May marks a shift in Southern California’s rhythm—longer days, warmer nights, and a calendar that moves seamlessly from coastal sophistication to desert spectacle.
In Orange County, the season leans into outdoor dining, waterfront festivals, and community-driven celebrations, while Coachella Valley carries its momentum with elevated nightlife, live music, and curated cultural events.
Whether you are planning a laid-back weekend by the coast or a high-energy escape to the desert, May delivers a refined mix of lifestyle experiences worth building your calendar around.
CENTRAL OC
Newport Beach Wine Festival | Friday-Saturday, May 22-23 | Times Vary | Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 Coast Highway, Newport Beach
A signature coastal event blending luxury and lifestyle, this two-day festival features an intimate winemaker dinner followed by a grand tasting showcasing premier wines and spirits. Set along the harbor, it delivers an elevated social atmosphere with curated experiences, tastings, and high-end hospitality.
Newport Beach Jazz Festival 30th Anniversary | Friday-Sunday, May 29-31 | Times Vary | Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach
Celebrate three decades of smooth sounds at this iconic coastal festival featuring top jazz artists, ocean-close views, and a laid-back luxury vibe. Expect a full weekend of live performances, great food, and an upscale social scene that defines Newport Beach in spring.
626 Night Market | Friday-Sunday, May 29-31 | 3-11pm | OC Fair & Event Center, Lot G + Lot I, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
One of California’s most iconic night markets returns with a high-energy mix of 200+ food vendors, local artists, games, and live entertainment. Expect bold street food, vibrant crowds, and a festival atmosphere that turns warm OC evenings into a full-scale cultural experience.
SOUTH OC
Modern Makers Mart: Berry Best Mother’s Day Market | Saturday, May 9 | 10am-4pm | Bump Out Park, 24354 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
A festive, family-friendly market celebrating Mother’s Day with a seasonal twist. Browse 50+ local vendors while enjoying berry-themed treats, live music, photo moments, and a kids’ craft station. It’s an easy, feel-good way to spend the day in Dana Point.
Celebration of Moms | Saturday, May 9 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
A feel-good Mother’s Day celebration bringing together local families, wellness experiences, and community vendors in an open-air setting. Expect a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with activities, pop-ups, and opportunities to celebrate moms in a meaningful, social environment.
Sunset Serenades: Kim Johnson | Friday, May 8 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach
Come see an easygoing coastal concert featuring Americana, folk, and country sounds set against a Laguna Beach sunset. Part of the city’s free summer series, it offers a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere—bring a low-back chair and enjoy live music by the ocean.
Swift Nation | Saturday, May 9 | Doors open 4:00 PM | Great Park, 8000 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine
A high-energy, Taylor Swift–inspired tribute experience that brings fans through every era—from early country hits to pop anthems—in a sing-along, concert-style setting. Expect an immersive night of music, costumes, and crowd energy as part of Irvine Nights’ outdoor live event series.
Spring Vintage Wine Walk | Saturday, May 16 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Inn at the Mission, 26907 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano
A curated sip-and-stroll experience through downtown San Juan Capistrano featuring wine and food pairings across 16+ local spots. With tasting tickets, a commemorative glass, and live music to close out the day, it’s a polished yet social way to explore one of OC’s most charming districts.
Jazz in the Palm Court | Sunday, May 17 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex, 14321 Yale Avenue, Irvine
A relaxed outdoor concert experience showcasing the full spectrum of jazz, from blues and swing to bebop and modern styles. Set in an open-air arts space, it’s an easygoing afternoon of live music; bring chairs or blankets and settle in for a laid-back cultural outing.
COACHELLA VALLEY
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week | Friday, May 29 – Sunday, June 7 | Times Vary | Restaurants throughout Greater Palm Springs
Join in for a 10-day culinary showcase across the desert’s top dining destinations, featuring curated prix-fixe menus, seasonal dishes, and standout cocktails. From poolside lunches to elevated dinner experiences, this is a refined way to explore the Coachella Valley’s vibrant food scene while supporting local restaurants.
Palm Springs 70MM Fest | Friday-Sunday, May 29-31 | Times Vary | Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs
A cinematic showcase celebrating the artistry of large-format film, featuring a curated lineup of six screenings presented in 70mm. Hosted at the historic Camelot Theatre, this niche festival offers a refined, immersive viewing experience for film enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop | Monday, May 25 | 10am-5pm | Palm Springs Air Museum
A powerful Memorial Day tribute featuring vintage aircraft flyovers and flight exhibitions throughout the morning, followed by a formal ceremony at 1pm. The program culminates with the Missing Man Formation and a dramatic flower drop between 1:45pm and 2pm, honoring fallen service members in a moving aerial tribute.
May Events in Orange County and Coachella Valley – FAQ
1. What are the best May events in Orange County and Coachella Valley?
Some of the best May events include the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, Newport Beach Wine Festival, 626 Night Market, Laguna Beach Gate & Garden Tour, Spring Vintage Wine Walk, Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, Palm Springs 70MM Fest, and the Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop.
2. What family-friendly events are happening in Orange County in May?
Family-friendly May events include Aloha Fair in Huntington Beach, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in San Clemente, Modern Makers Mart in Dana Point, Celebration of Moms in San Clemente, Jazz in the Palm Court in Irvine, and 626 Night Market in Costa Mesa.
3. What are the top Newport Beach events in May?
Newport Beach highlights include the Newport Beach Wine Festival at Balboa Bay Resort and the Newport Beach Jazz Festival 30th Anniversary at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.
4. Are there free May events in Orange County?
Yes. Free events include Aloha Fair in Huntington Beach, Redo Vintage & Maker’s Market in Dana Point, Sunset Serenades in Laguna Beach, and select community celebrations throughout Orange County.
5. What food and wine events are happening in May?
May food and wine events include the Newport Beach Wine Festival, Spring Vintage Wine Walk in San Juan Capistrano, 626 Night Market in Costa Mesa, Taste of Jalisco Festival in Cathedral City, and Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week.
6. What are the best South Orange County events in May?
South Orange County May events include the Laguna Beach Gate & Garden Tour, Capistrano Polo Classic, Redo Vintage & Maker’s Market, Modern Makers Mart, Spring Vintage Wine Walk, and Sunset Serenades in Laguna Beach.
7. What live music events are happening in Orange County in May?
Live music options include the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, Sunset Serenades in Laguna Beach, Swift Nation at Great Park, Jazz in the Palm Court in Irvine, and live entertainment at several community markets and festivals.
8. What are the top Coachella Valley events in May?
Top Coachella Valley events include Taste of Jalisco Festival, Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop, Palm Springs 70MM Fest, and Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week.
9. What Memorial Day events are happening in Palm Springs?
The Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop at Palm Springs Air Museum takes place on Monday, May 25, from 10am to 5pm. The memorial ceremony begins at 1pm, followed by the Missing Man Formation and flower drop between 1:45pm and 2pm.
10. Why visit Orange County and Coachella Valley in May?
May is one of the best times to enjoy Southern California lifestyle events, with warmer evenings, coastal festivals, outdoor concerts, food and wine experiences, desert dining, and community celebrations across Orange County and Coachella Valley.
