Best of Orange County
Free and fun things to do in Orange County this weekend
There is so much to do this weekend in the Orange County area! Visit our Calendar of Events https://livingmividaloca.com/oc-events-calendar/
This Orange County FREE weekend events list is organized by city and noted where the entrance are FREE – which are all listed below! Use it as a jumping off point to celebrate the weekend in Orange County and choose a few events to attend.
There are so many free things to do in Orange County this weekend 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.
If you’re looking for FREE things to do during the week, check out our community calendar, and save our Fall events lists.
Free things to do this weekend in Orange County with family – September 22, 23 and 24, 2023
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023
ANAHEIM
Weekend Events in Anaheim
Live Music | Americana
7:00PM-9:00PM (Ongoing)
Live music from: Darden
COSTA MESA
Weekend Events in Costa Mesa
Centennial Farm | OC Fairgrounds
Fridays 1:00PM-4:00PM (Ongoing)
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff. Free admission and parking. Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property.
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.
Metro Pointe Entertainment Series | Metro Pointe at South Coast
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Stage is outdoors facing the restaurants. No lawn chairs.
- September 22 – HALF MOON TUESDAY – Classic Folk Rock
- September 23 – OLEHA – Flamenco & Hawaiian
- September 29 – SURF’S UP – Beach Boys Tribute, 80’s
- September 30 – BROOKE RAMEL – Contemporary Classics
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.
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.
Minimum age: 13 years old
Minors must have a legal guardian present at all times.
For group requests, please contact [email protected]
This volunteer work will take place outdoors at the Back Bay Science Center. Although most of the work will be conducted under shade, volunteers should be prepared to stand and be exposed to changing weather for various lengths of time. Please bring sturdy closed-toe shoes, hiking or outdoor working attire, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a hat. Free parking and public restrooms are available on site. No experience necessary. Training and tools will be provided.
ORANGE
Weekend Events in Orange
Museum | The Hilbert Museum of California Art
11:00AM-5:00PM (every Friday and Saturday)
The Hilbert Temporary is located at 216 E. Chapman Avenue in downtown Orange, CA. Days/hours: Tues-Sat, 11am to 5pm. Admission free with online reservation at hilbertmuseum.org
The Nightmare Before Christmas | El Camino Real Park
6:00PM (lawn seating); 7:00PM (movie)
The event is free and open to the general public. Free glowsticks for youth while supplies last. Light concessions will also be available for purchase from OC Ice Cream Truck
Community-wide Garage Sale | Esplanade Parking Lot
5:00PM – 9:00PM
Proceeds from the sale of parking spots will go directly to supporting Esplanade’s students.
SANTA ANA
Weekend Events in Santa Ana
Friday Night Munchies | 1301 S. Bristol Street
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Music, food, drinks, merch, friends and family. Free parking.
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023
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
Live entertainment | Anaheim Indoor Marketplace- 1440 S. Anaheim Blvd
12:00pm – 6:00pm (every Saturday and Sunday)
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!
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.
Live Music | MAKE Building – 500 S. Anaheim Blvd.
6:00PM-8:00PM (Ongoing)
Live music from: The Jazz Guitar Project
Live Music | Anaheim Packing House – 440 S. Anaheim Blvd.
6:00PM-9:00PM (Ongoing)
Live Music From: Johnny Ramos & Friends (Packing House)(Jazz)
COSTA MESA
Weekend Events in Costa Mesa
Centennial Farm | OC Fairgrounds
10:00AM-4:00PM, Saturdays and Sundays (Ongoing)
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff. Free admission and parking. Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property.
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.
Segerstrom Center Tour | Segerstrom Center (Most Saturdays)
10:00am – 3:30pm
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.
Metro Pointe Entertainment Series | Metro Pointe at South Coast
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Stage is outdoors facing the restaurants. No lawn chairs.
