Good morning, Orange County. This is Thrive OC, where we bring you the best eats, can’t-miss events, and the latest local news so you’re always in the know. Here’s what’s on deck:

• OC Japan Fair Returns

• Seasonal Dining in Costa Mesa

• Pumpkin Patches, New Fall Fests, and More

• San Clemente’s Sales Tax Proposal

• Irvine Weighs San Onofre Plan

• Mission Viejo To Host Netherlands For LA28

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Seasons 52 (Costa Mesa)

Seasons 52: Seasonal American dishes, wood-fire flavor, and a deep wine list—right at South Coast Plaza. The menu rotates with the seasons, and lunch pairs nicely with a soup/salad and a signature flatbread.

Where: 3333 Bristol St, Suite #2802, Costa Mesa (South Coast Plaza) | Phone: (714) 437-5252

🎬 Featured Event: OC Japan Fair (Oct 17–19)

The largest Japanese festival in SoCal returns—three days of street food, cultural vendors, and live entertainment. Admission includes access to the Freedom LA Japanese Music Festival. From sushi to J-pop, it’s a vibrant showcase of Japanese culture that only comes once a year. Secure your tickets now at oc-japanfair.com!

• When: Fri 10/17 (4–10 PM); Sat 10/18 (12–10 PM); Sun 10/19 (11 AM–7 PM)

• Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

• Admission: $17 (Sep 1–Oct 16); $20 (after Oct 17); Kids 6 & under + Seniors 65+ free

• Parking: $12 (Gate 1; follow event signage)

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Pumpkin City Pumpkin Patch, Laguna Hills (Oct 1–31)

Family-friendly harvest fest with kiddie rides, games, and an Oktoberfest beer garden. Mon–Thu 12:30–9 PM; Fri–Sun 10 AM–10 PM | Laguna Hills | Event Info

Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, Costa Mesa (Oct 2–31)

Big pumpkin patch with rides, inflatables, petting zoo, and a train. Daily (hours vary) | OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Dana Point Harbor Certified Farmers Market (Oct 8)

Weekday market with curated local farms and artisan vendors by the water. Wednesdays, 9 AM–1 PM | Harbor Village Lot, 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point | Event Info

Newport Movies at the Dunes, Newport Beach (Oct 10–11)

Outdoor movies by the bay at dusk—call ahead for the weekly lineup. Fri & Sat at dusk | Newport Dunes | Event Info

Scarecrow Festival, Costa Mesa (Oct 11)

Free community fall fest with trick-or-treat stations, kids costume parade, contests, and live entertainment. Sat, Oct 11, 2–6 PM | Lions Park Event Lawn, 1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Irvine Global Village Festival (Oct 11)

OC’s premier multicultural celebration—food, art, music, exhibits, and kids activities. Sat, Oct 11, 10 AM–6 PM | Great Park, Irvine | Event Info

Silverado Country Fair & Folk Festival (Oct 11–12)

Two days of Wild-Westy fun: live music, food, 1800s-style entertainment, and crafts. Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12 | 27641 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado CA 92676 | Event Info

Cars ’N Copters on the Coast, Huntington Beach (Oct 12)

Hypercars (Koenigsegg, Bugatti, Pagani), 400+ show cars, vendors, and privately owned helicopters—free for spectators. Sun, Oct 12, 10 AM–3 PM (Helicopter Landing Watch Party: Sat, Oct 11 at Offshore9) | 21351 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | Event Info

Ladera Ranch Cars & Coffee (Oct 12)

A Sunday morning meet-up where car lovers roll in to show off everything from exotics to classics, with reservable display spots and a premium pedestrian-only side for families to stroll up close. Sun, Oct 12 (morning) | Mercantile West, Crown Valley & Antonio Pkwys, Ladera Ranch | Event Info

Corona del Mar Fall Festival Meet & Greet (Oct 12)

Sherman Library & Gardens hosts a cozy fall gathering supporting the gardens—tickets include entry and festivities. Sun, Oct 12, 3–6 PM | Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E Coast Hwy, CdM | Event Info

Newport Beach Film Festival (Oct 16–23)

Eight days of world-class cinema, red carpets, international spotlights, and signature events—now in its 26th year. Thu–Thu, Oct 16–23 | Various venues across Newport Beach | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Mission Viejo Inks Training-Camp Deal with Team Netherlands for 2028 Olympics

Mission Viejo will host Dutch athletes across the Marguerite Aquatics Complex, Saddleback College track facilities, and more—an arrangement expected to send ~$1M to the city over the coming years. Australia and France divers are also lining up training blocks, bringing visitor dollars to South County hotels, restaurants, and venues.

Irvine Examines a “Plan B” for San Onofre Nuclear Waste

At a special study session, city leaders discussed regional safety around 3.6 million pounds of spent fuel stored in 123 canisters at San Onofre. Ideas included relocating canisters to higher ground on Camp Pendleton as an interim step while federal plans evolve. No decisions yet; the council is expected to revisit this in Nov/Dec.

San Clemente: Proposed 1% Local Sales Tax for Beaches & Wildfire Protection

A citizen-led initiative aims for the 2026 ballot to fund beach restoration (sand replenishment, erosion control, access) and wildfire prevention (grazing, vegetation removal, EMS support). If approved by a simple majority, San Clemente’s rate would move from 7.75% to 8.75% for 10 years, with a possible 10-year extension by voters. Supporters pitch a sunset clause and oversight; opponents prefer reallocating existing dollars. What do you think? Is this the right fix for San Clemente?

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Japanese roots in OC run deep. The county’s Japanese American community helped shape local agriculture—especially in the early 1900s—growing celery, strawberries, and other crops across what’s now urban OC.

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

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, October 10:

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

2. BeachFire Bar & Grill (San Clemente) – Bunch o’ Guys, 8:00 pm

3. Bigshots Billiards (Lake Forest) – The Trip, 8:30 pm

4. San Juan Hills Golf Course (San Juan Capistrano) – British Invasion, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

5. The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Adryon De Leon Quartet, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

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

7. Bayside Restaurant (Newport Beach) – Ron Kobayashi Band, 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm

8. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Family Style, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

9. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Warren G, 5:00 pm

10. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Rebecca Jade, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

11. The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Cartel, 7:00 pm

12. The Harp Inn (Costa Mesa) – Party Rock All Stars, 9:00 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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