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

Polished but laid-back, JOEY Newport Beach is a modern gem tucked inside Fashion Island. With a global menu, open patio, retractable roof, and a glowing fire pit lounge, this spot is perfect for post-shopping bites or date-night champagne under the stars.

Where: 453 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach | Phone: (949) 826-5699

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The Tijuana Dogs take the stage during Costa Mesa’s free summer concert series, with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, kids’ activities, and an opening act. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, carpool, or use rideshare because of expected traffic. Activities begin at 5 PM; opening act at 6 PM | Fairview Park, 2525 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Relive the biggest boy band hits during a free outdoor concert at Irvine Regional Park. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and parking is free. Event begins at 5 PM; music at 6 PM | Irvine Regional Park, Orange | Event Info

Downtown Fullerton Plaza fills with live music, local makers, food, and community fun during this weekly evening market. 4:30–8:30 PM | Downtown Fullerton Plaza | Event Info

Shop fresh produce, food essentials, and locally made goods at this open-air market in the heart of Downtown Anaheim. 11 AM–3 PM | 201 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim | Event Info

Bring a blanket or lawn chair for a family movie under the stars at Grand Park. Pre-movie activities begin before the film starts at dusk. Activities at 6:30 PM; movie at dusk | Grand Park, Aliso Viejo | Event Info

Enjoy a free outdoor screening with themed crafts, games, community resources, and complimentary popcorn while supplies last. Food vendors will also be on-site. Activities at 6:30 PM; movie at dusk | Lillie King Park, Santa Ana | Event Info

The original Twilight returns to the big screen during OC Parks’ free outdoor movie series. Arrive early for pre-show entertainment and bring your own chairs and blankets. Event begins at 6 PM; movie after sunset | Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim | Event Info

Irvine’s Movies on the Lawn series continues with the 2025 version of How to Train Your Dragon. Food trucks arrive before the screening, or guests can bring their own picnic dinners. Food trucks at 6:30 PM; movie after sunset | Hicks Canyon Community Park, Irvine | Event Info

Browse more than 30 vendors offering vintage clothing, home décor, food, and other finds, accompanied by a live vinyl DJ. Admission and nearby structure parking are free. 11 AM–4 PM | American Legion Post 132, Orange | Event Info

Nine days of world-class surfing return to Huntington Beach, featuring the World Surf League Challenger Series and Longboard Tour. The competition and fan village are free, with athlete signings, demonstrations, games, DJs, screenings, sponsor experiences, and live entertainment throughout the event. July 25–August 2 | South side of the Huntington Beach Pier | Event Info

Pretzels, German beer, and live music take over Old World Huntington Beach during three days of all-ages festivities. The lineup includes Abrakadabra, Steven Bejarano, Yachtzee, Silk Button Butchers, All Key’d Up, and The Reflexx. July 25, noon–10 PM; July 26, noon–6 PM; August 1, noon–10 PM | Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Avenue | Event Info

The OC Fair is back with carnival rides, over-the-top food, live entertainment, exhibits, games, animals, and plenty of reasons to spend a summer day in Costa Mesa. The fair is open Wednesday through Sunday, and advance admission tickets are required. Now–August 16, Wednesday–Sunday | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Laguna Beach’s signature summer art festival celebrates its 60th year beneath the eucalyptus trees. Explore handmade work from more than 180 local artists, watch demonstrations, listen to live music, and meet the artists behind the work. Daily from 11 AM; Sunday–Thursday until 8 PM and Friday–Saturday until 10 PM | 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Famous works of art come to life through elaborate sets, lighting, live narration, music, and real people posing as figures from the original pieces. This year’s production, “The Greatest of All Time,” celebrates artists and artworks that helped shape history. Nightly at 8:30 PM | Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach | Event Info

A High Surf Advisory is in effect for Orange County coastal areas through 11 PM Tuesday. The National Weather Service expects breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet, with sets reaching 8 feet at south- and southwest-facing beaches, along with dangerous swimming and surfing conditions, strong rip and longshore currents, and possible localized beach erosion. Beachgoers should follow posted warnings, check conditions with local lifeguards, and inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water.

After more than five decades overlooking the water, Wind & Sea will close its Dana Point Harbor location on September 15. The seafood-and-steak restaurant opened in 1972 and became known for its harbor views, Mai Tais, and generations of local memories. Its closure comes as the harbor’s $600 million redevelopment continues, following the departures of other longtime businesses including Harpoon Henry’s, El Torito, The Brig, Beach Harbor Pizza, and Gemmell’s. The restaurant is now counting down its final weeks of service as longtime guests return for one last meal by the harbor.

For 41 years, a 97-year-old Newport Beach resident hosted a weekly Friday poker game complete with cocktails, home-cooked dinners, and as many as 25 variations of poker. The longtime tradition recently came to an end as she prepares to move to Portland to live with her daughter. Friends and family gathered for one final six-hour game featuring cheese, cocktails, her famous meatloaf, and plenty of memories. The tradition may not be over forever, as her family is already planning to help her start a new game in Portland.

The Pageant of the Masters creates its famous “living pictures” using real people who pose as figures inside recreations of classic and contemporary artworks. These staged scenes are known as tableaux vivants, a French term meaning “living pictures.”

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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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