Festivals in Orange County run all year. The calendar starts with whale migration celebrations in March, moves through art festivals in Laguna Beach and a county fair that fills most of the summer, and ends with holiday lights on the water. Choosing the right one comes down to timing, budget, and who’s coming along.
This guide covers the region’s major festivals by season, with confirmed dates where organizers have released them. It starts with the Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. That festival is free to enter, sits on Newport Beach’s Back Bay, and runs from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
Orange County Festival Calendar at a Glance
Organizers announce dates at different times, so some 2027 schedules are still pending. Where a date isn’t confirmed yet, the table lists the most recent edition for reference. Check each organizer’s site before you make plans.
| Festival | Season | Location | Dates |
| Fire & Lights Festival | Winter | Newport Dunes, Newport Beach | Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Winter Fest OC | Winter | Costa Mesa | Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade | Winter | Newport Harbor | Dec. 16–20, 2026 |
| Festival of Whales | Spring | Dana Point | Mar. 5–7, 2027 |
| Pageant of the Masters | Summer | Laguna Beach | Jun. 30 – Aug. 28, 2027 |
| OC Fair | Summer | Costa Mesa | Jul. 16 – Aug. 15, 2027 |
| Sawdust Art Festival | Summer | Laguna Beach | 2027 TBA (2026: Jun. 26 – Sep. 6) |
| Ohana Festival | Fall | Dana Point | 2027 TBA (2026: Sep. 25–27) |
| Irvine Global Village Festival | Fall | Irvine | 2027 TBA (2026: Oct. 10) |
| Newport Beach Film Festival | Fall | Newport Beach | 2027 TBA (2026: Oct. 15–22) |
Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes
The Fire & Lights Festival centers on the 36th annual Lighting of the Bay, when more than 50 lit Christmas trees and decorations float on the calm Back Bay. Entry is free, while parking, inflatables, and concessions cost extra. Because the festival takes place on resort grounds, guests staying at Newport Dunes can walk to it from their RV site or cottage.
| Festival Detail | What to Know |
| Festival Nights | Thursday through Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m. (weather dependent) |
| Lighting of the Bay | Nightly at dusk, rain or shine |
| Closed | Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve |
| Location | Pavilion C, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach |
The Lighting of the Bay
The Back Bay has no waves, so the floating trees reflect cleanly on the water after sunset. Arrive shortly before dusk to watch the sunset before the lights come on. The display glows every evening of the season, including non-festival nights and rainy ones.
Take a look inside the Fire & Lights Festival: Watch the reel on Instagram
Fire Dancers and Santa Photos
The Wildfire Arts Collective performs fire dancing on Friday and Saturday nights at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., in free shows that last about 10 minutes. Santa visits on opening night and every Saturday through Christmas from 5 to 8 p.m., and photos are free. Those Saturdays fall on November 28 and December 5, 12, and 19.
Fire Pits, the Igloo Bar, and Inflatables
Fire pits and s’more kits keep the evening warm. The Igloo Bar and concessions serve hot cocoa, cider, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails, along with soup and tamales.
For kids, the Toboggan Tunnel, the Gingerbread Slide, and Snowzilla, a 40-foot slide, run all evening. Admission is by individual tickets or an unlimited-ride wristband. Kids 30 inches and taller can ride without an adult, socks are required, and riders can weigh up to 250 pounds.
Parking and Arrival Tips
Admission is free, but day visitors pay for parking:
| Time Parked | Fee |
| 0–30 minutes | Free |
| 30 minutes – 2 hours | $15 |
| 2–4 hours | $20 |
| 4–8 hours | $25 |
| 8–24 hours | $30 |
| Lost ticket | $60 |
Download the festival map before you go and follow the signs to Pavilion C. If rain is in the forecast, call (949) 729-3863 for same-day updates. On Fridays and Saturdays, arriving by 5 p.m. gets you a good spot for the first fire show.
A Festival Beside a Protected Wetland
Farther up the bay, the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve protects 752 acres of salt marsh, mudflat, and estuary habitat. The reserve is managed separately from the resort. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, up to 30,000 birds may use the Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area at once during winter migration. The festival season falls in the middle of that migration.
More Winter and Holiday Festivals in Orange County
Winter Fest OC
Winter Fest OC runs on the same dates at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, with ice tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, and live entertainment. General admission varies by date, and parking is priced separately. Winter Fest OC works for a ride-heavy day, while Fire & Lights offers a free waterfront evening, so many families plan for both.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The 118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade runs December 16–20, 2026, starting around 6:30 p.m. Free public viewing is available along designated waterfront areas of Newport Harbor. Four of the parade’s five nights (December 17–20) fall on Fire & Lights festival nights, which makes it easy to see both in one trip.
