Disneyland Events

Disneyland Events

NOTE: All event dates/entertainment are subject to change

Major Events at the Disneyland Resort

For more help planning your Disneyland vacation, be sure to check out the DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition podcast for an unbiased and honest look at every aspect of your Disneyland experience.


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May

Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2013

Details to be announced.  Typically events are held in Zocalo Park in front of Rancho Del Zocalo.  Also look for a special menu or event at Tortilla Jo's in Downtown Disney.


AIDS Walk Orange County

May 4, 2013

Walk through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure before they open in this 25th annual fundraiser for HIV/AIDS organizations in Orange County.


Bats Day in the Fun Park

May 3 - 5, 2013

An annual Goolish "Goth" Gathering at Disneyland. Note that event was on a different weekend for 2012


Special Glow with the Show Magical fireworks viewing

May 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19, 2013

  • Limited Time Magic

Guests wearing Glow with the Show ear hats can view Disneyland's Magical fireworks show from a special viewing area on Main Street USA. Space is limited.


Disneyland Grad Nite

May 9-11, 15-18, 22-24, 29-31, June 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 2013

For 2013, Seniors will again have access to both Parks during the day.  At night, the party moves over to Disney California Advenure with a private showing of World of Color and access to Cars Land.


Pin Trading Night

May 10, 2013

Meet avid and novice traders, make friends and share stories about your collections.  The event will be held from 5pm - 8pm and the Pacific Ballroom of the Paradise Pier Hotel.


Mother’s Day at the Disneyland Resort

May 12, 2013

Mother’s Day can be a special day that the Disneyland Resort. Along with flowers for all Moms, Disney also offers special Mother’s Day dining options.


Annual Passholder Animation Academy

May 17, 2013

  • Limited Time Magic

Annual Passholders are invited to hear behind-the scenes stores from Disney Animator Eric Goldberg (Genie, Phil, Louis, Rabbit).  Eric will also teach Passholders how to draw some classic Disney characters.  The event will be held at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm in the Disney Animation building at Disney California Adventure.  Passholders can register at the Animation building beginning at Park opening on the day of the event.  Space is limited.


Artist Showcase with Noah

May 18, 2013

Arist Noah will be on hand from 3pm to 5pm at the WonderGround Gallery showcasing his new "Crush" collection, inspired by the love stories of some of Disney's mose beloved couples.


Artist Showcase with Louis Solis

May 18, 2013

Stop by World of Disney for a meet and greet with ACME Archives Limited artist Louis Solis, showcasing the newest releases in the Character Key series.  Louis will be on hand from 2pm to 7pm.


Monstrous Summer All-Nighter

May 24, 2013

  • Limited Time Magic

To kick off a Monstrous Summer, both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will be open for 24-hours straight beginning at 6:00am on May 24th.

Special entertainment at Disneyland Park will include a "Monsters University" Dance Club in Tomorrowland, a late-night Character Pajama Party in Mickey's ToonTown and live music at the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire.

Over at California Adventure, new "Monsters University" photo ops will be featured along with a new float leading the Pixar Play Parade.


Artist Showcase with Katie Kelly

May 24 - 25, 2013

Katie Kelly will be on hand for a special appearance from 10am to 4pm each day at The Disney Gallery showcasing some her recent releases.


Artist Showcase with Jerrod Maruyama

May 24 - 25, 2013

Jerrod Maruyama will be on hand from 6pm to 8pm each day at the WonderGround Gallery, showcasing some of his newest artwork.


Opa! A Celebration of Greece

May 25 - 27, 2013

The Disneyland Resort will celebrate the music, dance, art, food and history of Greece at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  Festivities will take place 10am to 6pm each day and will feature Mickey in his Fustanella attire.

The "it's a small world" mall at Disneyland will feature Olympic training with Hercules, live performances, atmospheric entertainment and special food offerings.

The Paradise Garden area at Disney California Adventure will feature Greek wine tasting, live performances, dancing, atmospheric entertainment and special food offerings.

On May 26, Greek celebrity Chef Argiro Barbarigou and Greek winemaker Christina Boutari will host a special dinner at Golden Valley Winery.  Visit the Disneyland website for tickets.


Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 24 - 27, 2013

The festival is a parade and carnival celebrating the city's strawberry-growing history. 

 

June

Summer at the Disneyland Resort

Early May through Early September

The fun begins in May and continues all summer long with special fireworks and other events.


Disneyland Grad Nite

May 9-11, 15-18, 22-24, 29-31, June 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 2013

For 2013, Seniors will again have access to both Parks during the day.  At night, the party moves over to Disney California Advenure with a private showing of World of Color and access to Cars Land.


ACME Artist Showcase with Gris Grimly and Ragnar

June 1, 2013

Stop by D Street from 2pm to 7pm for an ACME Archives Limited showcase and signing with artists Ragnar and Gris Grimly, featuring some of the newest pieces in their collections.


Artist Showcase featuring Em & Sprout

June 1, 2, 29 and 30, 2013

Em & Sprout will be on hand from 1pm to 4pm each day at the WonderGround Gallery.


Artist in Residence - Jackie Huang

June 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2013

The WonderGround Gallery's Artist in Residence for June is Jackie Huang. Jackie will be on hand each day from 5pm to 9pm.


Artist Showcase with Noah

June 8, 2013

Popular Disney artist Noah will be on hand at the WonderGround Gallery from 2pm to 4 pm to debut his newest piece, "The Great Flood", featuring Sorcerer Mickey.


Harveys Seatbeltbag Trunk Show

June 15, 2013

Take part in a special trunk show at Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure.  Harveys Director Paul Jaurequi will be on hand from 10am to 12noon showcasing some of their newest releases.


Pop Fusion Exhibit

June 15, 2013

Artists Liana Hee, Dave Quiggle and Michelle Romo, plus Imagineer Danny Handke will be on hand from 10am to 12noon to kick off the WonderGound Gallery's next exhibit, featuring the fusion of Disney and Pop Culture.


Sawdust Art Festival
June 28 - September 1, 2013
See more than 200 Laguna Beach artists exhibit and sell their original artwork including jewelry, ceramics and textiles. See artist's demonstrations; attend complimentary art classes and children's art activities. There are three stages for entertainment, cafes and a saloon.


Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Event

June 28 - 29, 2013

The Disneyland Resort will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room with a merchandise event at the Disneyland Hotel Exhibit Hall.

The $85 "Jose Package" will include access to event merchandise, artist signings, silent auction, trading opportunities and commemorative gifts.  For an additional $185, guest can enjoy a cocktail reception with popular artist SHAG.

Tickets for both events will go on sale April 2nd at 11am (Pacific).  More information will be released as the event gets closer.

July

Summer at the Disneyland Resort

Early May through Early September

The fun begins in May and continues all summer long.


4th of July at Disneyland!
“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will be featured July 1st through July 4th at Disneyland, plus there's a patriotic Independence Day pre-show for World of Color over at Disney California Adventure featuring video, water effects, lighting and fireworks!


Summer Jazz Series - Hyatt Newport Beach
(All summer through early October)
Hyatt Newport Beach Amphitheater, on the Golf Course
Hosted by The Wave 94.7, this event features the smooth sounds of jazz artists.


Orange County Fair/Costa Mesa
July 12 - August 11, 2013
The annual Orange County Fair is the premier family attraction in Southern California offering a wide variety of exhibits, foods, entertainment, rides and hands-on activities.


Hipster Collection Cocktail Reception

July 18, 2013

In celebration of the new "Happiest Hipster on Earth" collection, the WonderGround Gallery will be hosting a special Cocktail Reception from 7pm-10pm.  The event will feature hors d'oeuvres, specialty drinks, in-store shopping, an artist signing opportunity with Jerrod Maruyama and a commemorative gift.  Tickets go on sale May 21st at 11am via ArtofDisneyParks.com.

August

D23 Expo

August 9-11, 2013

Celebrate all things Disney as the D23 Expo once again takes over the Anaheim Convention Center.  As always, the event will feature the Disney Legend Awards, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Exhibit, panels, presentations and celebrity appearances.

Tickets are now on sale.  Save up to $5 per day with Advanced tickets available 01/01/13 through 06/15/13. 


