Summer’s almost here, and things are heating up across the Anaheim/OC event calendar. Catch action-packed days and firework-lit nights at Disneyland® Resort, experience the majesty of the whale migration, and experience our city’s best-loved live music venues.
May the 4th be With You
Season of the Force
Star Wars fans, the Force is strong at Disneyland® Park this spring. “Season of the Force” runs through May 11th. Beginning on Star Wars Day (May 4th—of course!), guests can craft personalized Lightsabers at Savi's Workshop with materials from across the galaxy. Encounters with Ahsoka Tano, Chewbacca, the Mandalorian, and Grogu (“Baby Yoda”) also await in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!
Disneyland® Resort Celebration: 70 Years of Magic!
Celebrate seventy years of magic at Disneyland® Resort! Starting May 16th, join the anniversary celebration filled with wonder and nostalgia. Expect some extra-special shows, cool stuff to buy, and lots of happy vibes looking back at all the amazing memories with Mickey, Pluto, Donald Duck, and all the classic characters that started it all! Join the party and celebrate Walt’s legacy up close and in person.
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
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival | May 23-26
Held annually in downtown Garden Grove, the 65th annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival celebrates the region's rich agricultural history, tradition, community, and the vibrant spirit that defines Garden Grove, CA, just a stone's throw away from Anaheim! This year’s theme is centered around "Celebrating Cultural Diversity," a tribute to the rich culture, community and cherished memories that residents and visitors experience when in Garden Grove.
The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, and plenty of delicious strawberry-themed treats. Don’t miss the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Parade, along with the giant strawberry cake-cutting ceremony, a Strawberry Stomp 5K Run, over 35 carnival rides, games, contests and so much more. Make sure to add this festival to your Memorial Day weekend for a full day of family fun!
Anaheim Children’s Festival | May 17
Bring your kids, families and friends to the annual Anaheim Children’s Festival on May 17 at the Pearson Park located in Anaheim. Children of all ages can have fun with art, play games, arts, enjoy performing groups and more! All art activities are free for everyone. The Anaheim Children’s Festival is presented by Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center and the City of Anaheim.
2025 OC Greek Food Festival | May 16-18
Celebrate the best of Greek food, drinks, music, dancing and culture at the OC Greek Food Festival in Anaheim. Indulge in authentic Greek foods and homemade pastries, dance to traditional Greek music, and explore the festival’s outdoor marketplace and expansive “Kidz Zone” with carnival rides, games and more. Experience the true flavors of Greece at the Greek Food Festival this May.
Scottish Fest USA | May 24–25
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.
Live Entertainment and Shows in Anaheim
Honda Center
Get ready for exciting entertainment in Anaheim this May as Stars on Ice brings incredible figure skating performances to the Honda Center on May 17th. Then, feel the passion of Mexican Regional music with Grammy-winning legend Alejandro Fernández—part of his heartfelt tribute tour to his late father (and superstar) Vicente Fernández on May 18th. And for a night of laughs, catch comedian Tony Hinchcliffe on May 10th.
More Events in Anaheim and Orange County
Explore some engaging events happening in Anaheim and Orange County. Here are some highlights for May:
- Music at The Grove in Downtown Anaheim: Feel the raw energy of banda with a performance from the renowned group La Original Banda El Limón on May 23rd. On May 29th, take in an evening with the talented singer and actress Lea Michele.
- La Habra Citrus Fair — May 2nd to 4th: A community event featuring citrus-themed competitions, food vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
- Knott's Boysenberry Festival — Now til May 18th: Celebrate the unique boysenberry fruit with a variety of themed food, drinks, and entertainment throughout the park.
As May unfolds, Anaheim invites you to explore its many events that cater to all interests and cultures. From Disneyland® Resort’s seasonal offerings to the vibrant streets across Orange County, Anaheim is the place to be this spring for a varied mix of entertainment and cultural festivities. That's just a taste of the many happenings across Anaheim and Orange County this May! Be sure to explore the full events calendar for even more exciting opportunities to make the most of springtime in the OC.
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