- Thrive OC
- Posts
- Inside OC’s Most Exclusive Club, Food Festivals, and Westminster’s Major Makeover
Inside OC’s Most Exclusive Club, Food Festivals, and Westminster’s Major Makeover
PLUS: Brunch Perfection in Dana Point, a Taste of Laguna’s History, and Affordable Housing Gets the Green Light
Good morning, Orange County. You're tuned into Thrive OC, your local source for everything noteworthy in our slice of SoCal paradise. Whether you're chasing tacos, dreaming of Disneyland exclusives, or just enjoying spring in your flip-flops, we've got you covered. Here’s what you need to know this week:
Disneyland’s Secret Club
Food festivals and must-see events around OC
Dana Point brings Euro vibes
Westminster Mall gets a major revamp
Costa Mesa greenlights affordable senior housing
Let’s dive in.
— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Maison Cafe + Market

If you're craving brunch with a European flair, Maison Cafe + Market in Dana Point delivers big. Think breezy coastal vibes, seasonal dishes, and a handpicked selection of wines. Stop by their charming market for gourmet goodies to go.
📍 24501 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA

🏄 Local News You Should Know
🏰 Ever Heard of Disneyland’s Club 33?
Disneyland just shared new details online about its most exclusive club—Club 33. Hidden discreetly in New Orleans Square, this secret society, established by Walt Disney himself in 1967, boasts members like Tom Hanks and Elton John. Membership? It'll set you back about $50K up front and another $15K+ a year. Even then, the waiting list could stretch years. But if exclusivity and Disney magic sound like your thing, you can officially express interest via their website. Just remember: no cargo shorts or flip-flops allowed.
🏗️ Westminster Mall’s Ambitious Revamp
Big things are in store for the once-thriving Westminster Mall. Plans submitted by developers Shopoff Realty and True Life Companies promise a bustling mixed-use space featuring townhomes, apartments, parks, and even an amphitheater. Dubbed “Bolsa Pacific,” Shopoff’s proposal alone includes over 1,000 residential units, a dog park, pickleball courts, and possibly a new hotel. Though still in planning, expect to see the transformation begin around 2025.
🏠 Costa Mesa Gives the Green Light for Senior Housing
Costa Mesa’s City Council unanimously approved a much-needed 70-unit affordable senior housing complex near the Senior Center at 19th and Pomona. The development—slated to open in 2027—will feature amenities like a fitness room, computer lab, pet spa, and dog run, focusing on seniors at risk of homelessness. Mayor John Stephens calls this a critical step forward for the community.
🇯🇵 The 2025 OC Japan Fair Was a Hit
Costa Mesa was buzzing last weekend as thousands flocked to the OC Japan Fair! From mouthwatering street food and lively performances to vibrant cultural exhibits, it was a celebration of Japanese culture right here in OC.
Did you make it out there? If not, don’t worry—this is one to mark on your calendar for next year. You won’t want to miss it again!

📅 Other Upcoming Events 🎉
🍷 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (Mar 6-Apr 23)
Celebrate California’s diverse flavors at Disneyland's foodie paradise—offering specialty dishes, drinks, entertainment, and exclusive merch.
When: March 6–April 23, daily
Where: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim
🥧 Knott’s Boysenberry Festival (March 28 - April 27)
Knott’s Berry Farm’s signature Boysenberry Festival is back, bringing creative boysenberry-inspired dishes, craft beverages, live music, and entertainment to Buena Park. Happening daily from March 28 - April 27.
📍 Knott’s Berry Farm: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
🎪 Cirque du Soleil ECHO (May 21 - June 29)
Prepare to be amazed by Cirque du Soleil’s latest spectacle, "ECHO," showcasing breathtaking acrobatics and technology. Thrive OC subscribers get up to 20% off select tickets—grab yours before they're gone!
📍Laguna Hills Mall: 24901 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
🏃♂️ OC Marathon (May 3rd & 4th)
Join the excitement at the Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival, featuring a Kids Run, 5K, and full marathon. Perfect weather, beautiful views—what’s not to love?
🌮 San Diego Taco & Tequila Festival (April 26)
Enjoy an afternoon sipping margaritas and savoring delicious tacos, all accompanied by a lively lineup of live music! Get your tickets here.
📍 Del Mar Fairgrounds, Saturday, 1pm-9pm.
🎡 OC Fair (July 18 - August 17)
Get ready to find your happy at the OC Fair! Featuring mouthwatering food, thrilling carnival rides, adorable farm animals, and spectacular competitions, there's something fun for everyone.
📍 OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?
Did you know? Laguna Beach has long cherished its natural beauty—including its trees. In the early 1930s, the Laguna Beach Garden Club planted eucalyptus trees along Forest Avenue, many of which still stand today. Though the "Tree City USA" program wasn’t created until 1976, Laguna was already ahead of its time in valuing its urban forest. Today, the city protects notable trees through its official Heritage Tree List.
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—Kelly and Jacob R.! 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, April 18:
Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Felisha, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Mozambique - Ivan'z Room (Laguna Beach) – Santana Tribute by Viva Santana, 9:00 PM
The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Wild Child – Doors Tribute, 9:00 PM
The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Joshua Brown, 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Pub Thirty-Two (Mission Viejo) – Anna Carmela, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Trevor’s at the Tracks (San Juan Capistrano) – Phil Vandermost, 7:00 PM
Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy & Guests, 5:00 PM
La Santa (Santa Ana) – Tributos a CAFE TACVBA, Zoe y Siddhartha, 9:00 PM
Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Tijuana Dogs, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Harp Inn (Costa Mesa) – Party Rock All Stars, 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Nettspend, 7:00 PM
Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Pretzel Logic: A Steely Dan Revue, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

As of Sunday 04-14-2025 | (Source: Google Weather)
🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC
Sunrise | 6:22 am, 78° East |
---|---|
Sunset | 7:20 pm, 282° West |
Total Daylight | 12 hours, 58 minutes |

We Just Dropped Something Big 🎉
The Ultimate OC Guide is finally here! 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! 🙌


📢 Got a Tip? Want to Advertise?
Know a cool event, restaurant, or business that should be featured? Reply to this email.
And if you loved this newsletter, forward it to a friend 👇
Thanks!
Thanks for reading Thrive OC today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who you think could Thrive in OC.
P.S. We value your thoughts, feedback, and questions - feel free to respond directly to this email!
… and if you enjoyed this email, be sure to thank the person who forwarded it to you and subscribe to get your own copy!
What did you think about today's email? |
Keep reading
OC’s Newest Festivals, Scenic Dining, and Our Big Event Reveal
PLUS: Irvine’s Major Grocery Debut, OC Streetcar Sneak Peek, and an Important Shellfish Alert
Plan Ahead - You Don't Want To Miss This Epic OC Experience
PLUS: A $515M Jackpot in Anaheim, Food Festivals Galore, and Superman's Final Flight
OC’s Biggest Events This May (+ One You’ve Never Heard Of)
PLUS: A Comfort Food Favorite, Mountain Lion Sighting, and Big Beach Upgrades in Dana Point