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

Comfort food, coastal vibes, and cocktails done right. Nick’s in San Clemente delivers every time—whether you’re dropping in for a late lunch, settling in for happy hour, or making it a night out. Tucked along Avenida Del Mar, it’s relaxed, reliable, and always hits the spot.

Where: 213 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente | Phone: (949) 481-2200

The original Asian night market is coming back to Orange County for a weekend of food, culture, vendors, games, and night-market energy at the OC Fairgrounds.

From May 29–31, 626 Night Market OC will bring together food from across Asia, handcrafted merch, photo spots, music, games, and local vendors for one of the most anticipated food and culture events of the season. Whether you’re going for the eats, the atmosphere, or a fun night out with friends, this is one of those OC events worth planning ahead for.

Tickets are sold online only, and children 5 and under enter free. The value menu will also be available one week before the event.

Event Details:

Free outdoor dance classes are back on the Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This week’s class features K-Pop and is open to all ages and skill levels, so you can show up, move around, and enjoy a summer evening without needing any dance experience. 6:30 PM | Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Old Town Tustin’s Sunset Market brings together a farmers market, local vendors, live music, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. It’s a laid-back midweek way to shop local, grab dinner, and enjoy the evening in one of OC’s most charming downtown areas. 5:00–8:30 PM | El Camino Real and Third Street, Old Town Tustin | Event Info

Brea’s annual foodie celebration returns to Downtown Brea with local restaurant samples, beer and wine providers, live music, and a fun street-festival atmosphere. Come hungry and spend the evening strolling Birch Street with friends and family. 5:00–9:00 PM | Downtown Brea, Birch Street | Event Info

Newport Dunes kicks off Memorial Day weekend with beachfront live entertainment, food trucks, full bars, and family-friendly fun on the calm waters of the Upper Newport Back Bay. Bring beach chairs or floats and settle in for a bayside holiday weekend. Times vary | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Newport Beach | Event Info

One of OC’s classic Memorial Day weekend traditions returns with live music, contests, vendors, family activities, and plenty of strawberry-themed fun. Admission is free, making this an easy one to add to the weekend calendar. Times vary | Village Green Park, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove | Event Info

Scottish Fest brings the sights, sounds, and traditions of Scotland to the OC Fair & Event Center. Expect pipe bands, Highland athletics, clan heritage, dancing, music, food, and a full weekend of culture and celebration. 9:00 AM–5:30 PM | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Vintage lovers, this one’s for you. The Old Towne Vintage Market features 30+ vendors with vintage clothing, decor, food, cocktails, coffee, and a live DJ, all with free entry. 11:00 AM–4:00 PM | The American Legion Post 132, 143 S. Lemon St., Orange | Event Info

Lake Forest gets its own foodie night market with vendors, food, games, a beer garden, and a kids play area. It’s an easy family-friendly evening option if you want food festival energy without driving too far. 5:00–9:00 PM | 20996 Bake Pkwy, Lake Forest | Event Info

Orange County SC plays one of the biggest matches in club history at Santa Ana Stadium, with a pregame Beer Fest, live music, and professional soccer in the heart of Santa Ana. Come early for the beer fest, then stay for kickoff. Beer Fest 5:00 PM, Kickoff 7:00 PM | Eddie West Field at Santa Ana Stadium, 602 N Flower St, Santa Ana | Event Info

California Showcase Car Show rolls into Costa Mesa with hypercars, supercars, rare designs, and plenty of photo-worthy automotive eye candy. Hosted by The Exotics Network and Morning Car Club, the free RSVP event serves as the grand finale of the California Grand Tour. 1:45–4:00 PM | IKEA, 1475 S Coast Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Old World’s Wurst Fest is serving up live music, beer, and traditional and exotic sausages in Huntington Beach. It’s exactly the kind of casual, festive stop that works well for a weekend hang. Times vary | Old World Biergarten, 7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Starting July 1, 2026, Doheny State Beach campground reservations will temporarily shift from a 6-month booking window to a 3-month booking window through the end of 2026. The change is due to a major construction project anticipated between 2027 and 2029. The campground will close at a future date, though the exact timing has not yet been announced, while the rest of the state beach will remain open.

Capistrano Beach is getting a major sand replenishment project ahead of the busy summer season, with 13,500 cubic yards of sand being added to help rebuild the eroding shoreline and protect nearby beach infrastructure. Work is expected to continue through mid-June, with temporary access limits in some areas during construction.

Westminster has officially opened its first community garden, the new Cherry Street Community Garden near Westminster Boulevard. The 6,000-square-foot vacant residential lot has been transformed into a gated garden space with raised beds where residents can grow fruits, vegetables, and other small garden plants.

Garden Grove’s Strawberry Festival has been one of Orange County’s signature Memorial Day weekend traditions for decades. It began in 1958, when the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce launched the first festival to bring the community together and celebrate the area’s once-prolific strawberry fields, back when strawberries were a major part of the local agricultural landscape.

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