Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend

Audience members enjoy live music at the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival. Courtesy of Newport Beach Jazz Festival

Balboa Island Parade

Get ready to celebrate one of Orange County’s biggest parades—Balboa Island Parade—now in its 28th year.

This year’s theme is “Horsin’ Around Island Style” with star-spangled floats, festooned tricycles, marching bands, antique cars, fire trucks, Keystone Cops, and gussied-up dogs featuring in the lineup.

The celebration continues following the parade with an “After Party” featuring the local band “The Fabulous Nomads” and more activities in front of the fire station.

Balboa Island, Newport Beach. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information.

Newport Beach Jazz Festival

Since its debut in 1996, this has been one of the longest-running festivals in Orange County’s history. The three-day event will feature dozens of musicians—including Kem, Boney James, Chanté Moore, Leela James, and much more—performing at the Back Bay Amphitheatre.

There will also be an international food court, a food and retail vendor village, and various other activities.

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, Newport Beach. Friday–Sunday starting at 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $155–$265. For information.

Audience members enjoy live music at the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival. Courtesy of Newport Beach Jazz Festival

Tustin Street Fair & Cook-Off

Join thousands of festival goers in Old Town Tustin for the 39th Annual Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off.

The event features food and chili booths, live music, local crafters, community organizations, and various contests.

Children are also welcome to enjoy the Kids Fun Zone with games, bounce houses, and other activities.

Old Town Tustin and Peppertree Park. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. For information.

Chili teams competing in the Tustin Street Fair & Cook-Off. Courtesy of City of Tustin

Huntington Beach Concours

The 37th Annual Huntington Beach Concours d’ Elegance Family Car Show will feature classic automobiles, motorcycles, hot rods, and custom cars.

Dave Kunz, KABC-TV Channel 7’s automobile expert will be the grand marshal. Live music, a children’s model train, food, and vendors will also be on hand.

The event supports a fundraiser for the Children’s Resource Center wing at the Huntington Beach Public Library.

7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach. Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the gate starting at $10/day, children under 16 are free. For information.

A station wagon is seen at the annual Huntington Beach Concours d’ Elegance Family Car Show. Courtesy of Huntington Beach Concours

Celebration of the Arts & Music Festival

Dozens of artists will exhibit their paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, wood carving, glass art, and more.

Local bands, including Chicken Nuggets on a Tuesday, Bossa Linda, and Southland, will perform.

Hurless Barton Park, 4701 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For information.

SoCal Etsy Guild Market

Experience the weekly market for a day of handmade fun with local artists, crafters, and designers. There will also be live events, games, food, and much more.

20 City Blvd W., Orange. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. For information.

Farmers Market in Tustin

Bring the family and enjoy a weekly Sunday outing with fresh produce, honey, eggs, plants, baked goods, crafts, and more.

2411 Park Ave, Tustin. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. For information.

Jalapeño eating contest seen at the Tustin Street Fair & Cook-Off. Courtesy of City of Tustin