🎖️ Memorial Day weekend in Anaheim: the full plan

The closer we get to summer, the more Anaheim starts to feel like one giant outdoor hangout. The patios stay busy later, downtown gets louder, and every weekend starts filling up with live music and community events.

We’ve got Memorial Day plans, local hidden gems, and a few stories that remind us how much is constantly happening around this city, even the stuff flying under the radar. Read right on:

🏰 No third Disneyland gate for now

The Gist: Social media went wild recently with rumors that Disney filed permits for a long-awaited third theme park gate at the 53-acre Toy Story parking lot on Harbor and Katella. However, Disney clarified that the May 8 confidential permits are just for minor painting work. While the only project officially moving forward right now is the Eastern Gateway parking structure construction later this year, longer-term plans for the Toy Story lot actually lean toward an outdoor retail, dining, and entertainment district.

Why It Matters: What happens at this massive intersection is a huge deal for Anaheim. A retail district instead of a theme park means different traffic patterns, longer hours of foot traffic, and direct competition for local spots like GardenWalk and the Packing District. It is one of the most consequential land-use decisions in our city's near future, and it is definitely worth keeping our eyes on.

🎵 The Anaheim Music Festival you might have missed

The Gist: Redding’s Parsons Junior High School completely swept the WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival in Anaheim last week, taking home the top awards for band, choir, and percussion. This national touring competition brings hundreds of student music programs from across the country to Anaheim every single spring. Though it's the largest and longest-running host city for these prestigious national awards, the massive event often flies right under the radar for local residents.

Why It Matters: This festival quietly floods our community with thousands of young musicians and their families each spring, packing out local hotels and the Convention Center. It is a huge economic boost for Anaheim, but more importantly, it means our city serves as the backdrop for defining, lifelong memories for these talented kids.

🍔 Backyard vibes and small-batch brews

All-American Brew Works, a veteran-owned spot on the La Palma Beer Trail is the long weekend’s essential pitstop for stocking up before the grill gets fired up. The taproom is ready for the heat with crisp seltzers and a refreshing craft lineup destined for the backyard cooler.

Grab a fresh smashburger and seasoned tots on the patio or snag a 4-pack to go! That’s a seamless way to raise a glass with friends and family early as they’re traditionally closed on Monday to honor Memorial Day.

🎡 The pint-sized theme park hiding in plain sight

Real OGs know Adventure City is the ultimate stress-free alternative to the massive resort down the street. The Memorial Day weekend brings four straight days of rides, bubbles, and petting farm fun.

For the price of one Disney ticket, everyone gets unlimited turns on the Rewind Racers coaster and the beloved express train before the daily summer schedule officially kicks off in just a couple more weeks.

Four-year-old Sheila is ready to be your ultimate hiking partner!

Weighing seventy-three pounds, this striking German Shepherd from Anaheim combines intelligence with an athletic spirit. She already knows how to sit, takes treats with gentle manners, and is fully house-trained.

Sheila thrives on physical activities, making her an ideal companion for active households. She would love to find a family dedicated to continuing her training.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🎮 Nintendo Switch Game Day | Sunkist Branch Library | Anaheim | 05/22 | More Friendly local gaming sessions: popular multiplayer titles and light afternoon snacks.

🏐 USA Volleyball Memorial Day Tournament | Anaheim Convention Center | Anaheim | 05/22 | More 
Youth sports competition with exceptional athleticism and team spirit.

🫖 PuberTea | Ohana Learning Center | Anaheim | 05/22 | More 
Empowering conversation and supportive guidance for girls entering a new life stage.

🎆 Saturday Night Fireworks & Angels Baseball | Angel Stadium | Anaheim | 05/23 | More 
Thrilling action concluded by a spectacular, synchronized pyrotechnic display!

🎵 The Movement: Visions Tour 2026 | House of Blues | Anaheim | 05/22 | More Groovy, positive-vibe reggae rhythms mixed with crisp, horn-driven summer beats.

💫 Radolescents | Doll Hut | Anaheim | 05/22 | More 
Energetic vintage Southern California punk rock in a legendary, gritty dive setting.

🐈 Purrs & Pints Adoption Event | Brewheim Beer Makers | Anaheim | 05/23 | More
Local craft beers paired with sweet, adoptable rescue kittens and food trucks.

🎸 Memorial Day Music: Buddy Lee | Packing House | Anaheim | 05/25 | More
Upbeat vintage rockabilly tunes and energetic guitar styling in a lively food hall.

🪖 Memorial Day Remembrance | Anaheim Cemetery | Anaheim | 05/25 | More 
A solemn gathering: tribute honors and a welcoming post-ceremony reception.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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