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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:

  • Fairs, festivals & films

  • Markets, music & dancing

  • Coastal Wine Country dining

  • Anaheim redevelopment finally moves

  • Superyacht estate hits market

  • $40M coastal showpiece returns

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Vine (San Clemente)

Vine Restaurant & Bar brings Wine Country dining to San Clemente with seasonal California-Mediterranean dishes, curated wines, and creative cocktails. Its warm atmosphere, outdoor seating, and private dining make it a strong pick for date night or a special occasion.

Where: 211 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 | Phone: (949) 361-2079

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📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Tuesday Night Dance, Costa Mesa (July 14)

Learn Bollywood-style dance during a free outdoor class led by local instructors on Argyros Plaza. The class is open to all ages and skill levels, with no previous dance experience required. 6:30 PM | Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Tustin Sunset Market (July 16)

Old Town Tustin fills with farmers market vendors, local makers, live music, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. It’s a relaxed summer evening for shopping, eating, and exploring the neighborhood. 5-8:30 PM | El Camino Real between Second and Main streets, Old Town Tustin | Event Info

OC Summer Concert Series, Irvine (July 16)

OC Parks’ free Summer Concert Series continues with Queen Nation, a tribute celebrating the music and stage presence of Queen. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and parking is free. Event opens at 5 PM; music begins at 6 PM | Irvine Regional Park | Event Info

3rd Thursdays, Corona del Mar (July 16)

Corona del Mar Village comes alive with music, food specials, pop-ups, family activities, giveaways, shopping, and performances throughout the neighborhood. July’s lineup includes live bands, a mobile tidepool, pet adoptions, carnival games, a fire station open house, and plenty of local food and drink offers. 5-8 PM | Corona del Mar Village along Pacific Coast Highway | Event Info

OC Fair, Costa Mesa (July 17-August 16)

The OC Fair returns with more than 50 rides, carnival games, concerts, animals, agricultural exhibits, racing pigs, arts and crafts, shopping, and nearly every form of fair food imaginable. Advance admission is required because daily attendance is limited, and popular dates are expected to sell out. July 17-August 16; Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11 AM-11 PM; Friday and Saturday from 11 AM-midnight | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Country Music & Film Fair, San Juan Capistrano (July 17)

The Swanner House hosts an evening of live country music, barbecue, craft beer, classic cars, line dancing, local vendors, and a Western film. Families can also enjoy a petting zoo and pie-eating contest. 4:30 PM | The Swanner House, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

Movies on the Lawn, Irvine (July 17)

Bring a blanket or low-back chair for an outdoor showing of A Minecraft Movie. Food trucks arrive before the movie, giving families time to grab dinner and settle in before the film starts after sunset. Food trucks at 6:30 PM, movie after sunset | Hicks Canyon Community Park, Irvine | Event Info

San Clemente Ocean Festival (July 18-19)

The “Greatest Show on Surf” returns for two full days of surfing, lifeguard competitions, ocean races, live music, art, classic vehicles, sand sculptures, and family activities. Weekend highlights include Woodies and vintage VW buses on the pier, the Mermaid Parade, a beach 5K, jet ski demonstrations, and the Great Rubber Duck Race. Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19; activities begin at 6:30 AM | San Clemente Pier and surrounding beach areas | Event Info

Star Spangled Country Night Market, Mission Viejo (July 18)

Pull on your boots for an evening of country music, line dancing, local shopping, food vendors, a beer garden, games, and a kids play area. Admission is free. 5-9 PM | 25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo | Event Info

The Bloom Pop-Up Market, Lake Forest (July 18)

Browse handmade jewelry, candles, woodwork, home décor, and other one-of-a-kind creations from local artists and makers. Stay afterward for a free summer concert from OC favorite Tijuana Dogs. Market from 4-8 PM, concert from 6-8:30 PM | Lake Forest Sports Park, 28000 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest | Event Info

Santa Ana World Cup Night Market (July 18)

