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

A tapas dinner gives everyone at the table a say, and VACA has plenty to pass around. Chef Amar Santana’s Spanish restaurant near Segerstrom Center pairs small plates with a steak menu. Start with pan con tomate, add charred leeks with romesco and patatas bravas, then leave room for the Basque cheesecake.

Where: 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 170, Costa Mesa | Phone: (714) 463-6060

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Browse the juried exhibition’s mix of local art during its final week. This week’s viewing hours are 1–7 PM Monday through Friday and 11 AM–3 PM Saturday. Times vary | Norma Hertzog Community Center, 1845 Park Avenue | Event Info

Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Christie Sweeney shares nature-photography fundamentals for beginners. The talk is free; register ahead. 2–3 PM | Susi Q, 380 Third Street | Event Info

Downtown’s Tuesday street fair brings a farmers market, handmade goods, food vendors, and live music to Main Street. Make a few stops for dinner and a stroll near the pier. 4:30–8:30 PM | Main Street, between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Avenue | Event Info

Belle, the Beast, and “Be Our Guest” arrive with the touring musical’s opening performance. The show is recommended for ages 6 and up, and every guest needs a ticket. 7:30 PM | Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive | Event Info

Welcome fall with a guided walk of a little over two miles through Weir Canyon. Expect moderate elevation changes; this free hike is for ages 10 and up, with registration required. 3–5 PM | Weir Canyon Trailhead, 7091 Avenida de Santiago | Event Info

Bring a sketchbook and art supplies for a short walk and a morning of nature journaling. The program is free for ages 10 and up, parking is $3, and walk-ins are welcome. 8–10 AM | Clark Regional Park amphitheater, 8800 Rosecrans Avenue | Event Info

Carnival rides, food, and live entertainment fill the Civic Center, with a drone show Friday and a Moon Lantern Festival Saturday. Admission is free; rides cost extra. Times vary | Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Boulevard | Event Info

Celebrate the harvest moon with music and dance, culinary demonstrations, mahjong, crafts, and a night market. Admission and parking are free, with food vendors on site. 5–9:30 PM | Great Park, Palm Court Arts Complex | Event Info

Sample local restaurants, explore blacklight art, and try glowing lawn games during this evening food festival. Admission and the Garden Amp concert are free; tasting tickets are sold separately. 5:30–9 PM | Village Green Park, 12732 Main Street | Event Info

Come for Greek food and pastries, then stay for live music and dancing. General admission is $3, with children under 12 admitted free. Saturday 11 AM–10 PM; Sunday 11 AM–9 PM | San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion | Event Info

Cypress celebrates its 70th birthday with a classic car show, chili and salsa competitions, vendors, and a free kids’ area. Festival admission is free. Noon–7 PM | Oak Knoll Park, Cypress | Event Info

Neurodivergent teens ages 15 and up, adults, and their caregivers can join DJ Noah for a free dance social with refreshments. Preregister by September 23; safari attire is optional. 4–6 PM | Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way | Event Info

Watch sand sculptures take shape or enter a team in this year’s “Surf, Sand & Sun” contest. Team registration is $35, and the beach gathering includes music, food, and kids’ activities. 10 AM–4:30 PM | Corona del Mar State Beach, 3100 Ocean Boulevard | Event Info

Laguna Beach is celebrating the opening of the Promenade on Forest on Friday, September 25, from 6–9:30 PM. The evening begins with a ribbon cutting, followed by live music from local band 133. Restaurants and shops will offer opening-night specials along the promenade. Make an evening of downtown and check individual businesses for their offers.

Families using OC Bus should check their child’s pass before the Youth Ride Free transition deadline: existing free rides expire September 30. Riders ages 6–18 need an approved Youth Ride Free application through a Wave account, including proof of age, to keep riding free. Approval links the youth benefit to the account’s Wave card. Start the application now so an unfinished approval does not leave you paying regular fare.

Irvine’s Bobapalooza passport program runs through October 17 at 11 participating boba shops. Make a purchase at each stop to collect its stamp; six stamps earn a tote, while all 11 qualify for a tote, hat, and grand-prize entry. Rewards are available while supplies last, and the hotel-stay grand prize must be claimed by someone 18 or older. Check the city’s shop list and redemption instructions before planning your route.

Cypress incorporated as Dairy City on July 24, 1956. Residents voted for the Cypress name in 1957, and this weekend’s community festival marks the city’s 70th anniversary.

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