Best of Orange County
Free things to do in Orange County this weekend
There is so much to do this weekend (May 16-18) in the Orange County area!
This Orange County FREE weekend events list is organized by city! Use it as a jumping off point to find things to do this weekend in Orange County and choose a few events to attend.
There are so many free things to do in Orange County this weekend, May 16 – May 18, with family! Check out our list of events below, and visit their pages to confirm event details. Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back next week for more fun things to do with family in Orange County!
Did we miss one? Email ([email protected]) or message us on Facebook or on Instagram. Visit our Calendar of Events for more –> https://livingmividaloca.com/oc-events-calendar.
If you’re looking for FREE things to do during the week, check out our community calendar, and save our FREE and DISCOUNTED things to do this Summer list.
Free things to do this weekend in Orange County with family – May 16-18, 2025
FREE THINGS TO DO IN OC TODAY
Orange County Public Library Events | OC Public Libraries
varies
Free events happening at Orange County libraries.
OC Parks Events | OC Parks
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Free and low cost events happening at different parks throughout Orange County.
Centennial Farm | OC Fair & Event Center
Monday – Friday, 1pm – 4pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Centennial Farm is a three-acre working farm at OC Fair & Event Center. Created to educate youth about agriculture and its importance to daily life. Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn.
Heroes Hall Museum | OC Fairgrounds
10:00AM-4:00PM Friday-Sunday (Ongoing)
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans. Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm. Free admission and parking.
Arboretum and Botanical Garden | Cal State Fullerton
Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
The mission of Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton is to support the academic mission of CSUF with a world class living and historical collection and to provide learning opportunities for every stage of life, extending our resources into the local community and around the globe to foster an appreciation for plant conservation, botanical research and horticulture.
General admission | Orange County Museum of Art
11:00 am – 6:00 pm (Ongoing)
OCMA has an established reputation as an innovative art museum with a history of actively discovering and engaging with living artists at pivotal points in their careers. Since its inception, OCMA’s commitment to artists and audiences has been at the core of its activities, presenting the voices and work of influential artists and creative thinkers through innovative and ground-breaking exhibitions and programs.
Great Park Balloon | Great Park
9 am–3 pm and 7 pm–10 pm
The Great Park Balloon is Great Park’s iconic attraction. With the ability to soar 400 feet above the surrounding landscape, it serves as a public observation deck for Great Park’s development and offers an unmatched 360° view that spans 40 miles on a clear day. For up-to-date flight information and weather-related availability, call the Visitors Center at 949-724-6247. Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to each session.
Great Park Carousel | Great Park
9am–10 pm
An Orange County tradition, updated with vintage-inspired scenic artwork, is a favorite for kids of all ages. The Great Park Carousel was renovated in 2021. The City repainted 12 animals and the carousel floor, and added new artwork for riders to enjoy while taking a ride on one of the community’s favorite park attractions.
Hilbert Museum | Old Towne Orange – 167 N. Atchison Street
Tuesday – Saturday: OPEN 10:00am – 5:00pm | Sunday and Monday: CLOSED
The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University opened in 2016 and is the home of one of the world’s largest collections of California narrative art. FREE online reservations are recommended for entry.
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025
ANAHEIM
Weekend Events in Anaheim
Live Music | Anaheim Packing House (Ongoing)
7:00PM-9:00PM
GARDEN GROVE
Weekend Events in Garden Grove
Main Street Classic Car Show | Historic Main Street (Every Friday)
4:00pm – 8:00pm
The Main Street Classic Car Show is the longest-running car show in Orange County, California. Classics are on display for sure. But you’re likely to find all types of vehicles on the show-strip any given Friday. Because there are roughly 50 parking spaces. And with the show running every Friday you’re bound to catch a wide variety of rids on display.
IRVINE
Weekend Events in Irvine
Live Music | Hangar24 Orange County (Ongoing)
8:00pm – 11:00pm
NEWPORT BEACH
Weekend Events in Newport Beach
Sow & Grow Fridays | Newport Bay Conservancy
9:00AM-12:00PM (every Friday)
Bring a friend and help us grow native plants for restoration projects around the Upper Newport Bay. Each week, you will have the opportunity to assist in seasonal activities like seed collection, sowing seed flats, transplanting seedlings, pruning, processing cuttings, composting, pot washing, weeding, and maintaining nursery space.
