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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your weekly guide to where to go, what to do, and what’s happening around the county. Don’t worry if the time change threw you off — the sunsets are earlier, but the fun’s just getting started. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Vintage Markets, Film & Music Festivals and More

• Lakeside Mexican Eats

• Newport’s massive wave pool approved

• The Beaver Supermoon this week

• Flying Leatherneck Museum breaks ground

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Carmelita’s Kitchen (Rancho Santa Margarita)

Lakeside vibes, hacienda décor, and a menu that swings from tacos and burritos to strong margaritas and Sunday brunch. Carmelita’s Kitchen pairs laid-back charm with bold Mexican flavors, making it an ideal spot for a lakeside meal. Grab a table on the water and make it a golden-hour plan.

Where: 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy, RSM | Phone: (949) 709-7600

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📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Coast Film & Music Festival, Laguna Beach (Now–9)

Nine days of outdoor adventure films, concerts, and art across Laguna Beach. Multiple days and times | Multiple Locations | Event Info

Oktoberfest, Huntington Beach (Now–Nov 9)

Orange County’s biggest German celebration returns with imported beer, live bands, and award-winning bratwurst. Wed–Sun, hours vary | Old World Village, Huntington Beach | Tickets at door | Event Info

Surf City Nights – Huntington Beach (Nov 4)

Downtown HB transforms into a weekly street fair with farmers market finds, live music, and sidewalk sales. A true locals’ hangout. 5–9 PM | Main Street, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Wildlife Wednesday – Huntington Beach (Nov 5)

Tour the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center and meet animals in rehab. Suggested donation: $20. Tours hourly from 10:30am–1:30pm | 21900 PCH, HB

San Juan Capistrano Farmers Market (Nov 7)

Shop fresh produce, artisanal goods, and baked treats every Friday at Farmakis Farms. 9 AM–1 PM | Farmakis Farms, SJC | Event Info

Modern Makers Mart – Irvine (Nov 8–9)

Open-air artisan market along Woodbury Town Center’s palm-lined street; 10x10 white tents, indie brands, and giftable finds. 10 AM–4 PM | 6460 Irvine Blvd, Irvine | Event Info

Ladera Ranch Cars & Coffee (Nov 9)

Community meetup for car and coffee lovers—reserve a display spot (Side 1 is pedestrian-only; no ins/outs until 11 AM). 9 AM–11 AM | Mercantile West, Ladera Ranch | Event Info

Artisan Market – Aliso Viejo Ranch (Nov 9)

Sixty local makers, free crafts for kids, photo ops, and a pet-friendly stroll. Free admission and parking. 11 AM–3 PM | Aliso Viejo Ranch | Event Info

The Coast Vintage Market – Laguna Hills (Nov 9)

LAST market of the year with vintage holiday gems, live music, and tons of one-of-a-kind picks. Free to attend. 8 AM–3 PM | Laguna Hills Mall parking lot | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Newport Beach Approves the County’s First Wave Pool

Snug Harbor Surf Park is a go—two Wavegarden lagoons, 25+ wave types, capacity for 70+ surfers at once, plus a surf academy, restaurant, yoga deck, and “Echo Beach” bar. Solar power and water recycling are in the plan. It replaces part of the Newport Beach Golf Course and is slated for ~18 months of construction—aiming to be ready ahead of LA28.

Biggest & Brightest Supermoon Since 2019 to Light Up OC Skies

Look up this week — the Beaver Supermoon will rise over Orange County skies on Thursday, Nov. 6, marking the largest and brightest full moon since 2019. Best viewed at dusk as it climbs the eastern horizon, this “supermoon” appears about 10% larger because it reaches its closest point to Earth just hours before turning full. Grab a clear east-facing spot along the coast for the best view — it won’t look this big again until 2026.

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum Breaks Ground at Great Park

Irvine’s Great Park will host a 131,000-sq-ft museum dedicated to U.S. Marine Corps aviation, targeted to open spring 2027 near historic Hangar 297. Expect 40+ aircraft, artifacts, and stories spanning WWII to Vietnam—part of the Cultural Terrace buildout alongside future children’s and performing-arts spaces.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Before Great Park was… a park, it was MCAS El Toro—one of the West Coast’s major Marine Corps air stations.

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

🎉 VIP Shoutouts!

A big welcome to our newest Thrive OC VIPs—Sarah C.! Thanks for being part of the community—we’ve got some exclusive perks coming your way! 🚀✨

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, November 7:

1. Alza Italian Kitchen (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Rick White & Greg Vail, 6:00 pm

2. BeachFire Bar & Grill (San Clemente) – High in the 80s, 8:00 pm

3. Bigshots Billiards (Lake Forest) – The Trip (Classic Rock/Pop Friday), 9:30 pm

4. Brio Tuscany Grille (Dana Point) – Millertime Boogie 80’s Band, 7:00 pm

5. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Dustbowl Revival, 9:00 pm

6. The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Rain Bisou Band, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

7. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Billy Nation (Billy Joel Tribute), 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

8. Bayside Restaurant (Newport Beach) – Ron Kobayashi Band, 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm

9. Grove of Anaheim (Anaheim) – Nurse Blake, 7:00 pm

10. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – Rotating Artists (Jazz Night), 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

11. The Observatory (Santa Ana) – The 502s: Easy Street Tour ft. Briscoe, 7:00 pm

12. The Harp Inn (Costa Mesa) – Tastee Nuggz, 8:30 pm - 12:30 am

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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