Memorial Day 2026 is just around the corner, so it’s time to lock in plans for the weekend. Garden Grove is a top destination for Memorial Day events and festivities, attracting locals and visitors from across SoCal alike. Use this quick guide to plan how to celebrate 2026 Memorial Day weekend in Garden Grove, CA.
4 Ways to Celebrate 2026 Memorial Day Weekend in Garden Grove
1. 2026 Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
- Cost: Free
- Dates: May 22–25
We recommend starting your plan by choosing a day to attend the 66th annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival. This four-day festival covers the entire weekend, from Friday to Monday, and has been a staple event for well over half a century. While each day has unique attractions, you can’t go wrong choosing any day. Spend a day of entertainment with free concerts, tasty treats, and fun family-friendly activities.
Friday Highlight: Two Free Concerts
Enjoy back-to-back performances by a Justin Bieber tribute band and a Taylor Swift tribute band.
Saturday Highlight: Strawberry Parade
Starting at 10 AM, the parade will feature celebrities, radio personalities, marching bands, equestrians, and more.
Sunday Highlight: Strawberry Fashion Frenzy Contest
Though participation is now closed, you can still feast your eyes on strawberry-inspired fashion.
Monday Highlight: 6 Free Concerts
From noon to 9 PM, sit back and enjoy the musical offerings of six local bands spanning a range of genres.
2. Visit Disneyland for Its Official Summer Season Kickoff
- Cost: $179–$224 (adult), $169–$214 (child)
- Hours: 8 AM to 12 AM
Yes, Disneyland will be busier than normal over 2026 Memorial Day weekend in Garden Grove. However, visitors for Memorial Day last year reported that the crowds were not too bad. The park kicks off its extended summer hours starting this weekend, which helps keep down congestion. Over the weekend, the park will be open until midnight each day, which gives families plenty of time during the day and “kidults” plenty of time in the evening.
Pro Tip: You can more easily book a last-minute hotel room in Garden Grove to extend your stay over the weekend.
Visit Newport Beach for Wine, Tunes, and More
Numbers 3 and 4 come as a combo recommendation, with both events happening only minutes from Garden Grove over in Newport Beach. In addition to the summer-round beach fun of swimming, surfing, and lounging, Newport Beach is home to two must-try events over the weekend.
3. Newport Beach Wine and Spirits Festival
- Dates: May 22–24, 2026
- Cost: $96–$264 (depending on day/event)
There’s nothing wrong with getting a little bougie over the weekend. Hosted at the Balboa Bay Resort, the Newport Beach Wine and Spirits Festival is the destination for a low-crowd, high-relaxation way to celebrate. Highlights include wine and spritz tastings, workshops with wine experts, a champagne brunch, live music, and more. The events are ticketed for each day, with different events across the weekend.
4. Newport Dunes: Tunes at the Dunes
- Dates: May 22-24, 2026
- Cost: Free
Country, reggae, and classic rock collide over three days at Newport Dunes beachfront concert series. Live music is a given, but there will also be food trucks, full bars, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Bringing your own beach chairs or floats is recommended to maximize your relaxation. Concerts kick off at 5:00 PM each night.
Pro Tip: Parking is $35 and limited, so we recommend arriving before the show starts to secure a parking spot and a prime viewing location.
Between Activities: Shop & Eat
Garden Grove is a cultural hub for global eats and boutique shopping. If you’re worn out from the crowds, try stopping by one of Garden Grove’s neighborhoods for world-class meals and shopping.
Where to Shop:
- The Promenade: Less foot traffic makes the shops and eats at The Promenade in Garden Grove ideal for a quieter Memorial Day escape.
Where to Eat:
Finding a bite during 2026 Memorial Day weekend in Garden Grove is hardly a challenge. The city is packed with top-rated restaurants. Some local favorites are:
- Fast Eats: Lee’s Sandwiches
- Gourmet Eats: Taira Sushi & Sake
- Global Eats: Thai Nakorn