August keeps the Southern California summer going with food festivals, live music, fine art, and one of the world’s largest science-fiction gatherings. Start close to Anaheim with Disney nostalgia, then venture across Orange County for family-friendly festivals to celebrate the last hurrah of summer vacation!

Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort | August 21–October 31

One of Anaheim’s biggest traditions returns on August 21, when Disneyland® Resort turns into Halloween Time! Throughout Disneyland® Park, hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins will decorate Main Street, U.S.A., while Mickey, Minnie and all your favorite characters will rock brand-new Halloween costumes created just for the event.

Fan-favorite attractions will also receive a spooky makeover, including Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, along with Halloween-themed versions of rides like “Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree” and “Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters” in Cars Land. Visitors can also catch the nighttime Halloween Screams show on select evenings (hosted by none other than Jack Skellington himself!) and the interactive, music-filled Mickey’s Trick and Treat show at Disney California Adventure® Park.
 

Halloween Time includes Plaza de la Familia as well. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Coco, the celebration honors Día de los Muertos with live mariachi performances, hands-on activities, Mexican cuisine, and opportunities to learn more about the holiday’s traditions.  

Guests visiting on select nights in August may also purchase tickets to the Oogie Boogie Bash, an after-hours Halloween party featuring all sorts of immersive activities and exclusive entertainment and goodies.

Gipsy Kings at The Grove of Anaheim | August 6

The Grove of Anaheim welcomes the Grammy-winning band Gipsy Kings for an evening of flamenco and Latin rhythms. Known for international hits like “Bamboleo” and “Volare,” the group has spent decades filling concert halls around the world, making this one of Anaheim’s standout live music performances in August.
 

D23 Night + World Taste at Anaheim Packing District | August 11

Disney fanatics can get an early start on D23 week (Disney’s biggest annual convention) at the Anaheim Packing District. D23 Night returns with an early-2000s theme, complete with throwback music and trivia inspired by Disney Channel Original Movies and other Disney favorites from the Y2K era. The celebration is open to everyone, with no D23 membership required—just show up and enjoy!
 

The evening coincides with the sixth annual World Taste of the Packing District. Reasonably priced tasting passports allow guests to sample international food and drinks from Anaheim’s most celebrated chefs throughout the Packing House, the historic MAKE building, Farmers Park, and the Packard Building

 

Daniel Caesar at Honda Center | August 23–24

This August, R&B singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar brings his Son of Spergy Tour to Honda Center for two nights in Anaheim. If you’re looking to catch a major arena concert while visiting in August, this is one of the month’s biggest performances.
 

LAcon V: The World Science Fiction Convention | August 27–31

Science-fiction and fantasy fans from around the world will gather in Anaheim this year for LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention. The weekend’s stacked programming will spread across the Anaheim Convention Center, Hilton Anaheim, and Anaheim Marriott. 

The five-day convention includes panels, concerts, dances, exhibits, an international film festival, and major international events, such as the presentation of the Hugo Award (science fiction’s most important literary prize) and the Worldcon Masquerade. Attendees must purchase a convention pass, with options available for the full event or individual day passes.
 

Laguna Art-A-Fair | Through September 6

Spend an afternoon exploring work by artists from across Southern California and beyond at Laguna Art-A-Fair. Celebrating its 60th year in 2026, the festival presents over 115 talented creators whose work spans painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and other media alongside live demonstrations, workshops, talks, and weekend entertainment. 

The festival remains open throughout the entire month of August at 777 Laguna Canyon Road. Tickets are available for individual admission, while the Passport to the Arts also includes entry to the adjacent Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival.
 

Enjoy Final Weeks of the OC Fair | Through August 16

There’s still plenty of time to catch the 2026 OC Fair before the gates close on August 16. Head down to Costa Mesa for carnival rides, fair food, animal exhibits, shopping, and nightly entertainment.
 

August also brings the final concerts and action-sports events of the OC Fair season, so check their official calendar before choosing a date. Our very own Ultimate OC Fair Guide covers all things admission, parking, food, transit, and other useful details to help you plan a full day! Advance tickets are always recommended, especially for busy weekends.

Things to Do in Greater OC

Brea Fest | August 7

This year, restaurants from around Brea (just a short drive from Downtown Anaheim) will serve samples of their tastiest plates at this annual community gathering outside the Brea Civic & Cultural Center. Guests can also browse the art gallery and market area, listen to live music, watch theater performances, and visit Kidsville for crafts and family activities. Festivities are scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
 

Plus, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity near Anaheim, admission, parking, and entertainment are all completely free.
 

Pro Tip: For more ideas on low-cost things to do nearby, read our blog Unique Things to do in Anaheim that won’t Break the Bank.
 

San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival | August 8

This August, the streets of Downtown San Clemente will become pedestrian-only when the annual Fiesta Music Festival returns to Avenida Del Mar. Running from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the totally free event fills the street with live music, food booths, vendors, exhibits, games, and children’s activities.
 

Fun fact: the festival dates back to 1953 and has grown into one of South County’s largest annual community events! Pair it with some time at the beach in nearby Dana Point or Newport, and you’ve got a full day of classic OC summer vibes.
 

Sea Country Festival | August 21–23

Laguna Niguel marks its end of summer with three full days of carnival rides, games, food, vendors, and live music. The Sea Country Festival takes place along Aliso Creek Road, beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday for an action-packed weekend. Please note that while admission is free, some rides, games, and food require separate purchases.

The La Habra Corn Festival | August 21–23

Ready for a truly a-maize-ing lineup? This OC event brings corn on the cob, corn dogs, cornbread, and candy corn together in one place. The La Habra Corn Festival returns for its 77th year at El Centro-Lions Park to celebrate all things corn. Along with plenty of delicious bites (plus corn-themed merch and plenty of corny puns), the weekend includes rides, food stands, vendors, arts and crafts, rock bands, and a Saturday morning corn-themed parade along La Habra Boulevard. Admission is completely free.