This May, Anaheim’s events calendar swings between family-friendly events, food festivals, live performances, and a few springtime traditions that make for easy day trips around the OC! Here’s a quick rundown of things to do in Anaheim in May.
Memorial Day Weekend in Anaheim and Orange County
If you’re in Anaheim over Memorial Day weekend, here are a few good ways to spend it:
- Garden Grove Strawberry Festival (May 22–25): This is one of Orange County’s longest-running Memorial Day traditions, honoring the region’s strawberry-growing history. Expect strawberry shortcake, strawberry-themed treats, costumes, and a festival lineup of carnival rides, a parade, vendor booths, and live performances.
- Scottish Fest (May 23–24): Celebrate Scottish heritage with bagpipers, Highland dancing, storytelling, traditional food, and strength competitions at the OC Fair & Event Center.
- Memorial Day Weekend at Disneyland® Resort: Memorial Day is always a perfect excuse to stay close to make the most of Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park, and Downtown Disney® District.
- Get Outdoors: If you want a break from the crowds, use the long weekend to spend some time outdoors at places like Oak Canyon Nature Center, Yorba Regional Park, or Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Walk the trails, get on a hike or a bike ride, look out for wildlife, or pack a picnic and slow the weekend down.
- Plan a Beach Day: Anaheim makes a convenient home base for a Memorial Day weekend on the coast, with Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Crystal Cove all within easy reach for a full day on the water.
Witness the Whale Migration at Orange County Beaches!
Prepare for an awe-inspiring spectacle at Newport and Laguna Beach beginning around May 1st. The magnificent blue whales will undertake their yearly migration, offering remarkable chances to observe these gentle giants as they journey through the Pacific. Book a whale-watching expedition with a local guide, or find a cozy overlook (bring some binoculars) and catch the whales directly from the shore!
Annual Events and Festivals in Anaheim and Orange County
Open Garden Day (Santa Ana | May 9)
On May 9, Open Garden Day welcomes visitors into some of Santa Ana’s most colorful neighborhoods for a self-guided tour of historic homes and bustling gardens. Throughout the event, visitors can move at their own pace between different stops while also catching expert talks on horticulture, plant and flower demonstrations, vintage cars, vendors, and food truck treats.
Anaheim Children’s Festival | May 16
On Saturday, May 16, the Anaheim Children’s Festival takes over Pearson Park with free art activities, vendor booths, music, and kid-friendly performances from local musicians. This fest has been going strong for decades under the umbrella of Anaheim’s art museum, Muzeo, and it remains one of Orange County’s top free family events in May, especially if you’re after something creative and hands-on.
2025 OC Greek Food Festival | May 15-17
The OC Greek Fest returns to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church from May 15–17, bringing a full weekend of grilled meats, flaky pastries, traditional Greek music, shopping, and family activities. Arrive hungry for gyros, souvlaki, and honey-soaked desserts, then stick around for some good ‘ol fashioned Greek dancing. Opa!
Scottish Fest USA | May 23-24
Experience Southern California’s largest Scottish, Celtic and American festival this Memorial Day weekend at Scottish Fest at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Let the sounds of bagpipes and drums and the flavors and smells of authentic Celtic foods delight your senses. Enjoy the Highland dancing competitions, Scottish heavy athletics, shopping and more! And remember, you don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy Scottish Fest.
Mid-May Happenings in Orange County: Family-Friendly Picks
Orange County Crawfish Festival
Date: May 15–17
Location: Fountain Valley Sports Park, Fountain Valley
This festival brings a slice of New Orleans to Orange County, built around an ingredient most locals don’t encounter too often: Louisiana crawfish! Beyond the signature seafood boil, expect Cajun and Zydeco music, free dance lessons, “Second Line” parade vibes, carnival rides, beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, and more.
Balboa Island ArtWalk
Date: May 17
Location: South Bayfront, Balboa Island
The 31st annual Balboa Island ArtWalk takes over Newport Beach with more than a mile of artist booths showcasing everything from paintings, jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography — right along the water! Browse the vendors, catch some live music, find a piece to take home, and, of course, enjoy one of Orange County’s most iconic coastal views.
Garden AMP Concerts to Catch
Garden Grove’s May calendar boasts two major names from hip-hop: DJ Quik on May 2 and GZA (of Wu-Tang Clan) performing Liquid Swords in its entirety on May 31. DJ Quik helped shape the sound of West Coast rap with his unmistakable production style, while GZA’s Liquid Swords is still considered one of the most influential hip-hop records of its era. Get your tickets here!
May is also a great time to catch a game at Angel Stadium; have lunch, dinner, or drinks at the Anaheim Packing District; or spend an evening exploring Downtown Anaheim. Local breweries, independent restaurants, coffee shops, and music venues all make it easy to build a weekend around whatever kind of outing you’re after!
Remember to check our events calendar for more ideas on what to see and do.
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