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If you live in or are planning a visit to Orange County and are looking for things to see and do there in May, then please check out our May Orange County Calendar of Events, courtesy of our colleagues at First American Title:
Newport Beach Film Festival | Apr. 25-May 2 | Various theaters in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa & Santa Ana
The Festival annually hosts several premieres and galas for a singular festival experience. This year’s festival will be screening over 300 features and short films and welcoming over 500 filmmakers and 50,000 fans to OC. For more information: 949-253-2880 | www.newportbeachfilmfest.com
Spring Citrus Fair | May 3-5 | La Habra Boulevard between Euclid & Cypress
Showcasing the history of the La Habra Valley. Event will include entertainment, carnival rides, local food, exhibits & character mascots. Free Admission. For more information: www.citrusfair.com
OC Marathon | May 3-5 | Newport Beach
Join thousands of other community-minded runners and walkers at the OC Marathon, beginning at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa just south of Santa Barbara Drive. Pledges to benefit eleven local children’s charities through Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK). For more information: 949-222-3327 | www.ocmarathon.com
Soka University’s International Festival | May 4 from 10:30am-5pm | 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo
Enjoy over 700 musicians and dancers performing on three stages and over 250 non-profit, craft and business exhibitors! There will be lots of international food, exhibitors, games and activities, art exhibitions, ceramic sales, a children’s play area with Bounce House, student projects and more! For more information: www.soka.edu
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta | May 4 from 2-6pm | Max Berg Plaza Park, San Clemente
Traditional Mariachi’s and Ballet Folklorico to Cumbias, Tex Mex, and Salsa dancers. Community groups will be serving up authentic Mexican food fare and other activities will include a juried Art Contest, Carnival Game booths and a vendor area. For more information: www.san-clemente.org
Rancho Days Fiesta | May 4 from 11am-3pm | Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest
Celebrating the history of Saddleback Valley and explore the rich history of Orange County’s Ranchos and Native American tribes! Visitors will experience the past through music, dance, crafts, food and first-person presentations. Admission is $5 per person ages 3 and over. Under 3 free. For more information: 949-923-2230 | www.ocparks.com/historic/heritage
Like Totally Music Festival | May 11 from 11am-9pm | Huntington State Beach
Bringing music, style and memories to the beach! Event features national 1980’s bands. Tons of vendors for shopping. Lots of yummy food trucks and a full bar. Celebrity impersonators and an 80s themed costume contest. For more information: www.liketotallyfestival.com
Discovery Cube’s Annual Rocket Launch | May 11 from 9am-2pm | The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach
Hands-on activities for all ages and includes a competition where you’ll design, build and launch your own 2-liter bottle rocket with pressurized air and water. For more information: 714-913-5039 | https://oc.discoverycube.org
Rose Garden Tour | May 11 | Laguna Niguel & Portola Hills
The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain (RSSM) sponsors Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tours of four unique and innovative private gardens in south Orange County. The self guided tour offers visitors magnificent floral and plant displays, garden architecture and ideas for environmentally sound garden practices. For more information: www.rosesrosesroses.org
Open Garden Day | May 11 from 10am-4pm | Santa Ana
Experience the inviting neighborhoods of West Floral Park and Jack Fisher Park in North Santa Ana. This one day community event offers an array of activities: lovely gardens to tour, water-wise front yard sidewalk tour, garden expert talks & demonstrations, vintage cars to peruse, a street full of vendors selling unique garden treasures, and gourmet food trucks with plenty of tasty treats. For more information: www.opengardenday.com
Yorba Linda Lobsterfest | May 17 from 5:30-11pm | Yorba Linda Comm. Center
The 32nd Annual Yorba Linda Sunrise Rotary Lobsterfest & Silent Auction! ALL YOU CAN EAT Maine Lobster and Tri-tip. For more information: www.yllobsterfest.com
Anaheim Children’s Festival | May 18 from 11am-4pm | Pearson Park
Free arts and crafts, dance lessons and performing arts classes. Over 50 organizations, city departments and more bring art projects to the Park atmosphere and invite the kids to “try art”. For more information: www.muzeo.org
Mariachi Festival | May 18 from 9:30am-4pm | Mission San Juan Capistrano
Will include entertainment “Battle of the Mariachis” and authentic Mexican food. Mariachi performers will compete for cash prizes. For more information: 949-234-1321 | www.missionsjc.com
Tustin LobsterFest | May 18 from 4pm | Peppertree Park
Entertainment, games, music and prizes. A fundraiser event that provides financial support for the programs and services sponsored by the Tustin / Santa Ana Rotary Club. All net proceeds from this event help pay for local Rotary programs throughout Tustin and Santa Ana. For more information: www.tustinlobsterfest.com
Muckenthaler Motorcar Festival | May 18-19 | 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton
Featuring car rally, motor movies & Concours d’Elegance and Horseless Carriage Tour. Live performances in the outdoor amphitheater by The Pleasure Tones on Saturday and Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys on Sunday. For more information: www.muckcarshow.org
Doheny Blues Festival | May 18-19 | Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point
The International Food Court at Doheny Blues will have a variety of authentic vendors sampling everything from BBQ Ribs to Cajun Sausage to Vegetarian Pitas. Our Vendor Village is strewn throughout the entire lawn at Sea Terrace Park and consists of 50+ different “storefronts”. For more information: www.dohenybluesfestival.com
