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Free Events & Things to Do in Orange County
Looking for inexpensive or free entertainment? We've compiled a list of events that have no admission charge. Please note, some of the events below may have optional charges for extra items or entertainment such as rides, raffles, etc. Links to the event are provided that will detail schedules, all activities and optional charges.

Upcoming Free Events
Ongoing Free Activities
Ongoing Free Classes & Workshops
Free Entry Museums
No Cost Things to Do in OC
Related Sections
Free Summer Concerts
Annual Festivals in Orange County
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Coming Soon

Neurodivergent Family Night - Irvine
February 11, 2025
5-7 pm

Neurodivergent Family Night creates a chance for families with children and their parents, siblings or caretakers to enjoy The City together in an environment that is designed to be sensory-friendly.

Cost: Free (Must RSVP)

Upcoming dates:
February 27, 2025

March 11, 2025
March 27, 2025
April 8, 2025
April 24, 2025

LOCATION:
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA

The Kid's Pet Parade & Animal Rescue Expo
Saturday, February 22 2025
(Rain Date is Saturday March 1st, 2025)

Part of the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebration. Kids between the ages of 5 to 12 can show off their favorite animals in a contest for, The Cutest, Most Unusual, Best Team Costume (owner and pet), Funniest & Most Obedient (pet, not child).

A special "Judges Choice" prize will be awarded and this winner will be given the opportunity to be in the Swallows' Day Parade.

Location:
Los Rios Park
31747 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA

INFORMATION:
949-615-1920

Pacific Symphony: Lantern Festival - Costa Mesa
Saturday, February 22, 2025
11 am - 4 pm

Free Family event! Bring the entire family and join us for Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival!

The Lantern Festival, which can be traced back 2,000 years, takes place 15 days after the Lunar New Year—on the first full moon night in the lunar calendar—and marks the return of spring, representing the reunion of family. The act of lighting and appreciating lanterns is a way for people to let go of the burdens of their old selves and express their best wishes for themselves and their families for the future.

LOCATION:
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
615 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

INFORMATION:
714-
556-2787

Bowers Museum's Celtic Festival
Sunday, March 2, 2025
11 am - 3 pm

Celebrate with Bowers Museum during our free family festivals held every first Sunday of the month in the Museum’s beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival.

Free Family Festivals are made possible with generous support from the Nicholas Endowment. Additional support is provided by Capital Group.

LOCATION:
Bowers Museum
2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706

D. Yoder Family Sundays: Story Book Sunday- San Clemente
Sunday, February 2, 2025
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Enjoy FREE admission to Casa Romantica with our storybook event.

D. Yoder Family Sundays are held on the first Sunday of each month for activities and a program thematically based on Casa Romantica’s Casa Captivating programs for all ages.

Free Admission

LOCATION:
Casa Romantica
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672

Swallows Day Parade & Mercado - San Juan Capistrano
Saturday, March 22, 2025

The Parade takes place in down-town San Juan Capistrano. This is the nation's largest non-motorized parade. It is totally organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Arrive early; most street closures are by 10.00 a.m. The parade begins promptly at 11 am.

The Mercado is a Street Fair and Market Place where you can eat, drink, and shop at over 100 booths. It is THE place to be after the parade! Listen and dance to the music of The Working Cowboy Band, a traditional country music band.

LOCATION:
Dowtown San Juan Capistrano

INFORMATION
949-615-1920

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Ongoing Free Activities

Pretend City presents: Family Autism Night
4th Thursday of the month
5-7pm

This special evening is an opportunity for children and their parents / siblings / caretakers to enjoy The City in a sensory-friendly environment, along with other families. Our community partners, who specialize in supporting the neurodiverse community will be on-hand to enrich your family’s play experience with welcoming smiles and practical support.

Specifically, for: Families with children of all ages from the neurodiverse community and with other disabilities. Pretend City will be closed to the public.

LOCATION:
Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA

INFORMATION:
949.428.3900

Artists Village Art Walk - Santa Ana
First Saturday of the Month
6:00pm - 10:00pm.

Downtown Santa Ana comes alive with arts the first Saturday of each month when galleries, theatres, artists and performers in the Artists Village host a monthly Open House for the public. This free event attracts as many as 1500 individuals who come from throughout Los Angeles and Orange County to walk more than 150 participating studios and galleries located in historic buildings in the heart of downtown Santa Ana.

INFORMATION:
714-571-4229

Bolsa Chica Conservancy - Free 1st Saturday Tour - Huntington Beach
1st Saturday of the month
9 am - 10:30 am

Free First Saturday Tour offers an exceptional on-site presentation of the Bolsa Chica Story. On the first Saturday of each month, their docents gather at the south lot of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, across the street from the main entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach. Docents are stationed on or near the footbridge, a truly magnificent entrance to the restored Bolsa Chica wetlands. Tours begin every 15 minutes and five areas of interest are included in the presentation: history, birds, endangered species, ecology and restoration.

This free tour is on a first come, first served basis.

LOCATION:
Bolsa Chica Conservancy
South lot of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
3842 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach

Phone:
To reserve private tours, call (714) 840-1575

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Free Entry Museums

Hilbert Museum of California Art - Orange

Discover the Hilbert Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of California narrative art. With 26 galleries for rotating displays of the more than 5,000 oils, watercolors, illustrations, drawings, pieces of movie production art and more, there’s always something new to see for art fans of all ages! Visit our website to make your FREE reservation.

The Hilbert Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm, and located in the heart of Old Towne Orange near the Orange Circle and across the street from the train station.

LOCATION:
167 N. Atchison Street
Orange, California

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Ongoing Free Classes & Workshops

Dale Carnegie of Orange County Workshops - Santa Ana

For over a century, Dale Carnegie has been improving individual and business performance around the world through professional development and leadership training. Their unique approach to training is by enhancing organizational Emotional Intelligence with tailored professional development solutions and leadership training to help teams, departments, and organizations achieve performance goals.

Courses, seminars and fee workshops are available to help you find the best training to suit your needs on your schedule.

LOCATION:
1805 East Dyer Road
Santa Ana, California 92705

GLXYOGA

GLXYOGA offers FUN & FREE outdoor yoga classes in Orange County. Classes are held weekly at beaches and parks. Locations and times are announced through social media and SMS broadcast.

The yoga activities are suitable for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. Everyone is welcome. Anyone interested in participating can join the community by visiting the website, opting-in to the SMS updates, or following on social media. Private yoga classes are available for individuals and groups looking for a customized yoga or sound bath experience. Yoga & surf retreats are offered yearly to exotic destinations like Costa Rica, Bali Indonesia, and El Salvador.

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No Cost Things to Do in Orange County

Orange County Beaches

Except for parking fees, most beaches in Orange County have no charge for admittance. We have a list of some of our most popular beaches by following the link above.

Orange County Parks

Stroll through wilderness or hiking trails, follow an excercise course, watch the kids on the playground or simply and enjoy the fresh air and wildlife. Orange County parks have a lot to offer.

Click on the link above for some of our favorite parks. Except for some regional parks, there are no charge for admittance.

 

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Featuring free events and throughout Orange County. Family friendly events for those on a budget.

 

 
 

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