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

If you haven’t been to Haven Craft Kitchen & Bar yet, consider this your sign. Located in the heart of Old Towne Orange, Haven serves up modern, seasonal cuisine paired with expertly crafted cocktails.

Locals rave about their Pork Belly Tacos and the HAVEN Burger—a mouthwatering combo of Flannery California prime beef, aged white cheddar, umami aioli, and fresh bibb lettuce. But heads-up: The burger is limited—grab one while you can.

Where: 190 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866 | Phone: (714) 221-0680

That’s 6 sales in 7 months. 29 all time. And the performance?

16.5%, 17.6%, and 17.8%, net annualized returns on sold works held longer than one year (See all 29 at Masterworks.com)

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^{*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.}

A low-key harbor market is always a good idea, especially when it comes with fresh produce, local vendors, snacks, and an easy waterside stroll. This one makes for a great midweek reset. 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Harbor Village Lot, 34555 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point | Event Info

The Newport Beach TV Festival brings television, streaming, live podcast tapings, panels, and industry conversations to OC. This year’s lineup includes appearances and panels tied to names like Mindy Kaling, Andy Cohen, Survivor 50, Sebastian Maniscalco, Seth MacFarlane, and more. June 4–7, times vary | Lido Theater, Newport Beach | Event Info

Sip, savor, and unwind with live music and tequila specials at Top of The V in Anaheim. Expect skyline views, 50% off select tequilas, and live music from James Samimi.
Evening | Top of The V, 1601 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim | Event Info

Local and regional artisans take over Huntington Beach Pier Plaza with handmade goods, art, culture, music, and community programming. It’s an easy beachside stop if you want to browse, stroll, and support local makers. 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Huntington Beach Pier Plaza | Event Info

Aliso Viejo’s summer movie nights are back at Grand Park with pre-movie activities before the film starts at dusk. Bring blankets, snacks, and the family for a relaxed Friday night under the stars. The movie: Minecraft. Activities at 6:30 PM, movie at dusk | Grand Park, 6101 City Lights Dr, Aliso Viejo | Event Info

Downtown Fullerton turns into a walkable art night with galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, salons, comic stores, and local creative spaces opening their doors to the public. It’s a great pick for a casual Friday night with a little culture mixed in. 5:00–10:00 PM, times vary by venue | Downtown Fullerton | Event Info

Food trucks, local vendors, live music, and a family-friendly night market setup take over Goldenwest College. It’s free to attend, dog-friendly, and built for anyone who likes dinner with options. 5:00–9:00 PM | Goldenwest College, 15744 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach | Event Info

OC Parks kicks off its free summer movie series with Lilo & Stitch (2025) at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. Arrive early for pre-show entertainment, food and drink options, and a relaxed outdoor movie night. Event starts at 6:00 PM, movie begins at sunset | Carbon Canyon Regional Park, 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea | Event Info

One of DTSA’s signature nights returns with live music, DJs, artisan vendors, pop-ups, dancing, and interactive art experiences spread across downtown. If you want a night out with real energy and culture, this is one of the strongest picks of the week. 5:00–10:00 PM | Downtown Santa Ana | Event Info

The Studio Arts Festival brings more than 100 Southern California artists to Heritage Community Park for a free outdoor celebration of handmade work. Expect ceramics, painting, jewelry, photography, fiber art, woodworking, live music, food vendors, and plenty of local creativity. 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Heritage Community Park, Irvine | Event Info

Moulton Museum hosts a free opening celebration for its traveling exhibit, American Revolution: The Augmented Experience. Guests can use interactive augmented reality tablets to bring historic scenes and moments to life. 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Moulton Museum, 25256 Cabot Rd, Laguna Hills | Event Info

Summer evenings on The Ranch are getting a little more festive with live music, shopping, food, drinks, and a free community night market. Bring friends, family, or just yourself for an easy Saturday evening outdoors. 4:00–8:00 PM | The Pavilion, 2 Tierno Road, Rancho Mission Viejo | Event Info

Celebrate the spirit of aloha with Polynesian music and dance, island food, shaved ice, local vendors, free entertainment, and a pet-friendly setup. A fun, family-friendly Sunday option with plenty of island flavor. 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | 16160 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach | Event Info

Old Town Tustin hosts the 42nd annual Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off, known as the largest one-day chili cook-off in the country according to the International Chili Society. Expect chili tastings, craft beer and wine, vendors, live music, contests, a Kids Fun Zone, and plenty of local flavor. 11:00 AM–6:00 PM | Old Town Tustin | Event Info

Planning a beach day in Laguna this summer? You may want to rethink the pop-up canopy. Laguna Beach has put a new umbrella-only policy into effect, banning large shade structures on city beaches unless they fall within approved zones or receive city permission. The goal is to keep beaches safer and more visible for lifeguards, emergency responders, and public safety teams. Limited canopy use is still allowed in designated areas at Main Beach and Aliso Beach, but shade coverings must follow strict size and spacing rules. Violations could lead to fines of up to $500, so if you’re packing for a beach day, a standard umbrella is the safer bet.

The Laguna Niguel Summer Trolley is returning for the season, offering free transportation from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The trolley now includes convenient stops at places like Crown Valley Park, the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station, and areas near Crown Valley Parkway and Cabot Road. For residents and visitors, it’s a simple way to get around town without dealing with parking, traffic, or extra gas. Full service days and hours are available at LNTrolley.com.

Irvine just landed at #3 on WalletHub’s 2026 list of the best places to raise a family in America. The ranking looked at more than 180 cities and considered 45 factors, including schools, safety, healthcare, housing, recreation, affordability, and overall family life. Irvine stood out for its low crime rates, strong school ratings, high graduation rate, and family-friendly environment. Also worth noting: Huntington Beach made the top 20, coming in at #20. Not bad, OC.

Old Towne Orange, home to this week’s restaurant pick Haven Craft Kitchen & Bar, contains the largest Nationally Registered Historic District in California. Its central Plaza and surrounding streets still preserve much of the early 20th-century charm that makes Orange feel distinct from just about anywhere else in OC.

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

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