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:

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

Step into classic sophistication at The Bungalow, Newport Beach’s beloved spot for steaks, seafood, and martinis served in a lodge-inspired setting. Whether you're there for a business lunch, date night, or happy hour, expect white-tablecloth charm without the stuffiness.

Don't skip: The filet mignon and a well-crafted martini.

Where: 2441 East Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA | Phone: (949) 673-6585

Investors face a dilemma. When the S&P 500 finished its worst quarter since 2022 last month, diversifiers like bonds and bitcoin fell too.

Even with the turnaround in mid-April, analysts at Goldman Sachs and Vanguard have projected low-single-digit annualized returns from 2024-2034.

Bloomberg asked where experts would personally invest $100,000 for their March monthly edition.

One answer that surfaced for a second time? Art.

It's what billionaires like Bezos and the Rockefellers have privately used to diversify for decades.

Why?

Thanks to the world's premier art investing platform, now anyone can invest in works featuring legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso, without needing millions.

Shares in new offerings can sell quickly but...

Our subscribers skip their waitlist*

^{*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.}

A Bruno Mars tribute band takes over Peppertree Park for a free summer concert in Tustin. Bring a blanket, grab a spot on the grass, and ease into the week with live music outdoors. 6 PM to 8 PM | Peppertree Park, 230 W First Street, Tustin | Event Info

Midweek wine, bites, and live music is a pretty good formula, and California Vintage Wine Bistro is bringing all three together in Anaheim. It’s an easy pick for a laid-back evening out. 5 PM to 9 PM | California Vintage Wine Bistro, 1925 S State College Blvd, Anaheim | Event Info

The World Cup meets Old World Huntington Beach with matches on the big screens, German beer, food, and fans from around the globe. Free entry is available for select matches with advance registration, and reserved tables are also available. Times vary | Old World Huntington Beach | Event Info

Downtown Fullerton comes alive with food, local makers, live music, and community energy at this Thursday night market. It’s a casual midweek outing with plenty to browse and snack on. 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Downtown Fullerton Plaza | Event Info

Fresh produce, baked breads, grass-fed beef, artisanal cheeses, small-batch dips, desserts, jewelry, crafts, and more fill this weekly local market. It’s an easy way to support small businesses while stocking up for the weekend. 9 AM to 1 PM | San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

Santa Ana’s summer movie series kicks off with free family fun under the stars. Expect themed kids crafts, games, community resources, complimentary popcorn while supplies last, and food vendors on-site. Movie: “Frozen”. Activities start at 6:30 PM, movie begins at dusk | El Salvador Park, Santa Ana | Event Info

Explore local sharks, rays, and ocean life after hours at the Ocean Institute. The evening includes interactive activities, live music, food and drinks for purchase, and a shark feeding session to close out the night. 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Ocean Institute, Dana Point | Event Info

Sunset dinner, dancing, and free line dancing lessons hit Bolsa Chica State Beach for a coastal country night. Dinner will be served by Heritage BBQ, making this one part beach hangout, one part honky tonk. 5 PM to 8 PM | Sea Salt Honky Tonk, 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Lake Mission Viejo’s summer concert series continues with Which One’s Pink?, a Pink Floyd tribute band. Admission is for Lake Mission Viejo members and their accompanied guests only. 7 PM | Lake Mission Viejo | Event Info

Seal Beach kicks off summer with hot dogs, inflatables, face painting, arts and crafts, games, and community fun. Bring a picnic blanket and make it an easy family afternoon. 11 AM to 2 PM | Edison Park, 99 College Park Dr, Seal Beach | Event Info

The Ranch is bringing together live music, shopping, fresh food, drinks, and summer evening vibes. The night market and concert series is free and open to all. 4 PM to 8 PM | The Pavilion, 2 Tierno Road, Rancho Mission Viejo | Event Info

Classic wooden boats, maritime history, live music, guest speakers, art, trivia, kids activities, and even gondola rides come together for a waterfront day in Newport Beach. Visitors can also step aboard the Spirit of Dana Point and explore a working schooner. June 14, parking and shuttle available 10 AM to 5:30 PM | Newport Beach | Event Info

Retro finds, vintage goods, antiques, handcrafted items, free parking, and free admission make this outdoor market an easy Sunday stop. It happens rain or shine at the Laguna Hills Mall. 8 AM to 3 PM | Laguna Hills Mall | Event Info

Rady Children’s Health Orange County is one of the pilot hospitals using a new Disney-themed MRI experience designed to make scans less stressful for kids. The system, created through a Philips and Disney collaboration, uses lighting, sound, visuals, and familiar characters to help children stay calm during scans that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours. For young patients, especially those who may otherwise need anesthesia, the goal is to make the experience feel less intimidating and more like an adventure.

The catchment wall project near Mariposa Point is now visibly progressing as OCTA and Metrolink continue work on the 1,400-foot-long wall between El Portal and Linda Lane. The project is designed to protect the railroad, improve safety, and restore the San Clemente Beach Trail with an elevated path, coastal views, retaining wall, and fencing. Trail closures between North Beach and Linda Lane are expected during construction, with completion currently anticipated in Summer 2026.

Newport Beach’s free open-air Balboa Peninsula Trolley has returned for the summer, giving beachgoers a way to move around the Peninsula without fighting for parking at every stop. The trolley runs Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day, with 22 stops along the route and service from 10 AM to 9:30 PM. Free parking is also available at the Avon Street lot with the code TROLLEY26, and riders can track trolley locations in real time using the TripShot app.

The Balboa Peninsula Trolley grew out of Newport Beach’s broader effort to make travel along the Peninsula easier, support Balboa Village and beach visits, and reduce the familiar loop of drivers searching for parking. After years of planning around Peninsula revitalization and alternative transportation, the city launched the free seasonal trolley with support from OCTA funding, and it has since become a summer staple for beach days, Balboa Village visits, and car-free exploring.

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

Intrepid just launched eight new Premium Family trips across Borneo, Morocco, India, Costa Rica and more — small groups, experienced local guides, elevated stays, and immersive cultural experiences designed specifically for families. All the logistics sorted so you can actually enjoy it.

Explore the new range

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

Friday, June 12:

Do you have a business, product, service, brand, or event that you want to promote or feature? Contact us!

And if you loved this newsletter, forward it to a friend 👇

Thanks for reading Thrive OC today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who you think could Thrive in OC.

P.S. We value your thoughts, feedback, and questions - feel free to respond directly to this email!

… and if you enjoyed this email, be sure to thank the person who forwarded it to you and subscribe to get your own copy!