Whether your child is a budding artist, a future performer, or simply looking for a fun and educational way to spend their time, Orange County’s fall arts offerings have something for everyone.
With summer coming to an end, Orange County’s arts scene is gearing up to offer an exciting array of fall programs tailored specifically for kids. This season, arts organizations across the county are presenting a variety of events designed to inspire and engage young minds. From captivating concerts that introduce kids to the magic of music to dynamic theater series that bring stories to life on stage, children will be able to connect with their peers and communities through the shared experience of the arts. Dance programs will get children moving and grooving, while visual arts workshops offer hands-on experiences where kids can explore their creativity.
Additionally, local museums are rolling out special exhibits aimed at sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for art and history. Whether your child is a budding artist, a future performer, or simply looking for a fun and educational way to spend their time, Orange County’s fall arts offerings have something for everyone. Here is a sampling of events this fall to spark your kids’ imaginations.
PHOTO 1: Art classes at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center include ceramics, ceramic sculpture, and freestyle design. PHOTO 2: Ballet folklórico dancers perform on its outdoor stage for the Muckenthaler’s family Día de los Muertos event. Photos courtesy of The Muck
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
The Muckenthaler’s popular ongoing arts classes for kids include ceramics, ceramic sculpture, and freestyle design for ages 7-12 and youth/teen – perfect for beginning and advanced students alike – to explore their own unique creativity through the medium of clay.
WHEN: Fall Session. Session 1: Aug. 19 - Sept. 27. Session 2: Sept. 30 - Nov. 8. Session 3: Nov. 11- Dec. 20.
WHERE: 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton
CONTACT: 714-738-6595, themuck.org
On Sunday Oct. 27, The Muck is also hosting a family Día de los Muertos event from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The free outdoor celebration will include hands-on arts and crafts, live performances and local vendors. Explore the historical and cultural significance of Day of the Dead traditions and much more.
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
For students interested in costume design and fashion, Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center’s current exhibition, “Eternal Mourning: Death and Remembrance in Victorian America” – on display until Oct. 27 – invites visitors to view garments from that era and reflect on themes of mortality. The exhibit researches and examines mourning customs, such as wearing black attire, reflecting societal attitudes toward loss, alongside exploring artifacts like ornate garb, hair jewelry, and post-mortem photographs. All are welcome to explore the thought-provoking exhibit, get curious, ask some questions and develop new perspectives on death as part of the cycle of life while learning about mourning practices of the 19th century.
WHEN: On display until Oct. 27
WHERE: 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim
CONTACT: 714-765-6450, muzeo.org
Discovery Cube Orange County
The Discovery Cube’s second annual Pumpkin Palooza returns Friday, Oct. 4. The Halloween-themed dance party and festival will feature two floors of STEM-related activities, including an interactive dance party hosted by a giant 20-foot pumpkin DJ named “Jack-o-Lynn” spinning spooky jamz, bumper cars, life-size corn mazes and Pumpkinology 101.
WHEN: Oct. 4 to Oct. 27 (tickets go on sale to members on Sept. 3 and open up to all guests on Sept. 12)
WHERE: 2500 N Main St., Santa Ana
CONTACT: 714-542-2823, discoverycube.org
Bowers Museum
The Bowers’ ongoing Free Family Festivals celebrating various cultures and themes continues with these fall 2024 events: Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (a celebration of family unity, featuring traditional music, dance, free face painting, art projects, lighting lanterns and moon cake samples for the entire family), Mehregan Persian Festival, Mexican Day of the Dead and International Winter Holiday. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival.
WHEN: Every first Sunday of the month. Mid-Autumn Moon Festival: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 8. Mehregan Persian Festival: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 6. Mexican Day of the Dead: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 3. International Winter Holiday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1.
WHERE: 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana (Key Courtyard)
CONTACT: 714-567-3600, bowers.org
Then, on Sunday Oct. 13 at 11 a.m., teaching artist Erna van Dyk will lead “The Scary Night” – a spooky Vincent van Gogh-inspired art project using watercolors and markers. Note: Suggested for children 4+ with adult supervision.
The Frida Cinema
Orange County’s very own arthouse theater, the Frida Cinema, continues to make showings inclusive for all with its monthly Sensory Friendly Screenings series (with support from the Doreen D. Marshall Fund for Youth). Guests at these special film screenings can expect to find the auditorium lights on, sound levels lowered, and the rare invitation to NOT sit still at the movies. Upcoming films include the 2021 animated hit, “Encanto,” a musical film by Disney celebrated for its heartfelt ode to culture and family. The series continues with the 2015 spooky family comedy, “Goosebumps,” which combines humor, horror and elements of nostalgia for fans of the original books with new twists and turns.
WHEN: "Encanto" (PG): 2 p.m. Sept. 28. "Goosebumps" (PG): 2 p.m. Oct. 26.
