Update: This article was last updated on 28th February 2026 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Tucked in the heart of North Orange County, Fullerton, California, is far more than a college town. With its charming historic downtown, sprawling parks, and a vibrant arts scene, Fullerton has something exciting happening nearly every week of the year. Whether you’re a longtime local or planning a visit with your family, this guide is your go-to resource for the best upcoming events in Fullerton, complete with dates, locations, prices, and everything you need to plan a perfect day out. From lively farmers markets and outdoor movie nights to city-wide egg hunts and music festivals, read on and start marking your calendar!
1. Fullerton Thursday Night Market
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive by 5 PM for the best produce selection. Bring a reusable tote bag and cash for smaller vendors! |
📅 | WHEN | Thursdays, April – September | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
📍 | WHERE | Downtown Plaza, 125 E. Wilshire Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 |
💰 | PRICE | FREE (individual vendor purchases vary) |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | All ages — babies, kids, teens, adults |
One of Fullerton’s most beloved weekly traditions, the Downtown Fullerton Thursday Night Market transforms the Downtown Plaza into a buzzing outdoor bazaar every spring and summer. Think farm-fresh produce, artisan foods, live musical entertainment, craft vendors, an outdoor beer garden, kids’ activities, and food trucks, all in one lively evening.
Families especially love the relaxed, walkable atmosphere. Kids explore colorful vendor stalls while parents browse locally grown fruits, homemade breads, fresh honey, and handcrafted goods. The free live music adds a festive backdrop to the whole evening.
2. Outdoor Family Movie Nights (Movies in the Park)
💡 Pro Tip: Bring low-backed beach chairs or blankets. Arrive 30–45 minutes early to snag a great spot, especially for popular films! |
📅 | WHEN | Summer evenings (June – August) | Screenings begin at dusk (~8:00 PM) |
📍 | WHERE | Various Fullerton Parks (check cityoffullerton.com for schedule) |
💰 | PRICE | Completely FREE |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | Families with children of all ages |
Is there anything more magical than watching a beloved movie under the stars with your family? Fullerton’s Movies in the Park series is a summertime staple that locals eagerly anticipate each year. The City of Fullerton hosts free outdoor screenings at various parks, showing family-friendly films on large outdoor screens as the sun sets.
Pack a blanket, grab some popcorn, and find your spot on the lawn early. Kids run around during pre-show activities while parents catch up with neighbors, it’s community life at its very best.
3. Day of Music Fullerton (DOMF)
💡 Pro Tip: Download the DOMF schedule at dayofmusicfullerton.com and plan your venue-hopping route so you don’t miss your favorite genres! |
📅 | WHEN | Saturday, June 21, 2026 | All day (various venue hours) |
📍 | WHERE | Citywide — Fox Fullerton Theatre, Downtown Museum Plaza, Hillcrest Park & 35+ venues |
💰 | PRICE | FREE at all venues (some venues 21+ only) |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | Families — all-ages venues available throughout the city |
The Day of Music Fullerton is Southern California’s largest Make Music Day city celebration. Every year on June 21st — the Summer Solstice — live music erupts across 35+ venues throughout the city, from hair salons and restaurants to parks and theaters. Rock, jazz, blues, Latin, pop, and folk fill the streets from morning until night.
Families love the dedicated Kidz Korner, where children explore simple instruments and discover the joy of music. The Fox Fullerton Theatre, Downtown Museum Plaza, and Hillcrest Park’s iconic ‘Big Bowl’ serve as main performance hubs. It’s the longest day of the year — Fullerton makes sure every minute counts.
4. City-Wide Egg Hunt & Spring Egg Hunt
💡 Pro Tip: Register early as spots fill up fast! Bring a basket for egg collecting and dress kids in comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothes. |
📅 | WHEN | Spring (late March / April) | Morning hours — check city calendar |
📍 | WHERE | Multiple Fullerton Parks (cityoffullerton.com for specific locations) |
💰 | PRICE | Free or low-cost (small fee may apply per child) |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | Toddlers to age 12 — age groups separated |
Every spring, Fullerton puts on one of the most anticipated family events of the year — the City-Wide Egg Hunt. Thousands of plastic eggs are hidden across parks and open spaces throughout the city, and children of all ages scramble to find their share of colorful treasure. It’s a classic springtime tradition that creates genuine squeals of delight.
