Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your weekly guide to the tastiest eats, coolest events, and local news you actually care about. This week’s got garden dining, family-friendly festivals, and big changes down at the harbor:

• Garden-style dining in Newport

• Dana Point’s stunning transformation

• TSA finally says shoes on

• Wildfire chatbot’s rough launch

• OC Fair, Ocean Festival, and More

• Summer concerts & movie nights

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens (Newport Beach)

Tucked inside Roger’s Gardens, Farmhouse serves upscale American cuisine crafted from local ingredients in a lush, garden-inspired setting. Known for farm-to-table dishes, creative cocktails, and vegan-friendly options, it’s a summer dining dream.

📍 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar

📞 (949) 640-1415

🏄 Local News You Should Know

🌊 Dana Point Harbor’s Makeover Begins

Dana Point’s $600 million harbor revamp just unveiled its first major upgrade: a 984-space, high-tech parking structure featuring smart technology, ocean views, and event spaces perfect for the 2028 Olympics. Next phases include two new hotels, the history-focused Dana House and the surf-culture-themed Surf Lodge, plus new shops, restaurants, and public plazas.

👟 TSA Says: Keep Your Shoes On!

Traveling from John Wayne Airport just got easier. TSA has officially ended its shoes-off rule, streamlining security checkpoints nationwide. Travelers might occasionally be asked to remove shoes for extra screening, but overall, expect shorter lines and smoother journeys.

🔥 California’s Wildfire Chatbot Hits Snags

Cal Fire recently launched a wildfire-info chatbot, but the AI assistant has struggled with basic, crucial details like evacuation orders and up-to-date containment statuses. Cal Fire promises improvements, but for now, double-check critical info via official sites or local media.

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

🎬 Family Movie Night, San Juan Capistrano (July 15)

Free outdoor movie on the lawn at River Street Marketplace. Seating is first-come, first-served; bring blankets or low-back chairs.

🕕 6:30–9 PM |📍 River Street Marketplace, SJC

Event Info

🎸 Costa Mesa Concerts: Flashback Heart Attack (July 15)

Free outdoor concert with gourmet food trucks, beer garden, and kids’ activities.

🕔 5 PM | 📍 Fairview Park, Costa Mesa

Event Info

🎶 San Juan Summer Nites: Tijuana Dogs (July 16)

Join OC favorite Tijuana Dogs for live music, food trucks, beer, and wine.

🕔 5–8 PM | 📍 Historic Town Center Park, SJC

Event Info

🍷 Newport Beach 3rd Thursdays (July 17)

Community-wide party in Corona del Mar featuring live music, restaurant specials, kids’ scavenger hunts, pet adoptions, and more.

🕔 5–8 PM | 📍 Corona del Mar Village

Event Info

🎺 Irvine Concert in the Park: Mariachi Divas (July 17)

Experience vibrant mariachi music under the stars.

🕔 Starts 5 PM | 📍 Craig Regional Park, Irvine

Event Info

🤠 Western Movie Night (July 17)

Pull out your best cowboy boots and hats for Western Movie Night at The Swanner House.

🕔 Starts 6 PM | 📍 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

Event Info

📽️ OC Movies in the Park: Beetlejuice (July 18)

Watch Beetlejuice (2024) at sunset—perfect for families.

🕕 Starts 6 PM | 📍 Yorba Regional Park

Event Info

🎡 OC Fair: “Find Your Happy” (July 18–Aug 17)

Carnival rides, exhibits, games, and classic fair food.

🕚 11 AM–Midnight (Fri & Sat) | 📍 OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

🎟️ $13–$15 (Tickets)

🌊 San Clemente Ocean Festival (July 19–20)

Dory boat races, surfing contests, beach runs, sand sculpting, and free concerts at the pier.

🕗 All Day | 📍 San Clemente Pier

Event Info

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Before becoming one of Orange County’s most upscale coastal communities, Corona del Mar, Spanish for “Crown of the Sea”, was a quiet seaside area first recorded on maps in the late 1800s. By the 1920s, developers began marketing it as a Mediterranean-inspired getaway, and its scenic cliffs and beaches quickly drew attention as a prime destination for coastal living.

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, July 18:

1. Aliso Viejo Country Club (Aliso Viejo) – Andrew Corradini, 5:00 pm

2. Casa Romantica (San Clemente) – Corey Angeli, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

3. Doho Cafe (Dana Point) – American Standard, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

4. Mugs Away Saloon (Laguna Niguel) – Matt Janke and Friends, 8:00 pm

5. Oso Creek Golf Course (Mission Viejo) – The Evening Beat, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

6. Tavern At The Mission (San Juan Capistrano) – Mike Hamilton, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

7. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Tijuana Dogs, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

8. The Camp - Poodles and Cowboys (Costa Mesa) – Live Music, 7:00 pm - close

9. Steelcraft Garden Grove (Garden Grove) – Code 4, Time TBA

10. Streamliner Lounge and Cafe (Orange) – The Jazz Guitar Project, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

11. Villa Haven (Tustin) – Doc Drew and the Crew, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

12. OC Fair - The Hangar (Costa Mesa) – 24K Magic, 8:15 pm

🌦️ 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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