This month is jam packed with things to do in Orange County. Check out our list of 23 Orange County events going on this May 2015. From beer festivals to craft fairs and fun, there’s so much to do right here in Orange County
Sabroso Craft Beer and Taco Festival
Saturday, May 2nd 12PM-4PM
The second annual Sabroso Craft Beer and Taco Festival is coming to Silverado Canyon this Saturday with 90+ Beers and 30+ Tacos for the people to enjoy. Along with craft beer and delicious $3 tacos from OC’s best chefs, there will be live music, Lucha Libre Wrestling plus games, contests and cigar lounge and more fun. It’s going to be a crazy good time – you coming?
Event website: sabrosotacofest.com
OC Weekly Artopia
Saturday, May 2nd 6PM-9PM at the Business Expo Center
Celebrate the fun and funky local Orange County art scene at OC Weekly’s Artopia event. There will be exhibits from visual and performing arts from fashion and art to music and athletics. 20 local artists are chosen during The Creatives contest, by OC Weekly staff and readers, to exhibit their work in an interactive gallery experience. And to keep the party going, local restaurants and bars will set up sampling booths with inventive food and drink pairings for the evening.
Event website: ocweekly.com/artopia
Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival
Saturday, May 2nd 1:30PM-5PM
Featuring more than 30 wineries, breweries and spirits, fine cuisine, a silent auction and live music, the Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival is being held at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine. Profits from the event will benefit the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and Community Legal Services in Southeast Los Angeles County. Check out the website for ticket prices and more information
Event website: greatwinefestival.com
Soka University 14th Annual International Festival
Saturday, May 2nd 10:30AM-5PM
Featuring delicious international food, over 900 dancers and musicians performing continuously on three stages, art exhibitions, games, inflatable rides and over 250 exhibitors, Soka’s International Festival is fun for the whole family. Attendees are encouraged to wear international attire and to celebrate their own heritages. Admission is free and parking on campus is $10 (cash only).
Event website: soka.edu
Home amp; Garden Sustainable Solutions Guided Tour
Saturday, May 2nd 11AM
The Ecology Center is an environmental educational center whose purpose is to engage the entire family in fun, hands-on activities that teach practical, environmental solutions. Learn and play in Eco-Labs, outdoor interpretive stations about water, food, waste, shelter and energy to teach you how to live a healthier and more sustainable life.
Event website: theecologycenter.org
Mermade Market Handmade-only Bazaar
Thursday, May 7th – Saturday, May 9th 10AM-8PM, 10AM-6PM and 9AM-5PM
Held at the Dana Point Community House, the Mermade Market is an all-handmade bazaar featuring crafts, goods, food and more unique finds from local vendors. Bring your mom and let her pick out her mother’s day gift or just peruse the Pinterest perfect goods. Check out the website for a sneak peek at some of the great vendors coming out for the market.
Event website: mermademarket.com
Annual Taste of Anaheim
Thursday, May 7th 5:30PM - 10:30PM
Brought to you by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, Taste of Anaheim will feature more than 40 local restaurants, live music, vendors and more. This premier food and music festival promotes Anaheim’s food and beverage industry as well as the entire city while creating business developments opportunities for local businesses. The event will include food tastings, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 presale and $45 at the door, children 5 and under are free.
Event website: tasteofanaheim365.com
The OC Night Market
Friday, May 8th – Sunday May 10th 4PM-12AM (Friday, Sunday), 4-10PM (Sunday)
Kicking off the 2015 Night Market season, the OC Night Market will return to the OC Fair Grounds in Costa Mesa this month. The original and largest Asian-themed night market in the country, the night market will feature over 200 food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in one fun filled weekend.
Event Website: ocnightmarket.com
7th Annual OC Beer Festival
Saturday, May 9th 2PM-6PM
Even bigger and better than last year, the 2015 OC Beer Festival will be held at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim. The event will feature dozens of international and domestic beers, a handful of food trucks (food sold separately) as well as live entertainment. Plus proceeds from this year’s even will benefit Noahs B-ark, Inc., a rescue dog shelter. Tickets are $50 for general admission, $60 for VIP and $10 more at the door.
Event website: orangecountybeerfest.com
Pin Up Doll amp; Greaser - Charity Pub Crawl
Saturday, May 9th 1PM- whenever the party stops
The Pin-Up-Doll Greaser Crawl is a charity pub crawl through the bars of Newport Beach benefiting The Leukemia amp; Lymphoma Society. Their goal is to raise $50,000 by May 15, 2015 for blood cancer research. Your ticket includes an admission wristband, exclusive drink specials, a drawing, games, giveaways and more. So get all dolled up and head down to Newport for a drink
Event website: expo4life.com/greasercrawl
MUZEO Bowl VIII
Thursday, May 14th 4PM at Bowlmor Anaheim
Support Anaheim’s MUZEO museum at their eighth annual bowl event. There will be dinner, cocktails, billiards, mingling and of course a bowling competition. Supporting the arts while working on your spin? Perfect night
Event website: muzeo.org/bowl
Tustin Lobsterfest
Saturday, May 16th 4PM-8PM
Lobsterfest is serving up unlimited claws, succulent tails and whole lobsters--as many as you can handle with pools of melted golden butter on the side. Held at Peppertree Park, the Tustin Lobsterfest will also include live music from Then Again Band, a ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s cover band. Tickets are $75 for a full dinner including all you can eat Lobster and beef Tri-Tip. All net proceeds support community-minded programs and services put on by the Tustin/Santa Ana Rotary Club.