The event is organized by age group so younger children aren’t left out. There are often additional activities like face painting, bounce houses, and spring-themed games. This is the kind of event that creates lasting childhood memories — perfect for toddlers through early elementary age.
5. Wednesday Certified Farmers’ Market
💡 Pro Tip: Come early for the freshest selection. Let your kids choose one piece of seasonal fruit — it turns the market into an adventure for them! |
📅 | WHEN | Every Wednesday, Year-Round | Morning hours |
📍 | WHERE | Fullerton Community Center, Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA |
💰 | PRICE | FREE to enter (purchases from vendors) |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | All ages — stroller-friendly |
Believed to be the oldest certified farmers’ market in all of Orange County, the Wednesday Fullerton Farmers’ Market has been running since 1981. Beyond standard produce, you’ll find orchids, honey, specialty nuts, fresh-baked artisan breads, eggs, and seasonal fruits and vegetables you simply won’t find at any supermarket.
Farmers travel from as far as Brawley and Fresno, bringing the best of California’s agricultural bounty to your doorstep. For families, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach kids where food comes from — and let them pick out a favorite fruit or flower as a little treat.
6. Pup-toberfest at Hunt Branch Library
💡 Pro Tip: Dress your dog in a fun costume for the runway show, and the crowd goes wild! Ensure your pup is comfortable around other animals and keep them leashed. |
📅 | WHEN | October (typically mid-month) | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
📍 | WHERE | Hunt Branch Library, 201 S. Basque Ave, Fullerton, CA |
💰 | PRICE | Free to attend (beer garden & vendor purchases vary) |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | Dog-owning families, kids who love animals |
Calling all dog lovers! Pup-toberfest is one of Fullerton’s most beloved annual autumn celebrations, taking place at the Hunt Branch Library. The event features a live band, an adorable dog fashion runway show, dog racing, and a wide variety of vendors catering to both dogs and their proud owners. There’s even a beer garden for adults!
Kids absolutely love watching dogs in costumes parade down the runway. It’s a pet-friendly, family-friendly, community-building afternoon that brings out the best of Fullerton’s neighborhood spirit. Whether your dog is the competitive type or just along for the ear scratches, Pup-toberfest is a tail-wagging good time.
7. Gourds of the Year Fall Festival
💡 Pro Tip: Dress in fall colors or Halloween costumes for the full autumn spirit. Bring your camera, the seasonal displays make for fantastic family photos! |
📅 | WHEN | Early October (check city calendar) | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
📍 | WHERE | Independence Park, Fullerton, CA |
💰 | PRICE | Free (activity fees may vary) |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | Families with young children, fall enthusiasts |
As the temperatures cool and the leaves start to turn, Fullerton’s Gourds of the Year festival signals that fall has truly arrived. Held each October at Independence Park, this charming community celebration brings families together for seasonal fun, autumn-themed activities, pumpkin browsing, and festive entertainment that embodies the spirit of harvest season.
It’s exactly the kind of wholesome, unhurried event that parents treasure — children run freely through the park, explore seasonal displays, and soak in the October atmosphere. Pair it with a visit to the nearby farmers’ market for a perfect fall morning.
8. First Night Fullerton (New Year’s Eve Celebration)
💡 Pro Tip: Purchase pre-sale ticket bundles at the Fullerton Community Center to save money and skip lines. Note: cash is NOT accepted at the event! |
📅 | WHEN | December 31 (New Year’s Eve) | 7:00 PM – Midnight |
📍 | WHERE | Historic Downtown Fullerton, Harbor Blvd (pedestrian closure) |
💰 | PRICE | Free entry; ride/game tickets ~$1 each (pre-sale bundles at Fullerton Community Center) |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | Entire family — all ages welcome until midnight |
Ring in the New Year in style with First Night Fullerton, the city’s most cherished annual tradition. Every December 31st, historic Downtown Fullerton is transformed as Harbor Boulevard closes to traffic and the streets fill with families, music, food, and celebration — running from 7:00 PM to midnight.
