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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your trusted guide to everything worth knowing, doing, and eating across the OC, without the fluff. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Sunset Symphony, Anime Expo, Markets, & OC Fight Club

• Farm-Fresh Food in Lido Newport

• San Clemente Trail Closures

• Police Drones Take Flight in Huntington

• Heat Wave Puts Fire Watch on Alert

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Malibu Farm Lido (Newport Beach)

Farm-to-table dining with a view. Malibu Farm in Lido Marina Village, Newport Beach is known for fresh, organic, and local ingredients. The menu is a “best of” blend from Malibu Farm Café and Malibu Farm Restaurant & Bar, with a few exclusive dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

📍 3420 Via Oporto, Suite 101, Newport Beach

Pro tip: Free 3-hour parking with validation in the Lido Marina garage.

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Social Hour at RISE Rooftop Lounge (Aug 26)

Weekly mixer with skyline views at The Westin Anaheim Resort’s rooftop lounge.

🕠 5:30 PM – 7 PM | 📍 1030 W Katella Ave, Anaheim

Event Info

Wine Down Wednesdays (Aug 27)

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

San Clemente Sunset Symphony Concert (Aug 28)

Pacific Symphony Quartet performs oceanside at Ole Hanson Beach Club.

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

Event Info

Fight Club OC (Aug 28)

Boxing + MMA inside The Hangar at the OC Fairgrounds.

🕠 Doors 6 PM | 🥊 First fight 7 PM | 📍 OC Fair & Event Center

Event Info

OC Movies in the Park – Moana 2 (Aug 29)

Free outdoor movie night under the stars at Bluff Park, Salt Creek Beach.

🕕 6 PM | Movie at sunset | 📍 Dana Point

Event Info

Dana Point Farmers Market (Aug 30)

Fresh produce, handmade goods, and coastal charm.

🕘 9 AM – 1 PM | 📍 La Plaza Park, Dana Point

Event Info

Anime Impulse OC (Aug 30–31)

Anime, gaming, cosplay, and more at the Anaheim Convention Center.

🕙 10 AM – 6 PM | 📍 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim

Event Info

Brunch with the Beatles (Aug 31)

Beachside Beatles tribute with brunch favorites.

🕙 10 AM | 📍 SeaLegs at the Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach

Event Info

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

🚧 San Clemente Beach Trail Closures Through 2026

Construction kicks off this September on a 1,400-foot catchment wall at Mariposa Point to protect the railroad and restore the trail. Expect closures between North Beach and Linda Lane until summer 2026. When complete, the trail will sit slightly elevated, offering safer access and new ocean views.

🤖 Huntington Beach Police Launch Drones as First Responders

The Huntington Beach Police Department is deploying drones to slash response times—now averaging under two minutes. And while it may sound like a scene from Minority Report, the program isn’t about constant surveillance. Instead, drones launch only after a call, giving officers a critical “first look” before they arrive. Mayor Pat Burns calls the program “a force multiplier,” helping officers cover more ground, respond faster, and stay safer on the job.

🔥 OC Fire Watch Prepares for Peak Fire Season

With red flag warnings around the corner, more than 300 volunteers are standing ready at 36 high-risk locations across OC. Their mission: educate the public, prevent accidental ignitions, and monitor with watchtowers and patrols. If you’re interested in volunteering, fill out a form at letsgooutside.org.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Newport Beach has long been a retreat for Hollywood’s golden-era icons. John Wayne kept his yacht in the harbor, Shirley Temple spent summers here, and Lauren Bacall was among the stars who favored its shores.

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, August 29:

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

2. Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill (Lake Forest) – Porcupine Soldiers (Classic Rock/Pop), 8:30 pm

3. Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach (Dana Point) – Jimmy’s Buffet, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

4. Mozambique – Ivan’z Room (Laguna Beach) – Sue Foley, 8:00 pm

5. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Gilby Clarke, 9:00 pm

6. The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Jake Tompkins Quartet, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

7. Bayside Restaurant (Newport Beach) – Ron Kobayashi Band, 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm

8. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Cash’d Out: A Johnny Cash Show + Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute + Blue Byrdes, 5:00 pm

9. House of Blues – Main Room (Anaheim) – Alicia Villarreal Donde Todo Comenzó 2.0 Tour, 7:00 pm

10. Pelican Isle Restaurant (Sunset Beach) – Christy and the Coastal Cowboys, 7:30 pm

11. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Darryl Walker Sings Stevie Wonder, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

12. The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Adventure Club (18+), 7:00 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

Big News for OC Locals: Your New Go-To Guide is Here 📘

We’ve been hard at work and are proud to announce that The Ultimate OC Guide is finally here! This e-book is packed with 150+ pages of curated OC gold—hidden gems, date spots, dog-friendly favorites, annual events, and more.

Normally $40+, we’re giving it away for just $10 for a limited time!

Thrive OC VIPs? It’s yours for FREE. Check your inbox 👀

💛 Want to support but not ready to grab the guide? 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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