5 Can't-Miss Outdoor Events In SoCal As Summer Winds Down

Summer is winding down in Southern California, but there are still some good opportunities to make the most of warm days and long nights before cooler weather sets in and the calendar fills up with fall activities.

The "end-of-the-summer scaries" is a real term for the anxiety and dread that people may feel as the season comes to a close, and they realize they didn't pack in as much fun as they intended.

As a prescription for end-of-summer malaise, we've rounded up five things to do outside to enjoy the last bits of summer sunshine.

Are you planning an event this fall? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are some upcoming outdoor events you shouldn't miss:

Chili at the Beach: Chili lovers can purchase a wristband to sample more than 20 chili contestant creations and help crown the People's Choice Chili winner. There will also be live music, vendors, community partners and activities for kids. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 along Main Street in Huntington Beach.

La Habra Corn Festival: This year's festival celebrates community spirit, local tradition and La Habra's 100th birthday. The three-day event will include corn-eating contests, a hometown parade, carnival rides and games, live entertainment and more. The festival runs from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 23, and from 1-8 p.m. Aug. 24 at Portola Park in La Habra.

LakeFest: The three-day festival features a variety of activities, including swimming competitions, paddle relays, beer gardens and live music. The family-friendly event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 22-24 at Ski Beach Park in Big Bear Lake.

Sea Country Festival: This end-of-summer event offers rides, games, live music food and more. The three-day festival takes place from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 22, 2-10 p.m. Aug. 23, and 2-9 p.m. Aug. 24 on Dorine and El Lazo, between the Laguna Design Center and the Chet Holifield Federal Building, in Laguna Niguel.

Summer Spectacular and Concert Series: SeaWorld's Summer Spectacular runs on select dates through Sept. 1 at the San Diego theme park. The summertime event features educational animal presentations and exhibits, as well as summer concerts, a parade, stunt shows and a fireworks show. The Turnt Up Tour is slated to close out the Summer Spectacular Concert Series on Aug. 23 at the Bayside Amphitheater at SeaWorld San Diego.