As warm summer sunshine and salty ocean air draw Orange County residents outdoors, plenty of free, family-friendly activities await.
The Orange County Parks Summer Concert Series returns with nine free outdoor concerts from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays from July 9 through Sept. 3.
Performances include Queen Nation, a Queen tribute band, on July 16 at Irvine Regional Park; Beatles vs. Stones on July 30 at Craig Regional Park; Mariachi Divas on Aug. 6 at Craig Regional Park; and a Taylor Swift tribute band on Aug. 27 at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.
The Orange County Parks Sunset Cinema Film Series will feature 12 movie screenings at 6 p.m. Fridays from June 5 through Aug. 28.
Guests of all ages are encouraged to arrive early for pre-show entertainment, including character meet-and-greets, DJ-led games and themed photo opportunities.
Featured films include “The Wild Robot” on July 31 at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, “10 Things I Hate About You” on Aug. 7 at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, “Kung Fu Panda 4” on Aug. 14 at Irvine Regional Park and “Top Gun” (1986) on Aug. 28 at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.
There will be no cinema event on July 3 in observance of Independence Day weekend.
Families can also immerse themselves in authentic German cuisine, music and traditional dancing during German Heritage Day, scheduled from noon to 10 p.m. July 12 at Old World Village Festival Hall in Huntington Beach.
Held every first Sunday of the month, families can attend Bowers Museum’s Red, White and Blues American Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 12 at the Key Courtyard where children can participate in crafts and face painting. The family festival will include performances and complimentary treats. The following Pacific Islands family festival will be held on Sunday, Aug. 2.
A thrilling two-day San Clemente Ocean Festival will take place on July 18-19 at the San Clemente Municipal Pier and Beach. The Ocean Festival has been running since 1977, making it one of the longest-running ocean sports festivals celebrating surf culture and ocean lifestyle in California. The weekend event will include the Classic Woody Car show, Surf and Ocean Art show, a sandcastle contest and children’s activities.
In every nook and cranny within Orange County, a summer adventure is in store for families before the season comes to a close.