ORANGE
Weekend Events in Orange
The Orange Home Grown Education Farm | 356 N. Lemon Street
9:00AM-11:00AM (every Friday)
In-person education about aspects of growing, harvesting, and distributing sustainable food.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Weekend Events in San Juan Capistrano
Farmers Market | 29932 Camino Capistrano
9:00AM-1:00PM (every Friday)
Situated in the heart of historic San Juan Capistrano, Farmakis Farms is a family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm and certified farmers market. Throughout the year, you’ll find craft markets and chances to immerse yourself in the farm life experience.
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
ALISO VIEJO
Weekend Events in Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo Farmers Market | Aliso Viejo Town Center (Every Saturday)
8:00am – 12:00pm
The Certified Farmers Market every Saturday morning in the Regal Edwards Theatre parking lot at Aliso Viejo Town Center.
ANAHEIM
Weekend Events in Anaheim
Cars & Coffee | Anaheim GardenWalk
8:00am – 12:00pm (Every Saturday)
World class facility to unite cars and coffee‘s throughout Southern California. Come meet the locals, meet new auto owners, and talk about planting more cars and coffee’s from California to Connecticut.
Discover Nature Family Program | Oat Canyon – 6700 E Walnut Canyon Road
10:30am (Every Saturday)
Hour long, naturalist-led hike through Oak Canyon to learn about the Canyon’s plants, animals, history, ecology, and more! Each week is a themed hike and ends at the Interpretive Center for a live animal demonstration. Recommended $5.00 donation per family. Pre-registration is required: HERE.
Live Music | MAKE Bldg – 500 S Anaheim Blvd
6:00pm – 8:00pm (Every Saturday)
Live Music | Anaheim Packing House – 440 S Anaheim Blvd
7:00pm – 9:00pm (Every Saturday)
COSTA MESA
Weekend Events in Costa Mesa
Segerstrom Center Tour | Segerstrom Center
10:00am – 3:30pm (Most Saturdays)
Take a free tour of Orange County’s award-winning home for the performing arts and see Segerstrom Center in a whole new light! Led by Segerstrom Center volunteer Docents, guests will explore the remarkable campus while experiencing the details and history of this cultural arts hub located in the heart of Orange County. Reservations required.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Weekend Events in Huntington Beach
Donut Derelicts | Adams Ave Donuts (Every Saturday)
Mornings
Each Saturday morning, car enthusiasts from all over gather in the parking lot of Adams Ave Donuts to enjoy a donut, a cup of coffee and a spectacle of hot rods and classic cars.
Live Musical Performances | Pacific City: Ocean Deck (every Saturday & Sunday)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Living in southern California, Annika Bellamy is Dutch /Indonesian & European Spanish. Articles in London, France, and the LA Times have called Annika‘s voice “fresh, melodic, soulful, totally unique and in her own lane”. Annika writes her own lyrics, melodies, and sings the harmonies she creates.
IRVINE
Weekend Events in Irvine
Live Music | Hangar24 Orange County (Ongoing)
6:00pm – 10:00pm
MISSION VIEJO
Weekend Events in Mission Viejo
Farmers Market | North Paseo, 25282 Marguerite Parkway (every Saturday)
10:00am – 2:00pm
Shop a variety of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cooked items, handmade crafts and more. For more information on events at the North Paseo, visit envisionmv.com.
ORANGE
Weekend Events in Orange
Orange Home Grown Farmers Market | 303 West Palm Avenue
9:00AM-1:00PM (Every Saturday)
Food Artisans found at the market sell items such as breads, cheeses, oils, and dips that are made using traditional methods, increasing the diversity of goods and foods found at the market and increasing the chance to share in someone else’s food culture.
PLACENTIA
Weekend Events in Placentia
Diamond 9 Sports Cards and Memorabilia Show | Diamond 9 Sports Cards (Every Saturday)
9:00AM-6:00PM
Sports cards and collectible show. Raffle every Saturday.
