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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your insider guide to the best places to eat, events to catch, and local news that matters. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Halloween Across OC

• Haunted Trails, Movie Nights, and Día de los Muertos

• Wood-Fired Local Regenerative Eats

• OC Streetcar Testing Underway

• FDA Cinnamon Recall

• Mosquito Health Advisory

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Finca (San Juan Capistrano)

A warm, wood-fired escape by Chef David Pratt, FINCA blends early California flavor with modern Mexican inspiration. The menu shifts daily between “Farmer” harvest plates and “Rancher” house-aged burgers, all sourced from local regenerative farms like The Ecology Center. Sip a mezcal cocktail on the patio and stay awhile.

Where: 31888 Paseo Adelanto #120, San Juan Capistrano | Phone: (949) 388-8899

📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Haunted OC Ghost Tours (Now–Oct 31)

Explore Old Towne Orange, Fullerton, San Juan Capistrano, and more on SoCal’s original ghost tour. Multiple dates & times | Multiple locations | Event Info

Halloween Outdoor Movie Night (Oct 28)

Poolside screening at Pendry Newport Beach with themed cocktails and trick-or-treating for kids. 6 PM | 690 Newport Center Dr. | Event Info

Nightmare on the Dock at Woody’s Wharf (Oct 30–Nov 1)

Three nights of DJs, eerie cocktails, and waterfront chaos on the Balboa Peninsula. 9 PM | 2318 Newport Blvd | Event Info

Topside Spooky Soirée (Oct 31)

Rooftop Halloween party with live DJ, costume contest, and coastal views. Until midnight | Topside Roof Deck, Newport Beach | Event Info

Trick-or-Treating at Pendry (Oct 31)

Family-friendly stops for sweets throughout the hotel grounds. 5–7 PM | Pendry Newport Beach | Event Info

Spooky Streets of Laguna Niguel (Oct 31)

Take a drive through Laguna Niguel’s most festive neighborhoods and enjoy some of the spookiest Halloween displays in OC. Oct 31 | Throughout Laguna Niguel | Event Info

Halloween Time at Museum of Make Believe (Oct 31)

Laguna Beach’s storybook museum hosts potion-making, art crafts, and fortune readings. All day | Museum of Make Believe, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Pumpkin City Pumpkin Patch, Laguna Hills (Now–Oct 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

Knott’s Scary Farm, Buena Park (Now–Nov 1)

Southern California’s longest-running Halloween haunt with mazes, shows, and more than 1,000 monsters. Select nights 7 PM–1 AM | Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park | Ticketed | Event Info

HB Downtown Spooktacular (Oct 31)

Trick-or-treating, parade, and costume contest. 4–7 PM | Main Street, Huntington Beach | Event Info

San Clemente Día de los Muertos (Nov 1)

Community altars, art contests, and folklórico dance at Max Berg Plaza Park. 2 PM | 1100 Calle Puente | Event Info

Dana Point Día de los Muertos (Nov 1)

A vibrant celebration for all ages with live mariachi, crafts, and ofrendas. 3–8 PM | La Plaza Park | Event Info

Coast Film & Music Festival (Laguna Beach, Nov 1–9)

Nine days of outdoor adventure films, concerts, and art across Laguna Beach. Multiple days and times | Multiple Locations | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

OC Streetcar Testing Begins

It’s official, OC’s first modern streetcar is on the tracks! The four-mile line will connect Santa Ana and Garden Grove when service launches in 2026, linking riders to Metrolink and local buses. Quiet, electric, and coming soon.

Cinnamon Recall Alert

The FDA has recalled several imported ground cinnamon brands for elevated lead levels. Check your spice rack and toss any off-brand or recalled products.

Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile in OC

OC Vector Control confirmed mosquito samples in Fullerton, Buena Park, Anaheim, San Clemente, and Newport Beach tested positive for West Nile virus. Officials recommend using repellent at dusk and draining standing water to help reduce mosquito activity.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Before freeways and theme parks, San Juan Capistrano was one of Orange County’s earliest farming communities. The fertile land surrounding the Mission sustained crops and livestock for centuries—proof that good soil and good food never go out of style.

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

🎉 VIP Shoutouts!

A big welcome to our newest Thrive OC VIPs—John S.! Thanks for being part of the community—we’ve got some exclusive perks coming your way! 🚀✨

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, October 31:

1. Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Boo Stubbs, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

2. Daily’s Sports Grill (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Halloween Party w/ Typical Gypsys, 8:00 pm

3. Los Molinos Beer Co. (San Clemente) – Boogie Nights + Frights, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

4. Mozambique (Laguna Beach) – Black Light Halloween Party ft. Slapbak & DJ Bobbito the Chef, 9:00 pm

5. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo Tribute), 9:00 pm

6. The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Rain Bisou Band, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

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

8. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Metal Macabre Masquerade (Slayer, Metallica, Iron Maiden Tributes), 5:00 pm

9. House of Blues Anaheim (Music Hall) – Bop to the Top Presents: Monstober (18+), 8:30 pm

10. Muldoon’s Irish Pub (Newport Beach) – Halloween Bash w/ Hall Pass Band, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

11. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Halloween Party ft. DW3: Tribute to the Legends of Music, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

12. The Harp Inn (Costa Mesa) – Satisfaction (Rolling Stones Tribute), 8:30 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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