to the community in Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Team Betty LA’s Pink Paint Party, a fundraiser helping to support breast cancer patients. Each ticket includes a painting class, delicious food, and drinks. Sign up before spots sell out! The event also includes a silent auction and giveaways.
Pinot’s Palette. 110 West Birch Street, Suite 1, Brea. Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission $50. For tickets.

Huntington Beach Horse ‘Hug and Groom’

Horse and animal lovers are invited to learn about, as well as hug and groom, horses for a day of therapeutic fun. Eight horses are participating in the event hosted by the Free Rein Foundation. All are rescue and therapy horses, with proceeds going to caring for horses. Anyone looking to de-stress with loving animals in the sunshine is encouraged to join!
Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center. 6956 Ellis Avenue, Huntington Beach. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tickets $20. For tickets.
An undated picture of a horse meet and greet hosted by Free Rein Foundation at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach, Calif. (Courtesy of Free Rein Foundation)
An undated picture of a horse meet and greet hosted by Free Rein Foundation at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach, Calif. (Courtesy of Free Rein Foundation)

Seal Beach Wetlands Nature Walk and Turtle Trek

Come check out the Los Cerritos Wetlands in Seal Beach, where guests of all ages can join an outdoor walking tour led by experts from Tidal Influence, a local ecological consulting firm working to restore the wetlands. The tour will begin with a brief introduction of the Los Cerritos Wetlands, followed by a stroll along the San Gabriel River trail to look for local Pacific Green Sea Turtles. Participants may also see some water birds and the active restoration efforts happening at Zelder Marsh!
Los Cerritos Wetlands. 6720 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Free. For more information.

Anaheim ‘Master Class’ for Writers of Any Level

Looking to improve your written story-telling skills? Join other writers and experts at the California Writer’s Club, a monthly meeting of a featured speaker’s series focused on the craft and business of writing. This month’s speaker is currently being scheduled. Topics are presented by major authors, publishers, self-published writers, college professors, and more.
Anaheim Packing House. 440 South Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Free. For more information.