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

Set inside a historic 1934 home, Selanne Steak Tavern brings the polish of a classic American steakhouse to five distinct dining spaces, from the intimate Wine Library to the open-air Sunset Terrace. The menu centers on well-marbled steaks, seafood, seasonal accompaniments, California wines, and produce-driven cocktails. Dinner begins at 5:00 pm daily, and reservations are a smart move.

Where: 1464 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach | Phone: (949) 715-9881

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The city’s inaugural Art Week opens with a free Pacific Symphony concert and continues with classes, exhibitions, dance, and other performances around town. Times vary | Locations across Newport Beach | Event Info

Sawdust’s handcrafted village brings together more than 180 Laguna Beach artists, live entertainment, demonstrations, workshops, and food and drink. Times vary | Sawdust Festival Grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Learn foundational grooves and fresh choreography in a free, all-ages outdoor class led by an expert instructor; beginners and experienced dancers are welcome. 6:30 pm–7:30 pm | Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s landmark musical returns in a revitalized production, opening a three-week run with eight performances during its first five days. Times vary | Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Downtown Plaza fills with produce, prepared food, artisan goods, live entertainment, and family activities at this free weekly gathering. 4:30 pm–8:30 pm | Downtown Fullerton Plaza, 125 E Wilshire Ave, Fullerton | Event Info

Celebrate the music of Selena with a free outdoor tribute concert by Como La Flor Band; food trucks and beer and wine concessions will be available. Event begins at 5:00 pm; music at 6:00 pm | Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley | Event Info

Sail aboard the R/V Sea Explorer after dark to learn how marine animals produce light and look for glowing activity off the Dana Point coast. Tickets required. 8:30 pm–10:30 pm | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point | Event Info

Bring chairs and blankets for a free outdoor screening of Kung Fu Panda 4, with pre-show activities, food trucks, and drinks available before the movie begins after sundown. 6:00 pm; movie at sunset | Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange | Event Info

See sharks and rays during special evening hours, explore interactive activities, and stay for a shark feeding; food, drinks, and live music will also be available. 5:30 pm–8:30 pm | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point | Event Info

Pack a picnic for a free Pacific Symphony concert of popular classics, pop tunes, and patriotic favorites, with a hands-on Musical Playground for children before the performance. Musical Playground at 5:30 pm; concert at 7:00 pm | Mike Ward Community Park, 20 Lake Rd, Irvine | Event Info

Spend the evening browsing handmade vendors and food stalls with live music, a beer garden, and free kids’ crafts at this family- and pet-friendly market. Free admission. 5:00 pm–9:00 pm | North Paseo, 25282 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo | Event Info

Help raise the sails, handle lines, and steer a 118-foot schooner, or settle in for coastal sunset views on this late-afternoon voyage. Ages 4+; tickets are $65. 4:30 pm–7:00 pm | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point | Event Info

The Perseid meteor shower reaches its 2026 peak overnight August 12–13, and this year’s new moon creates unusually dark viewing conditions. The American Meteor Society says rural observers typically see 30–50 Perseids per hour near maximum, although actual counts depend on darkness and weather. Head away from city lights after midnight, give your eyes time to adjust, and look across the whole sky without a telescope.

OCTA’s new service plan takes effect August 9 with revised alignments on Routes 30, 57, 64, and 86. Timetable adjustments on 21 routes are also intended to improve school, Metrolink, and on-time connections. Check our route-by-route guide before your next trip, then confirm your stop and schedule in OCTA’s August bus book.

The team behind Truly Pizza has opened a new gelato concept in Dana Point. The shop launched with nine flavors, giving the Lantern District a fresh dessert stop from a familiar local restaurant group. See the opening details in the Orange County Register’s report before making a scoop run.

Laguna Beach’s first Festival of the Arts was held on El Paseo Street on August 13, 1932, after artist John Hinchman organized the event.

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