Good morning, Orange County. This is Thrive OC, where the ocean breeze comes with rooftop cocktails, wandering pelicans, and more art festivals than you can shake a paintbrush at.

Here’s what’s on deck today:

• An INSANE discount just for you

• Rooftop dining in Laguna

• Art, Wine, and Food Festivals

• Beach honky tonk vibes

• Pelican rescued at JWA

• Costco’s mega gas station

• Museum merger in the works

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Mozambique (Laguna Beach)

Upscale South African flavors meet breezy rooftop views. If you're in the mood for bold spices, ocean air, and live music, Mozambique in Laguna Beach should be your next dinner destination. Known for its rooftop lounge, exotic cocktails, and fusion of Portuguese, South African, and American influences, this spot nails both the ambiance and the menu.

What to try:

• Peri-Peri Tiger Prawns – Charred, shell-on, and served with seasoned rice, sautéed vegetables, and spicy peri-peri sauce.

• Pan-Seared Salmon – Perfectly seasoned and nestled over a bed of succotash with a basil beurre blanc that’s straight-up dreamy.

📍 1740 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach

🎪 Featured Event — 40% Off Just for Thrive OC Members!

Cirque du Soleil: Final Weeks in Laguna Hills (June 23–29)

Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO is in its final two weeks under the Big Top in Laguna Hills, CA — and this is your last chance to experience the magic before the show leaves Southern California!

✨ In celebration of Cirque Days, enjoy an exclusive 40% OFF select tickets and witness the breathtaking acrobatics, stunning visuals, and emotional storytelling that only Cirque can deliver.

🔥 Performances end Sunday, June 29th — don’t miss out!

👉 Buy Now and secure your seats before it’s too late!

🏄 Local News You Should Know

✈️ Pelican Pays a Visit to John Wayne Airport... via the Women’s Bathroom

In what may be the most bizarre travel story of the week, a dazed pelican waltzed through Terminal A at John Wayne Airport, eventually making its way into the women’s restroom. Officials believe the bird was suffering from domoic acid toxicity—a growing problem linked to toxic algae blooms. The pelican is now recovering at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach.

Experts say disoriented marine animals are being rescued across SoCal in record numbers due to worsening ocean conditions.

🎨 OC Museum of Art Could Soon Merge with UCI

A proposed partnership would bring OCMA under the wing of UC Irvine’s art institute—uniting academic muscle with curatorial talent. If approved, this could reshape public arts access and education across Orange County.

⛽ Costco’s First Standalone Gas Station is Coming to Mission Viejo

40 pumps. 17,000+ square feet. Costco’s largest fueling site to date will replace the old Bed Bath & Beyond in Mission Viejo, with plans to open in 2026. Membership required, but fuel lovers rejoice—Costco is clearly going big on gas.

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

🎨 Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival (Begins June 27)

185+ local artists, daily live demos, live music, food, drinks, and free art classes—it’s a summer-long celebration of creativity in Laguna Beach.

• When: Begins June 27 (open daily at 11 AM)

• Where: Sawdust Art Festival Grounds, Laguna Beach

🐟 Costa Mesa Fish Fry & Carnival (June 27–29)

The 79th year of this OC favorite returns with fried fish, carnival rides, games, and live blues and rock bands. Fun for all ages with a beer and wine garden for the grownups.

• When: June 27 (5–10 PM), June 28–29 (11 AM–10 PM)

• Where: Lions Park, 570 18th Street, Costa Mesa

🍷 Relish Food, Wine & Spirits (June 27–29)

A high-end tasting experience featuring celebrity chefs, master sommeliers, and curated cuisine. Sip and savor your way through Newport’s premier food & wine event.

• When: June 27–29

• Where: Newport Beach

🌭 Wurst Fest (June 28)

Brats, beer, and live music in a festive biergarten atmosphere. Free entry!

• When: June 28, 12:00–10:00 PM

• Where: Old World Biergarten, Huntington Beach

🎻 Baroque Music Festival (Through June 29)

An annual celebration of Baroque music featuring world-class performances in beautiful local venues.

• When: June 22–29

• Where: Multiple venues in Corona del Mar & Newport Beach

🤠 Sea Salt Honky Tonk (Every Weekend)

Your weekend soundtrack: country music right on Bolsa Chica State Beach. Grab some boots and beach chairs.

• When: Every weekend, see their calendar for more info

• Where: 17851 Pacific Coast Highway

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

The term “Trestles” (as in Upper and Lower Trestles) comes from the wooden train trestle bridges that used to cross San Mateo Creek. While the bridges are gone, the name (and the surf legend) lives on.

Think you know OC? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

🗣️ Quote of the Day

“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

🎉 VIP Shoutouts!

A big welcome to our newest Thrive OC VIPs—Susan H.! Thanks for being part of the community—we’ve got some exclusive perks coming your way! 🚀✨

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Looking for live tunes? Here’s what’s happening:

Friday, June 27:

1. Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Wilfax, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

2. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Heartwreckers, 9:00 pm

3. The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Jessica Allen, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

4. San Juan Hills Golf Course (San Juan Capistrano) – Tight Rope, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

5. Neighbors Bar & Grille (Laguna Hills) – Tricia Freeman, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

6. Pub Thirty-Two (Mission Viejo) – Anesha Rose, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

7. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – B.I.G. (Brothers Igniting a Groove), 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

8. The Quiet Woman (Corona Del Mar) – Brian Barrett Band, 9:00 pm - 12:00 am

9. The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Bassrush Presents - Ghastly (18+), 7:00 pm

10. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Sublime Tribute Burritos & Super Secret Guest, 5:00 pm

11. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Derek Bordeaux, 8:00 pm

12. Roscoes Famous Deli Fullerton (Fullerton) – RemiX, 9:00 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

🙌 Shop Local & Rep OC in Style

Thrive OC is more than your go-to newsletter for events and local news—we're your source for uniquely curated OC-inspired essentials, apparel, and more. Check out our latest arrivals, designed to keep you stylish and comfortable all season long:

🌸 Florira Notched Neck Short Sleeve Tee

Soft, lightweight, and effortlessly chic, this everyday tee features a stylish notched neckline for a casual yet polished look. Perfectly pairs with jeans, shorts, or skirts—ideal for brunch, errands, or relaxing weekends.

✨ Contrast Trim V-Neck Short Sleeve Knit Top

Upgrade your casual style with this ultra-soft knit top featuring contrast trim detailing. Flattering, breathable, and just the right amount of stretch—great for layering, lounging, or working from home in comfort.

As always, FREE shipping on every order! Every purchase directly supports Thrive OC, helping us spotlight the best of Orange County every week.

💛 Want to support but not shopping today? You can still help keep Thrive OC running strong — Donate here.

Or, take your OC experience to the next level—join Thrive OC VIP for exclusive discounts, VIP event access, and insider perks while supporting local businesses!

Your support means the world—thank you for being part of the Thrive OC community! 🙌

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