Spring Festivals in Orange County
The 56th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales runs March 5–7, 2027, celebrating whale migration with marine education, whale-watching trips, and family activities around Dana Point Harbor.
The Festival of Whales fits families interested in nature. Paired with a stay on the Back Bay, a spring visit can include both whales offshore and shorebirds in the wetlands.
Summer Festivals in Orange County
OC Fair
The 2027 OC Fair runs July 16 through August 15 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. It operates 23 days, Wednesday through Sunday, under the theme “Forecasting Fun.” Buy tickets through the official site and check the parking guidance before you go, since summer weekends draw large crowds.
Laguna Beach Art Festivals
The Pageant of the Masters recreates famous artworks using live performers, staging, music, and narration. Its 2027 performances run June 30 through August 28, excluding July 4–5, under the theme “Celebrations: The Joy of Art.”
The Sawdust Art Festival is a different experience. Visitors browse original work and talk with the artists who made it, and the organization also runs a holiday event called Winter Fantasy. Its 2026 summer season ran June 26 through September 6.
Tunes at the Dunes
Newport Dunes hosts its own summer concert series, Tunes at the Dunes. Visit Newport Beach lists it among the city’s festival-season highlights, with 2026 shows on the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends. Check the Newport Dunes events calendar for 2027 dates.
Fall Festivals in Orange County
Newport Beach Film Festival
The 2026 Newport Beach Film Festival ran October 15–22. It screened more than 100 feature films and 250 short films from 21 countries at venues across the city. Because screenings are spread out, a Newport Beach base keeps travel between venues short.
Ohana Festival and Irvine Global Village Festival
The Ohana Festival brought more than 35 performances across three stages to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, September 25–27, 2026. The event also included ocean conservation talks.
In Irvine, the city-run Irvine Global Village Festival marked its 25th anniversary on October 10, 2026. It featured international food, music, art, and performances.
Make It a Festival Weekend at Newport Dunes
Newport Dunes offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and cottages on the Back Bay. The resort is central to most of the festivals above. Winter rates run from the Tuesday after Labor Day through the Friday before Memorial Day:
| Accommodation | Winter Rate From |
| Small RV Site | $84 per night |
| Preferred RV Site | $102 per night |
| Beachfront RV Site | $145 per night |
| Studio Cottage (bring your own linens) | $105 per night |
| Large Non-Beachfront Cottage | $170 per night |
| Beachfront Cottage | $265 per night |
Booking Details
Rates include a $5 online booking fee and rise during busy holiday periods. Each reservation includes one vehicle pass, and payment is due in full when you book online. There are only 27 cottages, and winter weekends require a two-night minimum. RV sites allow up to two dogs, but cottages don’t allow pets.
The Book 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Night 50% Off offer stretches a festival stay into a long weekend. Compare sites using the RV rates page and the accommodations map.
Between Festival Days
The Guest Activities calendar lists free bingo, take-home crafts, and clubhouse games. You can also spend the afternoon at the pools and spas or rent a kayak through Water Sports.
Plan Your Festival Season Around the Back Bay
Orange County’s festival calendar offers something in every season, from art and film to whales and county fair rides. For the holidays, the Fire & Lights Festival offers free entry and a setting on the water, right where you’re staying.
For a weekend built around any of these events, book your RV site or cottage online or call reservations at (949) 729-3863. To hear about deals first, become a Newport Dunes Insider. You can also give a stay as a Newport Dunes holiday gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest festivals in Orange County?
The OC Fair, the Pageant of the Masters, and the Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes are among the region’s largest seasonal events. The 2027 OC Fair alone runs 23 days.
Are there free festivals in Orange County?
Yes. The Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes has free entry, and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade offers free public viewing, though parking and extras may cost money.
When is the 2027 OC Fair?
The 2027 OC Fair runs July 16 through August 15 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday.
What’s the difference between the Pageant of the Masters and the Sawdust Art Festival?
The Pageant of the Masters is an evening show in which live performers recreate famous artworks. At the Sawdust Art Festival, visitors browse and buy original work directly from local artists.
How is Winter Fest OC different from the Fire & Lights Festival?
Winter Fest OC is a ticketed attraction in Costa Mesa with ice skating, ice tubing, and carnival rides. The Fire & Lights Festival is a free-entry waterfront event on the Back Bay, with floating lights, fire dancers, and fire pits.
Which Orange County festivals are best for nature lovers?
The Dana Point Festival of Whales, held March 5–7, 2027, is built around whale migration. The Fire & Lights Festival is also a strong fit, since it takes place beside a bay where up to 30,000 birds gather during winter migration.
Can I attend the Christmas Boat Parade and the Fire & Lights Festival on the same trip?
Yes. The boat parade runs December 16–20, 2026, and four of those nights (December 17–20) fall on Fire & Lights festival nights.
