Parks commissioners recommend 2026 special-events calendar, including new Fullerton Coffee Fest and expanded July 4 celebration

The Fullerton Parks & Recreation Commission voted on Jan. 12 to recommend the city’s proposed 2026 special‑events calendar to City Council after a staff presentation that outlined event changes, new offerings and budget requests.

Krishna, a parks department staff member who led the presentation, said staff reduced the number of events compared with past years to ease staffing burdens and combined smaller events into larger draws. “A couple of just highlights…we did reduce the number of events,” Krishna said, explaining that vendor attendance dropped significantly in late‑season market dates and staff wanted to concentrate resources on higher‑impact weekends.

The calendar the commission recommended includes several new or expanded items: a community yard‑sale series (staff proposed a $3,000 marketing budget), a proposed new Fullerton Coffee Fest (staff requested $5,000), an Extravaganza/Expo in March (proposed $10,000), a postponement of a trail‑based 5K to June 6 (budget request $35,000), an expanded three‑day July Fourth celebration tied to an anniversary (staff proposed roughly $3,250 for multi‑day programming) and a return of the Friday night concert series (proposed $35,000). Staff also proposed $25,000 for the tree‑lighting ceremony and presented a First Night (New Year’s Eve) concept with a proposed budget reported in the presentation as $275,000.

Shui, the presentation lead for events, described the Coffee Fest as “a brand new event that we would like to host this year,” envisioned as a coffee‑tasting and vendor showcase at Hunt Library with local roasters, barista demonstrations, live art and music. Shui said organizers are still finalizing details such as whether tastings would be subsidized or donations, and staff expect some revenue from vendor fees.

Commissioners asked practical questions about logistics, accessibility and family‑friendly options. One commissioner suggested including non‑coffee options such as matcha and tea for families with children; Shui confirmed staff had already considered that. Commissioners also urged better advance marketing after a parade in which some neighborhoods reported low street turnout.

A public commenter, volunteer Christina Garner, commended staff for the events and asked for improved parade advertising and for the city to fix a malfunctioning volunteer‑ID machine at the recreation office. "Every one of these events is turning out so great…it's wonderful quality of life for families around here," Garner said.

After questions and public comment, the commission moved, seconded and approved a recommendation to City Council asking council to adopt the proposed 2026 special‑events calendar. Staff will forward the calendar and the commission’s feedback to City Council for formal direction.

What happens next: Staff will incorporate commissioners’ suggestions on neighborhood activation and accessibility and bring the calendar to council for approval and any budget adjustments.