Our picks of places to go and things to do to make the most of your month in and around Orange County.
VEG OUT HERE – Get your fill of fabulous plant-based foods at the OC Vegan Fest Downtown, which features more than 25 cruelty-free vendors making a range of eats and treats, from vegan chocolate and cheese to burgers and banh mi. The free festival takes place from 11am to 6pm on Sunday, September 8 at 253 E 3rd Street in Santa Ana.
TOAST TO A GREAT CAUSE HERE – Tickets are going fast for the 10th Annual OC Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival, an all-day, family-friendly event on Saturday, September 7 from 11am to 7pm. Choose from more than 160 craft beers—you’ll get unlimited tastings, so be sure to pace yourself. After a few brews, check out the cigar lounge (just for the 21 and older set), live entertainment, food trucks, a Ferris Wheel, bounce houses and more.
CRUISE FOR A CURE HERE – On Saturday, September 28, catch more than 3,500 street rods, customs, trucks, corvettes, muscle cars, fire trucks and cars for sale at the 20th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure event at the OC Fair & Event Center—the event’s proceeds go to funding research for a cure for prostate cancer. Inside the fairgrounds, see live music and browse more than 175 vendors. Plus, the event will be providing free prostate screenings for any man over 40 years old, no appointment necessary.
GET GLOBAL HERE – The world is truly at your fingertips at the three-day International Street Fair in Orange. From Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1, wander through different countries in Old Towne Orange—each designated a different street during the fair. Find a variety of native cuisines (from French and Polynesian to Greek and Mexican) as well as live music, arts, crafts and events for the kids.
ENJOY JAZZ HERE – Since 2003, every year throughout the month of September, the Brea Jazz Festival brings local musicians to downtown Brea for open-air jam sessions that take place over four weekends. The event attracts well over 12,000 people and is free for general seating. The usual lineup spotlights soulful blues, Latin and swing musicians.
