If you and your family are looking for something fun to do as the weather cools down in Orange County, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some of the fun events occurring in cities throughout Orange County starting in the early fall. Read on to learn more.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Knott’s Scary Farm is running at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park this year from September 22 to October 31, meaning you have more than a month to experience all the thrills this time of year has to offer. While Knott’s Berry Farm is a beloved theme park for most of the year, it becomes something truly special in late September.
It transforms into a haunted farm in which you and the family can live out your most magical Halloween yet. You’ll find ghostly attractions to visit and eerie mazes to navigate. A few of the highly anticipated attractions this year include Mesmer: Sideshow Of The Mind, Dark Entities, and Wax Works. Some attractions are new for the season, while others put a spooky spin on your favorite rides at Knott’s Berry Farm.
One of the most spirited things about Knott’s Scary Farm is its commitment to giving all visitors hair-raising chills. As you walk around the park, you’ll encounter over 1,000 actors wandering around, giving everyone in sight a good scare.
The Pacific Air Show
We’re calling all aviation lovers to the Pacific Air Show. This year, the show is taking place in Huntington Beach from September 30 to October 2. At the show, you’ll be able to watch over-the-water aerial performances featuring beautiful airplanes and skilled pilots. Planes, such as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, have taken to the sky in previous years, and we’re expecting an equally impressive lineup this year.
The Pacific Air Show is a no-brainer for aero enthusiasts, but it’s also suitable for the entire family. The show embodies the spirit of patriotism and helps residents of Huntington Beach connect with their neighbors and visitors from all over the country. In addition to the aerial performances, you can enjoy live music, delicious food at accessible food trucks and stands, and oceanside activities under the sun.
You can find parking for this event at Bolsa Chica State Beach or in the Huntington City and State Beach lots. Beach parking tends to fill up quickly, so try to get there early to secure a spot. If you’re looking to come later in the day, you may find street parking in adjacent communities within walking distance of the main events.
Saints Simon & Jude Fall Festival
Saints Simon & Jude is a Catholic Church hosting its 56th Annual Fall Festival this year. This small-scale event helps bring the community together for three days of fun and camaraderie. The event runs from September 30 to October 2, and there will be plenty of games, rides, and food to enjoy. You can also expect many events on the main stage, including events for kids, such as the kids’ talent show featuring local community members. There will also be live music entertainment with popular Orange County bands, including Tijuana Dogs, Mark Easterday & The 40oz. Band, and The Fenians.
While the Saints Simon & Jude Festival is fun for the whole family, one of its biggest draws is its raffle. The raffle drawing is set to take place on the last day of the festival at 8:00 p.m. underneath the church’s pavilion, and you’ll have a chance at winning the $10,000 grand prize. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance before the raffle commences. You can buy your tickets during any of the festival days or before the festival at the Parish’s office.
Surf City Surf Dog
If you’re looking for something a bit out of the box to attend, consider the Surf City Surf Dog event in Huntington Beach. As in previous years, the event is likely to occur sometime in late September, though no official date has been released yet.
Surf City Surf Dog is a unique event where families, surfers, sports enthusiasts, and dog lovers can come together and watch canines show off their surfing skills. Each furry competitor has 12 minutes to catch five waves while surfers and local celebrities judge their performance. The event ends with an announcement of the top finishers and the distribution of awards.
Dogs of all sizes and breeds participate in this event. In the past, competitors have ranged from dachshund–pug mixes to English bulldogs and black labs. The event is free to attend and watch, so if it interests you, we encourage you and your family to come out and see this spectacle for yourself.
Original Lobster Festival
You don’t have to be a resident of Maine or another northeastern state to enjoy an event like the Original Lobster Festival. In 2022, the Original Lobster Festival will be held in Fountain Valley from September 9 to September 11. This year marks the festival’s 26th year, and it plans to be bigger and better than ever. Here, you can find fresh Maine lobster and a comprehensive food court serving delicious sea-inspired meals.
You’ll find plenty of other things to enjoy at this festival, including carnival rides and games, a live sports tent, a karaoke lounge with a live band, and private VIP cabanas available for rental. You can also take something home to preserve your memories of the event, including products made by local artisans and a free electronic photo souvenir. If you have little ones, take them along to the live magic show, complete with artists making custom balloon animals.
If one of your goals this fall is to take your family to more fun-filled Orange County events, it’s important to have a trusty vehicle to take you on your adventures. Contact our team at Capistrano Volkswagen to learn about our new vehicle specials. You can also visit our dealership to browse our inventory in person and find the perfect vehicle for you and your crew.
Thunderbirds by Jill Allyn Stafford is licensed by CC BY 2.0