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

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.

Where: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar | Phone: (949) 640-1415

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Kick off the holiday weekend with food trucks, live music, handmade goods, and a wide range of Southern California flavors. Admission is free, and the night market is open to families and furry friends. 5–9 PM | Golden West College, 15744 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Explore galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, salons, comic stores, and creative spaces as downtown Fullerton becomes a walkable evening celebration of local art. 5–10 PM; hours vary by venue | Downtown Fullerton | Event Info

Start the holiday weekend with live music, family activities, food, and a fireworks finale at this free community celebration. Friday, July 3, 5–11 PM; gates open at 4 PM and fireworks begin around 9:30 PM | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration featuring a pancake breakfast, kiddie and dog parades, a classic car show, games, swimming, live entertainment, and a community marketplace. 7 AM–3 PM | City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Boulevard, Brea | Event Info

Anaheim’s all-day celebration begins with a Firecracker 5K and 10K before continuing with the Yankee Doodle Dog Show, a patriotic parade, food, entertainment, and evening fireworks. Race at 7 AM, dog show at 9 AM, parade at 1 PM, park festivities at 3 PM, and fireworks at 9 PM | Canyon High School and Peralta Canyon Park, Anaheim | Event Info

One of OC’s largest Independence Day celebrations returns with the Surf City 5K, the 122nd annual parade, a beachside festival, live entertainment, and fireworks over the ocean. Parade at 10 AM, block party from 3–8 PM, and fireworks at 9 PM | Downtown Huntington Beach, Main Street, Pier Plaza, and Huntington Beach Pier | Event Info

Spend the holiday along the waterfront with water activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and a fireworks show over the Back Bay. Admission is free, although parking and certain activities require payment. 8 AM–10 PM; fireworks at 9 PM | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach | Event Info

One of South Orange County’s largest free celebrations features live entertainment, rides, games, food trucks, and more than 50 craft and vendor booths before the evening fireworks show. Noon–9 PM; fireworks at 9 PM | Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda Road, Mission Viejo | Event Info

Laguna Niguel’s full-day celebration includes a 5K, pancake breakfast, free swimming, a patriotic flyover, live music, and a 400-drone show synchronized to patriotic music. Morning activities begin at 7:30 AM, evening entertainment begins at 5:30 PM, and the drone show starts at 9 PM | Evening celebration at Crown Valley Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel | Event Info

Look to the sky for a World War II-era aircraft flyover, followed later that evening by a synchronized patriotic fireworks display launched from a barge off Doheny State Beach. Flyover from 5:50–5:55 PM and fireworks from 9–9:30 PM | Doheny State Beach, Dana Point Harbor, and surrounding public viewing areas | Event Info

Downtown Santa Ana comes alive with music, DJs, dancing, artisan vendors, pop-ups, and interactive art experiences spread throughout the district. 5–10 PM | Downtown Santa Ana | Event Info

Keep the weekend going with Polynesian music and dance, island cuisine, shaved ice, local vendors, and free entertainment. The event is also pet-friendly. Sunday, July 5, 10 AM–4 PM | 16160 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Looking for even more options? Explore family-friendly celebrations, fireworks shows, parades, festivals, and adult events happening throughout Orange County. July 4 | Across Orange County | Full Guide

The World Cup is still underway, and Orange County has plenty of places to experience the remaining matches with other fans. Options include outdoor screenings at Great Park Live, indoor viewing at the Anaheim Packing District, giant screens and international food at Old World Huntington Beach, restaurant watch parties in Buena Park, and a major public celebration planned for the Final at ARTIC. Admission, reservation requirements, and food and drink options vary by venue, so check our complete guide before heading out. See Where to Watch the World Cup in Orange County.

The Orange County Bird of Prey Center is raising funds for a new 60-by-40-foot circular flight enclosure that would allow injured golden eagles, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, osprey, and turkey vultures to rebuild their strength on-site. Its current 50-foot cage is too small for larger birds, forcing the center to send some elsewhere for the final stages of rehabilitation. The project is expected to cost $300,000, with approximately $80,000 still needed before construction can begin.

A beachfront residence in Laguna Beach’s guard-gated Emerald Bay community has sold for $110 million, setting a new residential sales record for Orange County. The all-cash, off-market transaction is the county’s first home sale to cross the nine-figure mark, surpassing the previous record by $40 million. The approximately 10,000-square-foot residence was built into a coastal hillside and features expansive glass walls, multiple levels, stepped balconies, and direct beachfront access.

Huntington Beach is holding its 122nd annual Fourth of July Parade this year. The long-running Surf City tradition has become a centerpiece of the county’s Independence Day celebrations, drawing generations of locals downtown for patriotic floats, performances, and festivities.

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