Get ready to soak up the golden rays and dive into the ultimate summer lineup because August in Orange County is officially heating up with unforgettable energy!
Grab your sunglasses and your favorite people, August 2026 is packed with iconic traditions and vibrant new festivals that make every day feel like a celebration!
OC Fair 2026: “Your Adventure Awaits!”
What: County Fair, Carnival, & Concerts
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
When: Friday, July 17 – Sunday, August 16, 2026 (Open Wed–Sun)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: The OC Fair is the quintessential summer experience for Southern California residents. The 2026 theme, “Your Adventure Awaits!”, brings a month of deep-fried treats, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and world-class entertainment at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Whether you are there for the demolition derby, the shopping in the exhibition halls, or the nightly tribute bands at the Hangar, it remains the must-visit event of the season.
Event Info: OC Fair Tickets & Schedule
Vans US Open of Surfing: The Finals
What: World-Class Surfing, Skating, & BMX Competition
Where: Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach
When: Ends Sunday, August 2, 2026 (Starts late July)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Experience the energy of the world’s largest surf competition at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. The first weekend of August features the high-stakes finals for the WSL Challenger Series. Beyond the water, the event features massive skate and BMX parks on the sand, athlete autograph signings, and a sprawling festival village with the latest in action sports gear.
Event Info: US Open of Surfing Info
Pageant of the Masters: “Gratitude”
What: Living Pictures (Tableaux Vivants)
Where: Irvine Bowl, Laguna Beach
When: Nightly, August 1 – September 4, 2026 (8:30 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: A world-renowned Orange County tradition, the Pageant of the Masters features incredibly faithful recreations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like the original pieces. Accompanied by a professional narrator and a full pit orchestra, this outdoor theatrical performance under the stars is a breathtaking fusion of art and theater.
Event Info: Pageant of the Masters Tickets
The OC Smoke Show: Country Music Festival
What: Country Music Festival
Where: The Outpost at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, San Juan Capistrano
When: Saturday, August 15, 2026 (12:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Dust off your boots for the ultimate summer country bash. The 2026 lineup is headlined by Kane Brown and Dustin Lynch, featuring a full day of live music, BBQ vendors, and line dancing. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the San Juan Capistrano hills, it is the premier country music event in the county for 2026.
Event Info: OC Smoke Show Tickets
Sawdust Art Festival: 60th Anniversary Season
What: Outdoor Art & Crafts Festival
Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach
When: Daily through August 31, 2026 (Ends Sept 6)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Step into a handcrafted village of sawdust-covered paths and unique artisan booths. The Sawdust Festival features over 200 local Laguna Beach artists showcasing glassblowing, jewelry, ceramics, and painting. With three stages of live music and various outdoor cafes, it offers a bohemian, relaxed atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the more formal art shows nearby.
Event Info: Sawdust Festival Info
Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
What: Juried Fine Art Exhibition
Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach
When: Daily through August 31, 2026
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Located on the same grounds as the Pageant of the Masters, this is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious juried fine art shows. Browse works from 140 of Orange County’s most talented artists. August evenings often feature “Concerts on the Green,” where you can enjoy live jazz or soft rock while picnicking amidst world-class sculpture and photography.
Event Info: Festival of Arts Tickets
Pacific Symphony SummerFest: Back to the Future in Concert
What: Film Screening with Live Orchestra
Where: Great Park Live, Irvine
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 (8:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Watch the 1985 classic Back to the Future on a massive outdoor screen while the Pacific Symphony performs Alan Silvestri’s iconic score live-to-picture. It is a thrilling way to experience the adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown under the summer stars at Irvine’s newest outdoor amphitheater.
Event Info: Pacific Symphony Tickets
San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival
What: Street Fair & Multi-Stage Music Fest
Where: Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: This massive block party takes over downtown San Clemente with three stages of live music ranging from rock to salsa. The event features a diverse food court run by local non-profits, an arts and crafts show, a kids’ zone with jump houses, and the famous tortilla toss contest. It’s a high-energy, family-friendly day that celebrates the “Spanish Village by the Sea.”
Event Info: San Clemente Fiesta Info
Pacific Symphony SummerFest: The Music of ABBA
What: Pop Tribute Concert
Where: Great Park Live, Irvine
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 (8:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Join “Arrival from Sweden,” the world’s most popular ABBA tribute band, as they team up with the Pacific Symphony for a night of “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Waterloo.” This symphonic pop crossover is one of the most anticipated party nights of the Irvine summer season.
