Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your weekly pass to everything cool, curious, and can’t-miss across the county. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Must-try Costa Mesa spot

• Food Fests, Fairs, Music & More

• Shark Feeding After Dark

• Irvine’s 12-Acre Hangout

• Beach Water Forecast Tool

• Mariachi Summer Program

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: SOCIAL Costa Mesa

Elevated comfort food, bold cocktails, and effortlessly cool vibes, SOCIAL in Westside Costa Mesa nails the trifecta.

The menu fuses modern American fare with global influences, built on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're posting up for date night, cocktails with friends, or late-night bites, SOCIAL delivers standout flavors and a scene that’s both relaxed and refined.

🥃 Must-try: the award-winning cocktail program

📍 512 W 19th St, Costa Mesa

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

🍷 Wine Down Wednesdays (Aug 6)

Chill midweek vibes with curated wines and live music at California Vintage Wine Bistro in Anaheim.

🕔 5–9 PM | 📍 1925 S State College Blvd, Anaheim

🌺 Island Nights (Aug 7)

Live music, swimming, giant inflatables, and island vibes at Ole Hanson Beach Club.

🕕 6–9 PM | 📍 105 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente

Event Info

🦈 Sharks After Dark (Aug 8)

Live music, cocktails, hands-on exhibits, and a shark feeding under the stars.

🕠 5:30–8:30 PM | 📍 Ocean Institute, Dana Point

Event Info

🖌️ Brea Fest (Aug 8)

A family favorite with food samples, live music, art, and performances—plus $4 bites.

🕡 6:30 PM | 📍 Civic & Cultural Center, Brea

Event Info

🚗 Cars & Coffee – Ladera Ranch (Aug 10)

Bring your ride or just come admire—plus grab coffee and stroll.

🕘 9–11 AM | 📍 Mercantile West, Ladera Ranch

Event Info

🎉 70th Annual Fiesta Music Festival (Aug 10)

Live music, food, local vendors, and summer vibes in downtown San Clemente.

🕙 10 AM–7 PM | 📍 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

Event Info

🎤 Dana Point Concerts in the Park (Aug 10)

Two free concerts: Wayward Sons and Queen Nation (Queen tribute).

🕝 2:30–6 PM | 📍 Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point

Event Info

🎡 OC Fair: “Find Your Happy” (July 18–Aug 17)

Carnival rides, exhibits, games, and classic fair food.

🕚 11 AM–Midnight (Fri & Sat) | 📍 OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

🎟️ $13–$15 (Tickets)

🎨 Sawdust Art Festival (Now through Aug 31)

185+ artists, live demos, music, food, drinks, and free art classes daily.

🕚 Opens 11 AM | 📍 Sawdust Festival Grounds, Laguna Beach

Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

🏗️ Canopy at Great Park: Irvine’s Future Hotspot

A 12-acre retail, dining, and community destination is coming to life at Great Park, and it's unlike anything Irvine's seen before. With over 90,000 sq. ft. of shops, restaurants, and hangout spaces, The Canopy is designed for connection, walkability, and staying all day without re-parking. Opening: Late 2026.

🌊 Forecasting Dirty Water: Scripps’ New Beach Safety Tool

UC San Diego just launched a tool that forecasts sewage contamination at SoCal beaches—up to 5 days in advance. Dubbed the Pathogen Forecast Model, it uses ocean data to help beachgoers avoid getting sick after storms. It’s not an official closure tool, but it’s a major step in public beach safety.

🎺 Mariachi Camp Hits a High Note in Anaheim

Each summer, world-renowned musician Jóse Hernández brings mariachi students from across the country to Anaheim for an immersive musical experience. Through the Mariachi Nationals & Summer Institute, kids learn music, culture, and pride, all in one unforgettable week.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Jóse Hernández has recorded with Selena, Luis Miguel, and The Beach Boys.

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

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, Aug 8:

1. Soka Performing Arts Center (Aliso Viejo) – Jungle Fire (Free Event), 7:30 pm

2. Harpoon Henry's (Dana Point) – Millertime Boogie, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

3. Gibroni's Pizza (San Clemente) – Live DJs: HOUSE SPECIAL Rave, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

4. Knolls Restaurant (Laguna Niguel) – Anthony Terrezza, 6:00 pm

5. RC's Watering Hole (Foothill Ranch) – Band X, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

6. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Steve Earle, 9:00 pm

7. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – The Reflexx, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

8. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Gun N' Roses, Deep Purple, Scorpions Tributes, 5:00 pm

9. OC Fair - The Hangar (Costa Mesa) – Dead Man’s Party, 8:15 pm

10. Taco Surf (Surfside) – The Blue Byrdes, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

11. Stefanos (Yorba Linda) – Alan C Levin and Rich Manning, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

12. The Camp - Poodles and Cowboys (Costa Mesa) – Live Music, 7:00 pm - close

🌦️ 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:

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Show your OC pride with this fun retro tee, made for locals who live for beach town vibes, golden hour sunsets, and keeping Orange County authentic.

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Every purchase directly supports Thrive OC, helping us spotlight the best of Orange County every week.

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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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