During the summer Costa Mesa lights up with countless events, concerts, and cultural experiences throughout the city. Let this guide be your ultimate summer bucket list filled with excitement and unforgettable memory-making adventures.
Top Events for Summer in Costa Mesa
Thrills, Food, Fun, and More at the OC Fair
As one of the top 10 largest fairs in the US, the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa is no small-town affair. Every summer, people from all over anticipate this month-long event, which kicks off on July 19th and runs through August 18th.
You can expect fair classics, like savory food and carnival rides, but that is only the beginning. Explore the fairgrounds to discover unique exhibits, plenty of shopping options, animal encounters, and a variety of live entertainment, from monster trucks to music. Purchase your tickets and start planning your visit for maximum fun.
Catch a Concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre
This year’s lineup for the Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre has something for everyone. From rap to rock to reggae and more, some of the world’s biggest bands are lined up for shows throughout the entire summer.
Some of the highlights will include:
- Stray Cats
- UB40
- Big Time Rush
- Sublime with Rome
Tickets can be purchased through the Pacific Amphitheater site and automatically include same-day admission to the OC Fair!
Explore Free Cultural Experiences at Argyros Plaza
Photo by Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Sign up for the free Plaza Pass to have access to each of the outdoor summer events held at Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Some of the highlights spread over this June and July include:
- Tuesday Night Dancing: Learn about (and how to perform) different dances in a judgment-free area focused on fun.
- Movie Nights: On select nights, there will be showings of movies, ranging from modern classics to hits from the 1980s and 1990s.
- Concerts: Enjoy the sounds of summer with performances from talented local artists.
Check out their full list of events to find the perfect evening event for friends and family.
Hit the Waves at World-Famous Beaches
From surfing to relaxing on the sand, the beaches around Costa Mesa offer some of the finest beach experiences in California. The nearest beach is only 5 minutes away, where you can make the most of your visit with memorable activities such as whale watching, paddle boarding, swimming, and of course, surfing.
For an all-around beach experience, try Newport Beach or Huntington Beach. A tourist-favorite locale, Laguna Beach is known for its coastal parks. For something more unique, you can visit the Crystal Cove Tide Pools that play a vital role in the local ecosystem. If you like beaches with cliffs, then Corona Del Mar Beach may be your prime choice. Wherever you go, you will not be disappointed!
Cool Down with Artisanal Ice Cream
Photo by @tacoswithtori via IG
Stricklands Ice Cream has been keeping communities cool for 90+ years with their award-winning recipe for ice cream. Keep track of their small-batch flavor of the day to try specialty flavors that they continually swap out. Expect some classics like mint chocolate chip on some days, but then go adventurous and try unique flavors like Thai iced tea or blueberry cheesecake.
Inspired by flavors and recipes from around the world, Stella Jean’s hand-crafted ice cream always surprises and delights. While you will find more familiar flavors like milk & cookies or vanilla, they love venturing into exciting seasonal flavors with vegan and gluten-friendly options. Try their mango sticky rice or ube & pandesal toffee for a new ice cream experience.
Escape the Heat at South Coast Plaza
Photo by Pablo Enriquez
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete (regardless of season) without a visit to South Coast Plaza. What makes it especially popular in summer is the chance to get out from the heat and refresh with fine food, designer boutiques, and special events. Be sure to visit the brand new two-story Gucci and first North American Bvlgari Lounge.
From world-class chefs to world-famous designers, South Coast Plaza is often considered Costa Mesa’s crown jewel. With plenty of amenities, 250+ shops, and a unique architectural design, it is no surprise that it remains a popular destination for visitors from across the world.
Come Prepared: Book Your Stay Ahead of Time
Extending your stay is the perfect way to see all that Costa Mesa has to offer. Get the most out of your visit by booking a stay at one of our 11 hotels in Costa Mesa. From beach-close locations to extensive amenities, each option can serve as the ideal hub for your SoCal vacation.
