Orange County

Weekend roundup

July 17-20

Events

The Orange County Fair Returns

July 18. The annual Orange County Fair returns as Southern California’s ultimate summer tradition, blending nostalgic charm with new thrills across sprawling fairgrounds filled with carnival rides, deep-fried indulgences, live entertainment, hands-on exhibits, and family-friendly attractions. There is something for everybody at the Fair including the summer headline concert series, working farm and petting zoos, thrill rides, contests, and games. Begins this Friday at 11 a.m.-12 a.m. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Capistrano Country Fest

July 20. Dust off your boots, grab your friends, and come enjoy an evening of country charm, local flavor, and good ol’ fashioned community vibes at this free event. Featuring 30+ local small businesses & makers, craft bites & signature sips by Ysidora Restaurant, spirits tastings, a kids’ craft zone & face painting, and a whole lot more family-friendly fun under the golden California sun. Sunday, 4-8 p.m. The Inn at the Mission, 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. More Information

Make a SPLASH 2025

July 19. Come join in for an exciting event at Balboa Pier, where you can get ready to make a splash in the sun with friends and family in support of the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program. This in-person event will let you experience the thrill that our NBJG kids have when making the courageous leap off the pier. Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories with your family, and support a great cause at the same time. Saturday, 10-11 a.m. Balboa Pier, Newport Beach. More Information

Food + Drink

Fancy Drink

Lunch Arrives at Glasspar

Now Available. One of Orange County’s most popular seafood spots, now offers lunch service. From crispy Fish Tacos to Duck Fat fries, their signature Shrimp Louie Salad to a decadent Lobster Roll, it’s the coastal lunch you’ve been craving – perfectly timed for SoCal’s summer season. With both patio and indoor dining available, and one of the most vibrant and ever-changing wine menus around, make Glasspar your next lunch destination. 24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. More Information

Celebrate Summer Sweetness with the Return of Georgia’s Annual Peach Festival

Ongoing. Georgia’s Restaurant is proud to celebrate its beloved annual Peach Festival this summer. Adding to a menu of authentic Southern comfort food, all four of Georgia’s SoCal locations will offer seasonal specials bursting with Southern charm and the sun-kissed sweetness of ripe peaches. enjoy a taste of summer with exclusive  Peach Festival specials, crafted with heart by co-founder  Nika Shoemaker-Machado and inspired by the soulful traditions of her mother, the one and only “Nana” Gretchen Shoemaker. Hours vary and multiple Locations. More Information

Puesto Heats Up Summer With New Menu

Now Available. The stars of the summer menu are Puesto’s brand-new Bowls – a fresh, flavor-forward take on Mexican comfort food classics, served with black beans, herb lime rice, and sweet summer corn. From bold, protein-packed bowls, to inventive tacos and decadent desserts, Executive Chef Raul Casillas explores the delicious diversity and nuances of Mexican cuisine. Find more information, including Puesto menus, locations and reservation information online a eatpuesto.com

Sonder Soft Opens

Now (Soft) Open. Santa Ana’s newest destination for craft cocktails, connection, and community – Sonder – is soft opening its doors to the public after much anticipation. The space which oozes style and comfort, plays host to a wildly creative menu featuring dishes like buttermilk brined Chicken Oysters skewers with cooked over Bichotan Charcoal, as well as many other similarly delicious dishes to choose from. Paired with an inspired cocktail list, Sonder promises to be a new dining destination in no time. Hours vary. 301 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana. More Information

Arts + Culture

Orange County Museum of Art

Summer Art Club

July 18. Get into a creative rhythm with The Linda Lindas, featured in the 2025 California Biennial: Desperate, Scared, But Social, and design a 3D diorama with band characters and a stage set that helps you find your artistic voice! This drop-in program is designed for K–12 children and their caregivers. Tickets are $10 per person, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is due outside the Education Pavilion upon arrival. Children three and under are free. Orange County Museum of Art, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa. More Information

Festival of Arts Officially Underway

Now Showing. The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach has officially kicked off its 2025 season, welcoming guests from near and far to experience one of Southern California’s most anticipated cultural traditions. Art enthusiasts, tourists, and first-time visitors alike are making their way to the Festival of Arts to explore original works from over 100 exhibiting artists, participate in hands-on art activities, enjoy live music performances, and to experience the one-of-a-kind Pageant of the Masters 2025 production, Gold Coast: Treasures of California. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Tickets and More Information

Photo credits: Puesto and Georgia’s courtesy of Moxxe PR. The Festival of Arts courtesy Victori Solutions. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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