BBQ Music Fest

The Annual BBQ Battle and Music Festival in Fountain Valley is a huge cooking competition between pitmasters and local BBQ enthusiasts at the Fountain Valley Sports Park. There will be live entertainment from local bands—including Hollywood U2, a popular U2 tribute band. Most importantly, there will be a fresh, delicious BBQ food court, DJ, and dance lessons, cantinas, local artisans, carnival rides, and games, and a children’s area with magic shows and balloon twisting. If that’s not enough excitement, there will also be a sports tent, Karaoke tent, and alcohol booth for 21 and over guests.

16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley. Parking is free. Admission is only $5 on Friday and $13 on Saturday and Sunday. Children 12 and under are free. For more information.

Knott’s Berry Farm Special Events

Knott’s Berry Farm is hosting Ghost Town Alive and Knott’s Summer Nights in the park until Sept. 5.

Ghost Town Alive is a complete western experience with cowboys, bandits, judges, and a western hoedown. Guests have the unique opportunity to have an interactive experience in the western story as an honorary citizen of the town of Calico. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in select areas of the park.

Knott’s Summer Nights provide guests with an exciting evening packed with live entertainment and a wide variety of delicious food and beverages. Live music from local artists and DJs will spread music throughout the park as the nighttime event livens up starting at 5:30 p.m. Besides food and music, there are interactive photo opportunities and family-friendly games available.

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park. Admission starts at $69. For more information.

Yoga and Beer

A Fullerton-based yoga company is hosting an exciting opportunity for those who want to take meditative time to relax their mind and body—with a little help from a pint of beer. Guests receive a pint of beer and a full hour of yoga. The event is organized by Kosha 5 Fullerton, which is seeking to help guests re-align themselves and find joy and renewal in life. To put on the event, the company teamed up with Steelcraft Garden Grove, a popular eatery for locals to enjoy new foods and drinks.

12900 South Euclid Street, Garden Grove. Sunday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. Admission is $20. For more information.

Balboa Fun Zone

The historic Balboa Fun Zone is a classic way to spend your weekend in Orange County. Since the 1930s, this iconic place has had a Ferris wheel, arcade games, restaurants, and whale-watching opportunities on the popular Catalina Flyer. A ferry is ready to carry guests to the illustrious Balboa Island for a day of fun and good food.

600 East Bay Avenue, Newport Beach. Open every day. Times vary. For more information.

Great Park Irvine Children’s Event

For families looking for a free way to entertain their children, there will be a fun garden workshop opportunity at Irvine’s Great Park for kids aged 5–11. Families are invited to come and work alongside friendly staff as they work on interesting farm and garden activities related to the changing of plants during the seasons at the farm and food lab.

8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine. Sunday. 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Registration required. For more information.