By Carrie Graham and Aliese Muhonen
It’s always a celebration in Santa Ana. No matter what time of year or what you’re into, there’s something fun happening in the heart of Orange County.
Year-Round
Dancing in the Streets
Dance the night away under the stars in the midst of art vendors and live music at Plaza Calle Cuatro. Free dance lessons rotate every Saturday: salsa (first), line dancing (second), bachata (third), and cumbia (fourth).
Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk
The streets come alive on the first Saturday of every month when nearly two dozen galleries open their doors, local artists and vendors line the sidewalks, and local musicians fill the air with good vibes.
Tianguis Market
A certified outdoor market organized by the Tianguis Market Foundation, which provides safe locations for street vendors and micro businesses. Open every Saturday from 12-5 p.m.
Galería of Imagination Workshops
Express your creative side at these affordable fine art workshops taught by experienced artists. Guests can experiment with a range of mediums, including drawing, watercolor, and acrylic in the Galeria’s community art space at the MainPlace Mall.
Record Fair
Still searching for that mint condition vinyl of ABBA’s greatest hits? Join other music enthusiasts every first Sunday of the month to sift through thousands of records from every genre at 4th Street Market.
Museums and Theaters
Santa Ana is home to a number of venues rich in local and cultural history, many of which offer shows and activities year-round. Check out the Yost Theater, Bowers Museum, Frida Cinema, Wayward Artist Theater, and Heritage Museum of Orange County (HMOC) for even more fun.
ANNUAL EVENTS
MARCH
Boca de Oro Festival
Meaning “Mouth of Gold,” the festival highlights the vibrant work of local writers, poets, and artists each spring. See storytellers shine at readings, workshops, panels, performances, poetry slams, and art galleries throughout downtown Santa Ana.
LibroMobile Literary Arts Festival
The tiny bookstore's big annual event celebrates diversity through books at HMOC with local and diverse guest artists presenting live readings, workshops, and literary arts.
Orange County Restaurant Week
Renowned restaurants across the county showcase their unique flavors with deals on special menus and cocktails from March 5-11. Whether you’re looking for date night ideas or a meal for the whole family, there’s something for everyone.
Woman's Day Festival
Celebrate the women in your life with a day of lady-led bilingual workshops, poetry readings, live music performances, and one-of-a-kind vendors at Plaza Calle Cuatro.
APRIL
Blading Cup
Watch the best rollerbladers and skaters of all ages compete on ramps and in the streets of downtown Santa Ana for multi-wheeled glory.
Margarita Crawl
Enjoy some of the world’s (and our city’s) most beloved cocktails. Participating locations throughout O.C. offer special food and drink menus, with tasty margs in the starring role.
JUNE
OC Pride Parade and Festival
Kicking off with an all-ages parade, this daylong celebration on June 24 encourages you to "love out loud" with entertainment and vendors across several themed zones. Spaces that cater to family-friendly audiences, teens, and to a more adult crowd mean anyone can enjoy the rainbow spirit.
JULY
Improv Fest
If you’re a fan of shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway?, make sure to get your tickets to the OC Improv Fest. Teams of actors battle it out to decide whose imagination reigns supreme.
OCTOBER
Taste of Santa Ana
A celebration of Santa Ana’s sizzling food and beverage scene featuring bites from your local favorites.
NOVEMBER
Viva La Vida Santa Ana
The celebration continues in Santa Ana even after death. Head to 4th Street in downtown on November 4 for a vibrant Día de Los Muertos festival.Visit community-created altars dedicated to gone but not forgotten family members, watch La Catrina’s procession, and enjoy live music at this family-friendly festival to the ancestors.
Noche de Altares
Across from the Civic Center, community members, activists, and local businesses come together for Dia de Los Muertos, setting up altars to honor deceased loved ones,
bring awareness to social issues, and honor Indigenous traditions. There are also cultural performances, music, kid's art, workshops, and face painting.
Blading Cup
Watch the best rollerbladers and skaters of all ages compete on ramps and in the streets of downtown Santa Ana for multi-wheeled glory.
DECEMBER
Tamalfest
Corn husks vs. banana leaves. Red sauce vs. green. No matter what side you’re on in the tamale
world, everyone wins at this beloved holiday event. Come ready to consume your weight in delicious tamales from local restaurants along 4th Street.
