Costa Mesa, California, is a vibrant city in the heart of Orange County, known for its eclectic mix of culture, cuisine, and community events. From the bustling South Coast Plaza to the artistic haven of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa attracts a diverse crowd year-round. For property owners and managers, this presents a golden opportunity to market vacation rentals, short-term rentals, or event spaces by tapping into the city’s lively event scene. Leveraging Costa Mesa events for rental marketing isn’t just about showcasing your property—it’s about selling an experience that ties directly to the city’s unique energy. In this blog post, we’ll explore actionable strategies to harness local events for rental marketing, ensuring your property stands out in a competitive market.
Why Costa Mesa Events Are a Marketing Goldmine
Costa Mesa hosts a variety of events that draw locals, tourists, and businesses alike. Whether it’s the Orange County Fair, Concerts in the Park, or niche festivals like the Fish Fry, these gatherings create a buzz that can amplify your rental’s visibility. Here’s why events are key:
- Diverse Audiences: Events attract a wide range of demographics—families, young professionals, art enthusiasts, and corporate groups—allowing you to target specific guest profiles.
- Seasonal Opportunities: Costa Mesa’s calendar is packed year-round, from summer fairs to holiday markets, giving you consistent marketing angles.
- Community Engagement: Events foster a sense of belonging, making your rental feel like a gateway to authentic local experiences.
- Increased Demand: Visitors attending events often need accommodations, boosting demand for short-term rentals.
By aligning your marketing with these events, you can position your property as the ideal base for guests looking to immerse themselves in Costa Mesa’s culture.
Step 1: Research Costa Mesa’s Event Calendar
The first step in leveraging events is knowing what’s happening. Costa Mesa’s event lineup is diverse, so you’ll want to stay ahead of the curve. Here are some key events to consider:
- Orange County Fair (July-August): One of the biggest events in the region, drawing millions with food, rides, and entertainment.
- Concerts in the Park (Summer): Free outdoor concerts at Fairview Park, attracting families and music lovers.
- Costa Mesa Fish Fry (June): A community tradition featuring parades, fireworks, and carnival rides.
- Segerstrom Center Events: Year-round performances, from Broadway shows to ballet, appealing to upscale travelers.
- South Coast Plaza Events: Seasonal activities like Lunar New Year celebrations or holiday tree lightings that pull in shoppers and tourists.
- Costa Mesa Art Walks and Festivals: Smaller events showcasing local artists, perfect for targeting creative guests.
How to Stay Informed
- Visit Costa Mesa’s Official Website: Check the city’s event calendar for updates.
- Follow Local Blogs: Sites like Costa Mesa Blog provide insights into upcoming happenings.
- Join Community Groups: Facebook groups or Nextdoor communities often share event details.
- Monitor Venues: Keep tabs on venues like the OC Fair & Event Center or The CAMP for niche festivals.
Once you have a list of events, prioritize those that align with your rental’s vibe—whether it’s a cozy family home, a sleek urban loft, or a spacious event venue.
Step 2: Tailor Your Listings to Event-Goers
Your rental listing is your first impression, so make it resonate with event attendees. Here’s how to optimize your listing:
Highlight Proximity
Mention how close your property is to event venues. For example:
- “Just a 5-minute drive to the OC Fairgrounds, perfect for fairgoers!”
- “Steps from Segerstrom Center, ideal for theater enthusiasts.”
Include specific directions or travel times to build trust and convenience.
Craft Event-Specific Descriptions
Update your listing to reflect upcoming events. For instance:
- For the OC Fair: “Enjoy the ultimate fair experience with a spacious backyard for pre-fair BBQs and free parking for easy access.”
- For Concerts in the Park: “Unwind in our serene retreat after dancing under the stars at Fairview Park.”
Use vivid language to paint a picture of the experience, not just the property.
Add Event-Relevant Amenities
Showcase amenities that tie to events:
- Outdoor Space: Great for hosting pre- or post-event gatherings.
- High-Speed Wi-Fi: Essential for corporate guests attending business expos.
- Extra Beds or Cots: Perfect for families visiting the Fish Fry or fair.
If your rental doubles as an event space, emphasize features like flexible seating, AV equipment, or catering areas for private gatherings tied to local festivals.
Use Dynamic Pricing
Events drive demand, so adjust your rates accordingly. For example, during the OC Fair, rentals in Costa Mesa can command 20-30% higher rates than off-season. Use tools like AirDNA or dynamic pricing software to optimize based on real-time data.
Step 3: Create Event-Focused Content
Content is king in rental marketing, and events give you a wealth of material to work with. Here’s how to create compelling content that ties your rental to Costa Mesa’s scene:
Write Blog Posts
Start a blog on your rental website with event-inspired topics like:
- “Top 5 Things to Do at the Orange County Fair (and Why Our Rental Is Your Perfect Home Base)”
- “A Theater Lover’s Guide to Segerstrom Center Shows”
- “How to Plan a Family Weekend Around the Costa Mesa Fish Fry”
These posts boost SEO, positioning your site higher on Google for terms like “Costa Mesa vacation rentals near OC Fair.” Share them on social media for added reach.
