Best events in
Costa Mesa

Events and things to do in Costa Mesa, CA, offer a dynamic mix of arts, culture, and entertainment. Known as the "City of the Arts," this Orange County hub balances major cultural performances with a lively, independent spirit. The local rhythm flows from relaxed daytime gallery hopping to an energetic nightlife scene in distinct entertainment districts.

Westside Costa Mesa's repurposed industrial spaces provide an eclectic backdrop for indie music, with intimate venues like The Wayfarer offering a diverse lineup.
The South Coast Metro area is the city's cultural heart, anchored by world-class performances at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Community gatherings, from artisan markets to live music, are a regular feature at unique retail centers like The LAB Anti-Mall and The CAMP.

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After 8pm

AFROBEATS-OC PRESENTS LIBRA AFFAIR

Saturday • 9:00 PM

Palenque Kitchen by Mezcal, Costa Mesa

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HALLOWEEN NIGHT @ OC FAIRGROUNDS $10 W/RSVP BEFORE 10:30PM | 18+

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

OC Fairground Costa Mesa Building

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Halloween Night @ OC Fairgrounds $10 w/rsvp before 10:30pm

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

OC Fairground Costa Mesa Building

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Mickey Avalon with Throwlight and Jensey

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 PM

The Wayfarer

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AFROBEATS-OC PRESENTS LIBRA AFFAIR

Saturday • 9:00 PM

Palenque Kitchen by Mezcal, Costa Mesa

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HALLOWEEN NIGHT @ OC FAIRGROUNDS $10 W/RSVP BEFORE 10:30PM | 18+

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

OC Fairground Costa Mesa Building

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Halloween Night @ OC Fairgrounds $10 w/rsvp before 10:30pm

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

OC Fairground Costa Mesa Building

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Mickey Avalon with Throwlight and Jensey

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 PM

The Wayfarer

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Popular in Costa Mesa

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Tuesday Takeover (October)

Today • 5:00 PM

Nosh Bar

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Laughin' in Costa Mesa Comedy Show

Friday • 8:00 PM

MoonGoat Coffee

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Neat @ Nite

Mon, Oct 19 • 5:00 PM

Neat Coffee

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Christian Singles Mixer Orange County | Ages 28–45

Tue, Oct 20 • 7:00 PM

Casa de Onda

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Boots & Boos Singles Mixer - Speed Dating Alternative!

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM

Westwood Coast

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OC DAY PARTY ANNUAL COSTUME PARTY

Sun, Oct 25 • 4:00 PM

Time Nightclub

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Sun Room

Thu, Nov 12 • 9:00 PM

The Wayfarer

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Volunteer Habitat Restoration at Fairview Park! (2nd Saturdays)

Sat, Nov 14 • 9:00 AM + 4 more

Fairview Park

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Tuesday Takeover (October)

Today • 5:00 PM

Nosh Bar

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Laughin' in Costa Mesa Comedy Show

Friday • 8:00 PM

MoonGoat Coffee

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Neat @ Nite

Mon, Oct 19 • 5:00 PM

Neat Coffee

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Christian Singles Mixer Orange County | Ages 28–45

Tue, Oct 20 • 7:00 PM

Casa de Onda

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Boots & Boos Singles Mixer - Speed Dating Alternative!

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM

Westwood Coast

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OC DAY PARTY ANNUAL COSTUME PARTY

Sun, Oct 25 • 4:00 PM

Time Nightclub

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Sun Room

Thu, Nov 12 • 9:00 PM

The Wayfarer

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Volunteer Habitat Restoration at Fairview Park! (2nd Saturdays)

Sat, Nov 14 • 9:00 AM + 4 more

Fairview Park

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Online Events

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 8:00 AM EDT

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Icons of Conquest: Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book

Friday • 2:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Saturday • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 8:00 AM EDT

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Icons of Conquest: Bayeux Tapestry and Domesday Book

Friday • 2:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Saturday • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Music events

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AFROBEATS-OC PRESENTS LIBRA AFFAIR

Saturday • 9:00 PM

Palenque Kitchen by Mezcal, Costa Mesa

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Bowie tribute returns by popular demand to Tiki Bar

