Events
The Mooning of the Amtrak
July 11. Love it or laugh at it, the Mooning of the Amtrak remains one of Orange County’s most unusual traditions.Sparked by a bar bet in the late 1970s, the annual gathering draws hundreds who line the tracks to wave—and moon—passing Amtrak and Metrolink trains in a playful celebration of local folklore. With live music, food, and drinks rounding out the festivities, it’s one of Southern California’s most distinctive summer events. Ages 21 and older. Saturday at 7 p.m.27324 Camino Capistrano, Laguna Niguel.
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German Heritage Day
July 12. Come for a festive German-style celebration filled with live music, great beer, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. German Heritage Day honors the many Germans who emigrated to the United States more than 400 years ago and the generations that followed, whose contributions helped shape America. Raise a stein, enjoy authentic entertainment, and join in celebrating German heritage, culture, and community, and in honoring the lasting impact of German-Americans. Sunday 12-5 p.m. 7561 Center Avenue #49, Huntington Beach. More Information
BBQ Music Fest
July 10-12. Bring your appetite to Mission Viejo for three days of award-winning barbecue, live music and family-friendly fun as pitmasters compete for Best BBQ and the People’s Choice title. The festival features smoked favorites like ribs, pulled pork, brisket and tri-tip, along with carnival rides, artisan vendors, beer and cocktail gardens, Stella Rosa wine tastings, tequila and whiskey experiences, karaoke with a live band, dance lessons, sports viewing and magic shows. Free general parking is available. Friday, 5-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 12-8 p.m. 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. bbqmusicfest.com
Food + Drink
VIII by Selanne Unveils Summer Tasting Menu and Signature Wine Pairings
Now Available. Chef Vince Terusa and his culinary team use the new Summer multi-course dining experience to highlight premium seafood, locally sourced produce and expertly prepared meats, each course designed to capture the freshness and abundance of the season. Complementing each course is VIII’s Signature Wine Pairing, thoughtfully curated by Advanced Sommelier Vito Pasquale to enhance the flavors and progression of the menu. Hours vary. 1456 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. More Information
Two Years of The Pizza Store by OC Local
Through July 12. Come support a great local pizza shop as they celebrate with the brewers from Webb’s, Brewery X, and Mission Ready Brewing. Enjoy $7 beers from all three breweries all day long on Friday the 10th. Stop by that day at 5 p.m. to meet the brewers and grab some exclusive swag while supplies last. Also, enjoy anniversary specials everyday through the 12th like $2 slices of pizza – guests can also enjoy when they buy a beer, they get the second for $2. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 25610 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills.
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Fat Of The Land Opens Second Location
Now Open. After their original Santa Ana location landed at nineteen in the US according to “Yelps Top 100,” Fat Of The Land has opened its second location in Irvine. Known for its lovingly curated menu, and romantic approach to hospitality and knowing exactly what a restaurant can, and should be, they are ready to welcome guests to the new location with open arms. 2010 Main Street, Suite 170, Irvine.
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Kaiya Newport Beach Finally Unveils Itself
July 9. The wait is finally over as the long-awaited Kaiya has arrived. Kaiya Omakase + Bar is an intimate 12-seat sushi counter and lounge in the heart of Newport Beach. Led by Chef Partner Riley Huddleston and Head Sushi Chef Brian Kim, this concept honors the tradition of omakase, allowing the seasons and ingredients to guide each experience. Open 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. More Information
Boil and Bake Turns Four
July 10-12. Orange County is celebrating four years of bagels, brews, and good times all weekend long. Stop by Friday, July 10, for a one-day-only Pizza Bagel special, available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out. The celebration continues Saturday and Sunday with exclusive merchandise giveaways and surprise food giveaways throughout the weekend, including a free bagel for the first customer each day. Swing by and help celebrate the milestone. 270 Bristol Street Suite 114, Costa Mesa.
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Arts + Culture
Harry Potter opens Saturday!
July 11. Broadway’s spellbinding sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is coming to Orange County on its first-ever North American Tour. The NY Times calls it a “marvel of imagination” and USA Today raves “It has to be seen to be believed.” Don’t miss this incredible blockbuster at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, July 11 – 25 only. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Jean Stern Presents: William Wendt
July 12. Join renowned curator and art historian Jean Stern for an engaging talk exploring key moments in California art. This month’s illustrated lecture focuses on William Wendt. A German-born American landscape painter, Wendt was called the “Dean of Southern California landscape painters.” Wendt viewed nature as a divine exhibit, believing his role was to interpret its meaning. Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information
Pageant of The Masters Begins
Begins July 9. Watch art come to life right before your eyes in a star-lit amphitheater. In the 2026 Pageant of the Masters “The Greatest of All Time,” discover the art and artists who have defined history in a night filled with magic, spectacle, and surprises. Each evening during the summer season, classic and contemporary works of art are faithfully re-created with theatrical illusion and real people posing as living pictures. Showtimes vary. 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. More Information
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
