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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, the newsletter that keeps you informed, entertained, and always ready to answer, “Hey, what should we do this weekend?” 

Here’s what’s on deck today:

• Free Outdoor Concerts

• Can't Miss Upcoming Events

• Steaks at The Bungalow

• Balboa Fun Zone Updates

• Record-Breaking Mansion Listing

• Bowling Returns to San Clemente

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: The Bungalow (Corona del Mar)

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.

📍 2441 East Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA

📞 (949) 673-6585

🏄 Local News You Should Know

🎡 Balboa Fun Zone Revamp is Official!

Chartwell Real Estate Development just purchased Newport’s iconic Balboa Fun Zone and plans a major revitalization of the 80-year-old landmark, from the beloved Ferris wheel to the surrounding boardwalk. Newport Beach residents, the Pyle family, are leading the project. Got any fond memories of the Fun Zone?

🏛️ Real Estate Buzz: OC’s Lyon Estate Listed at $125 Million

Orange County’s real estate scene just hit peak luxury. The Lyon Estate in Coto de Caza, once home to real estate magnate William Lyon, is on the market for an astonishing $125 million. The sprawling 137-acre property boasts:

• A 21,000 sq. ft. Georgian mansion

• A 24,000 sq. ft. private car museum (with space for 70 cars!)

• A private helipad (5-minute helicopter ride from John Wayne Airport)

• Resort-style pool, tennis court, wine cellar, and equestrian facilities

If sold near the asking price, this property would shatter OC’s existing real estate records—by a mile.

🎳 San Clemente Movie Theater to Transform into a Bowling Hotspot

That shuttered San Clemente theater on Camino De Los Mares? It's rolling into new life as "The Bowl," an entertainment venue featuring 18 lanes, arcade games, multisport simulators, chef-driven cuisine, and even a hidden speakeasy bar. Recently approved by the city’s Planning Commission, so get ready for a strike of entertainment fun coming soon!

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

🎸 San Juan Summer Nites (June 18)

A free community concert series with live music, activities, and food vendors for all ages. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

• When: June 18, 6:00–8:00 PM

• Where: Historic Town Center Park, San Juan Capistrano

🎤 VEA's Summer Concert Series – Teddy Robb (June 19)

Relax and enjoy country tunes by Teddy Robb at VEA Newport Beach. Tickets Here.

• When: June 19 (5:30pm)

• Where: VEA Newport Beach, Marriott Resort & Spa

🎡 Fountain Valley Summerfest (June 19–22)

Summerfest is here! Four days of carnival rides, food, concerts, fireworks, and family fun. Friday night features a fireworks show and beer/wine garden.

• When: June 19–22 (Thurs–Sun, times vary)

• Where: Fountain Valley Sports Park

🇬🇷 Irvine Greek Fest (June 20–22)

Be Greek for a day! Enjoy authentic food, music, dancing, and cultural exhibits.

• When: June 20–22

• Where: St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine

🌭 Wurst Fest (June 21)

Brats, beer, and live music in a festive biergarten atmosphere. Free entry!

• When: June 21, 12:00–10:00 PM

• Where: Old World Biergarten, Huntington Beach

🌙 Night Market & Concert on the Ranch (June 21)

Live country rock from Kelly & The Boyz plus vendors and local bites under the stars.

• When: June 21, 4:00–8:00 PM

• Where: The Pavilion, Ladera Ranch

🌊 Doheny Surf & Art Festival (June 22–23)

Celebrate OC’s surf culture with local artists, music, vendors, and beachside fun.

• When: June 22–23

• Where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

🎻 Baroque Music Festival (June 22–29)

An annual celebration of Baroque music featuring world-class performances in beautiful local venues.

• When: June 22–29

• Where: Multiple venues in Corona del Mar & Newport Beach

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

The Balboa Fun Zone is one of the last remaining coastal amusement areas in Southern California. First opened in 1936, it was originally created to compete with Santa Monica’s pier and has been home to everything from a Ferris wheel and bumper cars to a waterfront arcade and even a small scary ride.

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

💡 Local Tip

Found an injured bird or hummingbird? Don’t panic. Contact local experts like Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach or visit ifoundahummingbird.com. They’ll know exactly what to do.

This happened to us recently: we found a baby hummingbird on the ground, unable to fly. The care center advised us to keep it warm overnight in a ventilated box, give it a bit of sugar water, and bring it in the next morning. A quick call can save a tiny life 🐦

🗣️ Quote of the Day

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." - Roger Miller 

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, June 20:

1. Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Felisha, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

2. Knolls Restaurant (Laguna Niguel) – TightRope, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

3. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Eve 6, 9:00 pm

4. StillWater Spirits & Sounds (Dana Point) – Flashback Heart Attack $10 Cover, 9:00 pm

5. The Rib Joint (Dana Point) – Summertime Johnny & the Summertones, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

6. Pub Thirty-Two (Mission Viejo) – Live Music, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

7. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Pretzel Logic A Steely Dan Revue, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

8. The Wayfarer (Costa Mesa) – Sega Genecide, 10:00 pm

9. The Quiet Woman (Corona Del Mar) – Brian Barrett Band, 9:00 pm - 12:00 am

10. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Tool, Pantera, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots Tributes, 5:00 pm

11. Bistango (Irvine) – Rotating Artists, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

12. Perqs Bar (Huntington Beach) – Live Music, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

Big News for OC Locals: Your New Go-To Guide is Here 📘

We’ve been hard at work and are proud to announce that The Ultimate OC Guide is finally here! This e-book is packed with 150+ pages of curated OC gold—hidden gems, date spots, dog-friendly favorites, annual events, and more.

Normally $40+, we’re giving it away for just $10 for a limited time!

Thrive OC VIPs? It’s yours for FREE. Check your inbox 👀

💛 Want to support but not ready to grab the guide? You can still help keep Thrive OC running strong — Donate here.

Or, take your OC experience to the next level—join Thrive OC VIP for exclusive discounts, VIP event access, and insider perks while supporting local businesses!

Your support means the world—thank you for being part of the Thrive OC community! 🙌

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