Fri, Oct 23 • 8:00 PM

Tiki Bar

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OC DAY PARTY ANNUAL COSTUME PARTY

Sun, Oct 25 • 4:00 PM

Time Nightclub

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HALLOWEEN NIGHT @ OC FAIRGROUNDS $10 W/RSVP BEFORE 10:30PM | 18+

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

OC Fairground Costa Mesa Building

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Halloween Night @ OC Fairgrounds $10 w/rsvp before 10:30pm

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

OC Fairground Costa Mesa Building

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ENJOY THE FRIGHT HALLOWEEN NIGHT - TRIBUTES DEPECHE MODE & CURE COSTA MESA

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 PM

The Wayfarer

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Mickey Avalon with Throwlight and Jensey

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 PM

The Wayfarer

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Beer & Carols Holiday Sing-Along 2026 at The Wayfarer

Sun, Dec 13 • 6:30 PM

The Wayfarer

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AFROBEATS-OC PRESENTS LIBRA AFFAIR

Saturday • 9:00 PM

Palenque Kitchen by Mezcal, Costa Mesa

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Bowie tribute returns by popular demand to Tiki Bar

Fri, Oct 23 • 8:00 PM

Tiki Bar

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OC DAY PARTY ANNUAL COSTUME PARTY

Sun, Oct 25 • 4:00 PM

Time Nightclub

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HALLOWEEN NIGHT @ OC FAIRGROUNDS $10 W/RSVP BEFORE 10:30PM | 18+

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

OC Fairground Costa Mesa Building

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Halloween Night @ OC Fairgrounds $10 w/rsvp before 10:30pm

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

OC Fairground Costa Mesa Building

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ENJOY THE FRIGHT HALLOWEEN NIGHT - TRIBUTES DEPECHE MODE & CURE COSTA MESA

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 PM

The Wayfarer

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Mickey Avalon with Throwlight and Jensey

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 PM

The Wayfarer

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Beer & Carols Holiday Sing-Along 2026 at The Wayfarer

Sun, Dec 13 • 6:30 PM

The Wayfarer

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Points of Interest near Costa Mesa

Fairview Park

Tewinkle Park

Frequently asked questions about Costa Mesa

Are there free events to attend in Costa Mesa, CA?

Yes, Costa Mesa offers several fantastic free event options. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts frequently hosts outdoor Tuesday Night Dance classes on its plaza. You can also take a self-guided Art Walk to see public art or enjoy seasonal live music at Metro Pointe.

What is the nightlife scene like in Costa Mesa?

The Triangle is a central hub for nightlife, featuring the Vegas-style Time Nightclub. For a different atmosphere, Mesa Lounge transitions from a restaurant to a lively spot with a DJ, while The Wayfarer on the Westside offers a more intimate setting for live bands.

Where can I find live music events in Costa Mesa?

The Wayfarer is a go-to venue for local and touring indie bands in an intimate setting. For an underground vibe, La Cave hosts regular live music, and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents larger concerts and musical performances as part of its diverse event calendar.

What are some good date night ideas in Costa Mesa?

A classic Costa Mesa date involves dinner in the South Coast Metro area followed by a show at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For a more casual evening, explore the restaurants at The Triangle before catching a movie or heading to a bar.

How can I experience the art events and culture in Costa Mesa?

The city’s self-guided Art Walk is an excellent way to explore over 20 public art pieces and murals. The LAB Anti-Mall also serves as a cultural hub, frequently hosting art installations and creative market events that showcase local talent and independent brands.

Where are the best comedy shows in Costa Mesa?

La Cave is known for hosting stand-up comedy nights in its intimate, underground steakhouse setting. This venue provides a unique atmosphere for live entertainment, combining dinner, drinks, and comedy for a memorable night out in the city.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Costa Mesa?

The annual OC Fair, held at the OC Fair & Event Center, is a major attraction for all ages with rides and entertainment. Throughout the year, the center and local parks also host various community festivals, markets, and other family-oriented gatherings.

Which neighborhood has unique food and drink events?

Eastside Costa Mesa is a great choice, known for its walkable 17th Street lined with indie boutiques and restaurants. This area has a social, coastal vibe and its local eateries often host special dinners, tastings, and other culinary events.