Here are the top family-friendly events happening around Santa Ana this weekend, February 28th and March 1st, 2026! Don't miss the big Celtic Festival at the Bowers Museum or catch the closing day of Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale.
See our top picks
Bowers Museum's Celtic Festival
Bowers Museum
Free entry to enjoy Irish music, dancing, and crafts on Sunday.
Fiddler on the Roof – A Family-Friendly Musical
Rose Center Theater
Catch the final performance of this family musical indoors on Sunday evening.
Tiny Tots Storytime
Likely a City of Santa Ana Library or community center
A perfect 30-minute story session for the youngest kids Saturday morning.
· February 28
6: Spend part of your Saturday creating a fun craft project making bird house wind chimes. This is a great hands-on activity for kids who enjoy building and decorating.It's a hands-on Saturday activity taking place in Santa Ana proper.
FREE : This is the final day to take advantage of this offer! Bring in an eligible electronic device to recycle and you’ll get free admission to the Santa Ana Zoo for the day. Great way to clear out old tech and see the animals.This offer ends Saturday, Feb 28th, making it a perfect final-day opportunity.
TINY TOTS STORYTIME : This is a short, 30-minute storytime session perfect for the youngest members of your family on Saturday morning. Check the City of Santa Ana listings to confirm the library location.It’s a specific, short program aimed at very young children occurring Saturday morning in Santa Ana.
FREE : Join this free cooking event themed around Mexican flag colors at the Northgate Market. This sounds like a fun, tasty way to engage kids in food preparation on Saturday morning.A free, food-related cultural activity happening Saturday morning in the area.
: Sign the kids up for a cookie workshop at Saute Culinary Academy early Saturday morning. It’s a structured class where they can learn baking skills and take home treats.A structured Saturday morning activity focused specifically on children's baking.
: Head to Pitfire Pizza in Costa Mesa for a family painting session this Saturday afternoon. It’s guided art where no experience is needed—just bring your crew and get creative while enjoying pizza.A fun, messy activity happening on Saturday at a casual dining spot near Santa Ana.
· March 1
3FREE : Head to the Bowers Museum for a lively afternoon celebrating Irish culture. Expect great live music from Craic in the Stone, award-winning Irish dancers, and fun crafts like face painting and free treats for the family.This is a highly popular, one-day festival at a major Santa Ana attraction featuring performances and activities.
: Catch the closing performance of this fun, bilingual musical that mixes Cinderella with salsa and hip-hop basketball action. It’s a high-energy take on a classic story recommended for ages four and up.This is the final day of the run for this unique theatrical production happening very close to Santa Ana.
: This is the final day for the dreamy light display at 123 Farm, where the lavender fields and ranch glow under hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. A beautiful way to end the weekend.It's the closing day (March 1st) for this special light event near Santa Ana.
Also On· anytime this weekend
5FREE : Explore downtown Santa Ana as local galleries and studios open their doors for a free evening event. It’s a cool way to see local art, and the area is buzzing on the first Saturday of the month.This event happens every first Saturday, making it a reliable weekend feature right in Santa Ana.
: If you enjoy classic musicals, catch a performance of Fiddler on the Roof at the local Rose Center Theater this weekend. This is the final day of the run, so grab your tickets soon.This is the last day to see this family-friendly musical running right in Santa Ana.
FREE : Pretend City is hosting a sensory-friendly evening designed specifically for neurodivergent children and their families to explore the museum. Make sure to RSVP ahead of time for this special Saturday evening slot.A dedicated sensory-friendly evening at a popular indoor play location, which is highly valuable for many families.
FREE : Explore this beautiful center in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday for free via self-guided exploration. It’s a wonderful, low-key outdoor spot to wander and see nature.It's explicitly open every Saturday and Sunday, offering a free, flexible outdoor option.
FREE : Stop by Centennial Farm on Sunday for a free visit to see the animals and farming gardens at the OC Fairgrounds. It’s a classic, relaxing, family-friendly spot open year-round.It is a reliably free and family-focused destination open all weekend in the immediate vicinity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Santa Ana this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are several free options, including the Bowers Museum's Celtic Festival (Sun), the Artists Village Art Walk (Sat), and a free cooking activity, Colores de Mexico (Sat).
Are there any special activities happening in Santa Ana on Saturday morning?
Yes, Saturday morning features the DIY Bird House Wind Chime craft session (10 AM - 2 PM), Tiny Tots Storytime (11 AM), and the Colores de Mexico cooking event (11 AM).
What is happening in the surrounding area on Sunday, March 1st?
Nearby on Sunday, you can attend the D. Yoder Family Sundays at Casa Romantica for free music or catch the final performance of Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale in Costa Mesa.