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

Fine dining in a historic mansion. Anaheim White House blends high-end Italian cuisine with old-world elegance inside a stunning 1909 landmark home.

It’s a place where linen tablecloths meet melt-in-your-mouth food and handcrafted cocktails. Perfect for a celebration, or just treating yourself to a night of glam.

Where: 887 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim | Phone: (714) 772-1381

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OC Parks kicks off its 2026 Summer Concert Series with Flashback Heart Attack at Mason Regional Park. Expect a free outdoor night of nostalgic ’80s hits, food and drinks available for purchase, and a family-friendly summer park vibe. Event starts at 5 PM, live music begins at 6 PM | Mason Regional Park, Irvine | Event Info

Hop aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for a nighttime cruise off Dana Point focused on glowing marine life, plankton, sea lions, and the ocean after dark. Bioluminescence depends on natural conditions, but the experience is one of OC’s coolest summer adventures. | 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM | Ocean Institute, Dana Point | Event Info

Downtown Fullerton’s weekly night market brings live music, food, local makers, and a lively community atmosphere to the plaza. It’s an easy Thursday night outing if you want dinner, shopping, and a stroll. 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Downtown Plaza, 125 E. Wilshire Ave, Fullerton | Event Info

Aliso Viejo is hosting a free movie night under the stars at Grand Park, with pre-movie activities before the film starts at dusk. Movie: “The Grinch”. Bring blankets, snacks, and the whole family. Activities begin at 6:30 PM, movie starts at dusk | Grand Park, Aliso Viejo | Event Info

Ladera Ranch kicks off its summer concert series with Sega Genecide, a high-energy band keeping the spirit of the ’90s alive. Bring chairs or a blanket, grab dinner nearby, and settle in for a free community concert on the green. 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Town Green, Ladera Ranch | Event Info

Santa Ana’s summer movie series continues with free family-friendly fun, themed kids crafts, games, community resources, popcorn while supplies last, and food vendors on-site. Movie: “Goat”. Spanish audio headsets are available with ID verification. Activities begin at 6:30 PM, movie starts at dusk | Jerome Park, Santa Ana | Event Info

Dust off your boots for a night of country line dancing in the barn with DJ and instructor Marie Kelly. The first hour includes lessons for all skill levels, followed by dancing, music, and food and drinks available for purchase. Ages 16 and older only. 7 PM to 10 PM | Farmakis Farms, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

The Ocean Institute is staying open late for a special summer night focused on local sharks, rays, and ocean life. Guests can explore interactive spaces, see sharks and rays when they’re more active, and watch a shark feeding at the end of the night. 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Ocean Institute, Dana Point | Event Info

BBQ lovers, this is your weekend. The three-day festival features award-winning pitmasters, live entertainment, food, carnival rides, games, tastings, local artisans, magic shows, karaoke, and a Sunday amateur pitmaster battle. Friday 5–10 PM, Saturday 10 AM–10 PM, Sunday 12–8 PM | Oso Viejo Community Park, Mission Viejo | Event Info

Disney fans can shop 70+ Disney-inspired small businesses at this whimsical downtown Anaheim market. Admission is free, with food, shopping, and family-friendly fun in the heart of Center Street Promenade. 12 PM to 4 PM | Center Street Promenade, Anaheim | Event Info

Mission Viejo is hosting a once-in-a-lifetime parade as part of its yearlong America 250th celebration. Expect classic cars, marching bands, youth and community groups, emergency and military vehicles, equestrian teams, and a hometown parade atmosphere. 9 AM | Starts near St. Kilian Church, 26872 Estanciero Dr, and ends at Oso Viejo Community Park | Event Info

Fashion Island’s summer jazz series continues with live performances on the Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s Lawn. Bring a blanket, enjoy picnic-style bites from nearby restaurants, and unwind with experimental jazz in an open-air setting. 4 PM to 7 PM | Fashion Island, Newport Beach | Event Info

Shop retro finds, vintage goods, antiques, handcrafted items, and more at this outdoor market in Laguna Hills. Admission and parking are free, and the event runs rain or shine. 8 AM to 3 PM | Outdoors at Laguna Hills Mall | Event Info

Local creativity takes over Aliso Viejo Ranch with handmade art, jewelry, home décor, clothing, food trucks, photo ops, and family-friendly shopping. It’s free to attend and a great way to support local makers. 11 AM to 3 PM | Aliso Viejo Ranch | Event Info

Disneyland is giving budget-conscious fans a rare summer deal: $59 evening tickets for select Sunday through Wednesday nights from July 12 through Aug. 5. The limited-time ticket is good for one park and five hours of access, with entry from 7 PM to midnight at Disneyland or 5 PM to 10 PM at Disney California Adventure. Reservations are required and subject to availability, so this is one to plan ahead for. The timing also lines up with nighttime entertainment like Paint the Night, Fantasmic, Wondrous Journeys, and World of Color Happiness on select dates.

Laguna Niguel’s famous Ziggurat building has officially been sold to an affiliate of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian for $207 million. The massive pyramid-like federal building sits on about 90 acres and has long been one of South OC’s most recognizable structures. Hoag has not released detailed plans yet, but local officials say the site could bring major possibilities for Laguna Niguel over the long term. Any redevelopment will likely take years, especially given the building’s age, scale, and historical significance.

Costco has opened its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, and yes, that means no warehouse, no food court, and no rotisserie chicken. The new station sits at 25732 El Paseo near the 5 freeway and Oso Parkway, replacing a former Bed Bath & Beyond site. It features 40 pumps and is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. Opening-week reports listed regular unleaded at $4.79 per gallon, though gas prices can change quickly.

Laguna Niguel’s Ziggurat building was designed by William Pereira, the architect behind San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid and parts of the UC Irvine campus. So yes, one of South OC’s strangest-looking landmarks has some serious architectural pedigree.

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

We just launched two new Thrive OC designs for anyone who loves tacos, sunsets, beach days, coffee runs, local finds, and staying busy doing OC things.

Both designs are now available on Amazon, with Prime shipping available on eligible orders. Perfect for your next Orange County weekend, farmers market stroll, beach day, or local adventure.

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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