Summer at the Disneyland Resort

Early May through early September

The fun begins in May continues all summer long.


Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2013

The Dumbo Double Dare, the Disneyland 10K and the Disneyland Half Marathon are SOLD OUT!

Be a part of the Happiest Races on Earth at the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, including the Disneyland Half Marathon, Disneyland 10K and Family Fun Run 5K.  Participants may also combine the Half Marathon and 10K and receive a Dumbo Double Dare medal.

DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition Podcast
Disneyland Half Marathon 2012

DIS Unplugged Blog
Disneyland Half Marathon 2010

September

Disneyland Half Marathon
August 30 - September 1, 2013

Be a part of the Happiest Races on Earth at the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.


Dapper Day - An Evening Affair

September 6, 2013

This annual unofficial event is a time for guests to wear their Sunday-best to Disneyland.  According to organizers, Dapper Day is about experiencing the upscale escape of Disneyland filled with fashionable guests ready for fun.  The Fall event is held from 6:00pm until Midnight.  There is also an full-day event held in the Spring.


Toshiba Tall Ships Festival
2013 date to be announced

The Tall Ships Festival is the largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast. The festival will feature a spectacular array of family fun activities including live music, art & craft shows, exciting living-history demonstrations and a variety of tasty

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
September 13 - October 31, 2013

October

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort

September 13 - October 31, 2013

Halloween Time features Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, plus holiday decorations throughout the parks!

Disneyland Halloween


Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland Park!

2013 dates to be announced

This ‘private’ party at Disneyland Park is open only to special ticket holders and features exclusive viewings of Halloween Screams fireworks, but the great part is anyone can purchase tickets. 

Familiar attractions, live music, treat stations for the little ones and creepy crafts are just a few activities available during the party. You never know who you’ll run into on these special nights. Oh and don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes so you can join Mickey's Costume Party Cavalcade!


The Unofficial Gay Days at Disneyland

2013 dates to be announced
The ‘Unofficial’ Gay Days at the Disneyland Resort.


CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park - 5K Walk
2013 date to be announced
The annual CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) 5K walk to raise money for CHOC will give walkers unique opportunity to walk through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure before they officially open for the day. After the Walk, festivities will be underway in Downtown Disney District, where shops, restaurants and booths will offer more fun for everyone! In addition, the Disneyland Resort will offer to walkers with wristbands a specially priced 1-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket to return to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.


Haunted House Building Workshop

2013 dates to be announced.

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Chef Darren Finkel will lead an interactive (gingerbread) Haunted House building demonstration followed by guided assembly and decorating. The workshop starts at noon and the cost (for two guests) is $48 and includes house, candy decor and unlimited sodas.  Reservations for the event are available by calling 714-776-5200.

DIS Unplugged Blog by Nancy Johnson

Disneyland Halloween

November

Christmas at the Disneyland Resort

November 12, 2013 - January 5, 2014

Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort from mid-November through the New Year.

Disneyland Thanksgiving Day Dining
The Disneyland Resort offers a variety of dining on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013.

 

December

Christmas at the Disneyland Resort

November 12, 2013 - January 5, 2014

Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort from mid-November through the New Year.

Christmas at the Disneyland Resort


TUBACHRISTMAS at Downtown Disney

2013 date to be announced

Hundreds of tuba and euphonium players will gather to perform holiday music in this annual event. 


New Year's Eve at the Disneyland Resort

December 31, 2013

New Year's Eve celebrations take place at both Disneyland at Disney California Adventure with extended hours and extra entertainment.

January

Three Kings' Day

2014 dates to be announced

Disneyland celebrates Three Kings' Day at Big Thunder Ranch Festival Arena with special decor and entertainment showcasing Western and Mexican heritage.  Highlights include characters in their fiesta finest, plus performances by the Mariachi Divas and the Ballet Folklorico Dancers.

In addition, Rancho del Zocalo will serve Three Kings' Day treats, including: Rosca de Reyes (Mexican Kings Bread with a tiny baby hidden inside), sweet corn tamales with pineapple and cajeta, blue corn tamales with Monterey Jack cheese & a green tomatillo sauce and strawberry-filled churros.



