Events
US Open of Surfing Returns to Huntington Beach
Starts July 25. The world’s largest surfing competition takes over the south side of Huntington Beach Pier for nine days of elite action, beach culture and live entertainment. More than 120 athletes will compete across the WSL Challenger Series and Longboard Tour, including 17-year-old hometown standout Bailey Turner, making her official US Open debut. Beyond the waves, explore sponsor activations, local art, retail pop-ups, athlete meet-and-greets, beach cleanups and sunset concerts. Saturday, July 25–Sunday, Aug. 2; competition generally 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. South side of Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach. surfcityusa.com
South OC Cars and Coffee
July 25. This event showcases an impressive mix of 700-1000 plus vehicles, including hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage models and more. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a diverse array of hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles, making it a must-visit for automotive enthusiasts. Sunday at 9 a.m.-11 a.m. 101 W. Avenida Hermosa, San Clemente. More Information
ABBA LA Elton – The Early Years
July 25. Get ready for a glittering evening packed with sing-along anthems, sparkling costumes and wall-to-wall hits, from the infectious disco joy of “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” to the piano-pounding classics of Elton John like “Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie and the Jets” and “Your Song.” With world-class musicians and spectacular energy, this is more than a concert—it’s a full-blown pop party under the summer sky. Bring your friends and get ready to sing every word. Saturday, showtime at 7:30 p.m. 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. More Information
Food + Drink
Wrappy Hour
Through July 26. Sweetgreen is serving up Wrappy Hour from through July 26th, from 4–6 p.m. everyday. During the promotion, guests who purchase any wrap in-store, at participating locations receive a second wrap free (of equal or lesser value). The offer excludes online and delivery orders, and any premium add-ons still cost extra. It’s a great excuse to grab dinner with a friend—or save the second wrap for later. For specific locations and times visit the website. More Information
Summer Menu at 616
Now Available. A brand new Summer Menu arrives featuring 8 new signature cocktails built for long days, warm nights, and everything in between. Bright. Refreshing. Fruity. A little savory. A little unexpected. There’s something for every kind of summer mood, like the “Saved by the Bell,” featuring Blanco tequila, mezcal, pasilla liqueur, bell pepper, lime, and cane. Smoky, bright, and just a little savory. Hours vary. 616 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana. More Information
Lil’ Breezy Welcomes Guests
Now Open. Breezy strives to achieve one thing – inclusion. With a menu curated to represent the Pacific Island roots and flavors that shaped the team’s history, and appeal to all walks of life. All of this equates to a place that the whole family can enjoy together, and is exactly the mission they plan to keep alive as long as our doors remain open. Open daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Rodeo39 Public Market, 12885 Beach Blvd Unit 4, Stanton. More Information
Exit 8 Bodega Soft Opens
July 23-26. After much anticipation, Exit 8 Bodega is ready to begins its soft opening phase. A Hawaii-inspired bodega from the creators of ‘Ai Pono Cafe – the lauded local creators of Hawaiian street food. The team asks ask for your patience as they roll things out; a few hiccups are bound to happen, and that’s just part of bringing a new concept to life. Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or until they sell out. 270 E. 17th Street, Suite 12B, Costa Mesa. More Information
Arts + Culture
International Surfing Museum Opens a New Chapter
July 24. Surf history gets a bigger home as the International Surfing Museum opens inside Huntington Beach’s Main Street Library. The expanded space debuts with World Surfing League: 50 Years of Professional Surfing, featuring championship surfboards, archival footage, photographs, memorabilia and rarely displayed artifacts tracing the sport’s rise from coastal pursuit to global competition. The celebration also honors Peter “PT” Townend, surfing’s first professional world champion and the museum’s executive director. Friday, from 3:30-7 p.m. 525 Main Street, Huntington Beach. huntingtonbeachsurfingmuseum.org
Bowers’ Books for Kids: Shoes off, Please with Author Helena Ku Rhee
July 25. When Mina invites her friends over, she feels embarrassed by her family’s tradition of removing shoes before entering the house—until she begins to understand the meaning behind it. She realizes that family traditions are more than just rules; they are threads that connect us to the people we love. To her surprise, Mina also discovers that each of her friends has special customs in their own homes, while learning to respect and celebrate one another’s customs along the way. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. More Information
LAM Kid’s Studio
July 25. An artistically inclined workshop for the little ones. With guidance from LAM’s Education Team, kids will experiment with different artistic mediums and styles, explore the museum galleries and engage in fun-filled activities. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop. Saturday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information
The SpongeBob Musical Final Showings
Through July 26. Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. 311 South Euclid Street, La Habra.
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Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