SAN CLEMENTE
Weekend Events in San Clemente
South OC Cars and Coffee | Outlets at San Clemente (every Saturday)
9:00am –11:00am
Common sights include supers, hypers, euscle, classics, rods, trucks, and motorcycles. But, of course, you don’t have to bring a car to put on display. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow car guys and gals.
SANTA ANA
Weekend Events in Santa Ana
Santa Ana Fun Run | Corner of Civic Center Drive and Flower Street
8:00am –12:00pm
On your marks, get set, get fit! Mark your calendars, and start preparing for the Santa Ana Fun Run. This year’s Fun Run has a ’70’s theme, and we invite all participants to wear their best ’70s gear. The community can look forward to a 10K, walk/run 5K and Kids Dash. Registration is required for the 10K and 5K, and the price includes a 2025 Santa Ana Fun Run T-shirt. The Kids Dash is free and no registration is required. Attendees can also enjoy a beer garden, food trucks and resource fair.
WESTMINSTER
Weekend Events in Westminster
Cruise ‘n Coffee | 15080 Goldenwest Cir
9:00am – 12:00pm
Laid-back morning of hanging out, talking bikes and cars, and admiring all the rides. Bring your Harley, your classic car, or just yourself, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts with free Coffee and Donuts to Kickstart Your Day!
YORBA LINDA
Weekend Events in Yorba Linda
Farmers Market | Yorba Linda Friends Church – 5091 Mountain View Ave. (every Saturday)
9:00am – 1:00pm
The Yorba Linda Farmers Market will feature a produce, a variety of prepared foods, crafts and informational booths!
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025
ANAHEIM
Weekend Events in Anaheim
Live entertainment | Anaheim Indoor Marketplace- 1440 S. Anaheim Blvd (every Saturday and Sunday)
12:00pm – 6:00pm
We’re here to remind you we have FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT every Saturday and Sunday in our Placita at the Anaheim Marketplace! We are doing giveaways, all you have to do to enter is come enjoy our entertainment.
BALBOA ISLAND
Weekend Events in Balboa Island
Balboa Island Artwalk | South Bayfront Promenade
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Balboa Island Artwalk is the premier showcase for talented local artists with art, music, sun & fun for the whole family!
This fine art show features 90 artists exhibiting paintings, hand-crafted jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Spectators will enjoy live music throughout the day on four stages along the walk.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Weekend Events in Huntington Beach
Live Musical Performances | Pacific City: Ocean Deck (every Saturday & Sunday)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Sit back and relax with a perfect view of the sea. Genres range from acoustic guitar to surf rock, pop, country and even steel drums. Each performance features a popular local musician.
IRVINE
Weekend Events in Irvine
Live Music | Hangar24 Orange County (Ongoing)
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Journey Through the Maze: 45 Years of PAC-MAN | Great Park Studio
1:00pm – 3:00pm
The 1980s witnessed a rapid growth in gaming captivating audiences around the world. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic and iconic world of PAC-MAN as you discover the history, evolution, and cultural impact of this legendary video game.
Engage with interactive displays showcasing original arcade cabinets, rare memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes insights into the game’s development. Journey Through the Maze: 45 Years of PAC-MAN celebrates the enduring legacy of PAC-MAN and its role in shaping the gaming industry and culture at large.
NEWPORT BEACH
Weekend Events in Newport Beach
Community Day | Back Bay Science Center (every Sunday)
10:00AM-2:00PM
Join us as you tour the facility, including Shellmaker trail, teaching lab, and aquatic lab.
Learn about the Back Bay Science Center’s Educational Programs and how you can get more involved.
Fun, hands-on activities for kids.
Mark your calendars for upcoming Orange County weekend events.
ORANGE COUNTY EVENTS CALENDAR
How do you get YOUR event on the calendar? It’s easy! View Event Submission Guidelines and Submit Your Event here: livingmividaloca.com/event-submission-form/
Save this free Orange County weekend events list for next week!
Originally published on May 12, 2025. Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Pattie Cordova
