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

Benchmark pairs a market-driven New American menu with regional wines, local craft beer, and one of downtown Santa Ana’s nicest outdoor settings. Its tree-lined atrium and covered patio make it a solid pick for date night, brunch, or an easy group dinner, while the menu rotates quarterly around seasonal ingredients.

Where: 601 E. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana | Phone: (714) 480-0225

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The nine-day competition brings the World Surf League Challenger Series and Longboard Tour to Surf City, with the action continuing through Sunday. Admission is free. Times vary | South side of the Huntington Beach Pier | Event Info

Sawdust’s handcrafted village brings together more than 180 Laguna Beach artists, live entertainment, demonstrations, workshops, and food and drink. It’s an easy choose-your-own-pace art day with plenty to see beyond the booths. 11 am daily; closes 8 pm Sunday–Thursday and 10 pm Friday–Saturday | Sawdust Festival Grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach | Event Info

The Angels open the week with a three-game home series against Houston, giving baseball fans an easy weeknight option at the Big A. 6:38 pm each night | Angel Stadium, 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim | Event Info

Bring a blanket or beach chair for a free, family- and dog-friendly evening on the lawn with Soto Band. Barbecue food will be available from North Hills Church. 6:30 pm | City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Blvd, Brea | Event Info

Bee Gees Fever brings a free tribute set to Eastgate Park for an easy summer evening outdoors. Pack lawn seating and settle in for familiar disco-era favorites. 6:30–8:30 pm | Eastgate Park, 12001 St. Mark St, Garden Grove | Event Info

Pistol Blonde takes over the San Clemente Pier for a free concert beside the water. It’s a relaxed south-county pick for anyone who wants live music with a sunset-and-ocean backdrop. 6–8 pm | San Clemente Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente | Event Info

Anaheim closes its July concert series with dance hits from disco through today with Dance Dance Evolution. The free outdoor show is a simple all-ages night out, with lawn seating and a park setting. 6:30–8 pm | Ronald Reagan Park, 945 S. Weir Canyon Rd, Anaheim | Event Info

Design a lantern, enjoy food trucks and live music, then watch the lights launch across the water. Tickets include a lantern kit; children under 8 enter free. 5–9 pm each night; lantern launch 8–9 pm | Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave, Santa Ana | Event Info

Downtown Santa Ana comes alive with gallery exhibitions, open studios, live performances, local vendors, and creative pop-ups. The monthly event is free and all ages. 5–10 pm | Downtown Santa Ana | Event Info

Rivian screens Red Bull’s all-women surf film featuring Caroline Marks, Molly Picklum, Sierra Kerr, Erin Brooks, Sky Brown, and Caity Simmers. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and an RSVP is required for the program. 7–9 pm | Rivian South Coast Theater, 162 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Spend Sunday browsing island-inspired food and unique vendors with free entertainment, admission, and parking. The monthly fair is pet-friendly. 10 am–4 pm | 16160 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach | Event Info

This small-group workshop walks beginners and experienced painters through a finished piece, with supplies, a complimentary wine or other beverage, and Festival admission included. Reservations are required, the class is limited to 12 people, and participants must be 21+. 3–5:30 pm | Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Dana Point pairs two sets for a free family-friendly afternoon in the park, with the 90s Rock Show followed by The Reflexx. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including spirits for guests 21+. 2:30–6 pm | Sea Terrace Park, 33418 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point | Event Info

The City of Irvine has launched the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a planned approximately 25,000-square-foot hub at 510 Technology Drive. It is designed to combine office and lab coworking space with business advising, capital access, educational programming, and other startup support. The city says roughly $7.7 million in outside funding will support development and operations, but its announcement lists a construction start after the stated opening window, so the schedule remains unconfirmed.

Construction is underway on the first phase of 39 Commons at Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue, bringing about 15,000 square feet of new restaurant and retail space to a site that sat largely vacant for decades. In-N-Out, Dutch Bros, and Dave’s Hot Chicken are among the planned tenants, but none is open yet. Anaheim says the broader 140,000-square-foot project will be built in phases, with first-phase work expected through 2028 and later development continuing toward 2030.

Laguna Beach has refreshed its emergency evacuation maps with updated zone names and numbers, corrected street names and landmarks, and new preparedness information. The number of zones and their boundaries did not change, but residents should check the latest map and confirm their current zone label. The city’s evacuation study estimates a full-city scenario could take about four hours and 20 minutes. To receive local alerts, text 92651 to 888-777 or sign up through Alert Laguna Beach.

Angel Stadium opened on April 9, 1966, with an exhibition game between the California Angels and San Francisco Giants. Its first American League game followed on April 19 against the Chicago White Sox.

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Every purchase helps support Thrive OC and helps us continue sharing local guides, events, and things to do across Orange County.

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