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
Memorial Day Ceremony, Irvine (May 25)
Honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation at Irvine’s Memorial Day Ceremony. The program will include remarks from a Commanding Officer of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion, plus an opportunity for attendees to write messages of appreciation to the battalion. 10 AM | Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine | Event Info
Wine Down Wednesday, Anaheim (May 27)
California Vintage Wine Bistro is offering 30% off all bottles of wine for dine-in guests. It’s an easy midweek excuse to slow down, sip something good, and enjoy a wine-and-food night out in Anaheim. 5 PM to 9 PM | California Vintage Wine Bistro, 1925 S State College Blvd, Anaheim | Event Info
Dana Point Organic Market (May 28)
The Ecology Center, City of Dana Point, and Prado Square are bringing a modern farmers market experience to Amber Lantern Street. Expect ecological producers, makers, live music, a beer garden, artisan vendors, and farm-to-table food from The Ecology Center’s culinary team. 4 PM to 8 PM | Amber Lantern Street between PCH and Del Prado, Dana Point | Event Info
Newport Beach Jazz Festival (May 29–May 31)
The Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival returns to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach for a weekend of live music, food, vendors, and Back Bay views. Since 1996, this festival has been one of Southern California’s beloved jazz traditions, featuring both legendary artists and rising stars. Times vary | Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach | Event Info
626 Night Market OC, Costa Mesa (May 29–May 31)
The original Asian night market is back at the OC Fairgrounds for a weekend of food, culture, games, vendors, music, and late-night energy. Come hungry, bring friends, and plan ahead because tickets are sold online only. Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, 3 PM to 11 PM | OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa | Event Info
Sunset Serenades, Laguna Beach (May 29)
Laguna Beach’s Sunset Serenades are back with free concerts at Heisler Park Amphitheater. Bring a blanket or low beach chair, settle in, and enjoy live music as the sun goes down over the coast. 6:30 PM | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach | Event Info
Line Dancing in the Barn, San Juan Capistrano (May 29)
Farmakis Farms is bringing country line dancing to the barn with music, lessons, and a lively night on the farm. The first hour includes easy-to-follow instruction, making it a fun pick whether you know the steps or are just showing up for the vibes. 7 PM to 10 PM | Farmakis Farms, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info
Spectrum Silent Disco, Irvine (May 30)
Irvine Spectrum Center is turning Saturday night into a choose-your-own-dance-party experience. Pick your DJ channel, throw on the headphones, and dance your way through the evening. 6 PM to 9 PM | Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine | Event Info
SoCal Wienerfest, Huntington Beach (May 30)
A beach day full of dachshunds, races, costumes, contests, vendors, and pure dog-loving chaos is coming to Huntington Beach. All dogs are welcome, and the event is free to attend. 10 AM to 3 PM | 21351 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach | Event Info
Candace Bushnell: True Tales of Sex and the City, Costa Mesa (May 30–May 31)
The creator of Sex and the City brings her one-woman show to South Coast Repertory for one weekend only. The benefit performance includes stories from Bushnell’s life and career, plus pre-show shopping, themed cocktails, photo ops, and select VIP meet-and-greet experiences. Saturday, May 30 at 2 PM and 8 PM; Sunday, May 31 at 2 PM | South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa | Event Info
Kowabunga Van Car Show, Huntington Beach (May 31)
More than 100 vintage Volkswagen buses are expected to roll onto the Huntington Beach Pier for a classic Surf City scene. Walk the pier, admire restored VW buses, and soak up a nostalgic beach-day vibe. 8 AM to 4 PM | Huntington Beach Pier | Event Info
Balboa Island Parade (May 31)
The 31st Annual Balboa Island Parade rolls down Marine Avenue with the theme “Good Vibrations on Balboa Island.” Expect bands, floats, classic cars, horses, surf tunes, and an after-party concert featuring a Beach Boys tribute band. 11 AM to 2 PM | Marine Avenue, Balboa Island | 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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