Event website: tustinlobsterfest.com
Doheny Blues Festival
Saturday, May 16th – Sunday, May 17th
Jazz music at the beach – it’s as simple and beautiful as that. Hosted on the iconic Orange County landmark of Doheny State Beach every May, the festival boasts an eclectic food court, the intimate Backporch stage with microbrew tastings, and a stellar lineup year after year including up-and-coming stars and foreign imports with pristine views of the beach.
Event website: dohenybluesfestival.com
Dapper Night amp; Tap Takeover
Saturday, May 16th 7PM-10PM
Barbeer and Remedy Hair Shoppe are sponsoring a night of beer, music and good food. Admission is free, dapper attire is encouraged and you’re sure to have fun with raffles, giveaways, refreshments and complimentary food. Beer provided by the Left Coast Brewing Company and food provided by the Center Street Cheese Shop. The event will be held at Barbeer Shop in Anaheim.
Event website: facebook.com/events
2015 Irvine Korean Cultural Festival
Saturday, May 16th 10AM-6PM
Come for the craft fair, educational programs, performances or all of the above at the 2015 Korean Cultural Festival at the Irvine Civic Center. This community event is a culture-filled extravaganza replete with fine Korean cuisine, games, art, music, and entertainment. Admission is free and everyone is welcome
Event website: irvinekoreanfestival.com
BLOOM: A SoBECA Festival
Sunday, May 17th 4PM-9PM
The CAMP in Costa Mesa will be blooming with art, food, music and creativity for the SoBECA Festival. Encompassing walkable locations in and around the LAB and the CAMP, Bloom is all about celebrating creative local businesses. Check out a yoga demonstration, jump in the photo booth, get a free henna tattoo, stop by the beer and wine garden, make your succulent garden, and explore more restaurants, boutiques and demonstrations.
Event website: sobecafestival.com
7th Annual Sunday in the Vineyard Fundraiser
Sunday, May 17th 2PM-5PM
The Marconi Automotive Museum will play host to The Winery Restaurant amp; Wine Bar’s 7th Annual Sunday in the Vineyard fundraiser featuring wine tastings with more than 80 wines. Along with unique and rare finds from boutique wineries spanning the globe will be hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, all the benefit the Marconi Foundation for Kids and the Eddie Guardado Foundation. Tickets are $150, a portion of which is tax-deductible.
Event website: marconimuseum.org
Village Vintage Market Huntington Beach
Sunday, May 17th 9AM-3PM
Old World Village will be hosting the first high-end vintage market in HB this May. Work up an appetite perusing vintage and antique vendors plus hand crafted products and then indulge at a food truck or local restaurants open in the Village Entry and parking is free.
Event website: facebook.com/villagevintagemarket
24-Hour Disneyland Diamond Celebration
6AM Friday, May 22nd – 6PM Saturday, May 23rd Disneyland Resort
The Happiest Place on Earth will be celebrating for 24-hours straight to ring in the 60th anniversary of the park and the launching of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. The day will include the new “Paint the Night” Parade, the first all LED parade in Disney history, a new fireworks show “Disneyland Forever” and more. Are you up for the challenge?
Event website: disneyparks.disney.go.com
Fox Fullerton Speakeasy Days
Friday, May 22nd - Saturday, May 23rd
To celebrate the beloved Fox Theatre’s 90th birthday, the doors of the theatre will be open to the public for a special two-day 1920s themed event, Speakeasy Days. See the 90 year old sign lit up for the first time in decades, get a free tour and stay for the live orchestra, raffles, prices, food, drinks and more. Admission is free and there will also be a vintage car display Friday, May 22nd from 6-9pm will be the unveiling and lighting and the day long event on Saturday the 23rd will start at 11am.
Event website: foxfullerton.org
Asian Pacific Festival of Arts amp; Music
Friday May 22nd – Sunday May 24th 4PM-10PM, 10AM-10PM, 10AM-9PM
Newport Dunes is being taken over by the Asian Pacific Cultural Festival for nonstop entertainment all Memorial Weekend long. The Festival celebrates the rich Asian cultures by offering a glimpse into these countries through exhibits, arts, music, food and more. Highlights include APF-Dance Competitions, Miss Scholarship Asian Pacific Pageant, Dragon Boat Race, Folk Dances, Fashion Shows, Circle Painting and different exhibits inspired by various artists around the world. Plus this year will be carnival rides and the Cutest Canine Costume Contest.
Event website: apfestival.org
Patchwork Show Santa Ana
Sunday, May 24th 11AM-5PM
Patwork Show is coming to Santa Ana’s Downtown this month for its bi-annual makers festival showcasing local emerging crafters, artists, and designers alongside food, DIY workshops, food trucks and music. Founders Delilah Snell and Nicole Stevenson have a passion for empowering creatives so they decided to take their Patchwork Show on the road to teach, inspire and share their love of the handmade. The event is totally family friendly and a great place to find unique local goods
Event website: dearhandmadelife.com
Balboa Island Wine Walk
Saturday, May 30th 3PM-7PM
The first ever Balboa Island Wine Walk will be hitting the streets this May. Come out to sip fine wine, taste local cuisine and shop along Marine Avenue’s charming mix of boutiques, galleries and one-of-a-kind shops. Proceeds will benefit the Balboa Island Merchant’s Association. Marine Avenue shops and restaurants are open to the general public of all ages during the wine walk and those under 21 may attend the tasting areas and sample cuisine. If you’re 21 and over get your presale tickets now for $40 or $45 on the day of the event.
Event website: balboaislandwinewalk.com
If we missed your event or you know of another going on this month, leave a comment and let us know