More than 15,000 people are expected to attend Orange County’s Eidfest in Costa Mesa this weekend ahead of Eid al-Adha, one of the largest annual Islamic festivals observed later this month, according to its hosts.
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Hosted by the Islamic Center of Yorba Linda, the family-friendly event is scheduled from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the OC Fair and Events Center. Open to all, general admission tickets cost $15 per person, with free entry for children under five. The festival includes an outdoor carnival with rides, games, and vendors offering savory dishes, beverages and desserts from Afghan, Palestinian, Egyptian, Yemeni and Pakistani cuisines.
Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the prophet Abraham, a figure central to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, for his willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. The Muslim holiday is expected to begin on May 27. Families typically attend their local mosque for a communal prayer before exchanging gifts and visiting friends and family.
Ticket entry to Saturday’s festival includes access to live performances from popular Muslim musicians, including nasheed artists Mesut Kurtis, Umer Zaman and Ibrahim Al Dardasawi, along with a comedy show by Omar Regan.
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The event features an Islamic fashion show and a grand bazaar area with vendors selling Islamic art and clothing. A designated kid zone will also be available, with family-friendly activities including face painting, balloon art, train rides and access to Centennial Farm.
Tickets to the event can be purchased directly from the Islamic Center of Yorba Linda’s website at: www.icyl.org/oceidfest.
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