Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Southern California — July 31 – August 2, 2026
Photo: OC Fair
Got weekend plans? We do! Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a budget-friendly outing, or just something fun to do, we’ve rounded up the best events happening this weekend. Check out what’s going on!
✍️ Bookmark this page and check back every week!
🚗 Know Before You Go: Confirm details with the event organizer before making plans. We’re here to help you find the fun, but changes, cancellations, and mistakes can happen!
Happening All Weekend – July 31–August 2
FREE! US Open of Surfing
Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach
A massive beachfront surf competition and festival at Huntington Beach Pier.
FREE! Night Market
Asian Garden Mall, Westminster
Enjoy summer weekends with Vietnamese street food, shopping, and live music at this outdoor night market.
FREE! Acquaprofonda: Free, Family-Friendly Opera
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
Long Beach Opera debuts a 30-minute family-friendly opera adventure about ocean protection, featuring crafts, Q&As, and photo ops. Free entry to the theater; aquarium admission optional.
FREE! Garden Concerts For Kids
Getty Center, Los Angeles
Dance in the garden during Getty’s free weekend concert series for kids, featuring music from 123 Andrés, Kymberly Stewart, and Divi Roxx Kids. Shows begin at 4pm.
El Dorado Fantasy Faire
El Dorado Frontier, Long Beach
A fantasy faire with knights, fairies, live music, and immersive cosplay fun.
Water Lantern Festival
Whittier Narrows Recreational Area, South El Monte
Decorate a lantern, enjoy live music and food, then watch the water glow during this reflective, family-friendly festival.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Rose Center Theater, Westminster
A youth cast performs Disney’s The Little Mermaid live on stage.
Gabby’s Dollhouse Meowseum Discovery Days
The Children’s Museum at La Habra, La Habra
Gabby’s Dollhouse crafts, scavenger hunt, and themed fun at the museum.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Stories
A Noise Within, Pasadena
The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes to life with live music and animation.
The Percy Jackson Musical
South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa
Watch young actors bring the story of Percy Jackson to life in this rock musical based on Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Health Fair
Discovery Cube – Los Angeles, Sylmar
Build healthy habits with workshops, stage shows, and fun family activities at this wellness event.
Family Overnight
Battleship USS Iowa, San Pedro
Spend the night aboard the historic Battleship IOWA, exploring the ship, taking part in hands-on activities, and sleeping in authentic crew berths.
International Surf Festival
South Bay Beach Cities
Watch lifeguards, surfers, and volleyball teams compete in this multi-day celebration of South Bay beach culture.
Friday – July 31
FREE! Friday Fun
Madrona Marsh Preserve, Torrance
Explore nature with story time, crafts, science, and guided activities designed for preschoolers.
FREE! Wild Tales
Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach
Enjoy an outdoor story time in the newly renovated amphitheater, an age-appropriate hike, and a craft project in the classroom.
Melon Moon Market
Tanaka Farms, Irvine
A lantern-lit night market with vendors, melons, and farm fun.
Parents Night Out
Lil’ Chef School, Irvine
Kids ages 3+ enjoy a themed Friday evening making food from scratch, with drinks and a game or movie to round out the night.
Saturday – August 1
FREE! Green N Clean Festival
A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility, Carson
A hands-on eco festival with a mobile aquarium, touch-a-truck, and family activities.
FREE! Big Family Field Day
El Dorado Park West, Long Beach
A full day of field games, music, and family fun at El Dorado Park.
FREE! Heritage Festival
Downtown Paramount, Paramount
Live music, a petting zoo, kids’ speedway, and family fun in Downtown Paramount.
FREE! KCRW Summer Nights
California African American Museum, Los Angeles
KCRW DJs, dancing, and after-hours museum access at CAAM.
Kids Day Fest
The Compound by Dirt Dog, Commerce
A kid-friendly indoor dance party with DJs, lights, and glow fun.
Guess the Gadget
Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum, Santa Ana
Join a docent-led tour to learn about gadgets used in the Victorian era, then enjoy tea and sweets in the dining room.
Sunday – August 2
FREE! Festival of the Chariots (Ratha Yatra)
Venice Beach, Venice Beach
A colorful beach festival with chariots, live music, dance, and a free vegetarian feast.
FREE! Family Festival: Pacific Islands
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
Lei making, hula, Polynesian dance, and family activities at Bowers Museum.
FREE! Back to School Giveaway
Anaheim Marketplace, Anaheim
Free backpacks for the first 200 kids and school supplies for the first 400, plus kids’ activities at Anaheim Marketplace.
Family Science Sunday
Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles, San Pedro
Hands-on marine science workshops let kids explore rescue techniques, ocean animals, dissections, climate science, and more.
Sensory-Friendly Sunday
The Children’s Museum at La Habra, La Habra
Explore the museum with reduced noise, dim lighting, and a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
Ongoing Events
June 5–July 31: FREE! The World’s Biggest Soccer Ball
Citadel Outlets, Los Angeles
Walk through a 20-foot interactive soccer ball installation and snap photos at Citadel Outlets. On select dates, watch live professional soccer freestyle performances.
June 15–July 31: FREE! Summer of Soccer
Celebrate the 2026 World Cup with soccer-inspired programs at LA County Library all summer long, including watch parties, crafts, workshops, and movie nights.
July 17–August 16: OC Fair “Your Adventure Awaits”
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
Carnival rides, fair food, animals, exhibits, and a special Read & Ride deal for kids who complete three books.
July 20–August 30: LEGO® Festival
LEGOLAND California Resort, Carlsbad
LEGO Festival returns with a new Pokémon play zone and F1-themed fun.
July 29–August 9: Ventura County Fair
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura
Enjoy exciting rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and lots of family fun.
June 24–September 6: FREE! Free Shakespeare Festival
Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Enjoy Shakespeare performances under the stars in Griffith Park.
June 13–August 9: Mega Movie Summer
Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City
Meet movie characters, see a Fast & Furious show, and explore themed experiences across the park.
📚 Library Events
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Tags: events, weekend
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This post was written by Kidsguide
