As winter fades into the rearview mirror and the vibrant coastal blooms begin to peak, Orange County transforms into a playground of cultural festivals, outdoor adventures, and festive celebrations. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities, world-class musical performances, or the best places to wear your green for St. Patrick’s Day, March 2026 has something for everyone.

At Cesi Pagano & Associates, we love sharing the local lifestyle that makes living in Orange County so special. Here is your curated guide to the 10–15 must-attend events happening throughout the county this March.

1. Celtic Festival at the Bowers Museum

Date: March 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Bowers Museum, Santa Ana

Kick off the month with a celebration of Irish and Scottish heritage. This family-oriented festival features traditional Celtic music, lively dance performances, and art projects for the kids. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Celtic culture before the St. Patrick’s Day madness begins.

2. First Thursdays Art Walk

Date: March 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Various Galleries, Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach’s long-standing tradition continues. On the first Thursday of every month, over 30 art galleries open their doors for special exhibitions and artist meet-and-greets. Enjoy the free trolley service that runs along Coast Highway and soak in the creative energy of OC’s premier art colony.

3. 55th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

Date: March 6 – 8, 2026

Location: Dana Point Harbor

One of the most iconic events in Southern California, this festival celebrates the annual migration of the California Gray Whale. The weekend includes a kick-off parade, whale watching excursions, marine-themed educational activities, and a massive street fair. Dana Point, the Whale Watching Capital of the World®, is at its finest during this celebration.

4. OC Lantern Festival 2026

Date: March 7, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa

Presented by the Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, this free community event brings the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall to life with music, dance, and stunning lantern displays. It is a beautiful way to celebrate the end of the Lunar New Year season with traditional Chinese crafts and performances.

5. Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza

Date: March 7 – April 4, 2026

Location: Irvine Regional Park, Orange

Spring is officially here when the Easter Eggstravaganza opens! This month-long event is a local favorite, featuring train rides, hayrides, moon bounces, and, of course, the daily egg hunts. It is the perfect weekend destination for families looking to capture that classic spring photo with the Easter Bunny.

6. SIX: The Musical

Date: March 10 – 15, 2026

Location: Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa

The global phenomenon SIX returns to Orange County for a limited run. Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived—the six wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a 21st-century celebration of girl power.

7. Knott’s Boysenberry Festival

Date: March 13 – April 12, 2026

Location: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park

Foodies, mark your calendars! The annual Boysenberry Festival is a tribute to the little berry that started it all. Sample unique boysenberry-inspired dishes, from savory wings to sweet desserts, and enjoy live entertainment and local craft vendors throughout the Ghost Town.

8. Ben Rector & Pacific Symphony

Date: March 13 – 14, 2026 | 8:00 PM

Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa

Experience a unique blend of pop and classical music as singer-songwriter Ben Rector joins the Pacific Symphony for their “Symphonies Across America” tour. It’s an evening of soulful melodies and orchestral grandeur that bridges the gap between modern hits and timeless arrangements.

9. REACH Foundation Shamrock ‘n Run

Date: March 15, 2026

Location: Yorba Linda

Get active for a good cause! This annual 5K and 2K run/walk supports the REACH Foundation’s efforts for local schools. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best Irish attire, making for a sea of green moving through the streets of Yorba Linda.

10. St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl & Festivities

Date: March 14 & 17, 2026

Location: Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach & Old World Village, Huntington Beach

For those looking to celebrate St. Patty’s with a pint, the Newport Beach Bar Crawl (March 14 and 17) is a legendary OC experience. Alternatively, visit Old World Village in Huntington Beach for a more traditional German-Irish fusion celebration with live music and authentic food.

11. St. Patrick’s Day at Silky Sullivan’s

Date: March 17, 2026

Location: Fountain Valley

If you want the most authentic Irish pub experience in the county, head to Silky Sullivan’s. Their annual St. Patrick’s Day bash is famous for its outdoor tent, bagpipers, corned beef and cabbage, and a lively atmosphere that lasts from morning until midnight.

12. 66th Annual Swallows Day Parade

Date: March 21, 2026 | 11:00 AM

Location: Downtown San Juan Capistrano

The “Return of the Swallows” is a world-renowned event marking the migration of the swallows back to Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Swallows Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades. Expect to see equestrian units, historical re-enactors, and community groups celebrating the heritage of this historic town.

13. Aliso Viejo Community Spring Celebration

Date: March 21, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Grand Park, Aliso Viejo

This local spring festival features a pancake breakfast, egg hunts, face painting, and community booths. It is a wonderful, low-stress way to enjoy the spring weather and connect with neighbors in South Orange County.

14. Pacific Symphony: Williams, Daugherty & Brahms

Date: March 26 – 28, 2026 | 8:00 PM

Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa

End the month with a sophisticated evening of classical masterpieces. This program showcases the versatility of the Pacific Symphony, featuring works by modern American composers alongside the classic Romantic power of Brahms.

Experience the OC Lifestyle

March is a time of renewal and celebration in Orange County. From the historic streets of San Juan Capistrano to the bustling harbor of Dana Point, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the incredible community we call home.

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