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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:

• Harbor Parades and Spring Markets

• Lanterns, Dragon, and Supercars

• Wood-fired comfort plates

• Irvine Innovation Funding

• Dana Harbor Phase 3

• Total Lunar Eclipse

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Flights & Irons (San Clemente)

Flights & Irons Urban Kitchen is wood-fired flavor done right. Think hearty comfort plates, real wood-fired depth, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels very San Clemente. It’s perfect for date night, family dinner, or a casual night out when you want something satisfying and reliable.

Where: 376 Camino De Estrella, San Clemente | Phone: (949) 388-3991

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📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Spring Carnival, Anaheim Marketplace (March 5–8)

A four-day Festival de Primavera featuring live music, food vendors, family-friendly rides, and unique local vendors. A classic carnival-style setup that’s easy to drop into for an afternoon or evening. Thursday & Friday 5–11 PM, Saturday 2–11 PM, and Sunday 1–11 PM | 1440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim | Event Info

Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show (March 5–8)

Southern California’s largest fishing, tackle, boat, and outdoors show returns for its 16th year with eight halls of gear, travel destinations, and family-friendly activities including a free kids trout pond. Hours vary by day | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Dana Point Festival of Whales (March 6–8)

The weekend kicks off Friday, March 6 (4:30–9 PM) with the Welcoming of the Whales ceremony at the Ocean Institute and the Festival Carnival at Lantern Bay Park. Saturday and Sunday feature a full lineup of events across Dana Point Harbor including the Magical Migration Parade, whale watching cruises, live music, artisan markets, chowder cook-off, car and boat shows, and family-friendly activities. Hours vary | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 6 – April 27)

An annual celebration of California flavors featuring specialty food booths, wine tastings, live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the park. Daily (hours vary) | Disney California Adventure Park, 1313 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim | Event Info

El Presidente Ball, San Juan Capistrano (March 7)

A historic western-themed celebration honoring San Juan Capistrano’s early days, held at the iconic El Adobe de Capistrano. A Swallows Day tradition. 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

Return of F1 Supercar Show, Newport Beach (March 7)

A morning celebration of Formula 1 season featuring McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes AMG, and more in true Supercar Show OC fashion. Open to spectators. 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 44 Auto Center Dr, Irvine | Event Info

OC Lantern Festival, Costa Mesa (March 7)

A free, family-friendly celebration of the first full moon of the lunar calendar with music, dance, dragon performances, lantern decorating, and cultural programming. Admission is free but tickets are required. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | Event Info

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza (March 7 – April 4)

A springtime tradition featuring Easter Bunny photos, themed activities, and train rides inside Irvine Regional Park. Free entrance; activity tickets required. Hours vary weekday/weekend) | Irvine Regional Park | Event Info

Aliso Viejo Artisan Market (March 8)

A curated community market showcasing handmade goods, art, jewelry, apparel, home décor, treats, and more at Aliso Viejo Ranch. 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 100 Park Avenue, Aliso Viejo | Event Info

Coast Vintage Market (March 8)

A large outdoor vintage market featuring a wide variety of curated finds. Free admission and free parking make it an easy Sunday morning stop. 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Laguna Hills Mall Parking Lot | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Irvine Secures $1 Million for Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The City of Irvine has secured $1 million in federal funding to advance the next phase of its planned Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The initiative is designed to connect entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and ecosystem partners while accelerating early-stage startups in high-growth sectors like healthcare, sustainability, and technology. City leaders say the funding will help acquire research and development lab equipment and create a state-of-the-art environment for launching technical companies locally, supporting high-wage job creation and long-term economic growth.

Phase 3 of Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Underway

Phase 3 of the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization officially began February 17, 2026, marking the largest and most transformative stage of the landside redevelopment. This phase includes demolition of existing waterfront structures and will pave the way for more than 100,000 square feet of new restaurants, retail, and public gathering spaces along the harbor. While construction fencing and parking adjustments are in place, the boardwalk, docks, shops, and restaurants remain open. Visitors can take advantage of the new three-tiered parking structure at Golden Lantern, which offers four hours of free parking, as the harbor continues its multi-year transformation into a modern, walkable coastal destination.

Total Lunar Eclipse “Blood Moon” Peaks March 3

Orange County, this one’s worth the early wake-up. On March 3, a total lunar eclipse will peak, turning the Moon a deep red-orange as Earth’s shadow fully covers it. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye and can be viewed from anywhere it’s nighttime. Partial begins: 1:50am. Totality peaks: 3:04am. It doesn’t happen often, and the West Coast gets a prime view.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Did you know San Juan Capistrano’s El Adobe de Capistrano — home of the El Presidente Ball — dates back to 1797 and is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants in California? It’s been serving locals and visitors for generations, long before Orange County looked anything like it does today.

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

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🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, March 6:

1. Alza Italian Kitchen (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Janet and The Akusta Kats, 6:00 pm

2. BeachFire Bar & Grill (San Clemente) – Sticks & Stones, 8:00 pm

3. Knolls Restaurant (Laguna Niguel) – Tightrope, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

4. The Cliff Restaurant (Laguna Beach) – Bobby Gray Band, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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

6. The Station (San Juan Capistrano) – The Smith’s Live Tribute Band w/ Boy Nowhere Fast, 8:00 pm

7. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Eagles Ronstadt Experience, 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

8. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Mamma Mania: The American Tribute to ABBA, 5:00 pm

9. House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall (Anaheim) – Descendents & Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, 6:00 pm

10. Irvine Barclay Theatre (Irvine) – Nathan Aweau, 8:00 pm

11. Roscoe’s Famous Deli (Fullerton) – Orange Whip, 9:00 pm

12. The Wayfarer (Costa Mesa) – Willy Tea Taylor & Cotton Clifton, 7:00 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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