Share Social Media Posts
Social media is your megaphone. Post regularly about events, tying them to your rental:
- Instagram: Share vibrant photos of your property with captions like, “Ready for the OC Fair? Stay here and skip the parking hassle! 🎡 #CostaMesaRentals”
- Facebook: Create event-specific posts, such as, “Heading to Concerts in the Park? Book our cozy loft for a relaxing retreat after the show.”
- TikTok: Film short videos showcasing your rental’s proximity to event venues or a quick tour with event tips.
Use hashtags like #CostaMesaEvents, #OCFair, or #SegerstromCenter to tap into local audiences. Encourage guests to tag your property in their event photos for organic exposure.
Offer Event Guides
Create downloadable guides for guests, such as:
- A map of the best food stalls at the OC Fair.
- A schedule of free summer concerts with parking tips.
- Insider advice on navigating South Coast Plaza’s holiday events.
Include these in your listing or email them to booked guests to enhance their experience and encourage reviews.
Step 4: Partner with Local Businesses and Influencers
Collaborations amplify your reach. Costa Mesa’s tight-knit community makes it easy to forge partnerships that tie into events.
Work with Local Businesses
- Restaurants and Cafes: Partner with spots like Coffee Dose, which hosted a viral “Mob Wife” party, to offer guest discounts during events.
- Tourism Boards: Connect with Visit Costa Mesa for promotional opportunities, like featuring your rental in their event guides.
- Event Vendors: Team up with rental companies like Costa Mesa Event Rentals to cross-promote for weddings or corporate events.
For example, if you’re targeting Segerstrom Center attendees, offer a package with a nearby restaurant for a pre-show dinner, adding value to your rental.
Collaborate with Influencers
Invite local travel bloggers or Instagram influencers to stay at your rental during major events. They can share their experience with followers, showcasing your property’s appeal. For instance:
- A family blogger could highlight your rental’s kid-friendly amenities during the Fish Fry.
- A luxury influencer might focus on your upscale loft for Segerstrom gala nights.
Ensure their audience matches your target market, and track bookings with unique discount codes.
Step 5: Host Your Own Event Tie-Ins
Why wait for events to come to you? Create your own event-inspired experiences at your rental to attract guests and generate buzz.
Pre- or Post-Event Gatherings
If your property has space, offer it as a venue for event-related gatherings:
- OC Fair Tailgate: Invite guests to a fair-themed BBQ in your backyard before heading to the fairgrounds.
- Concert After-Party: Host a low-key music night for guests returning from Concerts in the Park.
Promote these as add-ons or standalone bookings to increase revenue.
Themed Stays
Decorate your rental to match major events:
- Holiday Markets: Deck out your space with festive decor for South Coast Plaza’s winter events.
- Art Walks: Display local artwork to appeal to creative guests attending cultural festivals.
These touches make your rental Instagram-worthy, encouraging guests to share photos and tag your property.
Community Pop-Ups
If you own a larger venue, host pop-up events tied to Costa Mesa’s vibe. For example, partner with local artisans for a craft market during the Fish Fry weekend, drawing in event-goers and showcasing your space.
Step 6: Track and Optimize Your Strategy
Marketing is an ongoing process, so monitor your efforts to see what works.
Use Analytics
- Social Media Insights: Track engagement on event-related posts to identify popular content.
- Booking Data: Note which events drive the most reservations to focus future campaigns.
- Website Traffic: Use Google Analytics to see if blog posts about events are boosting visits.
Gather Guest Feedback
Ask guests what drew them to your rental. Was it the OC Fair proximity? The Concert in the Park guide? Use this to refine your messaging.
Adjust Seasonally
Costa Mesa’s event landscape shifts with the seasons. Update your listings, content, and promotions to stay relevant—highlight summer fairs in July, holiday events in December, and cultural festivals year-round.
Case Study: Success in Action
Consider Cozy Costa Retreat, a fictional short-term rental near the OC Fairgrounds. The owner, Maria, used these strategies to boost bookings:
- Listing Optimization: Maria updated her Airbnb listing to highlight a 10-minute walk to the fairgrounds, adding photos of her outdoor patio for fair pre-parties.
- Content Creation: She wrote a blog post, “Your Ultimate Guide to the OC Fair,” which ranked on Google and drove traffic to her booking site.
- Social Media: Maria posted Instagram Reels showing a quick drive from her rental to the fair, using #OCFair and gaining 2,000 views.
- Partnerships: She teamed up with a local food truck to offer fairgoers a discount, cross-promoting on both their socials.
- Themed Experience: During the fair, Maria set up a carnival-themed welcome basket with cotton candy and fair tickets, earning rave reviews.
Result? Maria’s bookings doubled during the fair season, and her rental saw a 30% increase in inquiries year-round due to sustained content and partnerships.
Final Thoughts
Costa Mesa’s events are more than just calendar highlights—they’re a powerful tool to elevate your rental marketing. By researching the event scene, tailoring your listings, creating engaging content, partnering locally, hosting tie-in experiences, and tracking results, you can turn your property into the go-to choice for event-goers. The key is to sell not just a place to stay, but a front-row seat to Costa Mesa’s vibrant culture. Start planning now, and watch your bookings soar as you connect guests with the city’s unforgettable moments.
Ready to market your Costa Mesa rental? Share your favorite local event in the comments, or contact us for personalized marketing tips!
