8 Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend

Beau Bamburg perform at a Nitro Circus show at the 2022 VANS U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif. (Courtesy of World Surf League)

U.S. Open of Surfing 

Known as one of the largest sports festivals in the nation, the U.S. Open of Surfing makes its grand comeback to Orange County, commencing a thrilling nine-day event starting July 29.

The event assures an exciting lineup of activities—featuring beach games, food trucks, live music, athlete signings, surfboard shaping, a World Surf League’s Rising Tides gathering—where young surfers meet and learn from the world’s best—and thrilling new additions like freestyle motorcycles in action.

Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. July 29 to Aug. 6, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information.

Ezekiel Lau of Hawaii surfs in Semifinal 1 at the VANS U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Aug. 7, 2022. (Kenny Morris/World Surf League)

Kids Play & Walk With Goats

Great news for all goat lovers! Participants of all ages will be able to cuddle, brush, and have goats as companions during yoga stretches and poses.

Additionally, there will be opportunities to dig worms in the worm garden to feed the hens as well as cuddling bunnies and guinea pigs.

29458 Trabuco Creek Rd., San Juan Capistrano. Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m., duration varies. Admission: $15. For more information.

Children interact with baby goats at the farm in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (Courtesy of Goods and Goats Market)

Taste of Yorba Linda

For over three decades, this annual event showcases delectable food tastings from Orange County’s finest restaurants and wine tastings from renowned wineries across California.

The event’s raffle and auction proceeds to provide scholarships to graduating local high school seniors.

4501 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda. Friday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission: $55. For more information.

ocV!BE Guitar Festival

This event is a celebration of the finest offerings in the guitar industry.

Attendees can explore a diverse array of attractions, including vintage dealers, boutique guitar makers, amplifiers, pedals, renowned national brands, music stores, and esteemed private collectors.

There will also be live music featuring fan-favorite artists and bands.

2695 E Katella Ave., Anaheim. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $20. For more information.

Twilight Hike in Limestone Canyon

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset at Limestone Canyon after a 5.5-mile cardio hike—perfect for beginners. The hike promises magnificent views and serenity.

13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado. Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. For more information.

Wildflowers grow after heavy rains in Peters Canyon Regional Park in Tustin, Calif., on April 11, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Nature Journaling at Clark Park

Discover the world of nature journaling while forging a connection with the natural world.

Bring a journal and some art equipment such as pencils, markers, or watercolors and document the beauty of nature. A camping chair, water, and sun protection are also recommended.

8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Free admission. Park entrance fee per vehicle required. For more information.

Milpa Music Festival

Join hundreds for a delightful weekend filled with fun and flavor, relaxation, and inspiration.

The event explores the world of ancient farming with corn, beans, and squash. These crops, known as the milpa, have been cultivated by Indigenous farmers and land stewards for thousands of years. Alongside fresh farm food, there will be live performances by local musicians.

32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. Saturday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, July 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. General admission starts at $45 for adults, $15 for children. For more information.

Audience enjoy live performances at the 2022 Milpa Music Festival in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (Courtesy of The Ecology Center)

Melon Tour at Tanaka Farms

Indulge in the ultimate summer delight with a luscious slice of juicy watermelon! From sweet and refreshing canary melons to succulent cantaloupe, and the delightful honeydew to the rare yellow watermelon—attendees will have an array of melons to savor and enjoy.

Additionally, attendees will take a wagon ride around the farm to see and learn about how summer fruits and vegetables grow.

5380 ¾ University Dr., Irvine. July 3 to Sept. 3, tour schedule varies. Tickets: weekdays $20, weekends $22. For more information.