(credit: strawberryfestival.org)

With the bounty of spring upon us, there are plenty of festivals and fairs in the Southland that center on the celebration of new flora and fauna. From swallows to strawberries, Mother Nature gives us many reasons to party on most weekends this season.

March 23

Swallow’s Day Parade and Mercado

Mission San Juan Capistrano

31806 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
(949) 493-1976
www.swallowsparade.com

The Swallow’s Day Parade and Mercado is a historic Festival and Parade that celebrates the return of the swallows to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. This Festival features more than 100 booths to shop and eat from. Live entertainment and dancing and a kids play zone to keep the little ones entertained.

(credit: renfair.com)

Weekends April 6 through May 19

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Santa Fe Dam Recreational Center

15501 East Arrow Hwy
Irwindale, 91706
(626) 969-4750
www.renfair.com

This annual spring Renaissance Fair featuring costumed performers and patrons recreates an Elizabethan village. The Renaissance Fair features acrobats, performances, food and music from the Renaissance era. Make sure to check out the jousting!

(credit: citrusfair.com)

April 18-21

La Habra Citrus Fair

Downtown La Habra

321 East La Habra Blvd
La Habra, 90631
(562) 697-1704
www.citrusfair.com

The La Habra Spring Citrus Fair takes over downtown La Habra bringing rides, entertainment and plenty of fun. The fair celebrates La Habra’s agricultural heritage and will feature how-to clinics focused on growing fruits and vegetables.

(credit: strawberry-fest.org)

May 18-19

California Strawberry Festival

Strawberry Meadows of College Park

3250 S Rose Ave
Oxnard, CA 93033
888-288-9242
www.strawberry-fest.org

The California Strawberry Festival has become an annual tradition, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Festival planners roll out interactive exhibits and an unbelievable assortment of delicious strawberry foods and beverages. The Strawberry Promenade offers cooking demonstrations and presentations, Strawberry land For Kids boasts free rides, puppet shows, and more. There is a free shuttle to the event space; otherwise, parking is $10.

May 24-28

The Festival at the National Orange Show

National Orange Show Events Center

689 S E St.
San Bernardino, ca 92408
(909) 888-6788
nosfestival.com

The annual Citrus Festival is the cornerstone event for the enormous National Orange Show Events Center, whose existence evolved from San Bernardino County’s success in the citrus agricultural industry. Each year, the Festival adapts to the needs of the community. Besides the fun carnival atmosphere, there are also agricultural exhibits with a petting zoo, livestock, and more. Tickets are only $5 and kids under 10 are free.

May 24-27

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

The Garden Village

Between Euclid and Main Street
Garden Grove, CA 98942
(714) 638-0981
www.strawberryfestival.org

The Garden Grove Strawberry festival is an annual community event originally produced in celebration of the once-plentiful strawberry fields. The event is a non-profit venture that raises money for charities and allows on charitable organizations to sell food on site. Besides those offerings, the festival features live entertainment, contests, competitions, other vendor booths and of course plenty of strawberries!

(credit: fiestahermosa.com)

May 25-27

Fiesta Hermosa

The Strand

Hermosa beach, ca
(310) 376-0951
www.fiestahermosa.com

This annual Memorial Day tradition is the largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California. More than 270 artists and crafters are featured, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handcrafters. The festival takes in downtown Hermosa Beach.

(credit: tvbwf.com)

May 31, June 1-2

Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival

Lake Skinner

37701 Warren Ave,
Winchester, 92596
(951) 676-6713
www.tvbwf.com

Technically this festival is still in spring, even though it’s June. The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival features morning hot air balloon launches, tethered hot air balloon rides, wine tasting, food and wine pairing, Southern California wineries, a Kids Faire, live music, arts and crafts and fine art exhibits. People make a weekend out of this in their RV’s or in tent campsites – which are already sold out! Go to watch the colorful balloons floating in the air or to ride in one – for $200 per person.