Check Out the Best Orange County July Events

VANS U.S. Open of Surfing

July in the OC brings the hottest events of summertime. From the OC Fair, to VANS U.S. Open of Surfing, Pageant of the Masters, art fairs, concerts and more, we’ve rounded up the best Orange County things to do this July.

Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
June 26-Aug. 30. Visitors are invited to shop along sawdust-covered paths through a handcrafted village of fine arts and superb crafts at the 49th Annual Sawdust Art & Craft Festival. More than 200 Laguna Beach artists will present their unique handmade artwork. The diverse range of artwork featured at the Sawdust Festival comprises nearly all art media, including painting, photography, glass, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, woodwork, textiles, clothing, furniture, mixed media and more. Visitors can experience artwork being created before their eyes, including the large glassblowing enclosure where glassblowers showcase their expertise at the furnace. Enjoy kids activities, outdoor cafes and live music in eucalyptus grove. Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (closes 6 p.m. on July 4). $8.50. Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030. sawdustartfestival.org

Art-A-Fair
June 26-Aug. 30.
Juried art festival displays works by 125 artists in all mediums, including painting, drawings, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood. Enjoy live entertainment on weekends. Sun-Th 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; F-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (closes 6 p.m. on July 4 and Aug 30). $4.50-$7.50. 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.4514. art-a-fair.com

Duesenberg, The Encore Exhibit
July 1-Aug. 4. The Lyon Air Museum presents Duesenberg, the encore exhibit.The Duesenberg brand of automobiles represents an innovative melding of American elegance, engineering and extravagance. No two cars are the same for they were custom built by E.L. Cord and Fred Duesenberg, hence the expression “It’s a Duesy.” Manufactured between 1928 and 1935, the ten exhibited automobiles are compromised of not only the first and last serial numbered Model J Duesenberg but also eight unique examples in between. These decadent one-of-a-kind automobiles were owned by the most influential of the time, including many well known celebrities and highly successful businessmen. One of the ten cars is the 1929 Model J Murphy Dual Cowl Phaeton and is known for its feature in the 1982 John Huston film Annie. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Daily. Adults $12, Children $6. 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, 714.210.4585. lyonairmuseum.org

Summer Designer Series
Through Sept. 6. Sip sparkling wine and browse the latest collections from popular designers. Montage Laguna Beach celebrates summer with their Summer Designer Series, welcoming local and national designers for an exclusive showcase of their collections. Guests and locals will be able meet and mingle with the talents behind their favorite fashion, fragrance, spa and jewelry brands. Events begin July 3 & 4 with Ron Robinson of Apothia and Missoni Home Candles in the Spa Montage Boutique and will continue through the summer months. Designers include Michelle Letarte Ross of Letarte Swimwear, Monica Columbia Fine Jewelry, Kenna Florie and Birgit Klett of Beek Sandals and much more. Visit website for more information and to view the entire schedule of summer designer events. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. The Shops at Montage, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6190. montagehotels.com

4th of July Firework Spectacular
July 4. Join KTOWN Night Market and OC Block Party for the “4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.” The full line-up of events and vendors will appeal to all. Dine on food from select food vendors or indulge in food truck fare curated by Seoul Sausage, Season 3 winners of the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race. Shop for styles from independent fashion labels and see more than 150 custom import cars showcased by Hot Import Nights. Also, check out an eclectic mix of art, music and fashion in the form of live art installations from OC Artwalk. Live entertainment to be announced. 3-11 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. Advance purchase $7, on-site $10, children under 6 free. Angel Stadium of Anaheim, 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim. ocblockparty.com

4th of July Parade & Pier Festival
July 3-5. Enjoy three days of live entertainment, exhibitors, food vendors and family activities at this year’s festival themed “Sounds of Freedom.” On Saturday, enjoy breakfast at Lake Park, cheer on participants in the Surf City 5K run, and visit pier plaza for entertainment and much more. End the day with a spectacular fireworks show over the ocean. See website for full schedule of events and locations. Fri 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fireworks Sat 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Bleacher and VIP seating available $10-$20. Breakfast $5. Huntington Beach Pier, Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, 325 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.536.5486. hb4thofjuly.org

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Global Compassion Summit
July 5-7. The 14th Dalai Lama celebrates his 80th birthday with the world leaders, Nobel laureates, celebrity guests, speakers and performers from around the globe. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704,2500. hondacenter.com

Festival of Arts
July 5-Aug. 31. The Festival of Arts has offered a breathtaking showcase for artists and art lovers for more than 80 years. The Festival’s juried art show includes a wide variety of media such as paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, handcrafted wood, ceramics, glass and more – all by 140 of South Orange County’s finest artists. The Festival of Arts offers a wide range of daily activities that the whole family can enjoy including nightly live music, jazz concerts, wine and chocolate pairings, guided art tours, demonstrations and art workshops. Several special one-day events return this year, including the Festival Runway Fashion Show and Family Art Day. Visit website for hours and events. $6-$10/pp. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145. foapom.com

