Good morning, Orange County. You're reading Thrive OC, your weekly shortcut to discovering the coolest local happenings, hidden gems, and can't-miss events—without the fluff. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• A steakhouse so authentic, ties aren't allowed

• An epic OC experience you can’t miss

• Laguna Beach cliffside rescue—what you need to know

• Newport Beach unveils its first universally accessible playground

• San Onofre surf spot secured for another 25 years

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse

Nestled at the base of the mountains in Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse is OC's ultimate no-frills steakhouse experience. With mesquite-fired steaks grilled to perfection amid rustic, Western-themed décor, it’s a genuine taste of cowboy country. And the house rule? Absolutely no ties allowed.

📍 Location: 20782 Trabuco Oaks Dr, Trabuco Canyon, CA

📞 Reservations: (949) 586-0722

🕒 Open: Friday & Saturday 4–9:30 PM, Sunday 4–9 PM

🎪 Featured Event: Cirque du Soleil Returns to OC this Summer!

Cirque du Soleil ECHO – Under the Big Top, At Laguna Hills Mall – Laguna Hills, CA – May 21-June 29

A spectacular performance combining poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and technology explores the delicate balance between people, animals, and the world we all share.

Special Offer for Thrive OC Staff and Subscribers: Use this link to save up to 20% off select seats/dates. Groups of 10+, save 25% and reduced handling fees, contact Sarah.Hudson@cirquedusoleil.com for details.

Hurry, tickets are selling fast! Don't miss your chance to experience the awe-inspiring acrobatics, dazzling sets, and unforgettable storytelling of the world's most famous circus troupe.

🏄 Local News You Should Know

🛟 Laguna Beach Cliff Rescue: A Close Call

A 38-year-old man survived a harrowing 20-foot fall off a Laguna Beach cliff Saturday, thanks to swift action by local lifeguards and firefighters. Orange County Fire Authority’s Firehawk helicopter executed a dramatic hoist rescue. Authorities remind everyone that OC’s rocky coastline can be slippery and unstable. Always check with a lifeguard before exploring cliffs or rocky areas.

🛝 Newport Beach Opens First Universally Accessible Playground

Thanks to a local girl’s thoughtful request, Newport Beach has unveiled its first universally accessible playground at San Miguel Park. The playground now includes over 20 inclusive play features, ADA-compliant pathways, and accessible parking. Mayor Joe Stapleton praised the community collaboration behind the $900,000 project, affirming the city’s commitment to inclusivity.

📍 Visit: San Miguel Park, 2200 San Miguel Drive, Newport Beach

🌊 San Onofre Beach Lease Renewed for 25 Years

Good news, surfers: California State Parks and federal agencies have secured another 25 years for San Onofre State Beach and San Mateo Campground. Nearly 2.5 million visitors per year can continue enjoying the iconic surf breaks and beautiful beach landscapes. The renewal supports California’s "Outdoors for All" initiative, ensuring that San Onofre stays open and accessible through 2049.

📅 Other Upcoming Events 🎉

Newport Beach Boat Show (May 1–4)

Kick off your summer dreams at Newport Harbor with luxury yachts, sleek boats, and all things nautical. Details here.

📍 3434 Via Oporto, Newport Beach

OC Greek Festival (May 16–18)

Savor authentic Greek cuisine—from juicy souvlaki to irresistible baklava—in Anaheim’s annual celebration of Greek culture. Opa!

📍 405 North Dale Ave, Anaheim

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival (Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–26)

Free entry, carnival rides, live music, and all the strawberry-inspired treats you could want—Garden Grove’s sweetest weekend is back.

📍 Village Green Park, 12732 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840

San Clemente Ocean Festival (July 19–20)

Surf lovers unite! Catch lifeguards, athletes, and ocean enthusiasts from around the globe in the 47th annual event, dubbed "The Greatest Show on Surf."

📍 San Clemente Pier and Beach

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Did you know? Trabuco Canyon, home to our restaurant of the week, was named after a lost Spanish musket ("trabuco" in Spanish) discovered by early explorers. A fitting spot for OC’s iconic Western steakhouse.

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—Sam! 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, May 2:

• Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Hannah Hart, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

• The Cliff Restaurant (Laguna Beach) – Bobby Gray Band, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins Tribute), 9:00 PM

• Pub Thirty-Two (Mission Viejo) – Identity Crisis, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• The Rib Joint (Dana Point) – Rice & Beanz (Jim Rice & Glenn Symmonds), 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

• Trevor's at the Tracks (San Juan Capistrano) – Anesha Rose, 7:00 PM

• Biergarten (Huntington Beach) – Tijuana Dogs & The Ashes (Ticketed Concert), 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Billy Nation – Billy Joel Tribute, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

• La Santa (Santa Ana) – Mentallo & The Fixer, 9:00 PM

• The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Manic Hispanic, 7:00 PM

• Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Country Friday Traveller (Tribute to Chris Stapleton) SOLD OUT, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

• Time Nightclub (Costa Mesa) – AC Slater, 9:30 PM

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

🙌 Rep OC & Support Local

Thrive OC isn’t just your go-to for local events and insider tips—we’ve got a whole marketplace of handpicked products inspired by the OC lifestyle. Think clean beauty, everyday wellness, and exclusive OC-themed merch that brings the beachy, bold, and laid-back SoCal vibe to life. Every purchase helps keep this newsletter thriving, and yep—shipping is always FREE. Treat yourself and support local while you're at it. 🌴

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Your support means the world—thank you for being part of the Thrive OC community! 🙌

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