- September 23 – OLEHA – Flamenco & Hawaiian
- September 29 – SURF’S UP – Beach Boys Tribute, 80’s
- September 30 – BROOKE RAMEL – Contemporary Classics
Festival of Children | South Coast Plaza
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Join us every weekend in September as we celebrate National Child Awareness Month at the world-renowned South Coast Plaza during the 22nd annual Festival of Children®. Come enjoy free activities and live performances that delight children and adults alike while learning about over 70 youth-serving organizations that proudly serve children in the community.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration | Lions Park Event Lawn
11:00am – 2:00pm
Live music, kids activities, food vendors and community booths
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.
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
Museum | The Hilbert Museum of California Art
11:00AM-5:00PM (every Friday and Saturday)
The Hilbert Temporary is located at 216 E. Chapman Avenue in downtown Orange, CA. Days/hours: Tues-Sat, 11am to 5pm. Admission free with online reservation at hilbertmuseum.org
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
Zumba Classes | Madison Elementary (every Saturday)
9:00AM-10:00AM
No membership required, Ages 18 and over only, no kids.
Patio Vibrations | 4th Street Market, Downtown Santa Ana (every Saturday)
4:00pm – 10:00pm
All ages, music, food and drinks. 80’s flashback music.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration | MainPlace Mall
12:00pm – 3:00pm
During the event, live musicians and performers, including a mariachi band as well as talented folklorico and flamenco dancers, will perform in Macy’s Court. There will also be a live DJ emceeing the performance. Attendees will receive free gifts, including a Falsa Fiesta mini tote, woven friendship bracelets, bookmarks, notepads, and pencils, all found at the giveaway table in Center Court (while supplies last). Children will also have the opportunity to decorate a take-home Hispanic-inspired wooden guitar (while supplies last). Throughout the event, guests are encouraged to take photos against a festive Hispanic-themed backdrop and share their photos on social media with the tag @ShopMainPlace. The Hispanic Heritage Celebration event at MainPlace is free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required.
OC WEEKEND EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
ANAHEIM
Weekend Events in Anaheim
Live Mariachi | El Gallo Giro – 990 S. Euclid St. (every Sunday)
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Treat yourself to lunch at El Gallo Giro and enjoy LIVE Mariachi music & entertainment for the whole familia!
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.
BUENA PARK
Weekend Events in Buena Park
Street Food Sunday | 8150 La Palma Ave (Every Sunday)
10:00am – 4:00pm
Street Food Sunday: Gather your friends & cravings! Every Sunday, food trucks and booths come together at our Street Food Sundays for an array of mouth-watering treats. Savory meals or sweet desserts – the choice is yours!
Shop from our favorite vendors (Arts, Fashion, Jewelry, Collectable, Makers, Fishing & an array of other creators). There’s something for everyone here.
COSTA MESA
Weekend Events in Costa Mesa
Festival of Children | South Coast Plaza
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Join us every weekend in September as we celebrate National Child Awareness Month at the world-renowned South Coast Plaza during the 22nd annual Festival of Children®. Come enjoy free activities and live performances that delight children and adults alike while learning about over 70 youth-serving organizations that proudly serve children in the community.
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.
ORANGE
Weekend Events in Orange
The Reading Promise | Orange Public Library
11:00AM-4:00PM
Elementary kids of all ages are invited to come and enjoy! Backpack giveaways, balloon artists, free workshop kits from Home Depot, face painters, snacks, free library card sign-ups and books, special guest readers including the Mayor of Orange Dan Slater, police Chief Dan Adams… I hear some superheroes will be there as well!
TUSTIN
Weekend Events in Tustin
District Farmers Market Tustin | The District (every Sunday)
9:00AM – 1:00PM
Fresh items! Produce, honey, eggs, plants, mushrooms, baked good, prepared food and crafts!
ORANGE COUNTY WEEKEND WEATHER
Friday, September 22 – high: 73° – low: 63°
Saturday, September 23 – high: 75° – low: 64°
Sunday, September 24 – high: 77° – low: 65°
A LOOK AHEAD:
Mark your calendars for these 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 September 18, 2023. Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Pattie Cordova
