Memorial Day Weekend Ideas in Costa Mesa + Orange County

Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer in Orange County — longer days, beach plans, backyard BBQs, and plenty of local events happening around town. Whether you’re looking for something free, family-friendly, low-key, or a little more of a day trip, here are a few fun ways to spend Memorial Day weekend in Costa Mesa and Orange County.

1. Visit the Field of Honor in Newport Beach

One of the most meaningful local Memorial Day traditions is the Field of Honor at Castaways Park in Newport Beach. From May 15 through May 25, 2026, visitors can walk through a display of 1,776 American flags honoring past and present defenders of our freedom. It is free to visit daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25.

It’s simple, powerful, and a beautiful way to take a moment to remember the meaning behind the holiday.

2. Check Out Scottish Fest at the OC Fair & Event Center

Right here in Costa Mesa, Scottish Fest USA takes over the OC Fair & Event Center on May 23 and 24. Expect bagpipes, Highland dancing, Scottish athletics, food, vendors, music, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. General admission is listed at $30, with discounted pricing for seniors and children, and free admission for military and first responders with ID.

For Costa Mesa locals, this is one of those easy weekend plans that doesn’t require a long drive — always a win on a holiday weekend.

3. Spend the Day at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

A little outside Costa Mesa, the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is a classic Orange County Memorial Day weekend event. The festival runs May 22–25, 2026 at Village Green Park and offers free admission, live music, contests, vendors, rides, and plenty of strawberry treats.

This is a great option if you want something festive and family-friendly without committing to an expensive day out. Rides and food are extra, but walking around and enjoying the atmosphere is free.

4. Keep It Local with a Costa Mesa Food + Coffee Day

If you want to avoid holiday traffic, Costa Mesa makes it easy to have a fun day close to home. Start with coffee at one of the local spots around Mesa Verde, Westside Costa Mesa, or 17th Street, then grab lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants at The CAMP, The LAB, SOCO, or South Coast Plaza.

This is one of the best parts of living in Costa Mesa — you can make a weekend feel special without going far. A casual coffee, a little shopping, a good patio, and you’re set.

5. Plan a Beach Day — But Go Early

Memorial Day weekend and the beach go hand in hand. Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Corona del Mar, and Laguna Beach are all easy options from Costa Mesa, but parking can get busy quickly. If you’re planning a beach day, go early, pack snacks, and make a loose plan for where you’ll park.

For a lower-key option, pack a picnic and head to a local park instead. Fairview Park, Canyon Park, Marina View Park, and Balearic Park are all great Costa Mesa spots for a walk, picnic, or letting the kids run around without battling beach crowds.

6. Host a Backyard BBQ or Neighborhood Hangout

Sometimes the best Memorial Day weekend plans are the easiest ones — grilling in the backyard, inviting a few neighbors over, or letting the kids bike around the cul-de-sac. Neighborhoods like Mesa Verde, Mesa Del Mar, Westside Costa Mesa, and Eastside Costa Mesa are known for that laid-back community feel, which is one of the many reasons people love living here.

If you’re staying home, keep it simple: burgers, hot dogs, fruit, a cooler of drinks, and a few lawn chairs. Done.

7. Explore an Orange County Spot You Keep Meaning to Visit

A long weekend is the perfect excuse to finally check out a local spot you’ve been meaning to visit. A few easy Orange County ideas:

• Walk around Balboa Island

• Grab lunch at Lido Marina Village

• Explore Crystal Cove

• Visit the Orange Circle

• Spend a few hours at South Coast Plaza

• Do a morning walk at Back Bay

• Take the kids to a local park or splash pad

You don’t have to over-plan it. Pick one area, grab food nearby, and make a day of it.