WHERE: 305 E. 4th St. #100, Santa Ana
CONTACT: 714-285-9422, thefridacinema.org
PHOTO 1: Fall classes are open for enrollment at Studio D, an arts program for all abilities. PHOTO 2: Segerstrom Center for the Arts will host its seventh annual National Dance Day celebration on the Argyros Plaza. Photos courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Studio D at Segerstrom Center is an arts school whose goal is to create an intentionally inclusive space for students of all abilities to explore and develop their full creative potential through nurturing, supportive arts instruction that includes music and dance (ages 4+), musical theater (ages 8+), theater (ages 10+) and ballet (ages 13+). Enrollment for the fall 2024 session is now open but for those wanting to learn more about the program, Studio D is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m.-noon. See the studio, learn about the program, participate in fun activities and meet the staff.
WHERE: 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
CONTACT: 714-942-6327, scfta.org, StudioD@scfta.org
Segerstrom Center for the Arts also presents a long list of free and ticketed family-friendly shows and events throughout the fall.
Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff: 1 p.m. Sept. 14. Free for all ages.
"Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let's Play": 6 p.m. Sept. 17. Ticketed. For ages 0-8.
National Dance Day: 1 p.m. Sept. 21. Free for all ages.
"Mrs. Doubtfire": Sept. 24 – Oct. 6. Ticketed. For ages 8+.
"Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch": Oct. 12 - 13. Ticketed. For ages 4-8.
"Spiderman: Across the Spider Verse" in Concert: 2 p.m. Oct. 27. Ticketed. For ages 8+.
Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards: Nov. 2 - 3. Ticketed. For ages 8+.
"Shrek the Musical": Nov. 22 - 24. Ticketed.
"Journey to Oz": Nov. 23 - 24. Ticketed. For ages 4-8.
WHERE: 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
CONTACT: 714-556-2787, scfta.org
Pacific Symphony
The Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings series are fun and fascinating 45-minute concerts designed especially for younger audiences (ages 5-11), aimed to offer fun for both kids and parents while instilling and enhancing a love of music. This season Dr. Jacob Sustaita conducts a vibrant mix of programs, opening with Halloween Fandemonium (Oct. 19) and continuing with an exciting new production of The Nutcracker for Kids (Dec. 7).
WHEN: Halloween Fandemonium: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Oct. 19. "The Nutcracker" for Kids: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7
WHERE: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
CONTACT: 714-755-5799, pacificsymphony.org
ARTS & LEARNING CONSERVATORY
The Arts & Learning Conservatory – an award-winning arts education non-profit that serves over 3,800 children in the county – whose mission is to provide all youth with access to quality arts programs based on the values of accessibility, equity, confidence and creativity is offering fall programs at its new performing arts center. Classes include theatre (Acting Adventures! grades 4-6 and Thankful for Theatre: Thanksgiving Week Theatre Camp grades 3-6) and music (Honors Orchestra grades 4-7 and Honors Wind Ensemble grades 4-7).
On Saturday Aug. 24, the Arts & Learning Conservatory is hosting an Open House and Fall Registration at 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The celebration will include a bounce house, face painting, shave ice and local food trucks for all to enjoy. The community is invited to explore ALC’s programs, meet the talented instructors, and register for the upcoming fall season.
WHEN: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 24
WHERE: 151 Kalmus Drive, Suite G3, Costa Mesa
CONTACT: (714) 728-7100, artsandlearning.org
South Coast Repertory
South Coast Repertory offers acting classes for kids and teens (grades 3-12) taught by a faculty of theater professionals dedicated to developing students' abilities through classes, workshops and productions.
WHEN: Fall session runs Sept. 3 - Nov. 9
WHERE: 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
CONTACT: 714-708-5510, scr.org/classes
SCR also includes family-friendly shows as a part of their regular season this fall.
WHEN: "Little Shop of Horrors": Sept. 21 - Oct. 19. For ages 13+. "Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol": Nov. 30 - Dec. 24. For ages 6+.
WHERE: 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
CONTACT: (714) 708-5555, scr.org
Laguna Playhouse
Laguna Playhouse offers a year-long conservatory for actors ages 5-19 (Junior Conservatory introduces children 5-8 to acting and Youth Conservatory for ages 8-19 learn the fundamentals of auditioning, studying, and performing) beginning the week of Sept 9. The Conservatory and Jr. Conservatory are broken down into three sessions: fall (9/9-11/4), winter (1/6-3/3), and spring (3/17-5/12). Each session culminates in a final on-stage presentation for invited guests. Registrations are currently open.
WHEN: Fall session Sept. 9 - Nov. 4
WHERE: 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
CONTACT: 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com, jalanes@lagunaplayhouse.com
The annual holiday panto at Laguna Playhouse is always family-friendly. This year, they are putting their spin on the story of "Rapunzel."
WHEN: Dec. 7-29. For ages 4+.
WHERE: 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
CONTACT: 949-497-2787 ext. 1, lagunaplayhouse.com
The Children’s Museum at La Habra
The Children’s Museum at La Habra’s Mini Monster’s Bash invites little ones to trick-or-treat through the museum galleries, make crafts, play games, enjoy a magic show and a DJ dance party. Tickets for this event will be available on Sept. 27 for members only and Oct. 4 for the general public.
WHEN: 5–8 p.m. Oct. 25.
WHERE: 301 S. Euclid St., La Habra
CONTACT: 562-383-4236, lhcm.org
