With the weather picking up and the warm California spring in full bloom, people from across the country will be flocking to Anaheim and the wider OC area. Whether it’s doing your best Yoda impression on May the Fourth or digging into some enchiladas at Cinco de Mayo fest, Anaheim, CA, has something for every taste and personality. How will you explore Anaheim this May?
May 2024 at Disneyland® Resort
May is jam-packed with so many things to do at Disneyland® Resort. Make your way to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and May the Fourth be with you! Each year around this time, Space Mountain attraction undergoes a transformation into a Star Wars-themed adventure, signaling the arrival of Star Wars Day! It's the perfect occasion to don your Stormtrooper helmet or lightsaber and join the festivities!
Season of the Force
To celebrate the fan holiday, the park is hosting Season of the Force, a limited-time Star Wars celebration in the Galaxy's Edge section of the park. From now to June 2, 2024, guests can enjoy all-new Star Wars experiences, new foodie items, merchandise and on select nights, a Fire of the Rising Moons nighttime spectacular show.
Disneyland® After Dark: Star Wars Nite
The park is also hosting a sold-out Disneyland® After Dark: Star Wars Nite on May 2, 7, and 9 packed with unique intergalactic fun! The celebration will feature Star Wars characters and special food inspired by what you’d find in a galaxy far, far away. Even though this event is sold out, no worries, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Star Wars throughout the park. Hyperspace Mountain, the Star Wars-themed version of Space Mountain, returns all month long, ride the new Star Tours – The Adventure Continues attraction and visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge for a full Star Wars experience. Learn more about the limited-time Star Wars celebrations taking place at Disneyland® Resort this May.
Pixar Fest at Disneyland® Resort
From now to August 4, 2024, celebrate friendship and beyond at Pixar Fest at Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, CA. This limited-time event features new Pixar Fest character appearances, an all-new "Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” parade, the return of Together Forever - A Fireworks - A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular and more! Learn more about Pixar Fest 2024.
Fantasmic!
Catch the return of Fantasmic! at Disneyland® Resort on May 24th, 2024. Mickey and his friends are back as they transform the Rivers of America stage into a show you will not want to miss. Get glimpses of Disney classics such as Aladdin, The Lion King, Tangled and Pirates of the Caribbean and more! Visit the website for more information and showtimes.
Annual Events in Anaheim and Orange County
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival | May 24–27
Held annually in downtown Garden Grove, the 64th annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival celebrates the region's rich agricultural history, tradition, community, and the vibrant spirit that defines Garden Grove, CA, just a stone's throw away from Anaheim! This year’s theme is centered around “Celebrating our Hometown,” a tribute to the rich culture, community and cherished memories that residents and visitors experience when in Garden Grove.
The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, and plenty of delicious strawberry-themed treats. Don’t miss the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Parade, along with the giant strawberry cake-cutting ceremony, a Strawberry Stomp 5K Run, over 35 carnival rides, games, contests and so much more. Make sure to add this festival to your Memorial Day weekend for a full day of family fun!
Anaheim 5 de Mayo Fiesta | May 3–5
Every year, La Palma Park in Anaheim hosts the Anaheim 5 de Mayo Fiesta, a multiday celebration of Mexican heritage. Over the weekend, you can expect live bands and entertainment, carnival rides, interactive games, and plenty of food trucks and delicious Mexican food vendors! The excitement continues with the Battle of Puebla breakdance competition on Friday, May 4, and a soccer tournament the following day. While admission is free, some activities, such as carnival rides and games are cash only.
La Habra Citrus Fair | May 3–5
Celebrating its 14th season, the La Habra Citrus Fair is an award-winning agriculture program that features a quality display on raising livestock, an expansive citrus marketplace, local bands, dancers, and lots of exciting rides for the whole family. Join the fun at this large three-day fair with free admission and don’t miss out on the La Habra Citrus Fair’s classic car show!
Anaheim Children’s Festival | May 18
Bring your kids, families and friends to the 32nd annual Anaheim Children’s Festival on May 18 at the Pearson Park located in Anaheim. Children of all ages can have fun with art, play games, arts, enjoy performing groups and more! All art activities are free for everyone. The Anaheim Children’s Festival is presented by Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center and the City of Anaheim.
2024 OC Greek Food Festival | May 17-19
Celebrate the best of Greek food, drinks, music, dancing and culture at the OC Greek Food Festival in Anaheim. Indulge in authentic Greek foods and homemade pastries, dance to traditional Greek music, and explore the festival’s outdoor marketplace and expansive “Kidz Zone” with carnival rides, games and more. Experience the true flavors of Greece at the Greek Food Festival this May.
Scottish Fest USA | May 27–28
Experience Southern California’s largest Scottish, Celtic and American festival this Memorial Day weekend at Scottish Fest at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Let the sounds of bagpipes and drums and the flavors and smells of authentic Celtic foods delight your senses. Enjoy the Highland dancing competitions, Scottish heavy athletics, shopping and more! And remember, you don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy Scottish Fest.
Newport Beach Jazz Festival | May 31-June 2
The Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival is a musical adventure for jazz fans. At the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, this three-day festival marks its 28th anniversary with a mix of traditional and new jazz artists such as Babyface, Brian Culbertson, Jazz Funk Soul and more. This famous event offers a unique experience, featuring the varied and rich culture of this constantly changing genre.
Live Entertainment and Shows in Anaheim
Full Moon Wine and Paint Night | May 23
The full moon holds spiritual significance for many in Anaheim. Take this opportunity to explore your artistic side during this unique time of the month. Hosted by the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, this interactive event provides all the artist materials you need, along with expert painting instruction—and, most importantly, a glass of wine! Unleash your inner creativity, acquire valuable painting skills, and create new artwork to adorn your walls.
Fancy Nancy, The Musical at Chance Theater | May 24 - June 9
Bring the whole family along on a journey to the fancy world of Fancy Nancy, The Musical at the Chance Theater in Anaheim. Enjoy this live theater arts show on Saturdays and Sunday nights until June 9th. Watch Fancy Nancy and her friends Bree, Rhonda, Wanda, and Lionel get ready to perform in their very first show, “Deep Sea Dances.” This show is recommended for children ages 4 and up making it a great show for the entire family.
Sean Paul at the House of Blues | May 30
Don't miss Sean Paul's Greatest Tour 2024 performance at the House of Blues Anaheim on May 30, 2024! This concert will feature all the classic hits of Sean Paul in a cozy venue. The House of Blues Anaheim is located in the Anaheim GardenWalk, where you can shop, grab dinner and admire art installations before the show.
As May unfolds, Anaheim invites you to explore its many events that cater to all interests and cultures. From Disneyland® Resort’s seasonal offerings to the vibrant streets across Orange County, Anaheim is the place to be this spring for a varied mix of entertainment and cultural festivities.
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