New Orleans Bayou Bash and Mardi Gras

2014 dates to be announced

Celebrate in New Orleans Square with performances by Princess Tiana, Louis and Naveen, plus meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters dressed in their Mardi Gras finest.  Special food items and entertainment will also be featured.


Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend

January 17 - 19, 2014

This half marathon focused on women will take you through the Disneyland Resort and the streets of Anaheim, California. Each finisher receives an exclusive Tinker Bell-inspired medal, long-sleeve tech shirt, goody bag, and more!


Grand National Roadster Show/Pomona

2014 dates to be announced

This annual event held at the Fairplex in Pomona features over 500 show vehicles competing for awards, plus several hundred more "hobby" cars.  This year's show theme is Route 66.


Cambria Annual Art & Wine Festival

2014 dates to be announced

Wine tastings featuring over 30 local wineries plus an art show and silent auction highlight this annual event. 

February

New Orleans Bayou Bash and Mardi Gras

2014 dates to be announced

Celebrate in New Orleans Square with performances by Princess Tiana, Louis and Naveen, plus meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters dressed in their Mardi Gras finest.  Special food items and entertainment will also be featured.


Laguna Beach Music Festival

2014 dates to be announced

This week long event in scenic Laguna Beach, showcases prominent and promising musicians.  Mainstage concerts are held at the Laguna Playhouse. Informal concerts and other music-based activities are held at hotels, museums and restaurants throughout the city.


Lunar New Year

2014 dates to be announced

The Happy Lunar New Year Celebration in Disney California Adventure is a tribute to the time-honored traditions, festivities and ceremonies of this multi-cultural occasion.  Areas of the Park will be decorated with ornamental lanterns and bright banners and Mulan and Mushu will lead a procession along the parade route near the Pacific Wharf.  The celebration also includes appearances by Mickey, Minnie and other Disney characters at a photo location near The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure. 


Valentine's Day

February 14, 2014

Restaurants around the Disneyland Resort will offer special menus for Valentine's Day.


Queen Mary Scottish Festival

2014 dates to be announced

Celebrate the Scottish heritage of the Queen Mary at this unique Long Beach event.  Entertainment includes piping and dancing competitions, Highland games, sheep herding demonstrations and parades, plus merchandise, food and spirits.


Celebrate Gospel

2014 dates to be announced

Disney California Adventure welcomes 14 local gospel choirs from around Southern California in this annual concert.  Performances will be from 10:45am to 12:45pm and 1:45pm to 6:00pm inside Stage 17 in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot.


Dapper Day

2014 date to be announced

This annual unofficial event is a day for guests to wear their Sunday-best to Disneyland.  According to organizers, Dapper Day is about experiencing the upscale escape of Disneyland filled with fashionable guests ready for fun.  There is also an evening-only event held in the Fall.

Blog from the 2012 Event

 

March

Festival of the Whales at Dana Point

2014 dates to be announced

It's the time of the year that the whales make their annual trip down south. Don't miss the Annual Street Fair, which is part of the Whale Festival with a weekend of fun, food, entertainment.


Spring Fling

2014 dates to be announced

Meet the Easter Bunny on Main Street USA at Disneyland, plus watch a special bunny hop dance starring the Easter Bunny, the Dapper Dans, Mickey, Minnie and other Disney Friends.

Over at Disney California Adventure, Russell and Dug have hidden some oversized Easter eggs throughout the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.  Follow the clues to track them down and earn your Spring Egg-tivity Badge.

April

Disney's California Food and Wine Festival

***Due to construction at Disney California Adventure, this event was cancelled for 2011 and 2012. The future of this event is unknown.

Celebrate the palate pleasing flavors of California cuisine and spirits as the Disneyland Resort plays host to a food lover's festival that showcases the diverse tastes of the Golden State. Join celebrity chefs, noted sommeliers and fellow culinary connoisseurs in a series of demonstrations, seminars, and epicurean adventures that will have your mouth watering every at Disney California Adventure.


Easter at the Disneyland Resort

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Although no special activities are planned in the parks, some Disneyland Resort Hotels may be offering special Easter dinners

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