Events

Taste of Japan Festival Returns

June 21-23. Experience the essence of Japan at Taste of Japan, hosted at STC Anaheim GardenWalk. This free cultural event offers a culinary journey with a variety of delicacies, from savory ramen to takoyaki. With over 100 top Japanese vendors, the dog-friendly event features favorites like Shin-Sen-Gumi, Tanota and Daikokuya. Enjoy live entertainment from traditional drummers, martial artists and anime performances. Plus, explore Takumi Alley for Japanese art, handmade crafts and unique products, along with toy and anime vendors. Friday at 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. 400 W. Disney Way, Anaheim. tasteofjpn.com

Irvine Greek Fest

June 21-23. The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Enjoy the hospitality of the St Paul’s community and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village. Music, dancing, food and much more. Hours vary by day. St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine. irvinegreekfest.com

Irvine Nights at Great Park Live! Tickets start at $5 – Buy Now!

Now Open. Experience the magic of Irvine Nights at the brand-new Great Park Live! Enjoy live music, night market shopping, food, and fun every weekend all summer long! Tickets start at just $5 so don’t miss out on the best summer event in town! For tickets and more, visit: irvinenights.com

Lucha Libre Pop-Up

Now Available. Enter the ring at Mercado Northgate Market with a wonderful pop-up honoring the time-old tradition of the Luchadors. With merch like Máscaras de Luchador and T-Shirts but is also a great experience with El Hijo del Santo memorabilia and much more – including all the wonderful puestos. Hours vary. 2300 N Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa. northgatemarket.com

Food + Drink

Westwood Coast Soft Opens

Now Open. San Francisco-based Proof Positive is set to open its latest venture, Westwood Coast, in early July at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. Currently in its soft opening phase, guests can now experience the sights, sounds and flavors of this new culinary destination. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Westwood Coast before its official launch. Limited hours. 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. westwoodworld.com

Gamecraft Anaheim Grand Opening Weekend

June 21-23. It’s finally here, as. you enjoy a full weekend of events at GameCraft Brewing Anaheim’s Grand Opening. Experience brand-new beer releases, a variety of food trucks, live sports, live DJs and much more. Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement. Hours and events vary. 1884 S Santa Cruz St. Anaheim. gamecraftbrewing.com

Rotary Club Chili Cook Off

June 22. The Rotary Club is hosting the Second Annual Chili Cook Off. For a $10 entry fee, attendees receive five tastings, hot dogs and live music entertainment. Drinks are also available for purchase. Aspiring chili cookers can participate for a $50 entry fee, with the winner taking home a $500 first-place prize. Contact the Rotary Club today to sign up and join the fun. Norman P Murray Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. mvrotarychili.org

WIP Turns 3

June 21. Work In Progress (WIP) celebrates its third anniversary with a day of festivities, including $3 drink specials. Enjoy popular choices like cold brew, iced rosemary latte and other offers like $3 for a second glass of wine (first glass at full price, applied once per transaction). Sunday, from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 2944 Randolph Av # 1, Costa Mesa. wipgoods.com

Arts + Culture

Plaza Prom at Segerstrom Center

June 28. Celebrate Pride this month under the stars on the George and Julianne Argyros Plaza! From free arcade games and DJs to drag queens on the main stage, come dressed in your fiercest fit for an unforgettable Prom night. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, or over the phone at 714.556.2787.

Tijuana Dogs in the Park

Jun 23. Bring the family to for evenings of fun, laughter and making memories as the Aliso Viejo Community Association is proud to present their second Summer Concert, as Tijuana Dogs play live. This free event is a great opportunity to come out and enjoy great music and great weather. Sunday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Grand Park, 6101 City Lights Drive, Aliso Viejo. avca.net

LAM Summer Kids

Begins June 24. Sign up now for museum-quality art instruction and interactive fun, offering kids exclusive access to the museum to play, explore and create under the guidance of professional teaching artists. Each camp features a unique theme, encouraging imaginative, messy and lively summer fun. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. lagunaartmuseum.org

Painting Native Birds with Erna van Dyk

June 23. If you enjoy spending time outdoors then you may have heard the chirp of the spotted towhee. Learn how to paint this native bird and become inspired to paint in nature this summer! This is a ticketed event. Suggested for children 4+ with adult supervision. Sunday, 11 a.m.-noon. 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana. bowers.org

Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.