Watch CBS News

5 Must-Do Events in August In Orange County

oc-fair1
(Credit: OC Fair)

August is a tricky time of year in Orange County. Some kids are going back to school, and the temperatures generally reach their peak during this month. Still, there are plenty of events for you to check out before summer officially comes to a close. If you're looking for something for you or the whole family, try these great events.

The B-52's
(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

The B-52s
Pacific Amphitheatre
100 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.pacamp.com
Date: Aug. 12, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

If you're looking for a show that is bound to be 100 percent fun, this is an excellent choice. Sure, it's been a while since the heyday of The B-52s. However, the band is still going strong, and let's face it: the sheer delightful weirdness of "Rock Lobster is still unmatched after all these years. Also, it's not just The B-52s that will be providing the fun on this evening. Local favorite The Aquabats are also on the bill, and this band will definitely start your night of fun correctly.

OC Fair Monster Truck
(Credit: OC Fair)

OC Fair
Orange County Fairgrounds
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1630
www.ocfair.com

Date: July 15 through Aug. 14, 2016 at 10 a.m. (Wednesday through Friday), 12 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
The Orange County Fair is always an enjoyable time for the whole family. In addition to the rides and games, you can write off your diet for a day so you can enjoy just about any food item deep fried. Whenever you go, you can count on finding a big crowd. The main lots fill quickly and stay full, but secondary lots are also available with shuttles that will take you to the fairgrounds. 

bonfire huntington beach fire beach
(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

Ribs, Pigs, and Watermelons
Huntington Beach State Beach
Beach Blvd. & Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 897-3221
www.afhusa.org/rpwbbq
Date: Aug 5 through 7, 2016 at 5-10 (Friday), 10-10 (Saturday), 10-5 (Sunday)

Ribs and watermelon are both good reasons for a festival. This particular festival offers guests both of those delectable foods. This is a barbecue competition, but there is also a competition for eating both ribs and watermelon. Live music is also a part of this festival with reggae and blues bands that will entertain guests. As if ribs and watermelon weren't good enough, this festival also raises money to support homeless veterans. Bring the whole family for good food and a good cause.

Related: Best Upcoming Food Festivals In Orange County

rodeo
(credit: corlaffra/shutterstock)

Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park
30753 La Pata Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
rmvrodeo.com
Date: Aug. 27 & 28, 2016 at 4 p.m. (Saturday), 12 p.m. (Sunday)

Orange County isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of rodeo. However, the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is now in its 16th year and brings with it a ton of fun. This is an event the entire family can enjoy as well. You'll see some of the best rodeo riders participate in various riding and roping events as well as steer wrestling. Admission is $5 cash. A list of places where tickets are for sale is on the rodeo website. Parking is limited, so make sure you arrive as early as you can.

san clemente fiesta
(credit: Natasha N./yelp)

San Clemente Fiesta
Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 492-1131
www.scchamber.com
Date: Aug. 14, 2016 at 9 a.m.

San Clemente is a cool little town that doesn't require a reason to visit. But, the annual fiesta is as good a reason as you'll find to visit San Clemente. This event features bands on multiple stages. In addition, you'll find food vendors on the street with a lot of great things to try. This festival also features a salsa challenge for guests to enjoy. Parking for the fiesta can be tricky, so you may want to arrange for an alternative to driving to this event.

Related: Best spring festivals near Orange County

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.