Fun Family Events in Orange County

If you are looking for a fun way to spend the day with your family, there are a couple of upcoming area events that you might want to check out.

OC Fair Fun Run

The Orange County Fair will continue from now until August 13th, where you can enjoy all of the fun rides, carnival games and delicious fair food. On August 6th, you can also push yourself a little harder by participating in the OC Fair Fun Run 5K. This family-friendly event is equipped to handle participants of all ages. Awards will be given to the first, second and third place male and female finishers.

Other events taking place at the fair on the day of the OC Fair Fun Run 5K include:

• Mariachi Sol de Mexico: Mariachi music led by bandleader Jose Hernandez, who is the proud descendent of five generations of mariachi masters. Takes place at 1:30 and 6:00 pm. Tickets start at $20 and admission to the fair is included for free.
• Fiesta del Charro: Showcases the talents and skills of a Mexican horseman dressed in an elaborately decorated outfit. The event features large, untamed animals who come in direct contact with human beings. Therefore, discretion is advised. The event takes place from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Action Sports Arena. Tickets start at $17.50 and admission to the fair is included for free.
• Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs: Five-time Grammy winner Michael McDonald and American singer, songwriter and guitarist Boz Scaggs, who was the guitarist and lead singer with the Steve Miller Band, will perform at the Pacific Amphitheatre from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Tickets start at $30 with admission to the fair included for free.

The OC Fair Fun Run will take place at the OC Fair and Events Center at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. The race fee includes a t-shirt, a timing chip, a commemorative finisher’s metal and one free admission to the fair. Registration for those who are 16 and older is $40. Registration for children between the ages of 5 and 16 is $30 and 5 and under is $5.

Kaleidoscope Carnival

The Kaleidoscope Center in Mission Viejo is hosting a family-focused carnival on August 8th from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm. The carnival will feature games, face painters, balloon artists and even a stilt walker. All participants will receive game tickets if they donate a backpack or a new toy to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Kaleidoscope Center is a 245,000 square foot lifestyle center hosting entertainment, restaurant and retail along with a variety of community events throughout the year. The center is located at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway just off the 5 Freeway in Mission Viejo. All proceeds from the event go toward benefiting Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. Game tickets are $1 each, $5 for six, $10 for 15 and $2 for Spin to Win. Participants who bring a toy or a backpack to donate to Make-A-Wish will receive six game tickets and a Spin to Win.