Destination Guides: Anaheim, United States - Events & Entertainment

Events

February

Miss Anaheim Scholarship Pageant: This annual scholarship pageant is affiliated with the Miss America Organization. The competition, usually held in February, emphasizes community involvement and volunteerism for its participants. Each contestant must identify a platform, an issue or problem that she would promote during her tenure as Miss Anaheim. The winner goes on to compete for the title of Miss California.

April

St. Boniface Parish Fiesta: This annual event takes place each April. For three days, parishioners and residents treat themselves to a variety of international foods, rides and games. Admission is free. The church is a landmark at the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Harbor Boulevard at 500 W. Chartres St., Anaheim. Information: (714) 956-3110.

May

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta: This annual fiesta in La Palma Park, typically held the first weekend in May, features carnival rides, food booths, entertainment, a soccer tournament, the crowning of a fiesta queen and a Sunday bilingual Mass. One of the biggest festivals held in Anaheim each year since it began in 1968, the fiesta typically draws about 100,000 people throughout the weekend. Information: (714) 765-5191.

May

Greek Festival: St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival in May. The event features Greek foods, pastries, music and folkdancers, while marketplace vendors sell items ranging from jewelry to religious items, and children can enjoy game booths. The church is at 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim. Information: (714) 827-0181

Late May

Anaheim Children’s Art Festival: This daylong, family friendly event held before Memorial Day weekend in late May has grown each year since it was founded by the Anaheim Arts Council in 1997. Held downtown at the Center Street Promenade, it draws about 7,000 people, enabling young and old alike to try their hand at arts-and-crafts projects in booths staffed by Anaheim businesses and organizations. Information: (714) 280-0772

July

Anaheim Hills Fourth of July Festival and Parade: This annual event in Peralta Park, held since 1978, includes a parade, 5K/10K run/walk, pancake breakfast, dog show, food and game booths and entertainment capped by a fireworks show that lights up the sky above the canyons. The event is run by the Canyon Hills Community Council. If the Hills is too far to go, or the crowds are too big, you can usually see holiday fireworks displays over Disneyland and Edison Field from locations throughout the city. Information: (714) 765-5191

October

Anaheim Fall Festival: Held at the downtown Center Street Promenade, is typically on the Saturday before Halloween. It features a small parade, pancake breakfast, rides, games and live entertainment. Information: (714) 956-3586

December

Nutcracker Holiday: The Nutcracker Holiday is held the first Saturday in December at the Center Street Promenade near Disney ICE. It features strolling musicians and carolers, a visit from Santa Claus and a tree-lighting ceremony. The event is sponsored by the Nutcracker Holiday Committee and the Downtown Anaheim Association. (714) 956-3586.

Sports

Anaheim Angels

2000 Gene Autry Way

Anaheim, California 92806

(888)-796-4256 or 714/634-2000

Pro baseball's Anaheim Angels play at Edison International Field on Gene Autry Way.

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

2695 E. Katella Ave. East Anaheim, Anaheim, CA

714/703-2545;

The National Hockey League's Mighty Ducks of Anaheim play at Arrowhead Pond in East Anaheim.

Arts and Entertainment

Grove Of Anaheim

2200 E. Katella Ave.

Anaheim, CA, USA

714/712-2700

Grove of Anaheim is a mid-size concert venue where every seat is a good one. It books bands and an occasional comedy act.