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

Right across from the pier and always buzzing, The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar delivers Southern-style comfort food, ocean views, and serious flavor. Beloved for its burgers, seafood pots, and sunset patio vibes, it’s the kind of spot where dinner turns into a hangout you’ll remember.

Where: 📍 901 Ocean Ave, Seal Beach | Phone: (562) 431-4888

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Ole Hanson Beach Club is bringing island vibes to San Clemente with swimming, music, a giant inflatable, kids’ crafts, and plenty of aloha spirit. Dinner plates and drinks will be available for an additional purchase, and space is limited. 6–9 PM | Ole Hanson Beach Club, 105 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente | Event Info

Unwind above Anaheim with live music, skyline views, and 50% off select tequilas. A solid choice for an elevated Thursday night out. Evening | Top of The V, 1601 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim | Event Info

Santa Ana’s free summer movie series continues with How to Train Your Dragon (2025) at Portola Park. Arrive early for themed crafts, games, community activities, complimentary popcorn while supplies last, and food vendors. Activities at 6:30 PM and movie at dusk | Portola Park, Santa Ana | Event Info

Bring a chair or blanket for a free screening of Monsters, Inc. under the stars. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6 PM, with food trucks plus beer and wine concessions available before the movie. 6 PM; movie after sunset | Craig Regional Park, Fullerton | Event Info

Irvine’s outdoor movie series brings Lilo & Stitch (2025) to the big screen at Hicks Canyon Community Park. Pack a picnic or grab dinner from one of the food trucks arriving before the film. Food trucks at 6:30 PM and movie after sunset | Hicks Canyon Community Park, Irvine | Event Info

Laguna Beach’s signature summer art festival returns for its 60th year beneath the eucalyptus trees. Explore handmade work from more than 180 local artists, watch live demonstrations, catch live music, and connect with the people behind the art. June 26–September 6, daily from 11 AM; Sunday–Thursday until 8 PM and Friday–Saturday until 10 PM | Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA | Event Info

Experience the food, music, dancing, and hospitality of a traditional Greek village at Saint Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. The weekend includes homemade Greek dishes and pastries, live music, dance performances, church tours, a marketplace, and a kids’ fun zone. Friday, 5–10 PM; Saturday, noon–10 PM; Sunday, noon–9 PM | Saint Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine | Event Info

Surfing, art, music, and beach culture come together for a free weekend at Doheny State Beach. Watch surf competitions, meet local artists, explore interactive exhibits, and catch live performances from New Wave Kids, The Alvarez Band, Aloha Strummers, and Telesound. Saturday, June 27, 10 AM–5 PM; Sunday, June 28, 10 AM–4 PM | Doheny State Beach, Dana Point | Event Info

Mission San Juan Capistrano opens its 2026 summer concert series with Super Diamond, a tribute to the music of Neil Diamond. The fundraising series supports preservation and educational programs at the historic Mission, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. Time varies | Mission San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

MAKE Anaheim is turning into an afternoon dance floor with a salsa class followed by a free social. No partner is needed, and food and drinks will be available nearby in the Anaheim Packing District area. Salsa class at 2 PM and free social from 3–5 PM | MAKE, 500 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim | Event Info

Choose your DJ, put on a pair of headphones, and dance through the evening at Irvine Spectrum Center. Guests can switch between music channels and create their own soundtrack to the night. 6–9 PM | Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine | Event Info

The fifth annual Gospel Voices of OC celebrates African American artistry through choir, dance, orchestra, theatre, spoken word, and live music. Proceeds support Arts & Learning Conservatory programs and scholarships for young artists. 7 PM | Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine | Event Info

Beach vibes meet western flair at this Dana Point Harbor festival featuring line dancing, coastal and cowgirl vendors, custom hat styling, photo opportunities, drinks, and waterfront fun. 11 AM–5 PM | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

Spread out on the lawn for an evening of Beatles classics performed by tribute band 4 Lads from Liverpool. Guests can bring their own snacks or choose from a rotating lineup of food trucks. 5:30 PM | Mike Ward Community Park, Woodbridge, Irvine | Event Info

The Fourth of July falls on Saturday this year, and Orange County is preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with fireworks, parades, concerts, races, festivals, and waterfront celebrations. Major events are planned in Huntington Beach, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Tustin, Yorba Linda, and several other cities, while Costa Mesa, Cypress, and Los Alamitos will get an early start with celebrations on July 3. Thrive OC’s complete city-by-city guide covers confirmed events, timing, parking considerations, and planning tips, with more updates expected as cities finalize their schedules. Read the Complete Fourth of July Guide.

After years of waiting, the long-promised Miramar Food Hall has officially opened near North Beach in San Clemente. The L-shaped hall brings together a wide mix of food options, including street tacos, sandwiches, burgers, Thai food, sushi-inspired dishes, square pizzas, and garlic-butter lobster rolls, along with indoor and outdoor bars and a large patio. Early standouts include Moto Pizza’s Filipino-influenced “odd pizza,” Lobster Lab’s toasted lobster roll, and Sidelines’ Philly cheesesteak. Parking may take some patience, but visitors can also use the nearby lot on Avenida Pico or arrive by train.

The Volcom Costa Mesa Skatepark is set to double in size following the groundbreaking of a long-awaited expansion. The current park offers about 15,000 square feet of skating space, and the project will add another 15,000 square feet with a street-style course, pump track, new viewing areas, expanded fencing, lighting, cameras, and security improvements. The expansion is supported by $2 million in county funding and is expected to be completed in spring 2027. The existing skatepark will remain open during construction.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026. Its annual Music Under the Stars fundraising series will feature three concerts this summer, with proceeds supporting the preservation and sustainability of the historic Mission.

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