Past editions have featured a spectacular Ferris wheel, a magical snow lane, live music spanning 50s rock, Latin, R&B, and disco across multiple stages, carnival rides, games, and great food. It’s the perfect all-ages New Year’s Eve experience — children and parents ring in midnight together!
9. Fullerton Museum Center — Fender February & Exhibits
💡 Pro Tip: Visit on a Thursday evening to combine the museum with the Thursday Night Market just steps away. Check fullertonmuseum.com/events regularly for new programming! |
📅 | WHEN | Fender February: Every Thursday in Feb | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM (plus year-round exhibits) |
📍 | WHERE | Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 |
💰 | PRICE | Typically free or low-cost — check fullertonmuseum.com for event pricing |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | Families, music lovers, curious kids ages 6 and up |
The Fullerton Museum Center is one of Orange County’s most engaging cultural gems. One standout program is Fender February, a special Thursday evening series celebrating the legendary Fullerton-born guitar brand Fender. Did you know Fender guitars were invented right here in Fullerton? The museum honors this history with live music, exhibits, and community programming.
Beyond Fender February, the museum hosts a rotating calendar of events, including the Women’s Festival in March and Be You Pride Fest in June. Its welcoming, accessible environment makes it a wonderful destination for curious kids and culturally-minded parents alike.
10. Fullerton Cup Park Golf Tour
💡 Pro Tip: No golf gear? No problem — all equipment is provided. Wear comfortable walking shoes and apply sunscreen for a morning on the course! |
📅 | WHEN | Typically early October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
📍 | WHERE | Fullerton area golf course (check cityoffullerton.com for venue) |
💰 | PRICE | Participation fee (includes 18 holes + equipment) — check city website for pricing |
👨👩👧 | BEST FOR | Families with older kids and teens; beginners welcome |
Looking for something active for the family? The Fullerton Cup Park Golf Tour is a fun, community-focused golf tournament bringing together players of all skill levels for 18 holes at a local Fullerton course. The best part: all necessary equipment is provided, so you don’t need to own golf clubs to participate, just show up with enthusiasm!
Food is available on-site, making it a full day of activity and good company. Whether the kids are aspiring junior golfers or just happy to walk the course and cheer, this event strikes the perfect balance between competitive fun and relaxed community engagement.
| # | Event Name | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thursday Night Market | Thursdays, April–Sept, 4:30–8:30 PM | Free |
| 2 | Movies in the Park | Summer evenings (June–Aug), dusk | Free |
| 3 | Day of Music Fullerton | June 21, All Day | Free |
| 4 | City-Wide Egg Hunt | Spring (March/April), Morning | Free/Low Cost |
| 5 | Wednesday Farmers' Market | Every Wednesday, Year-Round | Free Entry |
| 6 | Pup-toberfest | October, 12:00–4:00 PM | Free |
| 7 | Gourds of the Year Fall Fest | Early October, 9 AM–1 PM | Free |
| 8 | First Night Fullerton (NYE) | Dec 31, 7 PM–Midnight | Free Entry + Ride Tickets |
| 9 | Fullerton Museum — Fender Feb | Thursdays in Feb, 4–8:30 PM | Free/Low Cost |
| 10 | Fullerton Cup Park Golf Tour | October, 10 AM–1 PM | Participation Fee |
Fullerton Has It All — Come Explore!
From free outdoor concerts and community markets to holiday extravaganzas and egg hunts, Fullerton offers a rich, year-round calendar of events that bring families, neighbors, and visitors together. Whether you’re a new resident or planning a trip to Orange County, these events are your gateway to experiencing the very best of what this wonderful city has to offer. Bookmark this guide, follow the City of Fullerton on social media, and check cityoffullerton.com regularly so you never miss a thing!
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
