12 best events and festivals in Anaheim to plan a trip around

Year-round

One of the largest entertainment and sports venues in Orange County, Anaheim’s Honda Center draws major music artists, comedians and kid-friendly stage shows to the arena. Home to National Hockey League team the Anaheim Ducks, Honda Center can comfortable fit more than 18,000 spectators when it doesn’t include a regulation sized ice hockey rink. Upcoming shows at the Honda Center include artists like the Jonas Brothers, Benson Boone and Matt Rife. 

Time Out tip: To avoid those exorbitant convenience fees added to ticket sales, purchase directly at the Honda Center box office. One caveat though, is that box office tickets become available on the first business day after they go on sale to the public, which means they could be sold out before ever making it to the box office.

Year-round (Thursdays)

Head to downtown Anaheim on Thursdays for the Anaheim Certified Farmers’ Market from 3 to 7pm during summer (June through August) or 11am to 3pm the rest of the year. Browse from more than 30 vendors including farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, arts and crafts, and other informational exhibitors. There’s also live music. 

Time Out tip: Score two hours of free garage parking in the structure located at Lehman and Clementine with ticket validation. Bring cash to the market since some vendors don’t accept credit or debit cards here.

March–September

Although technically named the Los Angeles Angels, this Major League Baseball (MLB) team calls Anaheim home. Angel Stadium in southeast Anaheim has been the team’s ballpark since 1966, with star players including Mike Trout and Zach Neto on their current roster. Depending on the game, single tickets can be purchased for as low as $10 during the regular season, which typically runs from March through September. 

Time Out tip: Though hot dogs and peanuts are always a go-to order at any baseball game, Angel Stadium is known for its helmet nachos. This shareable snack is exactly what it sounds like: tortilla chips, nacho cheese, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos and optional meat, served in a full-sized Angels helmet.

March

Organized by Comic-Con International, WonderCon is their sister show held annually in March at Anaheim Convention Center. More than 50,000 people and 900 exhibitors come together to celebrate the latest in comics, science fiction, animation, TV, art and film. Cosplayers can experience exclusive TV and film previews, panels with big name comic industry pros, original artwork and products from publishers and brands.

Time Out tip: Single-day badges for Saturday are typically the first to sell out, though badges are generally much easier to score here than at San Diego’s Comic-Con.

June

Digital creators unite! VidCon is the largest celebration of content creators, influencers, and brands, held annually (typically in June) at Anaheim Convention Center. Attendees can expect panel discussions, live performances, creator strategy sessions, fireside chats, and plenty of networking opportunities.

Time Out tip: Whether you’re looking to grow your platform or learn from internet superstars, this is the convention for you. That’s right, fans are welcome here and have an opportunity to meet their favorite creators in real life. The photo ops are endless.

June, July

The City of Anaheim hosts a free Concerts in the Park series during summer (typically June through July) on Thursday evenings. Concerts are held at several different parks around town, including Maxwell Park, Modjeska Park, Ponderosa Park and Ronald Reagan Park, with music genres changing each week. 

Time Out tip: You’d be well advised to arrive early and stake out a spot with your blankets and chairs in tow. While waiting for the show to begin, browse the treats available from rotating food trucks onsite. 

August–October, November–January

The happiest place on earth gets even more magical during certain holidays. From November through early January, Disneyland’s two amusement parks transform into a holiday and Christmas wonderland, with the parks decked out in lights, characters donning seasonal attire, and festive themed parades and firework shows. New Year’s Eve is widely considered the busiest day of the year, so plan accordingly if you want to ring in the new year surrounded by many others. Halloween is another popular time to visit Disneyland, when spooky season takes over the park from mid-August through October—look for the Haunted Mansion’s themed makeover and a pumpkin festival along Main Street. 

Time Out tip: For the best cultural celebration of the year, go during Lunar New Year in January/February for limited-time Asian food and decorations, a new year’s procession and wishing wall. Count us in for all the Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean-inspired food and drinks. 

September, October

Just outside Anaheim city limits, Knott’s Berry Farm (operated by Six Flags) is another amusement park that draws large crowds to Orange County. The park’s rides and other attractions take a spooky turn each September and October for Halloween, when Knott’s Scary Farm takes place with haunted mazes, scare zones, terrifying shows and many creepy characters roaming the park. It’s the longest-running Halloween theme park event in SoCal and an essential annual tradition for many. 

Time Out tip: Foodies should check out Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, held on select days in March-May to celebrate the park’s historic beginnings as a berry farm stand. This annual food and wine festival features exclusive treats, crafts from local artisans, live music, and entertainment.

Year-round

A relatively intimate venue for live music, comedy shows and other performances, the Grove of Anaheim seats 1,700 people in its theater that has hosted some of the largest names in showbiz. Some upcoming events include comedians Kathy Griffin, Josh Johnson and Jimmy Carr; music artists Air Supply and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony; and productions including a Rocky Horror Picture Show anniversary and a CoComelon sing-along. 

Time Out tip: Located near Angel Stadium, the Grove of Anaheim is often lauded for its high-quality acoustics and the fact that there’s no bad seat in the house. The building’s architecture is also notable, blending mid-century modern and Art Deco styles.

October

Celebrate Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos and the fall harvest season during the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade. The all-day festival takes place annually at Center Greens park in downtown Anaheim. There’s festive crafts for the kids, costume contests, puppet shows, food and treats for purchase, live entertainment and, of course, the spooky Halloween parade after dark.

Time Out tip: The costume contests aren’t just for adults. Bring your child and/or dog decked out in their best costume for an opportunity to compete. There’s also a pumpkin art contest for the creative types.

Year-round

Anaheim is home to one of the 11 House of Blues concert halls throughout the country—this one’s located within the Anaheim GardenWalk shopping center. The venue holds 2,200 people during concerts, with a full restaurant and bar serving Southern cuisine. Check out upcoming performances from the likes of Joey McIntyre and Natalia Jiménez.

Time Out tip: While the history and artwork found in House of Blues serve as a tribute to blues music, their concerts span all genres from rock and pop to R&B and country. No matter your musical tastes, there’s a show for everyone.

October–April

The city’s professional ice hockey team the Anaheim Ducks hit the ice at Honda Center indoor arena during their regular season, which typically runs from October through April. This National Hockey League (NHL) team was founded by the Walt Disney Company in 1993, named in honor of hit film The Mighty Ducks. 

Time Out tip: Ticket prices can start as low as $25 depending on the home game and can vary significantly based on the opponent and seat location. College students can score mega discounts by signing up for their Student Rush program with a college email address.