Things to Do in Orange County This Week
Looking for the best things to do in Orange County this week? You’re in the right place. Each week, Thrive OC rounds up some of the best local events, activities, pop-ups, festivals, food experiences, family-friendly happenings, and unique things to do across Orange County.
Whether you’re planning a date night, a weekend outing with friends, a family day, or just looking for something new to do nearby, this weekly Orange County events guide is designed to help you find the most worthwhile happenings without digging through dozens of sites.
From beachside experiences and food festivals to community markets, live entertainment, seasonal happenings, and hidden gems, we curate the events that stand out so you can make the most of your week in OC.
Best Things to Do in Orange County This Week
Tuesday Night Dance, Costa Mesa (July 14)
Learn Bollywood-style dance during a free outdoor class led by local instructors on Argyros Plaza. The class is open to all ages and skill levels, with no previous dance experience required. 6:30 PM | Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa | Event Info
Tustin Sunset Market (July 16)
Old Town Tustin fills with farmers market vendors, local makers, live music, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. It’s a relaxed summer evening for shopping, eating, and exploring the neighborhood. 5-8:30 PM | El Camino Real between Second and Main streets, Old Town Tustin | Event Info
OC Summer Concert Series, Irvine (July 16)
OC Parks’ free Summer Concert Series continues with Queen Nation, a tribute celebrating the music and stage presence of Queen. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and parking is free. Event opens at 5 PM; music begins at 6 PM | Irvine Regional Park | Event Info
3rd Thursdays, Corona del Mar (July 16)
Corona del Mar Village comes alive with music, food specials, pop-ups, family activities, giveaways, shopping, and performances throughout the neighborhood. July’s lineup includes live bands, a mobile tidepool, pet adoptions, carnival games, a fire station open house, and plenty of local food and drink offers. 5-8 PM | Corona del Mar Village along Pacific Coast Highway | Event Info
OC Fair, Costa Mesa (July 17-August 16)
The OC Fair returns with more than 50 rides, carnival games, concerts, animals, agricultural exhibits, racing pigs, arts and crafts, shopping, and nearly every form of fair food imaginable. Advance admission is required because daily attendance is limited, and popular dates are expected to sell out. July 17-August 16; Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11 AM-11 PM; Friday and Saturday from 11 AM-midnight | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa | Event Info
Country Music & Film Fair, San Juan Capistrano (July 17)
The Swanner House hosts an evening of live country music, barbecue, craft beer, classic cars, line dancing, local vendors, and a Western film. Families can also enjoy a petting zoo and pie-eating contest. 4:30 PM | The Swanner House, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info
Movies on the Lawn, Irvine (July 17)
Bring a blanket or low-back chair for an outdoor showing of A Minecraft Movie. Food trucks arrive before the movie, giving families time to grab dinner and settle in before the film starts after sunset. Food trucks at 6:30 PM, movie after sunset | Hicks Canyon Community Park, Irvine | Event Info
San Clemente Ocean Festival (July 18-19)
The “Greatest Show on Surf” returns for two full days of surfing, lifeguard competitions, ocean races, live music, art, classic vehicles, sand sculptures, and family activities. Weekend highlights include Woodies and vintage VW buses on the pier, the Mermaid Parade, a beach 5K, jet ski demonstrations, and the Great Rubber Duck Race. Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19; activities begin at 6:30 AM | San Clemente Pier and surrounding beach areas | Event Info
Star Spangled Country Night Market, Mission Viejo (July 18)
Pull on your boots for an evening of country music, line dancing, local shopping, food vendors, a beer garden, games, and a kids play area. Admission is free. 5-9 PM | 25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo | Event Info
The Bloom Pop-Up Market, Lake Forest (July 18)
Browse handmade jewelry, candles, woodwork, home décor, and other one-of-a-kind creations from local artists and makers. Stay afterward for a free summer concert from OC favorite Tijuana Dogs. Market from 4-8 PM, concert from 6-8:30 PM | Lake Forest Sports Park, 28000 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest | Event Info
Santa Ana World Cup Night Market (July 18)
Downtown Santa Ana celebrates soccer with vintage clothing, collectibles, sneakers, jewelry, art, food vendors, music, and World Cup-themed giveaways. Wear your favorite soccer jersey to receive free raffle tickets, with 20 soccer jerseys among the prizes. 2-9 PM | 206 E. Fourth Street, Santa Ana | Event Info
Monsters and Minis, Anaheim (July 19)
Motorcycle fans of all ages are invited to bring their bikes, mini motos, and families for a community event featuring rides, raffles, music, and food. Organizers ask attendees to keep things family-friendly and avoid burnouts or reckless riding. 10 AM-2 PM | Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim | Event Info
Want Even More Orange County Events, Picks, and Local Finds?
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How We Curate Our Weekly OC Event Picks
At Thrive OC, we focus on highlighting events and experiences that people actually want to know about, not just filling a page with everything happening in the county. Our goal is to make it easier to discover what is worth your time this week in Orange County.
That means you’ll typically find a mix of:
seasonal events
food and drink experiences
community festivals
markets and fairs
family-friendly activities
nightlife and entertainment
unique local happenings
cultural events
outdoor experiences
special pop-ups and limited-time events
Some events may be featured as part of paid partnerships, while others are included because they are timely, interesting, or a great fit for our audience. We aim to keep Thrive OC useful, local, and genuinely worth checking before you make plans.
Explore More Orange County Guides
Looking for more local ideas beyond this week’s events? Explore more Orange County recommendations, guides, and curated local finds from Thrive OC.
Why People Use Thrive OC
Thrive OC is built for people who want to discover the best of Orange County in a more curated, modern, and useful way. We cover local events, food, experiences, businesses, and lifestyle picks across the county with a focus on quality, relevance, and what is actually worth knowing.
If you’re always searching for things to do in Orange County this week, local events near you, Orange County weekend plans, or new places to try in OC, this page is for you.
Check Back Each Week
We update this page regularly with fresh Orange County events and local happenings, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often for new things to do throughout the week.
And if you want the full inside track on what’s happening around OC, make sure to read this week’s Thrive OC newsletter and subscribe for future updates.
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