May paints Orange County and Coachella Valley in vibrant hues, promising warm sunshine and a calendar brimming with exciting experiences!
Blooming landscapes and desert vistas await, offering adventure, culture, and delicious food. Dive in and plan your perfect spring escape in beautiful Orange County and Coachella Valley this May.
Central Orange County
31st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night
When: Thursday, May 16 · 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Where: Plaza Pacifica, OC Fair + Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
May bursts with flavor at Share Ourselves’ 31st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night! Join the fun and support the mission of serving others in need. Top chefs battle for the best taco, with proceeds fighting food insecurity and providing healthcare.
AVP Huntington Beach Open
When: Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19 · 12 pm
Where: Beach next to the Huntington Beach Pier, 325 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
Get ready for epic beach volleyball action as the AVP returns to the legendary sands of Huntington Beach! See the season kick off in Surf City USA, a location with the most AVP history under its belt. This event promises a fresh start with thrilling matchups. Witness the best beach volleyball players battling it out!
Scottish Fest
When: Saturday, May 25 – Sunday, May 26 · Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Where: OC Fair + Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Dive into Scottish and Celtic fun at the family-friendly Scottish Fest! Enjoy bagpipes, dancing, clans, athletics, food, and more over two exciting days. Everyone’s welcome, so join the celebration!
626 Night Market
When: Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2 · 4 – 11 pm
Where: OC Promenade and Lot I/G, OC Fair + Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Get ready for the iconic 626 Night Market’s return to Costa Mesa! Over 200 food, shopping, and entertainment options await. This will be fun for all ages under warm summer skies. Don’t miss this epic California festival!
South Orange County
Blenheim Surf & Turf Classic
When: Wednesday, May 15 – Sunday, May 19 · Times Vary
Where: Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano
Spectators are invited to enjoy world-class equestrian show jumping. Come out to the beautiful Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano to see amazing displays of horsemanship!
29th Annual Balboa Island Artwalk
When: Sunday, May 19 · 9 am – 5 pm
Where: South Bayfront Promenade, Balboa Island, Newport Beach
Don’t miss the 29th Annual Balboa Island Artwalk! This free event showcases over 85 local artists with paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and more. Enjoy live music all day along the South Bayfront Promenade. Fun for the whole family!
Newport Beach Wine Festival
When: Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26 · Times Vary
Where: Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach
Celebrate summer with wine, spirits, and coastal cuisine at the Newport Beach Wine Festival! This Memorial Day weekend, enjoy stunning scenery, exclusive dinners, a grand tasting, and a champagne brunch.
Trolley Hop: ’80s Totally Tubular
When: Sunday, May 26 · 12 – 5 pm
Where: Participating Dana Point restaurants and bars, Dana Point
Calling all ’80s enthusiasts! Dust off your neon leg warmers for a totally tubular Trolley Hop. Grab a trolley hop wristband for exclusive food and drink deals at participating Dana Point restaurants and bars. Early birds score a free fanny pack! Dress to impress in your most bodacious ’80s gear and get ready to party like it’s 1989! For more info and a list of participating spots, visit DanaPointChamber.com/trolley
Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival
When: Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2 · Times Vary
Where: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach
Jazz lovers, rejoice! The legendary Newport Beach Jazz Festival is back. This festival boasts a 29-year legacy as one of OC’s longest-running events. Witness iconic jazz legends like Babyface and Brian Culbertson take the stage, alongside rising stars like Avery * Sunshine. This is your chance to discover new favorites and experience the timeless beauty of jazz in a stunning setting. But buy tickets now — the event usually sells out!
Live-to-Headphones ‘Silent’ Piano Concert
When: Friday, May 31 · 6 – 8 pm
Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
Unwind on the beach with MindTravel’s ‘silent’ piano experience! Immerse yourself in ethereal melodies by Murray Hidary through wireless headphones, creating a magical journey of peace and self-discovery. This unique concert is perfect for anyone seeking tranquility and inner peace.
Desert Cities
22nd Annual Joshua Tree Music Festival
When: Thursday, May 16 – Sunday, May 19 · Times Vary
Where: Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2780 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree
Crave diverse music, soul-stirring workshops, and a community of kindred spirits? Joshua Tree Music Festival delivers! Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of sound, growth, and genuine connection. Find peace, inspiration, and a place to truly belong.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
When: Friday, May 21 – Sunday, June 9 · Times Vary
Where: Various restaurants throughout greater Palm Springs
Calling all foodies! Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is your chance to explore a culinary adventure. Discover new favorites and revisit old gems with special events, prix fixe menus, and delicious cocktails throughout the nine cities. Don’t miss out!
With endless amazing events happening throughout Orange County and the desert this May, it’s no wonder Southern California is a top place to live! Ready to embrace the ultimate Orange County or desert lifestyle? Contact our real estate specialists today at SurterreProperties.com.
