Things to Do in Orange County This Week
Looking for the best things to do in Orange County this week? You’re in the right place. Each week, Thrive OC rounds up some of the best local events, activities, pop-ups, festivals, food experiences, family-friendly happenings, and unique things to do across Orange County.
Whether you’re planning a date night, a weekend outing with friends, a family day, or just looking for something new to do nearby, this weekly Orange County events guide is designed to help you find the most worthwhile happenings without digging through dozens of sites.
From beachside experiences and food festivals to community markets, live entertainment, seasonal happenings, and hidden gems, we curate the events that stand out so you can make the most of your week in OC.
Best Things to Do in Orange County This Week
Popsicle Haunted House, Villa Park (October 14)
Build a miniature haunted house from popsicle sticks at this family craft afternoon. All ages are welcome. 4:00 pm–5:00 pm | Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd. | Event Info
Cove Talk: Gray Whales of Baja California, Newport Coast (October 14)
Whale biologist Steven Swartz discusses decades of research in Baja California, followed by a reception with light refreshments. Park at Los Trancos; day-use parking is $15 or included with a State Parks annual pass. 4:00 pm–6:00 pm | Crystal Cove Cottage Check-In Deck, #35 Crystal Cove | Event Info
Wine Down Wednesday, Anaheim (October 14)
California Vintage Wine Bistro offers 20% off bottles for its weekly Wine Down Wednesday. Make it a midweek dinner stop near Angel Stadium, with parking behind the building on Jacaranda. 4:30 pm–9:00 pm | California Vintage Wine Bistro, 1925 S. State College Blvd. | Event Info
Newport Beach Film Festival (October 15–22)
Build your own film-festival itinerary with international features, shorts, and conversations with filmmakers. Book screenings individually and check the theater before heading out. Times vary | Participating theaters in Newport Beach and Irvine; check each screening’s venue | Event Info
OC Japan Fair, Costa Mesa (October 16–18)
Japanese food, cultural performances, shopping, and cosplay fill three days at the fairgrounds. Advance tickets are available, and parking is extra. Friday 4:00 pm–10:00 pm; Saturday noon–10:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am–7:00 pm | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr. | Event Info
Coast Film & Music Festival, Laguna Beach (October 16–25)
Films, talks, and outdoor experiences connect surf culture with conservation. Opening night on Friday includes SURFILMUSIC, about Jack Johnson, with individual tickets and festival passes available. Times vary; opening-night screening Friday at 7:00 pm | Venues across Laguna Beach; opening night at Rivian South Coast Theater, 162 S. Coast Hwy. | Event Info
Silverado Days, Buena Park (October 16–18)
Carnival rides, live entertainment, vendors, and contests bring a full weekend to William Peak Park. Admission and parking are free; rides cost extra. Times vary; carnival opens Friday 5:00 pm, Saturday 2:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm | William Peak Park, 7225 El Dorado Dr. | Event Info
California Wine Festival, Huntington Beach (October 16–17)
Wine tastings, chef bites, and live music take over Paséa for two days. Choose Friday’s Rare & Reserve evening or Saturday’s beachside festival; tickets are required and guests must be 21 or older. Friday 6:30 pm–9:00 pm; Saturday 1:00 pm–4:00 pm, VIP noon | Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy. | Event Info
Doheny Woodie Car Show, Dana Point (October 17)
Browse wood-bodied classic cars beside the beach at the show’s 28th annual gathering. Pair the car spotting with a shoreline walk. 8:00 am–3:00 pm | Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr. | Event Info
Dogapalooza, Dana Point (October 17)
Bring a well-behaved, leashed dog for harbor festivities, pet-friendly vendors, crafts, and a costume contest benefiting Pet Project Foundation. Contest registration closes at 2:00 pm, with judging at 2:30 pm. 10:00 am–4:00 pm | Bump Out Park, 24354 Dana Point Harbor Dr. | Event Info
Tustin Art Walk & Artisan Market, Tustin (October 17)
Browse local artists and artisan booths along Old Town’s streets, with live music and activities for kids. Admission is free; nearby restaurants are open for lunch. 11:00 am–5:00 pm | Old Town Tustin, Main Street and El Camino Real | Event Info
Boo at the Zoo, Santa Ana (October 17–18)
Costumes and ten treat-or-toy stations make this a Halloween outing for younger kids. Buy admission online for one evening; the event runs October 17, 18, 24, and 25. 5:30 pm–7:30 pm | Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave. | Event Info
Taste of Santa Ana (October 17)
Sample food, beer, and wine while live entertainment gives this year’s Frights & Bites edition a Halloween backdrop. Tickets are required; VIP admission begins an hour early. 6:00 pm–11:00 pm; VIP entry 5:00 pm | MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., on the Macy’s side facing Main Street | Event Info
Repair Café OC, Mission Viejo (October 18)
Bring a broken lamp, bicycle, small appliance, or clothing item for help from volunteer fixers. Walk-ins are welcome, with no preregistration required. 1:00 pm–5:00 pm | Norman P. Murray Community Center, Sycamore A Room, 24932 Veterans Way | Event Info
Haunted Halloween at Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano (October 18)
Local makers, trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and a costume contest turn the Inn’s evening into a Halloween gathering. Entry is free, with live music by Backdraft Firemen and an online RSVP option. 4:00 pm–8:00 pm | Inn at the Mission, 26907 Old Mission Rd. | Event Info
Want Even More Orange County Events, Picks, and Local Finds?
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How We Curate Our Weekly OC Event Picks
At Thrive OC, we focus on highlighting events and experiences that people actually want to know about, not just filling a page with everything happening in the county. Our goal is to make it easier to discover what is worth your time this week in Orange County.
That means you’ll typically find a mix of:
seasonal events
food and drink experiences
community festivals
markets and fairs
family-friendly activities
nightlife and entertainment
unique local happenings
cultural events
outdoor experiences
special pop-ups and limited-time events
Some events may be featured as part of paid partnerships, while others are included because they are timely, interesting, or a great fit for our audience. We aim to keep Thrive OC useful, local, and genuinely worth checking before you make plans.
Explore More Orange County Guides
Looking for more local ideas beyond this week’s events? Explore more Orange County recommendations, guides, and curated local finds from Thrive OC.
Why People Use Thrive OC
Thrive OC is built for people who want to discover the best of Orange County in a more curated, modern, and useful way. We cover local events, food, experiences, businesses, and lifestyle picks across the county with a focus on quality, relevance, and what is actually worth knowing.
If you’re always searching for things to do in Orange County this week, local events near you, Orange County weekend plans, or new places to try in OC, this page is for you.
Check Back Each Week
We update this page regularly with fresh Orange County events and local happenings, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often for new things to do throughout the week.
And if you want the full inside track on what’s happening around OC, make sure to read this week’s Thrive OC newsletter and subscribe for future updates.
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