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

Tucked into an unassuming corner of Costa Mesa, Memphis Cafe serves up comfort food with a Southern soul and midcentury cool. The cocktails are strong, the vibe is laid back, and the shrimp and grits are reason enough to become a regular.

Where: 2920 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA | Phone: (714) 432-7685

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Learn Salsa and Bachata on the Argyros Plaza with high-energy instruction and a community vibe. Stick around after class on May 5 for live music and social dancing with La Verdad. 6:30 PM | Argyros Plaza, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Celebrate on Balboa Island with all-day taco and margarita specials, handcrafted cocktails, and a festive setting for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. 11:30 AM–8:00 PM | El Mercado Mexican Kitchen, 320 Marine Ave Ste B, Newport Beach | Event Info

SET Steak and Sushi is bringing an elevated take on Cinco de Mayo with molcajete specials, $9 margaritas, and a lively dinner atmosphere. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. 5:00 PM–10:00 PM | SET Steak and Sushi, 690 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach | Event Info

One of OC’s most anticipated culinary fundraisers returns with top local chefs, creative tacos, cocktails, live entertainment, and a Yelp-powered taco competition. Proceeds support Share Ourselves’ mission to provide health care and social services to underserved families across Orange County. | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | OC Fair & Event Center, Plaza Pacifica, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Local and regional artisans take over Huntington Beach Pier Plaza with art, culture, music, community programming, and handmade goods. 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Huntington Beach Pier Plaza | Event Info

Modern Makers Mart brings vendors, music, crafts, and photo ops to Dana Point Harbor for a Mother’s Day weekend market. 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Bump Out Park, 24354 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point | Event Info

Disney lovers, this one’s for you. Shop 70+ Disney-inspired small shops, enjoy food, and bring the family for a whimsical market experience. 12:00 PM–4:00 PM | Center Street Promenade, Anaheim | Event Info

A spooky pop-up market featuring 20+ shops, readers, artists, and apothecaries. Free and all ages. 4:00 PM–9:00 PM | 125 N Broadway, Santa Ana | Event Info

Speedway motorcycles, sidecars, Harley racers, live music, happy hour, and nonstop racing action at the OC Fairgrounds. Gates open 6:00 PM, first race 7:30 PM | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa | Event Info

A farmers market and craft fair with fresh produce, hot food, handmade goods, live music, games, and local vendors. 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | 1301 S Bristol St, Santa Ana | Event Info

Celebrate Mom with vintage treasure hunting, one-of-a-kind finds, free admission, and free parking. 8:00 AM–3:00 PM | Laguna Hills Mall, South Parking Lot | Event Info

A longtime TSA officer at John Wayne Airport received a surprise celebration for his 90th birthday this week. Lawrence Santucci, known for his upbeat presence and warm greetings, has worked at TSA since 2008 after building a life shaped by service, including time in the Army and a long career in telecommunications. Colleagues say he is one of the most positive people at the airport, helping passengers, training new hires, and bringing a sense of purpose to the job every day. And when asked about retirement, his response was basically: why would he sit down now?

San Clemente is getting a new mini golf destination, and it sounds like more than just a casual putt-putt spot. Salty Turf, located at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, is expected to open in late spring or early summer with two 18-hole courses, a large patio, beer and wine, food service, and local design touches inspired by places like the San Clemente Pier, Trestles, surf culture, and Camp Pendleton. The team says the goal is to create a fun, high-service, community-focused space for families, date nights, birthdays, corporate events, and locals looking for something new to do.

One of Dana Point’s most iconic coastal resorts has a new full owner. The San Manuel Investment Authority completed its purchase of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, taking full ownership of the 400-room oceanfront property after first acquiring a 40% stake in 2023. The resort includes restaurants, pools, spa access, a private beach club, event space, and Monarch Beach Golf Links, while Hilton will continue managing the property. For Dana Point, it marks another major chapter for one of the area’s most recognizable luxury destinations.

The Seal Beach Pier is the second-longest wooden pier in California. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, it was later rebuilt in the 1980s after a storm damaged two sections.

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

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