Irvine Global Village Festival
When: Oct. 1
Where: Bill Barber Park, Irvine
This 10th Annual culture festival features cultural entertainment, international cuisine, handmade goods, and arts and crafts activities for the kids. Admission is free. Food tickets can be purchased separately. Arrive early and participate in the Walk For Unity at 8:00 a.m.
Books & Reading Festivals
When: Oct. 1-2
Where: Varies
Families are invited to celebrate the written word, at the Mission Viejo Book Festival on Oct. 1. On Oct. 2, authors, illustrators and other children’s storytellers come together to inspire the joy of reading at the Orange County Kids’ Book Festival. Visit event websites for more event and admission details.
Mehregan: Persian Festival of Autum
When: Oct. 1-2
Where: Lakeside Lagoon Park, Irvine
This two-day festival is a celebration of Persian history and culture, featuring arts and crafts, Persian cuisine, live entertainment, as well as activities for the kids. Admission is $25 pre-sale and $30 at the gate. Firefighters, police officers and military personell are admitted for free with proper identification. Visit the website for additional details and to learn more about the history of Mehregan.
Stomp Out Breast Cancer Wine Tasting
When: Oct. 2
Where: Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Irvine
The Be Aware Foundation host a fundraiser, featuring wine tasting, auction and grape stomping contest, to benefit their programs and research. Tickets are $75. For more information
Sandcastle Contest
When: October 2
Where: Carona del Mar State Beach
O.C. Beer Week
When: Oct. 2-8
Where: Varies
Restaurants across Orange County will be featuring menus with special beer pairings at great deals in this week-long beer appreciation celebration, presented by the O.C. Restaurant Association. Check the listing for participating restaurants and locations.
Sugar Plum Festival
When: October 6-8 & 13-16
Where: Veries
This arts & craft festival features jewelry, ornaments, antiques, beads, other handmade goods and artisan foods. Admission is free and there are several festival dates this fall including Oct. 6-8 at the O.C. Fair Event Center and the Buena Park Downtown Mall.
Silverado Country Fair & Arts Festival
When: Oct. 8-9
Where: Silverado Community Center, Silverado
Hearkening to the pioneer era, the tiny town of Silverado, California hosts this 40-year-old western-themed festival. The festival features an "unparade," live music, local artisan retailers, country food and a wild west reinreenactment. Admission is $5 and proceeds from the event will go to benefit local charities. Visit the website for more detials.
Oktoberfest
When: Sept 4 - October 30
Where: Old World Market, Huntington Beach
This festival of German heritage, at Old World Village in Huntington Beach is (mostly) 21-and-over affair promising a month of indulgent food and libacious fun, with lots of German beer, sausages, and live Oom Pah Path music. Extended Happy Hours: Wed.- Sun.; family nights on Wed. and Thurs.; Kinderfest and Dauchshund races on Sunday.
Halloween Events & Attractions
When: Varies
Where: Varies
Whether you’re looking for haunted houses and spooky attractions, Halloween themed activities for the kids, or just want to have some Halloween fun with the whole family, there are plenty of events and attractions to choose from throughout Orange County.