YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN IN COSTA MESA, CA
Costa Mesa is a great place to be, especially in the summer! It’s centrally located and close to Angels Stadium, Newport Beach, and some of the best attractions Southern California has to offer. Whether you’re trying to beat the heat or spend all day outside enjoying the sunshine, there’s something for everyone this summer! Here are some of the fun events and activities in and around Costa Mesa, CA, this summer!
Events
ORANGE COUNTY FAIR
The annual month-long Orange County Fair is back in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair and Events Center. The fun starts on July 19 and goes through August 18. This year’s theme is perfect for summer: Always a Good Time. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance because the fair is limiting the number of tickets per day. Rates run at $13 for general admission on Wednesdays and Thursdays; $15 for general admission on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; and $9 for people older than 60 and children ages six to 12 every day. Buy tickets here.
The Orange County Fair isn’t your average fair. There are nearly 70 different carnival rides to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something wild and crazy or something suitable for young children, you’ll find plenty of options. There are other attractions to take in as well.
SUMMER AT KNOTT’S
Knott’s Summer Nights is a lively nighttime summer party that continues long after the sun sets at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, not far from Costa Mesa. From June 14 to September 2, 2024, guests can enjoy live music, specialty summer food, interactive experiences, and family-friendly games.
Whether you’re savoring a Grizzly Creek Lodge Aloha Hawaiian Pizza or indulging in a Chocolate Stuffed S’mores Churro, Knott’s Summer Nights promises an unforgettable event. It’s the perfect way to make the most of summer days and nights!
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT DISNEYLAND PARK
From August 23 to November 2, 2024, El Zócalo Park in Disneyland transforms into a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos. Amidst marigold blooms and lively decor, honor departed loved ones and connect with eternal traditions.
Explore the immersive setting adorned with iconic skeleton figurines (calacas), colorful flowers, and a traditional “ofrenda” altar. Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace family bonds, cultural richness, and the spirit of Pixar’s
Coco. Valid tickets and park reservations are a must—join the festivities! Whether you’ve grown up celebrating Día de los Muertos or are totally new, you’ll have a ton of fun at this family event at Disneyland Park!
VISIT OCC PLANETARIUM
Is there anything more magnificent than a night sky filled with stars? Unfortunately, it’s sometimes hard to see the stars from cities. But for those in Costa Mesa, there’s no problem at all. The Orange Coast College Planetarium offers an exciting and informative glimpse into distant galaxies and constellations without requiring you to stay up late or leave the city!
The OCC Planetarium also offers frequent events that help visitors to learn about the world above in new and exciting ways. Here are some of the events hosted throughout the year:
- Skylark Speaker Series: Special guests bring the most relevant topics in space science and astronomy to the Planetarium.
- Public Telescope Nights: The Planetarium and OCC Astronomy Department offer regular sky viewing events, free of charge! Staff of the planetarium help visitors use a collection of high-powered telescopes to see real stars and galaxies up close! Events are held monthly and during any special celestial events like eclipses and comet sightings.
Lazerdome: There’s more than one way to use a planetarium! Every once in a while, the planetarium transforms into a dazzling laser light show set to top songs by Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and other rock favorites.
WATCH A SHOW AT SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Catching a show is a great way to spend the day, no matter the time of year, but it’s especially nice in the summer when you can stay inside and avoid the heat. Segerstrom Center for the Arts has a great summer lineup this year. Here are a few of the summer events and performances you shouldn’t miss:
- Tuesday Night Dance: Ballet with Studio D
- July 2–30, 2024
- Argyros Plaza
- The Muppet Movie (1979)
- July 8, 2024
- Argyros Plaza
- Dixie’s Tupperware Party
- July 10–14, 2024
- Samueli Theater
- Bluey’s Big Play
- August 3–4, 2024
- Segerstrom Hall
CATCH A GAME AT ANGEL STADIUM OF ANAHEIM
Is there anything better than enjoying a baseball game in the summertime? If you’re visiting or living in Costa Mesa, you’re not far from Angel Stadium, home of the Anaheim Angels. Throughout the summer and early fall, you can attend an Angels home game as they work their way through the season. The angels play about 10–15 home games per month, giving you plenty of chances to catch a game.
Check the schedule to see when the Angels are playing and against which teams. Grab dinner at one of the stadium’s restaurants or a hot dog and beer during the game. If you’re lucky, you might even end up on the jumbotron!
VISIT NEWPORT BEACH
Costa Mesa is less than five miles away from the sparkling waters of Newport Beach, a hotspot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are lifeguard stations spaced along the beach and plenty of room for frisbee, volleyball, and football. There’s even a bike path the community can use for travel and fun.
The Newport Pier is also located at Newport Beach, which offers a place for people to fish, watch the sunset, and take a stroll above the water. After spending the afternoon at the beach, you can even stop by one of the restaurants just off the beach for a bite to eat.
If you love Costa Mesa, CA, as much as we do, consider living with us at The Grand Costa Mesa Apartments. Our luxury apartments and high-end amenities make living in Costa Mesa even better! Call or text us to schedule a tour.
