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
Newport Beach Art Week (August 9–August 15)
The city’s inaugural Art Week opens with a free Pacific Symphony concert and continues with classes, exhibitions, dance, and other performances around town. Times vary | Locations across Newport Beach | Event Info
Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Beach (Now–September 6)
Sawdust’s handcrafted village brings together more than 180 Laguna Beach artists, live entertainment, demonstrations, workshops, and food and drink. Times vary | Sawdust Festival Grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach | Event Info
Tuesday Night Dance: Hip Hop, Costa Mesa (August 11)
Learn foundational grooves and fresh choreography in a free, all-ages outdoor class led by an expert instructor; beginners and experienced dancers are welcome. 6:30 pm–7:30 pm | Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info
The Phantom of the Opera, Costa Mesa (August 12–16)
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s landmark musical returns in a revitalized production, opening a three-week run with eight performances during its first five days. Times vary | Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info
Fullerton Night Market, Fullerton (August 13)
Downtown Plaza fills with produce, prepared food, artisan goods, live entertainment, and family activities at this free weekly gathering. 4:30 pm–8:30 pm | Downtown Fullerton Plaza, 125 E Wilshire Ave, Fullerton | Event Info
OC Parks Summer Concert, Fountain Valley (August 13)
Celebrate the music of Selena with a free outdoor tribute concert by Como La Flor Band; food trucks and beer and wine concessions will be available. Event begins at 5:00 pm; music at 6:00 pm | Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley | Event Info
Bioluminescence Night Cruise, Dana Point (August 13–16)
Sail aboard the R/V Sea Explorer after dark to learn how marine animals produce light and look for glowing activity off the Dana Point coast. Tickets required. 8:30 pm–10:30 pm | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point | Event Info
OC Parks Sunset Cinema, Orange (August 14)
Bring chairs and blankets for a free outdoor screening of Kung Fu Panda 4, with pre-show activities, food trucks, and drinks available before the movie begins after sundown. 6:00 pm; movie at sunset | Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange | Event Info
Sharks After Dark, Dana Point (August 14)
See sharks and rays during special evening hours, explore interactive activities, and stay for a shark feeding; food, drinks, and live music will also be available. 5:30 pm–8:30 pm | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point | Event Info
Symphony in the Cities, Irvine (August 15)
Pack a picnic for a free Pacific Symphony concert of popular classics, pop tunes, and patriotic favorites, with a hands-on Musical Playground for children before the performance. Musical Playground at 5:30 pm; concert at 7:00 pm | Mike Ward Community Park, 20 Lake Rd, Irvine | Event Info
Weekend Night Market, Mission Viejo (August 15)
Spend the evening browsing handmade vendors and food stalls with live music, a beer garden, and free kids’ crafts at this family- and pet-friendly market. Free admission. 5:00 pm–9:00 pm | North Paseo, 25282 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo | Event Info
Sunset Sail, Dana Point (August 15)
Help raise the sails, handle lines, and steer a 118-foot schooner, or settle in for coastal sunset views on this late-afternoon voyage. Ages 4+; tickets are $65. 4:30 pm–7:00 pm | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point | Event Info
OC Fair, Costa Mesa (Now–August 16)
The OC Fair fills its 23-day run with carnival rides, fair food, entertainment, exhibits, animals, games, and concerts. Advance admission is required, and the fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Times vary | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa | Event Info
Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach (Now–September 4)
This year’s production, The Greatest of All Time, turns works by Michelangelo, Vermeer, Monet, Van Gogh, Norman Rockwell, and other major artists into living pictures with narration and a live orchestra. 8:30 PM nightly | Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach | 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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