Fullerton will come alive with music this Sunday, June 21, as the 11th annual Day of Music Fullerton (DOMF) coincides with Father’s Day, providing families with a vibrant outing. The event, known as Southern California’s largest Make Music Day celebration, will feature free live performances at over 30 venues throughout the city, ranging from the historic Fox Fullerton Theatre to local coffee shops, salons, and restaurants.

Originating in France 44 years ago, the Fête de la Musique sparked a global tradition, where musicians perform in public spaces at no cost to audiences. In the United States, 147 cities participated in 2025’s edition, offering more than 5,471 free concerts. Fullerton’s chapter was established in 2015 by local volunteers and has since grown, briefly transitioning to a virtual format during the pandemic in 2020 and pausing in 2021. It returned in 2022 and has since been managed by the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation (FHTF), a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the Fox Fullerton Theatre.

This year, the festival features over 100 musicians performing across a diverse range of genres, including classic rock and modern pop. Key locations for the celebration include:

– Fox Fullerton Theatre: Undergoing restoration since 2004, the historic venue has completed a $2.5 million renovation, which has improved restrooms, air handling systems, and lobby aesthetics. The theater will welcome visitors to witness the ongoing transformation alongside live performances.

– Downtown Fullerton Plaza: Serving as the festival’s central hub, the plaza will host continuous live music alongside local artisan and food vendors, a children’s area called Kidz Korner, and a misting/spray pool for families looking to cool off.

– Hillcrest Park’s “Big Bowl”: A newer addition since 2024, this space will showcase an expanded blues program featuring local musician “Bubba Blues.”

In addition to these primary locations, numerous smaller venues, including hair salons, cafes, clubs, and restaurants throughout Fullerton, will offer short live sets, allowing attendees to explore different neighborhoods and experiences. An interactive map with the full lineup and set times is available at dayofmusicfullerton.com/schedule.

As Make Music Day is tied to the summer solstice, its date shifts each year. For 2026, June 21 will also be a Sunday and Father’s Day, prompting local officials to encourage families to partake in the festivities. During a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Nicholas Dunlap highlighted the overlap, describing it as “particularly special.”

The Day of Music Fullerton festival is free and open to all ages, requiring no tickets or admission at any venue. Musicians generously donate their time to perform, while the event is made possible through community sponsorships and volunteer efforts. Donations to the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation will support both the festival and the ongoing restoration of the Fox Theatre.

For those planning to attend, an updated schedule and venue map are available at dayofmusicfullerton.com, ensuring a memorable day of music, family, and community.