We’re moving into August after a summer of fun that has included the four-day Summerfest and the city’s weekly Concerts in the Park series.
But Fountain Valley is just getting going.
For starters, the city’s Recreation and Community Services Department is staging the Great FV Campout.
The good news: This is a fantastic, popular family event, held Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4. Families pitch tents at the Fountain Valley Sports Park, camp under the stars, enjoy campfires, s’mores, nature hikes and more. The bad news: This event sells out instantaneously and is already filled up.
But don’t despair. There’s more family fun, like the city’s popular Movies in the Park series which begins Tuesday, Aug. 6 with “Hercules,” which is being presented in conjunction with National Night Out at the Fountain Valley Sports Park.
National Night Out is an opportunity for the city’s police and fire personnel to get together with the community and present displays, demonstrations and provide safety information. Thousands of communities across the country celebrate National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August.
Fountain Valley has been combining National Night Out with the first movie in the park for several years. The movie starts at dusk. Bring a blanket and chairs.
Here’s the rest of the movie series lineup (all activities begin at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at dusk):
On Friday, Aug. 16, “The Greatest Showman” will be shown at Courreges Park, 8556 Rogue River. The 2017 movie stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Zack Efron.
“Monsters University” will be presented on Friday, Aug. 23 at Los Alamos Park, 17901 Los Alamos Street. The 2013 animated comedy features the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi.
On Friday, Aug. 30, “Tangled” will be presented at McDowell Park, 17200 Oak St. The 2010 animated film features the voices of Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Ron Perlman and Donna Murphy.
For more information, call 714-839-8611.
But wait, there’s more.
The County of Orange and OC Parks holds an annual outdoor summer concert series on Thursday evenings at various county parks.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, Mile Square Park is the venue for Room at the Top, a Tom Petty tribute band. Activities start at 5 p.m. and include a beer garden and food trucks.
Concerts are set for 6 to 8 p.m. and are free and open to the public. The concert series is staged on the east side of Mile Square Park (off Euclid Street). Parking is free after 4 p.m.
Finally, the 2019 BBQ Music Fest will be held Aug. 16 to 18 at the Fountain Valley Sports Park (on the Brookhurst Street side of Mile Square Park).
The event will feature live entertainment from local bands, a food court (including non-barbecue items), cantinas, arts and crafts, a children’s area with an animal variety show and petting zoo, a magic show, balloon sculptures and games. Admission is $5 Friday, Aug. 16 (advance or at the gate); $10 (advance with coupon), $12 (at the gate) Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18.
Attendees are invited to sample fiery chicken, pulled pork, tri-tip, pork ribs, sausages and sides (all available for purchase).
Award-winning national barbecue pit masters such as Blazin’ Broncos (Ohio), Porky-N-Beans (Florida), Git-R-Smoked (Nevada) and Rasta Joe BBQ (Indiana) will battle local barbecue grillers including Q Smokehouse (Long Beach) and Smoking Ribs (Garden Grove) for the titles of “Best BBQ” and “People’s Choice Favorite.”
On Aug. 18, grillers will battle it out among themselves to see if they’ve got what it takes to be the next barbecue champ. More than 20 backyard barbecue chefs will face off to take home the prize and grand title.
The exclusive VIP Rib Village, under a large canopy tent, will feature a VIP bar, private restroom facilities and assigned seating. The VIP Village includes five drinks; you must be 21 or older for the alcohol. Proper I.D. with birth date is required.
Cost for the VIP Village is $99 adults, $35 children 10 to 16, $18 children 9 and younger. For more information and the admission coupon, go to bbqmusicfest.com