Brewer Brothers Model Kit & Hobby Expo | May 19 from 9am-3pm | Old World Huntington Beach
Multiple Model Kit Vendors (Cars, Ships, Planes, Helicopters, Tanks, and Armored Vehicles), 1/6 scale Figure and Armor Vendors, Toy Soldier Vendors, Miniature Gaming Vendors, Military Book and Decal Vendors, Documentary and Movie DVD Vendors, Die-cast Toy Vendors and so on. For more information: www.oldworld.ws
Balboa Island ArtWalk | May 19 from 9am-5pm | Balboa Island
The premier showcase for talented local artists and marks the start of Balboa Island’s summer season. This fine art show features 100 artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Enjoy live music. For more information: www.balboaislandartwalk.info
Santa Ana Zoo’s Party for the Planet/Endangered Species Day | May 19 from 11am-2pm | Santa Ana Zoo
Guests can create conservation-friendly crafts and play fun games, as well as learn from hands-on demonstrations and education stations featuring animals, recycling, sustainable living and a variety of special guests including members of the Santa Ana City Water District, Fullerton Arboretum and other community organizations. For more information: www.santaanazoo.org
Taste of Brea & Business Expo |May 23 from 5-9pm | Downtown Birch St. Promenade
Visitors will enjoy dancing to live music featuring Cold Duck. A DJ will be present as well during the event while you indulge in tasty treats and beverages. For more information: www.tasteofbrea.com
Strawberry Festival | May 24-27 | Euclid St & Main St, Garden Grove
“Celebrating Family” A parade and carnival celebrating the city’s strawberry-growing history. Rides, contests, Strawberry Festival Parade, vendor booths, charity food & game booths, showmobile performances, amphitheater performances, Garden Grove Strawberry Stomp 5K. For more information: www.strawberryfestival.org
Scottish Fest | May 25-26 | OC Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa
Hundreds of bagpipers and drummers, Scottish and Irish food and vendors, Scottish clans, Highland dancing and traditional Scottish feats of strength like the hammer throw, putting the stone and caber toss. Part of the United Scottish Society, the festival was established in 1932 and was called a Highland Games in the tradition of Scottish heritage. For more information: 714-708-1500 | www.scottishfest.com
Northwood Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony | May 26 at 4pm | Northwood Community Park
In partnership with Northwood Memorial Committee, a special candle lighting ceremony will be held and will include presentations by Gold Star families. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. For more information: www.cityofirvine.org
Irvine Memorial Day Ceremony | May 27 at 10am | Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park
Attendees can memorialize our troops’ sacrifice by writing down a brief remembrance to be posted on a memory board. For more information: 949-724-6606 | www.cityofirvine.org
Anaheim Cemetery Memorial Day Program | May 28 at 11am | 1400 E Sycamore St.
The program is sponsored by The American Legion Post 72 and The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3173 and includes a variety of guest speakers, wreath presentations, and an Honor Guard Firing Salute. For more information: www.occemeterydistrict.com
Veterans of War Memorial Day Event | May 28 at 10am | Pines Park, Capistrano Beach
Marine Corps Color Guard from Camp Pendleton. “Boots and Rifle” ceremony conducted by officers of Post 9934, and the bugle call, TAPS. Flowers to be placed on memorial for loved ones and friends who served our country. For more information: www.vfwpost9934.org
Memorial Day Half Marathon, 5K & 10K | May 28 | Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Niguel.
Honoring the U.S. Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion, this favorite Memorial Day running event takes place in the beautiful OC cities of Laguna Hills, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center . For more information: www.lagunahillshalfmarathon.com
El Toro Memorial Park Memorial Day Program | May 28 at 11am | 25751 Trabuco Rd., Lake Forest
Guest speakers, special musical performances, a wreath laying ceremony, and an honor guard firing salute. For more information: www.occemeterydistrict.com
Fullerton Memorial Day Ceremony | May 28 at 10am | Loma Vista Memorial Park
Patriotic speaker for this year’s event will be Captain Curt Jones, United States Navy. Free to the public, the program is sponsored by the nonprofit American Veterans Memorial Association and the City of Fullerton. For more information: www.avmafullerton.org
Huntington Beach Memorial Day Ceremony | May 28 at 11am | Pier Plaza
In honor of veterans who have lost their lives in battle is hosted by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Jewish War Veterans. Hosted by the American Legion Post 133, this event features a 21-gun salute, flag-raising and playing of taps. Local dignitaries will officiate. For more information: www.surfcityusa.com
San Clemente Memorial Day Event | May 28 at 11am | Community Center: 100 N. Calle Seville
Key note speaker Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Mount, United States Marine Corps, Wounded Warrior Battalion West. For more information: www.san-clemente.org
Santa Ana Memorial Day Program | May 28 at 10am | 1919 E Santa Clara Avenue
Guest speakers, special musical performances, combined color guards with a parade of flags, a wreath presentation ceremony, cannon salutes and an honor guard rifle salute. For more information: 949-951-9102 | www.occemeterydistrict.com
Memorial Day at the Nixon Library | May 28 at 11am | 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda
Wreath laying and remarks by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams. Renowned Placentia Symphonic Band will perform their classic setlist of All-American favorites in the East Room at 3:30pm. For more information: www.nixonfoundation.org