2025 Special Events Proposal
Parks and Recreation Commission
February 10, 2025
Community Yard Sale
DATE: Saturday, March 15, 2025
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Independence Park (parking lot)
COST: $25.00 per space for residents and $35 for non-residents EVENT BUDGET: $2,000 (General Fund)
This event is intended to allow the community to shop and/or sell items while allowing residents to declutter and sell unwanted items at a safe and friendly location. The City will provide space, restrooms, and marketing for the event.
Fishing Day
DATE: Saturday, March 22, 2025
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Laguna Lake
COST: Free (Registration Required)
EVENT BUDGET: $3,000 (Private Donation)
Making a splashing return, the Fishing Derby will allow the youth to learn how to fish while having fun. It will be a morning featuring exciting activities, food trucks, raffles, and crafts.
Thursday Night Farmers Markets
DATE: Thursdays, April 4 - August 28, 2025
TIME: 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fullerton Plaza
COST: Varies per vendor category
EVENT BUDGET: $105,000 (General Fund)
Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market returns for another season of food, farmers, and commercial vendors, live music, face painting, and a bounce house for kids.
Eggstravaganza
DATE: Saturday, April 19, 2025
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hunt Library
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: $10,000 (Hunt Programming Grant)
A family fun event that includes photos with the spring bunny, music, food vendors, a children’s egg hunt, bounce houses, face painting, and entertainment.
Food Festival
DATE: Saturday, June 28, 2025
TIME: TBD
WHERE: Hunt Library
COST: TBD
EVENT BUDGET: $5,000 (Hunt Programming Grant)
The Food Festival will feature an array of food from around the world. Along with live music, performances, cooking demonstrations, this event is meant to highlight the thriving foods in Fullerton and throughout the world.
4th of July
DATE: TBD
TIME: TBD
WHERE: TBD
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: Option A - $20,000; Option B - $50,000; Option C -$195,000; Option D - $75,000 (General Fund); Option E – No Cost
4th of July
Plan A: The 4th of July celebration will take place on Thursday, July 3, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market. The “Independence Day” theme will be applied to the event, which will include community games at the stage, a live band, food vendors, and additional food trucks. No fireworks are included for this option.
Plan B: The City of Fullerton will host the 4th of July Parade from the Orange County Courthouse to the Downtown Plaza area from 9 to 11 a.m. The Parade will feature music school bands from local schools, the City departments, Bike Organizations, Councils and commissions, and more. There are no fireworks proposed for this event; firework companies in the area due not have any technicians available on July 4th.
Plan C: The 4th of July celebration will occur on Thursday, July 3, from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Downtown area. There will be a car Show, a festival with games and rides, live band entertainment, and a 20- minute Fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Plan D: The 4th of July Parade will be hosted by the City of Fullerton from the Orange County Courthouse to the Downtown Plaza area from 9 - 11 am. The Parade will offer music school bands by local schools, Fire Departments, Police Departments, Bike Organizations, Councils & Commissions, and more. After the parade, a daytime festival from 11 am to 2 pm will be held at the Downtown Plaza, including live music, kids activities, contests, and inflatables. There are no fireworks proposed for this event; fireworks companies in the area due not have any technicians available on July 4th.
Plan E: No Event
Movies in the Park
DATE: Wednesdays, July 2 - 30, 2025
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Various Parks
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: $10,000 (General Fund)
Family friendly movies will be shown from a movie screen at various parks each week in the month of July for families to attend and enjoy for free! Food trucks will be available for food purchase.
Friday Night Live Concerts
DATE: Fridays, August 1 - 29, 2025
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fullerton Sports Complex
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: $35,000 (Brea Dam Fund)
Family fun concerts with live bands where attendees can bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy free music and dancing. Food trucks will be available for food purchase.
Pup-Toberfest
DATE: Saturday, October 11, 2025
TIME: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hunt Library
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: $7,000 (Hunt Programming Grant)
Pup-Toberfest is a family-friendly event featuring dog breed races with categories for small, medium, and large breeds and unique races for puppies and dogs in costume. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, kids’ activities, vendors, and more.
OktoBOOfest
DATE: Thursday, October 30, 2025
TIME: 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Plaza
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: $2,000 (General Fund)
Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market returns for another night of food, farmers, & commercial vendors, live music, face painting and a bounce house for kids. In addition, a costume parade & Trick or Treating will be available for attendees to participants.
Fall 5k
DATE: TBD
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Laguna Lake or Fullerton Sports Complex
COST: Registration fee $40
EVENT BUDGET: $10,000 (General Fund or Brea Dam Fund)
The City will host the first ever Turkey Trot 5K to bring Health and Fitness awareness right during the holiday season. Along with the running route, they’ll be vendors, DJ, Free class warmups before the race provided by Fullerton’s fitness class instructors.
Veterans Day Celebration
DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Hillcrest Park Great Lawn
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: $20,000 (General Fund)
A ceremony to honor those who served our country through military service will be held. The ceremony will include a guest speaker, patriotic performance, and a gun salute.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
DATE: Friday, December 5, 2025
TIME: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: City Hall
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: $10,000 (General Fund)
Enjoy a festive evening in celebration of the holiday season. There will be opportunity to take photos with Santa, face painting, kids activities, performances and vendors.
First Night Celebration
DATE: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
TIME: 7:00 p.m. - Midnight
WHERE: Fullerton Plaza
COST: Free to attend
EVENT BUDGET: $175,000 (General Fund)
The City of Fullerton New Year’s Eve celebration is a family-friendly event will take place on December 31, 2025, from 7:00 PM to midnight in the heart of historic Downtown Fullerton. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to join the festivities of live entertainment, exciting attractions, delicious food, and community fun. The closure of Harbor Boulevard will allow attendees to stroll freely through Downtown Fullerton’s charming historic storefronts, bars, and restaurants. This pedestrian-friendly experience adds to the festive atmosphere and makes First Night one of the most cherished traditions in the community.
Fiscal Impact
Budget Breakdown
4th of July Event Budget
Total 2025 Event Budget
General Fund
Grant Funded
Brea Dam Fund
Option A
$ 20,000.00
$ 414,000.00
$ 344,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Option B
$ 50,000.00
$ 444,000.00
$ 374,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Option C
$ 195,000.00
$ 589,000.00
$ 519,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Option D
$ 75,000.00
$ 469,000.00
$ 399,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Option E
$ -
$ 394,000.00
$ 324,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Options for Council Consideration
Review and approve the 2025 Special Event Calendar along with the proposed budget and proposed 4th of July event:
Plan A – 4th of July Farmers Market Themed Event on July 3rd Plan B – 4th of July Parade on July 4th
Plan C – 4th of July Festival with Fireworks on July 3rd Plan D - 4th of July Parade on July 4th with Daytime Festival Plan E – No 4th of July event for 2025
Direct staff to explore alternative events, including a different scope for the 4th of July event.
Questions?