Pageant of the Masters
July 8-Aug. 31. The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Be amazed and enchanted by ninety minutes of tableaux vivants (“living pictures”) –incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. This summer’s production of The Pursuit of Happiness will explore the many sources of happiness, featuring seminal works of art by a diverse group of artists such as Winslow Homer, Norman Rockwell, and of course Leonardo da Vinci, whose Last Supper traditionally closes the show every year. A live narrator guides the audience through the story of each living picture accompanied by a full orchestra. 8:30 p.m. $15-$230/pp. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145. pageanttickets.com

Movie Mondays
July 13, 20, 27. Bring the family for a fun-filled evening of activities, outdoor dining and Monday night summer film screenings at Segerstrom Center for the Art’s Movie Monday’s. July’s line-up includes Little Shop of Horrors, Pitch Perfect, and The Sandlot. The movies are projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall so everyone has a great seat. Each Monday will feature different food trucks serving culinary sensations throughout the screening. Arrive early for audience participation events. Set-up 5:30 p.m.; Movie begins at dusk, Approx. 8 p.m. Free. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

Dancing with the Stars: Perfect Ten Tour
July 15. Following a sold-out winter tour and the 10th anniversary season of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, Dancing with the Stars: Live! is back on the road giving fans the opportunity to see their favorite stars dance live. Hosted by Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars champion, Melissa Rycroft, the Perfect Ten Tour is bringing a one-of-a-kind touring production to Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Some of the dancers include Witney Carson, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Artem Chigvintsev, Keo Motsepe, 
Peta Murgatroyd and Emma Slater. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

Orange County Fair
July 17-Aug. 16. Whether it’s an Oreo, a Snickers bar or Doritos, get ready for some deep-fried everything at the Orange County Fair. This year’s theme is “One Big Party” in celebration of 125 years. Bring the whole family and enjoy action sports (rodeo, BMX, pig racing), tribute bands in the Hangar, carnival with rides, La Grande Wheel, livestock competitions, agricultural displays, petting zoo, wine tasting and of course –fried food galore. Concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre include artists such as The Offspring and Charli XCX. M-Tu Closed, Wed-F 12 p.m.-12 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 -12.a.m. $7-$12, under 6 free; $10 (cash only) for parking. 88 fair drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. ocfair.com

Imagine Dragons

July 20. Grammy Award-winning rock band, Imagine Dragons, are set to bring their electrifying live show to Honda Center during their Smoke + Mirrors tour. Their album Smoke + Mirrors marks the first release recorded in their new self-built home studio. As on their double-platinum full-length debut Night Visions, the band works with sharply crafted beats and grooves to dream up rhythm-driven rock music that’s artful yet visceral. $29.50-$69.50. 7:30 p.m. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704,2500. Hondacenter.com

VANS U.S. Open of Surfing
July 25-Aug. 2. Bring your sunscreen and spend the week in Huntington Beach for the worlds largest pro surfing competition. In addition to seeing some of the world’s most respected surf, skate and BMX professionals, events include a beach-lifestyle festival, skate and BMX events, autograph signings and community movie nights.  Main street and Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, vansusopenofsurfing.com

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series
Through October 9. The annual Hyatt Regency Newport Beach summer concert series is back for four months of world-class music. See artists such as Boz Skaggs, Michael Franks, Ruben Studdard and many more. Indulge in a three-course buffet dinner at SHOR American Seafood Grill, Hyatt Regency’s signature restaurant, for $58 before the concert. Tickets are available for individual shows or season passes. Individual shows $50-$110. See website for details. Parking is $20 if purchased in advance and $25 if purchased on site; valet parking is $30 if purchased in advance and $35 if purchased on site. Back Bay Ampitheatre inside Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach,949.360.7800. hyattconcerts.com

Surfas’ Summer Kids Cooking Classes
Continuing. Summer is here — which means school is out of session, and summer break has officially started. Surfas Culinary District at SOCO Collection invites kids of all ages to embrace their inner foodie at Surfas’ summer cooking and baking classes throughout the season. Whether they’re baking fresh bread, delicious desserts, or their own favorite foods, Surfas’ culinary team will prepare the future chefs with the essential tools and skills necessary for the culinary world. See website for full schedule of events.$99-$165. 3309 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa,714.453.2665. surfasonline.com

Tastes of the Ocean
Continuing.
Raj Dixit, executive chef at shimmering Stonehill Tavern in Dana Point, continues his discovery tasting series with a Tastes of the Ocean menu offered through July. The stunning six-course experience takes diners on a culinary journey down the West Coast, from the Pacific Northwest through California’s Central Coast to the Baja Peninsula, and highlights his versatility with five cooking techniques: raw, barely touched, lightly cooked, en vapeur and Japanese charcoal. The charcoal course, for instance, features collar, belly and bottarga of Morro Bay sablefish; other day-boat fish and shellfish include Cayucos abalone, Channel Island uni and wild blueback salmon. $165 per person; wine pairings additional. St. Regis Monarch Beach, 1 Monarch Beach Resort N., Dana Point, 949.234.3200, stregismb.com

 

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