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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:

• Modern Mexican in Orange

• St. Patrick’s Day in OC

• Parades, Markets, and Festivals

• Early-season Wedge swell

• Irvine World Cup training

• Snake season begins

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen (Orange)

Tucked into Old Towne Orange, Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen is one of OC’s standout destinations for modern Mexican cuisine rooted in tradition. Gabbi’s blends indigenous and regional recipes from across Mexico with contemporary techniques, creating dishes that feel both authentic and elevated.

The restaurant leans heavily on seasonal ingredients and partnerships with local farms, while its warm hacienda-style atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for date nights, celebrations, or a relaxed evening out. Expect beautifully presented plates, thoughtful cocktails, and flavors that showcase the depth of Mexico’s culinary heritage.

Where: 141 S Glassell St, Orange | Phone: (714) 633-3038

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📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Irish Fest Biergarten, Huntington Beach (Now–March 17)

Old World Huntington Beach is going full St. Patrick’s mode with a ten-day celebration featuring Irish music, dance, food, beer, whiskey, and themed events throughout the week. There’s a mix of all-ages programming, dinner shows, tribute performances, and a St. Patrick’s Day concert to close things out. Times vary | Old World Huntington Beach | Event Info

Newport Beach St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl (March 17)

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by hopping through some of Newport Beach’s most popular bars. The event includes drink specials, free entry to participating venues, and an after-party to keep the festivities going. 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Baja Sharkeez, Newport Beach | Event Info

Pot of Gold Hunt, Tustin (March 17)

Tustin Police are hosting a citywide St. Patrick’s Day treasure hunt. Throughout the day, clues posted on social media will lead participants to hidden “pots of gold” across town. All day | Various locations across Tustin | Event Info

Lotería Night, Tustin (March 20)

Join the community for a lively evening of Lotería, the traditional Mexican game similar to bingo, with prizes and plenty of fun for families and friends. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Family & Youth Center, 14722 Newport Ave, Tustin | Event Info

Redo Market, Costa Mesa (March 20–21)

Vintage lovers won’t want to miss Redo Market, where more than 130 vendors fill three buildings with vintage clothing, surf gear, antiques, jewelry, and unique home décor. 4 PM – 9 PM | 9 AM – 4 PM | OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Movie in the Park, Laguna Niguel (March 20)

Laguna Niguel’s Youth Committee is hosting a free outdoor movie night at Crown Valley Park Amphitheater. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and settle in for a movie under the stars. Movie begins around 7:30 PM | Crown Valley Park Amphitheater, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway | Event Info

Swallows Day Parade, San Juan Capistrano (March 21)

San Juan Capistrano’s beloved tradition returns for its 66th year, featuring marching bands, horses, western pageantry, and the Mercado Street Fair. It’s one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation. March 21 | Parade begins 11:00 AM | Downtown San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

I Love the 90s Tour, Great Park Live (March 21)

Throwback hits take over Irvine as Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Color Me Badd, and Young MC bring the soundtrack of the 90s to Great Park Live. Doors open 3:00 PM | Great Park Live, Irvine | Event Info

Shamrocks & Shenanigans Night Market, Mission Viejo (March 21)

Mission Viejo’s festive St. Patrick’s-themed night market features live music, green beer, food trucks, family games, and more than 50 vendors. 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | North Paseo at Los Osos, 25282 Marguerite Pkwy | Event Info

Santa Ana Flea Market (March 21)

Downtown Santa Ana transforms into a themed flea market featuring 90+ vendors selling collectibles, fashion, art, and handmade goods alongside live DJ sets and raffles. 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 206 E 4th Street, Santa Ana | Event Info

Irvine SpringFest (March 22)

SpringFest returns with a butterfly garden, live performances, Easter Bunny photos, and dozens of small businesses selling plants, clothing, baked goods, and handmade goods. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Westpark Plaza, 3735 Alton Pkwy, Irvine | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Irvine Selected as World Cup Training Base

Orange County is stepping onto the global soccer stage. The U.S. Men’s National Team has selected Great Park in Irvine as its official training base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will train here before matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood during the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While practices in Irvine won’t be open to the public, the city plans to host youth soccer programs and community events leading up to the tournament.

Snake Season Is Underway in OC

With warmer weather arriving, snake season has officially begun in Southern California, typically running from March through October. Most snakes residents encounter in Orange County are non-venomous species such as California kingsnakes, gopher snakes, coachwhips, and garter snakes. The only venomous snakes native to California are rattlesnakes, with Southern Pacific and Red Diamond rattlesnakes being the most common locally.

Rattlesnakes often have a triangular or spade-shaped head, a thick body, and distinctive blotched patterns along their backs. Their tails usually produce the well-known rattling sound when they feel threatened, though young snakes may not yet have a rattle and adults can sometimes lose theirs. Officials advise residents and hikers to stay alert on trails and around rocks or brush, keep pets leashed, and never attempt to approach or handle a snake. If you encounter a rattlesnake in a public area or on your property, contact local animal services for safe removal.

First Big South Swell Wakes Up the Wedge

Newport Beach’s legendary surf break The Wedge roared back to life this week as the season’s first strong south swell rolled into Orange County. Waves reached 8 to 10 feet, with some sets exceeding 12 feet, drawing crowds of surfers and spectators to the shoreline. The swell arrived unusually early for the season and is expected to bring strong surf conditions to several local breaks through next week. Officials are reminding beachgoers to watch for powerful rip currents and “sneaker waves” and to swim near open lifeguard towers whenever possible.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

The Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano celebrates the legendary return of cliff swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano each spring. According to local tradition, the birds arrive around March 19, St. Joseph’s Day, after spending the winter in South America. The celebration honoring their return has become one of Orange County’s longest-running traditions.

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

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🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Looking for live tunes? Here’s what’s happening:

Friday, March 20:

1. Alza Italian Kitchen (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Jason Bohen, 6:00 pm

2. Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Felisha, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

4. San Juan Hills Golf Club (San Juan Capistrano) – Family Style, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

5. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Dead Man’s Party, 8:00 pm

6. The Cliff Restaurant (Laguna Beach) – Tightrope, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

7. The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Jessica Allen, 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

8. Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Costa Mesa) – Classical Mystery Tour with Pacific Symphony, 7:30 pm

9. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – No Doubt, Sublime, Joan Jett, PUSA tributes, 5:00 pm

10. Hangar 24 (Irvine) – JBK Band, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

11. The Observatory (Santa Ana) – Machine Girl, 7:00 pm

12. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Pretzel Logic A Steely Dan Revue, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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