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

Ironwood gives Laguna Hills a dinner option built around seasonal American cooking, with a menu that moves between seafood, steaks, and house-made pasta. On the seasonal menu, crispy Meyer lemon and honey duck wings make a promising start, followed by the giant meatball over herb pappardelle. Craft cocktails and an international wine list round out a sit-down date night.

Where: 25250 La Paz Road, Suite 100, Laguna Hills | Phone: (949) 446-8772

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Build a miniature haunted house from popsicle sticks at this family craft afternoon. All ages are welcome. 4:00 pm–5:00 pm | Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd. | Event Info

Whale biologist Steven Swartz discusses decades of research in Baja California, followed by a reception with light refreshments. Park at Los Trancos; day-use parking is $15 or included with a State Parks annual pass. 4:00 pm–6:00 pm | Crystal Cove Cottage Check-In Deck, #35 Crystal Cove | Event Info

California Vintage Wine Bistro offers 20% off bottles for its weekly Wine Down Wednesday. Make it a midweek dinner stop near Angel Stadium, with parking behind the building on Jacaranda. 4:30 pm–9:00 pm | California Vintage Wine Bistro, 1925 S. State College Blvd. | Event Info

Build your own film-festival itinerary with international features, shorts, and conversations with filmmakers. Book screenings individually and check the theater before heading out. Times vary | Participating theaters in Newport Beach and Irvine; check each screening’s venue | Event Info

Japanese food, cultural performances, shopping, and cosplay fill three days at the fairgrounds. Advance tickets are available, and parking is extra. Friday 4:00 pm–10:00 pm; Saturday noon–10:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am–7:00 pm | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr. | Event Info

Films, talks, and outdoor experiences connect surf culture with conservation. Opening night on Friday includes SURFILMUSIC, about Jack Johnson, with individual tickets and festival passes available. Times vary; opening-night screening Friday at 7:00 pm | Venues across Laguna Beach; opening night at Rivian South Coast Theater, 162 S. Coast Hwy. | Event Info

Carnival rides, live entertainment, vendors, and contests bring a full weekend to William Peak Park. Admission and parking are free; rides cost extra. Times vary; carnival opens Friday 5:00 pm, Saturday 2:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm | William Peak Park, 7225 El Dorado Dr. | Event Info

Wine tastings, chef bites, and live music take over Paséa for two days. Choose Friday’s Rare & Reserve evening or Saturday’s beachside festival; tickets are required and guests must be 21 or older. Friday 6:30 pm–9:00 pm; Saturday 1:00 pm–4:00 pm, VIP noon | Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy. | Event Info

Browse wood-bodied classic cars beside the beach at the show’s 28th annual gathering. Pair the car spotting with a shoreline walk. 8:00 am–3:00 pm | Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr. | Event Info

Bring a well-behaved, leashed dog for harbor festivities, pet-friendly vendors, crafts, and a costume contest benefiting Pet Project Foundation. Contest registration closes at 2:00 pm, with judging at 2:30 pm. 10:00 am–4:00 pm | Bump Out Park, 24354 Dana Point Harbor Dr. | Event Info

Browse local artists and artisan booths along Old Town’s streets, with live music and activities for kids. Admission is free; nearby restaurants are open for lunch. 11:00 am–5:00 pm | Old Town Tustin, Main Street and El Camino Real | Event Info

Costumes and ten treat-or-toy stations make this a Halloween outing for younger kids. Buy admission online for one evening; the event runs October 17, 18, 24, and 25. 5:30 pm–7:30 pm | Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave. | Event Info

Sample food, beer, and wine while live entertainment gives this year’s Frights & Bites edition a Halloween backdrop. Tickets are required; VIP admission begins an hour early. 6:00 pm–11:00 pm; VIP entry 5:00 pm | MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., on the Macy’s side facing Main Street | Event Info

Bring a broken lamp, bicycle, small appliance, or clothing item for help from volunteer fixers. Walk-ins are welcome, with no preregistration required. 1:00 pm–5:00 pm | Norman P. Murray Community Center, Sycamore A Room, 24932 Veterans Way | Event Info

Local makers, trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and a costume contest turn the Inn’s evening into a Halloween gathering. Entry is free, with live music by Backdraft Firemen and an online RSVP option. 4:00 pm–8:00 pm | Inn at the Mission, 26907 Old Mission Rd. | Event Info

A stretch of San Clemente’s beach trail near Mariposa Point reopened October 9 after completion of a coastal rail protection project. The work added a catchment wall to help shield the tracks from falling rock and debris. For walkers, the reopening restores a coastal connection that had been closed during construction.

OC Parks has scheduled sand nourishment at Capistrano County Beach in Dana Point for October 12–30, with up to 9,000 cubic yards of sand planned. Work is expected on weekdays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, though tides, weather, and ocean conditions may change the schedule. Expect temporary access limits in work areas and follow flaggers and posted detours when walking or cycling through.

Santa Ana will offer a preview of its new Memorial Park Aquatic Center at noon Saturday, October 17, at 2102 S. Flower St. The replacement for the city’s decades-old pool includes competition and recreation pools, a water slide, new locker rooms, and a community room. Visitors can tour the facility and learn about upcoming swim programs at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Newport Beach Film Festival was founded in 1999. Its community outreach program pairs nonprofits with films that connect to their work.

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

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