Looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate the Halloween season in Orange County? Get ready for Taste of Santa Ana: Frights & Bites, the 11th annual edition of one of Santa Ana’s signature food and drink events!
Taking place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, this exciting evening brings together food lovers, local restaurants, beverage makers, and music enthusiasts for a Halloween-themed celebration filled with incredible flavors and festive entertainment.
Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a craft beverage enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable night out with friends, Taste of Santa Ana offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant culinary scene of Orange County – all in one place.
Discover Delicious Flavors from 30+ Restaurants
The heart of Taste of Santa Ana is its impressive variety of food. With more than 30 restaurants, wineries, and breweries participating, guests can explore an assortment of flavors, cuisines, and signature creations.
From savory bites and comforting favorites to international dishes and sweet treats, there’s something to tempt nearly every palate.
The event’s featured restaurant lineup includes a variety of cuisines, such as modern Mexican, Japanese, wood-fired pizza, Texas-style barbecue, Italian food, dim sum, and baked goods.
Imagine spending the evening wandering from booth to booth, discovering new favorites, sampling delicious creations, and meeting the culinary talent behind local businesses.
The best part? The event is designed around tasting, giving guests the chance to experience a variety of participating restaurants in one festive setting.
Raise a Glass to Local Wineries and Breweries
Great food deserves great drinks! Taste of Santa Ana also celebrates Orange County’s beverage scene with tastings from participating wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
Guests can explore a selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Whether you enjoy discovering a new local brewery or sampling something different from your usual favorites, the beverage offerings add another exciting dimension to the experience.
Please remember to drink responsibly and plan your transportation ahead of time.
Live Music, Halloween Vibes, and Plenty of Entertainment
Taste of Santa Ana: Frights & Bites is more than a food festival—it’s a full evening of entertainment.
The Halloween theme brings a playful, spooky atmosphere to the event, with live music, DJs, and costumed performers helping set the mood.
Entertainment highlights listed on the official event website include:
- M80’s Band: Enjoy a high-energy set of 1980s and 1990s rock favorites, scheduled for the main stage at 7:00 PM.
- DJ Luigi: Keep the party going with throwback hits and Halloween anthems, scheduled for 8:15 PM.
With music, food, drinks, and a festive crowd, there will be plenty of reasons to stay, explore, and enjoy the evening.
Make It a Halloween Night to Remember
One of the best ways to enjoy Frights & Bites is to embrace the Halloween spirit!
Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and join in the festive atmosphere. Whether you choose a classic spooky look, a creative character, or something fun and unexpected, a costume can make the evening even more memorable.
Before choosing your outfit, review the event’s costume guidelines. Masks or face coverings that conceal your identity, real or replica weapons, and certain disruptive or hazardous props are prohibited.
Come ready to celebrate, take photos, discover new foods, and enjoy a unique seasonal experience with friends and fellow food lovers.
How Much Are Tickets?
General admission prices are as follows:
- $35 (Early Bird) Regularly $59
- $69 (Early Bird) – VIP (21 and older only) Regularly $99
- $15 (Children 5-12 ), and children 5 and under receive free admission when accompanied by an adult.
Support Local Restaurants and the Santa Ana Community
At its core, Taste of Santa Ana is a celebration of local food, small businesses, and community connections.
Food festivals provide a valuable opportunity for participating restaurants to introduce their signature dishes to new audiences. Guests, in turn, can discover new places to visit long after the event ends.
By attending, you can explore local culinary talent, support participating businesses, and experience the creativity that makes Orange County’s food scene so exciting.
It’s a delicious reminder that some of the best dining discoveries begin with a single bite.
Purchase Tickets
- General Admission Entry at 6:00 PM $35
- VIP Admission Early entry at 5:00 PM $69
- Children ages 6–12 Reduced-price tickets From $15
Hours and Location
What restaurants are participating?
PAST participating restaurants have included:
- Applebees
- Botana Express
- Brothas Pizza
- Zocal Cafe
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Calilicious Crab and Brews
- Casa Ramos
- Coffee Bean and tea Leaf
- Corner Bakery
- Daily Kombucha
- Holy Concha
- Izzy’s
- Loaded
- Maz Cafe Con Leche
- Miguel’s Jr.
- Northgate Market
- Norms
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Pollo Campero
- Polly’s Pies
- Rosa Madera
- Sabor Azteca
- Santa Ana River Brewing Company
- Three Roots Mexican Cucina
- Xolo Itzcuintle
Current Restaurants Participating:
- Calavera Cocina
- Midnight Ramen
- Cauldron Pizzeria
- The Rusty Skillet
- Smoke & Shadow BBQ
- Dragon’s Den
- Nonna’s Nocturne
- Sugar & Spirits
For more information on the taste of Santa Ana please visit them on Facebook and on Instagram.
