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

Olea’s seasonal dinner menu gives familiar comfort food a few thoughtful twists, starting with sweet-corn agnolotti in preserved-lemon brown butter. For a main, there’s crispy Jidori chicken schnitzel with maitake mushrooms and herb spaetzle, or Cabernet-braised short rib over fromage blanc grits. Save room for the dark chocolate chunk cookies with peanut butter cup gelato.

Where: 2001 Westcliff Drive, Suite 100, Newport Beach | Phone: (949) 287-6807

OC Japan Fair returns to Costa Mesa October 16–18 with an even bigger celebration of Japanese food, pop culture, entertainment, and tradition 🇯🇵

Get ready to experience Japan right here in Orange County. OC Japan Fair is taking over the OC Fair & Event Center for three days this October, bringing together Japanese food, anime, cosplay, live entertainment, shopping, and traditional cultural experiences all in one place.

This year brings an expanded focus on Japanese anime and pop culture, including a new JAPAN POP CULTURE ZONE featuring popular titles like DAN DA DAN and BLUE LOCK. Visitors can also explore the returning Akihabara-inspired area, catch cosplay and live idol performances, and experience meet-and-greet opportunities throughout the weekend.

Food is a huge part of the festival, with 60+ Japanese dishes and festival favorites including takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori, ramen, okonomiyaki, tonkatsu sandwiches, taiyaki, shaved ice, and more.

There will also be a live Tuna Cutting Show on Saturday and Sunday, followed by fresh tuna sushi.

Beyond the food and pop culture, visitors can experience traditional Japan through Taiko drumming, Koto music, Bon Odori, calligraphy, Japanese tea ceremony, flower arranging, kimono, traditional dance, and the Oiran Dochu procession.

📅 October 16–18, 2026

📍 OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

Get your tickets ahead of time for OC Japan Fair. Admission is free for children 6 and under and adults 65+.

GET TICKETS & SEE EVENT DETAILS →

Explore horchata’s history with a cooking demonstration and tasting. This free program is intended for adult literacy learners and their families. 3:30–4:30 PM | Seal Beach–Mary Wilson Library, 707 Electric Avenue | Event Info

Trade the treadmill for a guided, brisk hike with 3-, 6-, and 8-mile options and views toward the Santa Ana Mountains. Ages 16+; advance registration is required, with directions supplied after registration. 7:30–10:30 AM | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, Hicks Haul Road–Jeffrey staging area | Event Info

Teens ages 12–18 can meet therapy dogs, try spooky trivia, and watch illustrator LeUyen Pham draw during a 6 PM talk. Activities are free, with no registration required; arrive early. 3:30–6:45 PM | Aliso Viejo Library, 1 Journey | Event Info

Rides, games, and food trucks fill four days, with live bands and a beer garden on the weekend. Admission is free and rides cost extra; Thursday includes a sensory-friendly hour from 4–5 PM. Times vary | Vista Hermosa Sport Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa | Event Info

Learn the steps with instructor Marie Kelly, then spend the evening dancing in the barn and under the stars. The first hour includes lessons for all levels; ages 16+ only, with tickets purchased online. Earlier that day, the farm’s farmers market runs 9 AM–1 PM with produce, breads, and artisan foods. Dancing 7–10 PM | Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano | Event Info

Head into the canyon for live folk and country music, handmade goods, food, and old-fashioned contests. Saturday’s UnParade begins at 9 AM; admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with kids under 3 free. Times vary | Silverado Community Center, 27641 Silverado Canyon Road | Event Info

Placentia’s annual community celebration marks the city’s centennial with this year’s “Stars, Stripes, and Stories” theme. Gather at Tri-City Park for a day celebrating the city’s history. 10 AM–3 PM | Tri-City Park, 2301 N. Kraemer Boulevard | Event Info

Celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary with international food, music and dance performances, cultural exhibits, and a marketplace of handmade goods. Kids can try crafts and activities in the Kids Village, and free parking is available. 10 AM–6 PM | Great Park, 8000 Great Park Boulevard | Event Info

Spend part of Saturday browsing vintage finds, boutiques, and small-business stalls along Center Street Promenade. 11 AM–4 PM | Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim | Event Info

Meet adoptable dogs, cats, bunnies, and reptiles from more than a dozen rescue groups, with crafts and wildlife activities for kids. Food is available for purchase; leave your own pets at home. 11 AM–2 PM | Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, 28095 Hillcrest | Event Info

Head to the Town Green for crafts, backyard games, face painting, and Polly’s apple pie eating contests. A magic show takes over the gazebo from 5–6 PM, and food is available for purchase. 4–6 PM | Laguna Hills Community Center Town Green, 25555 Alicia Parkway | Event Info

No Square’s musical revue turns Laguna’s local headlines, familiar characters, and town quirks into songs and sketches. Saturday tickets are listed at $37–$47 including fees, with very limited seats remaining. 7:30 PM | No Square Theatre, 384 Legion Street | Event Info

Bring a blanket or low chair for a waterfront afternoon of ’90s alternative and rock covers. Admission and parking are free and first come, first served; pack a picnic and leave alcohol at home. 4–5:30 PM | Marina Park Community Center, 1600 W. Balboa Boulevard | Event Info

The Orange County Department of Education and Orange County Business Council have introduced a podcast and video series in English and Spanish to help families navigate school decisions. The 10-episode series covers subjects including college preparation, financial aid, grading, and honors courses. The introduction and first episode are available on Spotify and YouTube, with the next episode scheduled for October 13.

OCTA’s board declared an emergency along San Clemente’s coastal rail line on September 28, allowing the agency to secure contractors, materials, and dredging equipment more quickly. The proposal includes shoreline protection and about 690,000 cubic yards of sand to help shield the tracks from erosion and storms. Environmental review and permits are still required, so the declaration advances preparations rather than confirming a construction start.

OC Parks has announced this year’s Fall-O-Ween dates at Heritage Hill: October 16–18 and 23–25, from 4:30–8:30 PM. The Lake Forest park will have seasonal displays, photo spots, a straw maze, and a scavenger hunt, with free admission and parking. Costumes are welcome, and refreshments will be available for purchase, making this an easy one to put on the family calendar.

Silverado’s canyon was once known as Cañada de la Madera, or Timber Canyon. During its 19th-century silver-mining boom, stagecoaches served the community daily from Los Angeles and Santa Ana.

Think you know OC? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

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