Event Info: Pacific Symphony Tickets
San Juan Summer Nites
What: Free Community Concert & Business Expo
Where: Historic Town Center Park, San Juan Capistrano
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a mid-week break at this beloved community concert series. August’s event features a live band, a beer and wine garden for the adults, and plenty of free activities for the kids. Local restaurants set up booths in the park, making it easy to grab dinner while enjoying the music in the heart of the historic downtown district.
Event Info: San Juan Summer Nites Schedule
Old World Plum Festival
What: German Cultural & Food Festival
Where: Old World Village, Huntington Beach
When: Sunday, August 23, 2026 (12:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Celebrate a unique German tradition centered around the Pflaumenkuchen (Plum Cake). This festival features authentic German bands, plum-infused treats and cocktails, and a “Pirate Fest” for kids. The highlight for many is the afternoon Wiener Dog Races, where dozens of dachshunds compete for glory on the cobblestone streets of the village.
Event Info: Old World Plum Fest Info
Laguna Art-A-Fair
What: International Juried Fine Art Show
Where: 777 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach
When: Daily through August 31, 2026
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Unlike other Laguna shows that focus strictly on local talent, Art-A-Fair invites master artists from around the world. The lush, hidden-garden setting offers a peaceful environment to view 2D and 3D art across all mediums. Workshops are also available for those who want to try their hand at painting or jewelry making during their visit.
Event Info: Art-A-Fair Tickets
New Swan Shakespeare Festival
What: Outdoor Professional Theater
Where: New Swan Theater, UC Irvine Campus
When: Tuesday – Sunday through August 30, 2026 (8:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Performed in a unique, portable, 15-ton “mini-Elizabethan” theater, this festival offers an intimate Shakespearean experience. The 2026 season features two classics performed in repertory. With only 125 seats surrounding the stage, every audience member is just feet away from the action.
Event Info: New Swan Shakespeare Tickets
Huntington Beach Concerts at the Pier
What: Free Outdoor Concert Series
Where: Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach
When: Sundays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 2026 (5:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Grab your beach chairs and head to the sand for a rotating lineup of classic rock, surf music, and big band orchestras. These free concerts are a local favorite, offering a perfect sunset view behind the bandstand and easy access to the shops and restaurants of Main Street.
Event Info: HB Concert Schedule
Dana Point Concerts in the Park
What: Free Outdoor Concerts
Where: Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point
When: Sundays, August 2, 9, & 16, 2026 (2:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Dana Point’s summer series is famous for its high-energy tribute bands and scenic ocean breezes. Each Sunday features two different bands. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics, though food trucks and a spirit garden are always available on-site.
Event Info: Dana Point Concert Info
Orange County SC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
What: Professional USL Soccer
Where: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 (7:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Cheer on Orange County’s pro soccer team as they take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a mid-season clash. The stadium offers a great family atmosphere with a “Fan Zone” featuring games for kids and local food trucks. August matches are particularly popular for their evening kickoff temperatures.
Event Info: OCSC Soccer Tickets
Irvine Movies on the Lawn: Zootopia 2
What: Outdoor Family Movie Night
Where: Great Park (Terraced Lawn), Irvine
When: Friday, August 14, 2026 (6:30 PM Pre-show; Movie at Sunset)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Part of the “Summer in the City” series, this free event brings families together for a screening of the new Zootopia 2. Arrive early for themed crafts, games, and food truck treats before the film starts on the giant inflatable screen.
Event Info: Irvine Events Calendar
Fullerton Night Market
What: Farmers Market & Live Music
Where: Downtown Plaza, Fullerton
When: Every Thursday in August (4:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: This isn’t your average farmers market. The Fullerton Night Market transforms the downtown plaza into a festival with a beer garden, a variety of hot food vendors, and a full concert on the main stage. It’s the social hub of North Orange County every Thursday night.
Event Info: Fullerton Market Info
Lake Mission Viejo Summer Concert: Season Finale
What: Private Community Concert (Members & Guests)
Where: Lake Mission Viejo North Beach
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 (7:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: One of the most exclusive concert experiences in OC, held on the sand at Lake Mission Viejo. While typically for residents, guests are often welcomed for this grand finale performance. Many residents choose to watch from their boats on the water for a unique “float-in” concert experience.
Event Info: Lake Mission Viejo Events
Orange County SC vs. FC Tulsa
What: Professional USL Soccer
Where: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 (7:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Another home match for the OCSC as they push for a playoff spot against FC Tulsa. These matches often feature post-game fireworks or “Meet the Team” opportunities, making it a great Saturday night out for sports fans.
Event Info: OCSC Soccer Tickets
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