Events
Orange International Street Fair
Aug. 29-31. Held every Labor Day weekend in historic Old Towne Orange. This vibrant, family-friendly event celebrates community, culture, and local spirit, drawing thousands of visitors each year with seven live entertainment stages, ethnic streets featuring over 30 food and alcohol booths, a handmade Arts & Crafts section, community booths, a kids street section, and more. Hours vary. Orange Circle, Old Town Orange. Location and More Information
OC Parks Summer Sunset Cinema Film Series Concludes in Dana Point
Aug. 29. Close out the OC Parks Sunset Cinema series with island spirit as Moana 2 (2024, PG) screens under the night sky, offering the perfect family evening by the sea. Arrive early for pre-show fun that includes character meet-and-greets, DJ-led games, and other activities before the movie begins. Entertainment starts at 6 p.m., with the film rolling at sundown around 8 p.m. 33333 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point. ocparks.com
Civil War Days
Aug. 30-31. The Huntington Beach Historical Society is proud to host the 32nd annual Civil War Days Living History Event in Huntington Beach Central Park during the 160th anniversary of America’s Civil War. Living history events like Civil War Days allow people to experience vivid recreations of life in our past in ways that would not otherwise be possible, and learn about some of the most important moments in our collective history. Saturday, 1:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday, 11 and 2 p.m. On Gothard between Slater and Talbert, Huntington Beach. More Information
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Summer fun continues Labor Day weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort with aquatic adventures, food trucks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, and more. Splash into the long weekend at Newport Dunes’ Inflatable Aquatic Park, open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Soak up the sounds of Tunes at the Dunes, with three evenings of live music from 5–8 p.m. A full list of food options and activities can be found here. Friday-Monay. 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach. More Information
Food + Drink
30 Years of Memphis Cafe
Aug. 29-31. An Orange County dining institution celebrates three decades. Memphis Cafe celebrates thirty years of great food, great times, and celebrating its great community. For three days, it’s a party where you can enjoy good music, food, friends and more. In the words of Memphis Cafe, “Tell your friends, grandma, neighbors. We don’t care. Time to embrace this magical ‘lil spot that is Memphis Cafe.” Hope to see you all there. Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. 2920 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. More Information
Jazz and Caviar
Aug. 30. Maison Fox – Orange County’s secluded, upscale natural wine hangout – is offering a new caviar menu for those looking for a great vibe and night out. To pair with this menu – aside from their boutique wine selection – is also a fresh jazz ensemble to let your night slip smoothly into comfort with every sip and bite. First come first serve as seating is limited. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 532 W Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton. More Information
Blue Plate Special Collaboration At Le Hut Dinette
Aug. 28. You don’t want to miss the next Blue Plate Special collab at Le Hut Dinette, as they will showcase the one and only Focaccia Boy – beloved Orange County pop-up king – with his take on an Italian sub, served on focaccia bread, of course. They’ll also have their lunch menu available all day until 9 p.m., plus wine specials. This Thursday, starting at 5 p.m. 730 N. Poinsettia Street, Santa Ana. More Information
Arts + Culture
& Juliet is larger than life!
Starts Sept. 9. Broadway’s most fun hit musical, & Juliet, makes its OC debut at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Sept. 9– 21. This audience favorite flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Festival Of The Arts Ends
Ends Aug. 29. The swan song has come for the year’s annual artistic celebration – Festival Of The Arts finals days are here. Featuring over 100 of Orange County’s top artists in an open-air gallery setting, the festival is a world-renowned art destination, visitors can take tours of the exhibit, catch an art demonstration, dine at one of the on-site restaurants, create their own masterpiece, or simply sit back and enjoy the creative atmosphere. Last day is Friday, 11a.m. – 11:30 p.m.650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. More Information
First Look: New Acquisitions at Bowers Museum
Aug. 30. Bowers Museum is opening the doors to its vault, literally! A rotating “jewel-box” exhibition showcasing standout pieces recently added to their permanent collection, now on view for the first time. From Indigenous masterworks to global textiles and contemporary gems, this exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the curatorial vision shaping Bowers’ future. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. More Information
Art Workshop: The Fine Art of Floral Design
Aug. 30. Celebrate the radiant beauty of nature through art and design in this hands-on floral design workshop inspired by the vibrant work of California Impressionist Donna Schuster. Led by professional floral designer Sussanna Davidson of French Buckets, this workshop invites participants to explore principles of composition, color, and texture while creating their own floral arrangement that echoes the expressive spirt of Schuster’s work. Saturday, 1-2 p.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information
Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
