Events

The OC Fair Returns

July 19. It’s always a good time at the Orange County Fair. Returning this weekend, this ironing event welcomes back attendees with open arms. Come enjoy rides, food, drinks, live music, various events and much more at one of the biggest summer events of the year. Hours of operation, tickets, parking and ride-share information, a schedule of events, and more, can be found here. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. More Information

Ocean Festival at San Clemente

July 20-21. “The greatest show on surf” returns with an exciting lineup of competitions and family-friendly activities at the Ocean Festival. Featured events include the new tandem boogie board contest, the Pier Bowl Surf Classic, world-famous Dory boat races, a 5K beach run and a one-mile ocean swim. Kids can join in the fun with the Kid’s Dolphin Dash, ‘Groms Rule’ Surf Contest, and Fishing Derby. Enjoy additional attractions like a free beach concert, sand sculpting contest, Woody car exhibits and the Ocean Art Show. Saturday and Sunday, check website for specific times. 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. oceanfestival.org

OCVIBE Guitar Festival 

July 20. A string fueled event that will feature over 50 vendors, including vintage dealers, boutique guitar makers, amps, pedals, national brands and private collectors, offering an immersive experience in the world of guitars. Highlights include live performances on the American Music & Sound / Allen & Heath Main Stage inside the Honda Center arena bowl. Attendees can enjoy free parking for this event. Saturday at 10 a.m. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. hondacenter.com

Food + Drink

2024 Daq-Off

Through July 22. Welcome to the 2024 Daq-Off – A week-long event celebrating the daiquiri cocktail & showcasing the talent of Santa Ana’s finest cocktail bars, and bartenders. Pick up a passport for the event at the bar at Native Son, visit the 6 bars listed & try all 6 daiquiri riffs, getting your card stamped at each one. Then return to Native Son for a prize and to keep the celebration going. 305 E 4th St, Ste 200, Santa Ana. nativesonbar.com

The Peel Craftbar & Kitchen Launches Brunch

Now Available. A new Sunday Brunch featuring the fresh, vibrant colors and flavors of summer has arrived at The Peel – a chef-driven concept with a menu overseen by Executive Chef Luis Martinez, a talented and authentic chef whose passion comes from cooking with his grandmother, as well as his 40+ years in the industry. Reservations recommended. 100 The City Drive, Orange. peelcraftbar.com

Rodeo Celebration

July 20. Hitch up your wagons and mosey on over on Saturday to Mutt’s East Bluff as they celebrate their 3-year anniversary. Dress in your best cowboy/cowgirl theme and come enjoy food, drinks, giveaways, and more. Guests can even continue the party on their bus to the peninsula. No RSVP required, but it is encouraged. The party starts at 1 p.m. and will be a rootin’ tootin’ good time. 2531 Eastbluff Dr Suite 2531, Newport Beach. mutts-usa.com

Final Days of Everywhere’s Hot Dog Week

Through July 21. The celebration of your favorite tubular meat treat comes to its conclusion this weekend, don’t miss out on your opportunity to come enjoy this fun event. Grab your passport at the bar and get to it. Collect a stamp for every hotdog vendor you buy from and the more stamps you collect, the better prizes you can win. Hours vary. 1501 W. Orangewood Ave., Orange. More Information

Broken Spirits Anaheim Grand Opening

July 20. Step into a world of bold new flavors and exciting, fresh cocktails, while also experiencing deep nostalgia, and Disney heritage as Broken Spirits Anaheim is set to open its doors this weekend. After taking the reins of the prior restaurant and bar, they have injected new life into it, along with a new menu, and cocktails derived from their own, locally distilled spirits. Open daily at 11 a.m. 549 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim. brokenspiritsdistillery.com

Arts + Culture

Game on at Segerstrom!

Starts July 23. A mansion. A murder. A mystery.  This is Clue as you know and love it – based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game! The ultimate whodunit is at Segerstrom Center for the Arts for just one week, July 23 – 28! Get your tickets today! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.556.8784. More Information

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Now Showing. The Wayward Artist creative teams present: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, it has charmed audiences across the country for years with its effortless wit and humor showcasing an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents tweens vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Showtimes vary. 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. thewaywardartist.org

Concert of Hope

July 27. Enjoy music under the stars at Great Park Live as pianist Jeffrey Biegel joins Pacific Symphony to celebrate the centennial of Gershwin’s ever-popular Rhapsody in Blue. Led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, the concert also includes An American in Paris and Symphonic Dances from Bernstein’s West Side Story. Saturday at 8 p.m. Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine. Get Tickets Now

Sawdust Festival

Ongoing. Now in its 58th season, this iconic gathering brings together art-lovers of all types for a sixty-six day summer celebration of art, music, food, and community. Come watch artists create in realtime, and purchase various works while pursuing the artistic offerings, and various creative mediums on display. Open daily at 11 a.m. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. More Information

Photo credits: The Wayward Artist photo credit Francis Gacad. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.