There is so much to do in Southern California this summer, and it’s always nice to take advantage of activities that are free to the public. There are many different free activities in Costa Mesa this summer – stay a night and check some of them out!
Costa Mesa Concerts in the Park
The City of Costa Mesa offers free concerts in Fairview Park this summer starting July 3 through July 31, each Tuesday. The live music begins at 6:15, and the evening includes kids’ activities, gourmet food trucks and a wine and beer garden. More information on the City of Costa Mesa website.
Movie Mondays at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
One of Orange County’s favorite summertime traditions is back at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This July 9 -31, the sixth summer of Free Movie Mondays, Segerstrom Center will screen five classic films on the Arts Plaza: Billy Elliot, the coming-of-age story about an English coal miner’s son who dreams of being a ballet dancer; the classic An American in Paris featuring a score by George and Ira Gershwin and starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron and Oscar Levant; Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas; Yentl, starring the incomparable Barbra Streisand and the musical comedy The Music Man with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable seating items. Set-up begins at 5:30 p.m. with the movie starting at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.).
SOBECA Summer Sounds Series
The SOBECA district, an acronym for South on Bristol Entertainment Culture Arts is hosting free live music at The LAB and The CAMP retail centers this summer, with the last concert a weekend event in August. See more information on the SOBECA Summer Sounds Series – the first of its kind in Costa Mesa.
80s Movie Nights at The CAMP
The CAMP is taking you back in time Friday nights this July. The Films in the Tree House series returns with a twist, featuring 80s sports flicks including Rad, Thrasin’, North Shore and Gleaming the Cube. As part of the series, ECCO Restaurant at The CAMP, voted Best Pizza 2011 by OC Weekly, will offer an exclusive pizza size and price for moviegoers – any one of its delicious gourmet pizzas for just $9.
Pacific Amphitheater –FREE OC Fair Access With Ticket Purchase
Pacific Amphitheater has some fantastic concerts coming this summer in the Toyota Summer Concert Series! Enjoy music of every genre this July and August, from Willie Nelson to Sheryl Crow, from Adam Lambert to Cinderella and much more. With your Pacific Amphitheater ticket purchase, get free admission to the OC Fair on the day of your show – an $11 per person value.
OC Fair Special Offers
The Orange County Fair runs July 12 – August 13, and there are a few free admission days and special offers:
Opening Hour: Fairgoers who arrive between 12 and 1 pm on opening day, July 12, get free admission!
Kids Day: Children under age 12 get in free on Thursdays.
Seniors Day: Seniors age 60 and over can get in for $2 on Fridays. Seniors can also get free merry-go-round and Ferris wheel rides.
Early Bird: Admission is just $2 between 10 and 11 am on Saturdays and Sundays.
“We Care” Wednesdays: The OC Fair will host weekly community drives and give free admission for those who participate. Donations are accepted from 12 – 4 pm.
Food Sampling: Samples of OC Fair food will be available for $2 a taste from 12 – 4 pm on Fridays.
Ride promotions: A wristband for unlimited carnival rides is available for $30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. There are also $2 rides and games on Fridays.
The place to be this summer is OC – and Costa Mesa’s ready to welcome you!
