During this final month of Summer, there are a variety of events happening around Orange County. Here’s a selection of some August events, festivals and shows worth checking out.
US Open of Surfing
When: July 30 - August 7Where: Huntington Beach Pier
The US Open of Surfing is the premier surfing event of Orange County and the West Coast qualifier for the American Surfing Professionals World Championships. More than just a surfing competition, the Open is an action sports and beach culture festival. Admission is free and live streaming is available at the US Open of Surfing website.
La Habra Corn Festival
When: August 5-7Where: El Centro Lions Park, La Habra
Presented by the La Habra Lions Club, the annual Lions Corn Festival features food, games, contests, live music, rides, a parade and a chance to win a 1968 Camaro.
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
When: August 6
Where: Verizon Amphitheater
This whimsical show, created by conductor David Daugherty, features Bugs Bunny and friends in classic Looney Toons scenes, as well as a new montage featuring some of your favorite Looney Toons scenes, all set to an orchestra soundtrack.
Summer Concerts at Angel’s Stadium
When: August 6 and 20Where:Angel’s Stadium
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Angel’s Stadium is hosting a Summer concert series. The five-date series will follow the Angel’s home games, with two dates in August. Catch performances by hip-hop mogul and actor Ludacris on August 6, and award winning Christian artists MercyMe on August 20th.
Adam Carolla Live at the Irvine Improv
When: August 7Where: Irvine Improv
Comedian and former host of MTV’s Love Line turned radio personality is hosting a special live podcast at the Irvine Improv. Tickets are $20 and there is no doubt, this will be a fantastically funny show.
Fiesta Street Festival
When: August 14
Where:San Clamente
This annual street fair and block party in San Clemente is hosted by the San Clamente Chamber of commerce and serves as a fundraising event for local non-profits. In addition to the food and game booths, sponsored by 45 non-profit organizations, the event features live music on three stages, an arts & craft exhibit, rides for the kids, a salsa contest, clowns, jugglers and a classic car & motorcycle show. Admission is free, but remember the event is a fundraiser, so there may be individual fees for rides, food and games.
Pacific Amphitheater Summer Concert Series
When: VariesWhere: Pacific Amphitheater
The OC Fair includes food, arts, carnival fun and, of course, music. Wednesday through Sunday, with the final show on August 15th, the Pacific Amphitheater has a full schedule of performances, including Weezer, Bill Cosby, Huey Lewis and the News and closing out with B.B. King. Visit the Pacific Amphitheater website for a full schedule of dates and show times and check out our event guide for more details about the OC Fair.
Orange County BBQ Bonanza
When: August 18 - 21Where: Fountain Valley Sports Park
This four-day festival of all things barbecue, boasts itself the “largest, drinkin’, dancin’, barbecue eatin’ festival” in Southern California. The event includes a food court featuring local BBQ purveyors, music, cantinas, arts and crafts, activities for the kids and a competition to judge who makes the best BBQ in town.
D23 Disney Expo
When: August 19-21
Where: Anaheim Convention Center
Disney honors those who have contributed to its rich heritage, and invites fans to partake in a partake in the three-day festivities. In addition to the Disney Legends Cerimony, the event features presentations on the history of various Disney brands, a special advanced screening of The Lion King 3D, and an auction of wares from the Disney warehouse.
Duke Ellington Orchestra
When: August 27Where: Verizon Amphitheater
The Pacific Symphony presents the Duke Ellington Orchestra, a big band jazz orchestra originally envisioned and led by the late jazz legend, Duke Ellington.
Zoofari Fundraiser
When: August 27
Where: Santa Ana Zoo
This black tie gala is a fundraiser for the Santa Ana Zoo, which includes a catered dinner, hosted bar, dancing, "animal encounter" and a silent auction. Proceeds for this year's Zoofari event will go toward building an up-coming Ocelot exhibit. Tickets are $250, and there are other opportunities to sponsor the event. Check the website for more details.
Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo
When: August 27-28
Where: San Juan Capistrano
This two-day rodeo promises fun for the entire family and boasts itself the richest in the nation, with a purse totalling $200,000. The event brings together the top 30 contestants in saddle bronc and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, and team roping. Admission for adults is $25. Kids between the ages of four and 12 get in for $10, and kids under four get in free. All proceeds from the rodeo go to benefit local charities.