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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your weekly guide to the best local spots, happenings, and hidden gems across the coast and beyond. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Brazilian café in San Juan

• Newport Beach Restaurant Week

• Rodeos, soul markets & tunnel concerts

• New parks opening in OC

• Old Town Tustin upgrades

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Ubuntu (San Juan Capistrano)

Ubuntu Café is a California-inspired all-day café with global influences, built around organic, locally sourced ingredients and a true neighborhood feel. The menu changes with the seasons, but breakfast favorites like the egg sandwich and house-made gluten-free granola keep locals coming back.

Where: 31825 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano | Phone: (949) 810-2024

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Newport Beach Restaurant Week (Now–Jan 25)

A week-long celebration of Newport Beach’s dining scene, featuring prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at 50+ restaurants. From waterfront favorites to neighborhood gems, it’s the easiest excuse to finally try that spot you’ve been eyeing. Various locations across Newport Beach | Event Info

Social Play: Ping Pong, Aliso Viejo (Jan 19)

A casual, drop-in ping pong session designed for fun, movement, and meeting new people. Come for ten minutes or stay the whole time—no experience required. 12–2 PM | Aliso Viejo Ranch, 100 Park Ave | Event Info

“Language of Leaves” Art Gallery Reception, Yorba Lina (Jan 22)

Spend the evening at the Cultural Arts Center enjoying live music, refreshments, and a new exhibit inspired by nature. The show runs through March if you can’t make opening night. 5:30–7:30 PM | Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center, 4802 Lakeview Ave | Event Info

Jeronimo Tunnel Concert, Mission Viejo (Jan 23)

Catch a live performance inside Mission Viejo’s acoustically rich Jeronimo Tunnel. Elevated Measure blends American reggae, country, and blues for a uniquely OC outdoor concert experience. 7–8 PM | Jeronimo Tunnel, Oso Creek Trail (Mission Viejo) | Event Info

Country Line Dancing in the Barn, San Juan Capistrano (Jan 23)

An instructor-led country line dancing night inside a rustic barn, with food and drinks available for purchase. All skill levels welcome; first hour focuses on learning the steps. 7–10 PM | Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

Westwood Coast “Redneck Rodeo”, Costa Mesa (Jan 24)

New year, same country energy. A late-night mix of live DJs, bands, and line dancing at Westwood Coast in Costa Mesa (reservations available, walk-ins welcome). 10:00 PM–1:00 AM | 1870 Harbor Blvd, L1-108, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Paws & Nuggets, Santa Ana (Jan 24)

Bring your dog, meet the K-9 unit, and enjoy free Chick-fil-A favorites while supplies last. Leashes required. 10 AM–1 PM | 3601 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana | Event Info

Farmers & Artisans Market, Orange (Jan 24)

A community-driven market featuring certified local farms, artisan foods, live music, and family-friendly activities—rain or shine. 9 AM–1 PM | 303 W Palm Ave, Orange | Event Info

Jazz in the Palm Court, Irvine (Jan 25)

A live jazz afternoon set in the Palm Court Arts Complex, covering everything from classic swing to modern jazz. Bring chairs or blankets for seating. 1–3 PM | Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex, Irvine | Event Info

Soul Real Market, Fullerton (Jan 25)

A vintage and artisan pop-up featuring clothing, trinkets, and creative goods in Downtown Fullerton. 11 AM–5 PM | 125 E Wilshire Ave, Fullerton | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

The Canopy at Great Park is moving fast

Construction at The Canopy in Irvine’s Great Park is gaining real momentum. Buildings are rising, underground utilities are nearly complete, and the main drive aisles are now paved. The biggest buzz? In-N-Out has officially started grading its future location. When finished, The Canopy will be a 12-acre retail and dining destination with over 90,000 square feet of space, targeting a late-2026 opening.

Old Town Tustin improvement project is officially underway

Tustin has begun a major streetscape upgrade in Old Town aimed at improving walkability, safety, and overall vibrancy while preserving its historic character. The project includes new parklets, improved sidewalks, upgraded landscaping, added parking, and a gateway sign welcoming visitors into the district. Construction started January 5, 2026 and will continue through Summer 2026, with businesses remaining open throughout the process.

Fullerton is opening a brand-new community park

Union Pacific Park is opening in Fullerton with new play equipment, pickleball courts, picnic areas, and open green space. It’s designed as a neighborhood gathering spot and adds another outdoor option for families, fitness, and casual hangouts in the area.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

The Los Rios District in San Juan Capistrano (where Ubuntu Café is located) is widely considered the oldest continuously occupied residential neighborhood in California, dating back to the Mission era.

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

Adventure outside the ordinary

What happens when one of the most trusted specialty outdoor retailers, REI Co-op, teams up with the world's largest travel company, Intrepid Travel? You get a unique collection of active trips that offer meaningful, immersive travel experiences in the outdoors.

It’s travel inspired by REI, operated by Intrepid. Think community farm stays in Costa Rica, camping in Joshua Tree’s wild backcountry, cycling in Peru’s Sacred Valley, or sleeping in mountain huts before summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

So, where will you go? Explore more than 85 destinations worldwide with a small group of up to 16, and an expert local leader who’ll help you to truly experience the destination.

REI Co-op members save 15% on REI Exclusive trips and receive a 20% off coupon to use at REI Co-op after booking REI Recommended trips.

Find your next adventure

_{For T&Cs and to view the full collection of trips in 85+ destinations, visit rei.com/travel.}

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, Jan 23:

1. Alza Italian Kitchen (Rancho Santa Margarita) – George Fryer Band, 6:00 pm

2. BeachFire Bar & Grill (San Clemente) – Cover Me Badd, 8:00 pm

3. Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill (Lake Forest) – Echo Love Chamber, 10:30 pm

4. Bricco Cucina & Wine Bar (Laguna Niguel) – Sara Loera, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

5. Carlos Mexican Restaurant (Dana Point) – Randall Winvick Quartet, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

6. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Pokey LaFarge w/ Julian Davis, 9:00 pm

7. Bayside (Newport Beach) – Ron Kobayashi & Friends, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

8. Beale’s Texas BBQ (Santa Ana) – Funk Station, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

9. Biergarten (Huntington Beach) – Flashbax, 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

10. Cafe Sevilla (Costa Mesa) – Colombian Latin Soul, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

11. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Moody Blues Experience, 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

12. The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Living Colour & John 5, 7:00 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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