Things to Do in Orange County – January & Early February 2026
Kick off the new year with a full calendar of exciting things to do around Orange County! From family-friendly festivals and live performances to art experiences, community gatherings, and outdoor adventures, January and early February offer something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a date night, or a family day, this roundup highlights can’t-miss events happening throughout OC to help you start 2026 inspired and entertained.
Surf City Splash (Dec. 31 – Jan. 1)Upscale two-day shopping experience at the Splash Vendor Village, plus speeches, awards, costume contest, water safety presentation, and the iconic New Year’s Day ocean splash.
9am–12pm | Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach www.thelocalhb.com/surf-city-splash
Winter Fest OC (Through Jan. 4)
SoCal’s largest winter festival featuring ice skating, ice tubing, snow play, carnival rides, live entertainment, tree lightings, and festive treats.
Lot A, OC Fair & Event Center
www.winterfestoc.com
2026 AIMExpo (Jan. 7–9)
The premier powersports industry event connecting brands, dealers, media, and enthusiasts through education, training, and networking.
Anaheim Convention Center
www.aimexpousa.com
MAKE: A Portrait of Orange County (Jan. 7–29)
A participatory art experience inspired by Cynthia Daignault, inviting guests to create watercolor portraits of meaningful Orange County locations.
11:30am–4:30pm | Orange County Museum of Art
https://ocma.art
2026 California Grand Invitational – Gold Medal Gymnastics (Jan. 9–11)
A premier gymnastics competition hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist Amanda Borden.
Anaheim Convention Center
www.goldmedalevents.com
Discovery Day at the Farm (Jan. 9)
Family-friendly activities including self-guided tours, seed planting, livestock interaction, and educational demonstrations.
9am–12pm | OC Fair & Event Center
www.ocfair.com
Fiesta Association Hairiest Man Contest (Jan. 10)
Clean-shaven contestants begin a 9-week beard-growing challenge leading up to Fiesta Grande.
11am–2pm | Swallows Inn, San Juan Capistrano
www.swallowsdayparade.org
Lake Forest SnowFest (Jan. 10)
Snow play, games, and sled rides down Mount Pittsford. Wristbands required and sell out fast.
10:30am | Pittsford Park
www.lakeforestca.gov
JAMZ 2026 Palms & Pyramids (Jan. 11)
Cheerleading and dance competition.
Anaheim Convention Center
www.jamz.com
The Wiz (Jan. 13–25)
The groundbreaking Broadway musical reimagining The Wizard of Oz with soul, gospel, rock, and funk.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
www.scfta.org
Newport Beach Restaurant Week (Jan. 15 - 25) Discover 40+ restaurants, from iconic waterfront spots to hidden local favorites, with easy reservations and menus for every palate. https://restaurantweeknb.com/
Aliso Viejo Children’s Concert (Jan. 15)
Free children’s concert with face painting and a complimentary FIT4MOM workout for parents beforehand.
9–11:30am | Grand Park Amphitheater
www.avca.net
A Day at the Carnival – Preschool Party (Jan. 16)
A one-hour preschool event featuring crafts, storytime, games, and snacks. Pre-registration required.
10–11am | Crown Valley Community Center, Laguna Niguel
www.cityoflagunaniguel.org
Cypress Teens Night Out: Game Zone (Jan. 16)
Games, prizes, pizza, and fun for 7th and 8th graders only.
6–9pm | Cypress Community Center
www.cypressca.org
Yorba Linda Family Art Experience (Jan. 17)
Monthly rotating art activities for families, with multiple time slots available.
9am–1:30pm | Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center
www.yorbalindaca.gov
Blade Runner (Live Score Experience) (Jan. 22)
The cult classic film shown on a massive screen with Vangelis’ score performed live.
8pm | Segerstrom Center for the Arts
www.scfta.org
Garden Grove Community Cleanup Day (Jan. 24)
Residents can dispose of bulky items and electronic waste on a first-come basis.
9–11am | Pacifica High School
www.ggcity.org/cleanup-days
The Notebook (Jan. 27 – Feb. 8)
The stage adaptation of the beloved novel and film about enduring love.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
www.scfta.org
Taste of San Juan (Jan. 29)
A culinary celebration featuring 25 local restaurants, kicking off Fiesta de las Golondrinas.
6–9pm | San Juan Hills Golf Club
www.swallowsdayparade.org
2026 Surf City Marathon (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1)
A scenic, flat, Boston-Qualifying race along Pacific Coast Highway.
Huntington Beach
www.runsurfcity.com
🔁 Ongoing & Monthly Events
*Surf City Nights (Tuesdays) – Downtown Huntington Beach
*Pretend City: Family Autism Night (2nd Tuesdays & 4th Thursdays) – Irvine
*Good Morning CdM (Second Thursdays) – Corona del Mar
*Harbor After Dark (First Fridays) – Dana Point Harbor
*Cypress Kids Night Out (Third Fridays) – Cypress
*San Clemente Village Art Faire (First Saturdays) – San Clemente
*Downtown Santa Ana ArtWalk (First Saturdays) – Santa Ana
*Pacific Coast Run Walk Club (Second Saturdays) – Huntington Beach
*Bolsa Chica Conservancy Public Tours (Last Saturdays) – Huntington Beach
*Anaheim Cars & Coffee Classics (First Sundays) – Anaheim