EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE(S)!

U.S. OPEN OF SURFING: THE WORLD’S LARGEST SURFING CONTEST

SEAN ROWLAND

THERE’S LOTS OF FUN IN THE SUN ALONG WITH “DELIGHT IN THE NIGHT” TO BE HAD IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, WHERE MANY ANNUAL EVENTS ARE JUST AS POPULAR WITH LOCALS AS THEY ARE WITH OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS. THE OPTIONS RANGE FROM THRILLING AND FUN, TO HEARTWARMING AND SENTIMENTAL. WE’LL SEE YOU THERE.

PACIFIC AIRSHOW

BY LAUREL RICHARDS

OKTOBERFEST

BY WILLY SAN JUAN

MAGIC ON MAINSTREET

BY JOE KATCHKA

HUNTINGTON BEACH 4TH OF JULY

July 4, 2022 (Independence Day) The iconic Huntington Beach 4th of July parade started back in 1904 as a way to welcome the Pacific Electric Red Cars that were brought into the city by Henry Huntington himself. Today, it’s the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi, and one of the most famous of its kind in the U.S. Enjoy a fun parade, beautiful fireworks, and more. hb4thofjuly.org

U.S. OPEN OF SURFING

July 30, 2022 - August 7, 2022 The 7-day celebration of surfing and surf culture returns to the sands of Huntington City Beach. Experience the top surfers in the world competing in the world’s only surf arena—the event that truly makes city goers chant, “Surf City USA!” vansusopenofsurfing.com

SURF CITY SURF DOG

Late-September 2022 The annual (and free!) event at Huntington Dog Beach features a multi-heat dog surfing competition, guaranteed to entertain and impress—and perhaps make you a bit envious of their canine surf skills. surfdogevents.com

PACIFIC AIRSHOW

September 30 - October 2, 2022 Redefining the airshow experience, this year’s lineup features the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and others, in what is sure to be a spectacular event. The Pacific Airshow is free to the public with a large event footprint spanning Huntington City Beach from Seapoint Street to Beach Boulevard. Watch the show from one of the four oceanfront hotels in Huntington Beach. Parking will be available but is limited. pacificairshow.com

OKTOBERFEST

Late-September - October 2022 Since 1977, the Biergarten at Old World Village (7561 Center Ave., #49, Huntington Beach) has hosted Orange County’s biggest Volksfest, a German beer festival with authentic German food, award-winning bratwurst, imported German beers, bands straight from the homeland, festivities, games, and more. oldworld.ws

AVP HUNTINGTON BEACH OPEN

November 12-14, 2022 The 2022 AVP Huntington Beach Open arrives in style to the West Coast as the best athletes and Olympians from across the globe will be competing in Surf City USA at this 4-Star tournament. surfcityusa.com/ events/signature-events/avp-huntingtonbeach-open

MAGIC ON MAIN STREET

November 2022 Truly the “most wonderful time of the year” happens when the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District fills the second block of Main Street with entertainment, holiday craft vendors, and free refreshments—a great way to ring in the holiday. The festivities are open 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. surfcityusa.com/events/signature-events/miracle-on-main-street

HUNTINGTON HARBOUR BOAT PARADE

December 2022 A seasonal favorite, the annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is a warm tradition to kick o the Cruise of Lights. Starting at 5:15 p.m. sharp, watch as beautifully decorated boat parade through Huntington Harbour in celebration of the holiday season.

SURF CITY MARATHON

SURF CITY SURF DOG

BY JOE KATCHKA

CRUISE OF LIGHTS

December 2022 Both locals and visitors share the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, docks, decks, and boats during the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise of Lights®. Reservations are required for this 45-minute narrated boat tour through the waterways of Huntington Harbour with cruises departing the dock every hour from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. cruiseoflights.org

LIGHT A LIGHT OF LOVE

December 2022 This annual celebration benefits the Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, an emergency crisis and intervention program for abused, homeless, and struggling children ages 11 to 17 focusing on family reunification. There are 80 snowflakes that light up the Huntington Beach Pier, and each snowflake is donated by the local community. Happens from 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. waymakersoc.org/events/light-a-light-of-love

SURF CITY SPLASH

January 1, 2022 (New Year’s Day) Celebrate the New Year with this annual dip into the chilly Pacific Ocean to help fundraise the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. The event takes place right next to the Huntington Beach Pier. surfcityusa.com/events/signature-events/ surf-city-splash

SURF CITY MARATHON

February 5, 2023 This award-winning, Boston Marathon-qualifying course is considered one of the best in the country. Well known for being scenic and flat, runners come from all over to experience the exhilarating run, which starts along Pacific Coast Highway and passes by the famous Huntington Beach Pier. More than 2,000 volunteers and several surf bands along the way make the race feel very local. runsurfcity.com

ORANGE COUNTY CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

March 11-13, 2023 With cherry blossoms in Huntington Central Park providing a picturesque backdrop, the spring celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture features a lit-up Sakura Night Market, food and entertainment, arts and crafts, activities, and more. occbfest.com

CORGI BEACH DAY

April 2023 The largest bash of its kind in Huntington Beach celebrates corgis—the cute little dogs known for their great personalities, adorable coats, and smiles. The event is a way for corgi owners and lovers to commune and to celebrate the arrival of beach weather. All breeds (and owners) are welcome to attend. socalcorgibeachday.com.

CRUISE OF LIGHTS

SUNSET BEACH ART FESTIVAL

May 13-14, 2023 (Mother’s Day) For over 50 years, this annual art festival has been hosted by Las Damas, a non-profit organization of volunteer women looking to promote the arts, philanthropy, and education. Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a walk down Sunset Beach’s famous greenbelt and enjoy unique vendors, live entertainment, and activities for the kids. sunsetbeachartfestival.net

TOP 3 ONGOING EVENTS

SURF CITY NIGHTS

Every Tuesday evening, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., the first three blocks of Main Street closes to vehicles for the weekly farmers’ market, street fair, live music, and tons of fun activities for the kids. surfcityusa.com/ things-to-do/attractions/surf-city-nights

BOLSA CHICA BIRD TALK AND NATURE WALK

Every last Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m., join Amigos de Bolsa Chica for a free bird talk and nature walk at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve led by a volunteer naturalist. The Bolsa Chica Wetlands provides a feeding and nesting habitat for thousands of birds and is considered one of the prime birding sites in Southern California

TRIVIA NIGHT IN HUNTINGTON BEACH

Round up a crew of your friends and family for some bar trivia every Tuesday or Wednesday evening in Huntington Beach. Test your knowledge on the weirdest and best facts in the world while enjoying delicious beer and food surrounded by the ones you love. Check out weekly trivia nights in Huntington Beach at: https://www.surfcityusa.com/blog/post/trivia-night-in-huntington-beach/

SURF CITY NIGHTS

BY STEPHANIE HELGUERA

BOLSA CHICA NATURE WALK

BY STEPHANIE HELGUERA