Downtown Santa Ana celebrates soccer with vintage clothing, collectibles, sneakers, jewelry, art, food vendors, music, and World Cup-themed giveaways. Wear your favorite soccer jersey to receive free raffle tickets, with 20 soccer jerseys among the prizes. 2-9 PM | 206 E. Fourth Street, Santa Ana | Event Info

Monsters and Minis, Anaheim (July 19)

Motorcycle fans of all ages are invited to bring their bikes, mini motos, and families for a community event featuring rides, raffles, music, and food. Organizers ask attendees to keep things family-friendly and avoid burnouts or reckless riding. 10 AM-2 PM | Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Anaheim’s “Sinkin’ Lincoln” Site Finally Moves Forward

After decades of stalled plans, environmental complications, and economic setbacks, redevelopment is moving forward at the long-vacant corner of Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. The former landfill, once nicknamed “Sinkin’ Lincoln” because of its history of unstable ground and sinkholes, is being transformed into 39 Commons. Housing has already been completed, while the next phase will add Dave’s Hot Chicken, In-N-Out Burger, Anaheim’s first Dutch Bros, and additional stores and services. Construction will continue in phases through 2030 as part of a broader effort to revitalize Beach Boulevard.

Corona del Mar Home Returns for Nearly $40 Million

A contemporary Corona del Mar residence that sold for $21.25 million during the pandemic is back on the market with an asking price near $40 million. Designed by Newport Beach architect Chris Light, the three-level home includes six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen, and 270-degree views. Its lower level is built for entertainment and wellness, with a media room, wine room, game room, and spa-inspired fitness area. The property sits in Corona del Mar Village near beaches, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.

Newport Estate Comes With Room for a Superyacht

A Linda Isle waterfront estate has hit the market for just under $70 million, complete with 104 feet of waterfront and enough dock space for a 130-foot yacht and a second 70-foot vessel. The five-bedroom residence spans more than 9,000 square feet and was rebuilt in 2024 as both a coastal home and gallery-like space for a major art collection. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors connect the open living areas to the harbor, while marble, limestone, terrazzo, and custom finishes appear throughout. The art and yacht are not included in the asking price, although both may be negotiable separately.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Before becoming the future home of 39 Commons, Anaheim’s “Sinkin’ Lincoln” site had several lives. Parts of the property were once a landfill, followed by a go-kart track, mobile home park, and Tower Records, while decomposing waste below caused uneven settling and sinkholes.

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

New Thrive OC Merch Drop

We just launched two new Thrive OC designs for anyone who loves tacos, sunsets, beach days, coffee runs, local finds, and staying busy doing OC things.

Both designs are now available on Amazon, with Prime shipping available on eligible orders. Perfect for your next Orange County weekend, farmers market stroll, beach day, or local adventure.

Every purchase helps support Thrive OC and helps us continue sharing local guides, events, and things to do across Orange County.

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, July 17:

  1. Art-A-Fair (Laguna Beach) – DJ Ruiz, 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

  2. Crown Valley Park Amphitheatre (Laguna Niguel) – Redneck Rodeo, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

  3. Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex (Laguna Hills) – The Reflexx, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

  4. Norman Murray Community and Senior Center (Mission Viejo) – Tijuana Dogs, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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

  6. The Ranch Sports Bar and Grill (Ladera Ranch) – Reckless, 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

  7. Bella Terra (Huntington Beach) – Bella Beats Summer Nights: Groove Mix, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

  8. Cypress Civic Center Green (Cypress) – Soto Band, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

  9. House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall (Anaheim) – The Green: Titles Tour 2026, 7:00 pm

  10. OC Fair – The Hangar (Costa Mesa) – Twisted Gypsy, 8:15 pm

  11. The Bay Theatre (Seal Beach) – Journey USA Live, 7:30 pm

  12. The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Electronic Dance Party, 7:00 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

As of Sunday 07-12-2026 | (Source: Google Weather)

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

Sunrise

5:50 am, 63° Northeast

Sunset

8:03 pm, 297° Northwest

Total Daylight

14 hours, 13 minutes

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