Good morning, Orange County.

Before this week’s roundup, we’re keeping everyone affected by the Garden Grove chemical spill emergency in our thoughts and prayers, and hoping for a safe resolution. For the latest official evacuation, shelter, hotline, and safety information, please follow the City of Garden Grove, OCFA, law enforcement, and public health channels directly.

Official updates:

With Memorial Day tomorrow, we also remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

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

If cozy vibes, mouthwatering comfort food, and the perfect brunch are your thing, look no further than Lemon & Thyme in Costa Mesa.

This quaint spot dishes out delicious small plates alongside carefully selected wines and beers. Whether you’re craving thick-cut French toast or light, savory bites, they’ve got you covered.

Where: 1907 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA | Phone: (949) 200-9211

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Honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation at Irvine’s Memorial Day Ceremony. The program will include remarks from a Commanding Officer of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion, plus an opportunity for attendees to write messages of appreciation to the battalion. 10 AM | Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine | Event Info

California Vintage Wine Bistro is offering 30% off all bottles of wine for dine-in guests. It’s an easy midweek excuse to slow down, sip something good, and enjoy a wine-and-food night out in Anaheim. 5 PM to 9 PM | California Vintage Wine Bistro, 1925 S State College Blvd, Anaheim | Event Info

The Ecology Center, City of Dana Point, and Prado Square are bringing a modern farmers market experience to Amber Lantern Street. Expect ecological producers, makers, live music, a beer garden, artisan vendors, and farm-to-table food from The Ecology Center’s culinary team. 4 PM to 8 PM | Amber Lantern Street between PCH and Del Prado, Dana Point | Event Info

The Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival returns to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach for a weekend of live music, food, vendors, and Back Bay views. Since 1996, this festival has been one of Southern California’s beloved jazz traditions, featuring both legendary artists and rising stars. Times vary | Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach | Event Info

The original Asian night market is back at the OC Fairgrounds for a weekend of food, culture, games, vendors, music, and late-night energy. Come hungry, bring friends, and plan ahead because tickets are sold online only. Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, 3 PM to 11 PM | OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Laguna Beach’s Sunset Serenades are back with free concerts at Heisler Park Amphitheater. Bring a blanket or low beach chair, settle in, and enjoy live music as the sun goes down over the coast. 6:30 PM | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Farmakis Farms is bringing country line dancing to the barn with music, lessons, and a lively night on the farm. The first hour includes easy-to-follow instruction, making it a fun pick whether you know the steps or are just showing up for the vibes. 7 PM to 10 PM | Farmakis Farms, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

Irvine Spectrum Center is turning Saturday night into a choose-your-own-dance-party experience. Pick your DJ channel, throw on the headphones, and dance your way through the evening. 6 PM to 9 PM | Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine | Event Info

A beach day full of dachshunds, races, costumes, contests, vendors, and pure dog-loving chaos is coming to Huntington Beach. All dogs are welcome, and the event is free to attend. 10 AM to 3 PM | 21351 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach | Event Info

The creator of Sex and the City brings her one-woman show to South Coast Repertory for one weekend only. The benefit performance includes stories from Bushnell’s life and career, plus pre-show shopping, themed cocktails, photo ops, and select VIP meet-and-greet experiences. Saturday, May 30 at 2 PM and 8 PM; Sunday, May 31 at 2 PM | South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa | Event Info

More than 100 vintage Volkswagen buses are expected to roll onto the Huntington Beach Pier for a classic Surf City scene. Walk the pier, admire restored VW buses, and soak up a nostalgic beach-day vibe. 8 AM to 4 PM | Huntington Beach Pier | Event Info

The 31st Annual Balboa Island Parade rolls down Marine Avenue with the theme “Good Vibrations on Balboa Island.” Expect bands, floats, classic cars, horses, surf tunes, and an after-party concert featuring a Beach Boys tribute band. 11 AM to 2 PM | Marine Avenue, Balboa Island | Event Info

Lake Forest’s iconic Etnies Skatepark may be getting a $2.1 million upgrade aimed at making the park more welcoming for beginner and intermediate riders. The City Council supported a final concept that would add beginner areas, smoother street-plaza surfaces, smaller features, and a pump track for skateboards, BMX, scooters, and inline skates. The park has long been known for advanced terrain, but city feedback showed strong demand from newer riders and families who want safer, more accessible places to learn.

One of Disneyland’s classic opening-day attractions is getting a modern update. The park has begun designing, engineering, and testing fully electric Autopia ride vehicle prototypes as it prepares to retire the gas-powered engines. Disneyland officials say the current engines are expected to be retired in early 2027, aligning with the resort’s broader goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2030. Closing and reopening dates for the attraction have not been announced yet.

The San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project in San Juan Capistrano has reached a major step forward. Crews have finished removing the 109-year-old railroad bridge after rail service transitioned to the new bridge last October. Construction is still underway as crews build the foundation for a potential future bridge, with the full project expected to be completed in early 2027. The work is part of OCTA’s larger effort to improve rail safety and reliability in Orange County.

Balboa Island began as a muddy sandbar before becoming one of Newport Beach’s most iconic neighborhoods. Today, it’s known for Marine Avenue, charming cottages, bayfront walks, frozen bananas, Balboa Bars, and community traditions like the Balboa Island Parade.

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