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

THE RANCH Restaurant pairs steakhouse polish with seasonal American cooking and produce from its own farm in the Orange foothills. The menu leans into wood-fired steaks, seafood, and classic sides, while the cellar holds more than 10,000 bottles. Reserve ahead for dinner Tuesday–Sunday, 5:00–10:00 pm.

Where: 1025 E Ball Rd, Anaheim | Phone: (714) 817-4200

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Visit a free final-week exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with panels developed through a multistate history collaboration. Monday–Friday 8:00 am–4:30 pm | Old Orange County Courthouse, 211 W Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana | Event Info

The Angels play Cleveland Monday–Wednesday, then Philadelphia Friday–Sunday, for six home games at Angel Stadium. Game times vary | Angel Stadium, 2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim | Event Info

Catch the final week of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical in its revitalized North American production at Segerstrom Hall. Times vary | Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Learn salsa and bachata basics in a free outdoor class, then stay for live music from La Verdad. 6:30 pm | Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Sing along to Taylor Swift favorites at OC Parks’ free summer concert, with Katie Ferrara opening the evening. Event 5:00–8:00 pm; music starts at 6:00 pm | Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, 33333 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point | Event Info

See a live lineup of boxing and mixed martial arts bouts inside The Hangar. Doors 6:00 pm; first bout 7:00 pm | The Hangar at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Bring blankets and low-back chairs for a free outdoor screening of the 1986 action classic. Event 6:00–10:00 pm; movie starts after sunset | Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, 33333 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point | Event Info

Step into Roger’s Gardens’ annual Halloween installation, where theatrical displays and collectible décor set a lavishly spooky scene. Daily 9:00 am–6:00 pm | Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar | Event Info

Celebrate oysters and coastal restoration with tastings, local ales, a sustainable market, live music, science talks, Indigenous storytelling, and kids’ crafts. Admission is free and open to all ages. Beach cleanup 9:00–11:00 am; festival 11:00 am–4:00 pm | Sunset Beach Community Center and Greenbelt, 16861 12th St, Sunset Beach | Event Info

Explore competitions, demonstrations, workouts, and fitness brands during this two-day expo. 9:30 am–5:00 pm | Anaheim Convention Center, Hall B, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim | Event Info

Celebrate Japanese summer traditions with taiko, ondo dancing, a float parade, food, games, sake tasting, and a craft market. Admission is free, but on-site parking must be purchased in advance; walk-ins are not permitted. 4:00–9:00 pm | Tanaka Farms, 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine | Event Info

Bring a lawn chair for a free outdoor chamber concert featuring a Pacific Symphony string quartet. 6:30 pm | Shiffer Park, 3143 Bear St, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Choose your channel and dance under the lights at this complimentary outdoor silent disco; headphones are available first come, first served. 6:00–9:00 pm | Near Old Navy at Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine | Event Info

Join a guided 2.5-mile afternoon hike to Barbara’s Lake; advance registration is required, and parking costs $3 per vehicle. 3:00–5:00 pm | James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Browse vintage finds, makers, food, and live music from more than 200 vendors at this free open-air market. 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point | Event Info

Disney historian Jeff Kurtti is launching a Walt Disney Studies screening series at The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana. TheWrap reports that the program begins September 27 with “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and a discussion with Disney historian Kevin Kidney. Later dates feature “Alice in Wonderland,” two Disneyland documentaries, “Swiss Family Robinson,” and a South America-themed double feature through November 29. Watch The Frida’s calendar for ticket listings.

The Orange County Transportation Authority is asking residents to review its draft Directions 2050 long-range transportation plan. An online community meeting runs Wednesday, August 26, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with interpretation available in multiple languages. Residents can also watch a presentation and complete a survey online. OCTA expects to finalize the plan in fall 2026.

The Irvine Animal Care Center is waiving adoption fees through August 31 for its longest-resident animals as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign. The city says eligible pets carry a purple Paws Up icon on the center’s adoption pages. Standard adoption requirements still apply. Anyone considering a pet can review available animals online before visiting.

California grunion are among the few fish that leave the water to lay their eggs, riding high tides onto sandy beaches. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife predicts the final 2026 run window for August 28–30, although actual timing and location can vary.

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