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

Steps from the sand. Housed in a historic cottage, The Beachcomber delivers old-school beach charm with a coastal California menu that doesn’t miss. Great for brunch, a sunset dinner, or catching happy hour on the patio.

Where: 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA | Phone: (949) 376-6900

Wild & Crazy Taco Night is Share Ourselves’ signature annual fundraiser — and one of Orange County’s most anticipated culinary events. This high-energy evening brings together top local chefs and restaurants for a one-night-only taco showcase, where guests can sample creative bites, enjoy cocktails and live entertainment, and connect with community leaders and supporters.

A highlight of the night is the Yelp-powered taco competition, where participating chefs go head-to-head for crowd-favorite titles like “Best Taco” and “Most Innovative Taco” — adding an interactive, can’t-miss element to the experience.

More than just a celebration of food, Taco Night fuels Share Ourselves’ mission to provide critical health care, social services, and support to underserved families across Orange County. Every ticket purchased and every taco tasted helps expand access to care and resources for those who need it most.

Join us for an unforgettable night of flavor, fun, and impact — all in support of a stronger, healthier community.

A longtime Huntington Beach favorite, Surf City Nights turns Main Street into a lively weekly street fair with a certified farmers market, crafters, specialty food vendors, live music, and a fun local crowd. It’s a great excuse to get outside on a Tuesday and soak up the energy downtown. 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Main Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Avenue, Huntington Beach | Event Info

This OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market is a solid midweek stop for fresh produce, flowers, fish, honey, hummus, hot sauce, and more. Some vendors also serve hot lunch options, so you can turn a quick grocery run into a casual afternoon outing. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | OC Fair & Event Center, Lot D, Costa Mesa | Event Info

If your ideal afternoon includes wine, ocean air, gourmet bites, and live music, this one checks every box. The California Wine Festival brings together pours from wineries across the state, plus artisan foods and a beachside atmosphere that feels very on-brand for Dana Point. Times vary | Dana Point (locations vary) | Event Info

Boots optional, good attitude required. This San Juan Capistrano event features beginner-friendly line dancing lessons during the first hour, country hits all night, and a fun farm setting that feels made for a group outing. April 24 | 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 | Event Info

This family-friendly community celebration kicks off with a hometown parade before rolling into a festival packed with rides, games, food trucks, cultural performances, and attractions throughout the day. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for something festive and community-focused. Parade: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Festival: 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Walker Street and Central Park, 7821 Walker St., La Palma | Event Info

This Anaheim dance day party starts with a salsa class and rolls into a free social with food, drinks, and plenty of room to move. No partner is needed, so it’s a fun choice whether you’re experienced or just want to try something new. Salsa Class: 2:00 PM | Social: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | MAKE, 500 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA | Event Info

Coffee, brunch, cocktails, DJs, and lucha libre energy all in one place. This Santa Ana event leans into fun, community, and a little bit of flair, with a raffle bonus for anyone who shows up in lucha attire. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | El Ring Cafe, 515 N Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 | Event Info

This Santa Ana favorite offers a rare chance to step inside some of Historic Floral Park’s beautiful private gardens and enjoy a full weekend atmosphere with vendors, live entertainment, classic cars, and a wine and beer garden. It’s a strong pick for anyone who loves architecture, design, or spring weekends done right. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Historic Floral Park, Santa Ana | Event Info

For something more memorable than your usual Saturday plans, climb aboard the Spirit of Dana Point and experience the coast from a replica tall ship schooner. You can help raise sails and steer, or simply relax and enjoy the sunset from the water. 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

This annual Disney festival is still going strong, with California-inspired food booths, specialty drinks, live music, cooking demos, and plenty of family-friendly energy throughout the park. It’s an easy pick for Disney fans and food lovers alike. Daily through April 27 | Disney California Adventure Park, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802 | Event Info

The Anaheim Ducks are headed to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season, capping off a long rebuild with a much younger, more exciting roster. Anaheim’s turnaround has been fueled by a strong core of emerging talent, better depth across the lineup, and experienced veterans who helped stabilize the group. For Ducks fans, this season feels like the payoff after several tough years, and a sign that Anaheim may finally be back as a serious contender in the West.

One of the most recognizable buildings off the 405 in Costa Mesa is officially coming down. The former Trinity Broadcasting Network headquarters, known for its distinctive palace-like design, is being demolished to make way for a new housing development with more than 140 homes, including townhouses and single-family residences. It’s a major shift for that stretch of freeway and another reminder of how quickly parts of central Orange County are being reshaped.

After years of delays, Knott’s Berry Farm says its reimagined Montezooma coaster is finally expected to open this summer. The updated ride, now called Montezooma: The Forbidden Fortress, will feature a new electromagnetic launch system, refreshed theming, and randomized launch sequences designed to make each ride feel a little different. For longtime Knott’s fans, it marks the return of one of the park’s most iconic attractions, now with a new twist.

Montezooma’s Revenge, which opened in 1978, is one of the last remaining Schwarzkopf shuttle loop coasters in the U.S. and has been recognized by coaster enthusiasts for its historical significance—making it one of Knott’s most iconic rides.

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