It might not be chilly breezes and falling leaves but autumn is a wonderful time in Orange County. There are a variety of ways to celebrate the season throughout the region. Sure it’s not all pumpkin carving and spooky walks (though we’ve got that), but also sailing trips, sandcastle contests and the world’s largest Halloween event.
Balboa Island Carnival and Taste of the Island
September 16
Marine Avenue, Balboa Island
Enjoy an afternoon on beautiful Balboa Island, as you take in the area at this classic carnival. You can enjoy fun carnival games, delicious food, live music, a wine and beer garden, and a fashion walk at the Balboa Island Carnival and Taste of the Island.
Octoberfest Orange County
September 29 through October 21
Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Eat authentic German food, drink imported German beers, and enjoy classic German song and dance every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of October. Octoberfest Orange County features so much German fun—including live music and entertainment each weekend and even a Wiener dog race—that you’ll need no excuse to break out the lederhosen.
Irvine Global Village Festival
September 22
Orange County Great Park, 800 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine
Orange County’s largest multicultural festival, the Irvine Global Village Festival celebrates more than 50 cultures with music, dance, cultural displays, international cuisine, and an interactive village designed especially for kids. With more than 40 local restaurants and gourmet food trucks, you’ll be able to sample cuisines from around the world, and the event’s international marketplace gives you a chance to purchase unique gifts and artwork from local and international vendors.
Knott’s Scary Farm and Knott’s Spooky Farm
September 20–October 31
Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park
The largest Halloween event in the world, Knott’s Scary Farm transforms the popular theme park Knott’s Berry Farm into a haunted attraction filled with monsters, zombies, and other scary creatures. While Knott’s Scary Farm is not recommended for children under 13, Knott’s Spooky Farm is a family-friendly event at the theme park. Featuring fun kids’ shows, a costume contest, and kid-friendly interactive adventures, your family is sure have a bushel of fall fun at this event.
Newport Beach Food & Wine Festival
October 4–7
Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach
One of the most exclusive epicurean lifestyle events in the area, the Newport Beach Food & Wine Festival is a world-class experience. At the event, you’ll enjoy dinners prepared by celebrity chefs and local artisans, the finest wines, spirits and craft views, and VIP events throughout the weekend.
Sandcastle Contest
October 7
Corona del Mar State Beach, 3100 Ocean Boulevard, Newport Beach
Spend the day at the beach creating art in the sand at this fun annual Newport Beach event. Whether you take part in the castle-building fun or just sit back and watch the artists at work, you’ll surely have a blast at the annual Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest, a long-standing event that is celebrating its 57th anniversary this year.