Events
Discovery Cube’s Bubblefest
July 2-18. Mark your calendar for the return of Discovery Cube’s family-favorite experience! The annual, sold-out event welcomes back world-famous bubble artist Deni Yang (pictured) and the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show—plus tons of interactive, bubble-tastic activities. Each ticket includes admission into a select Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, “Me in a Bubble” photo op, bubble science demos, Bubble Courtyard and exhibits, a paddle boat attraction, an inflatable obstacle course and soapy fun for all ages. $10 members, $12 non-members. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, discoverycube.org
OC Parks Summer Concert Series
Every Thursday. Rock out at outdoor concerts on Thursday nights with OC Parks at venues including Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Upcoming concerts feature local artists such as Uptown Funk, Surf’s Up, The Fenians, Queen Nation, and Tijuana Dogs. Food trucks and booths will be available at each location for bites and beverages. See website for schedule and locations. Event starts at 5 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m. Free admission. 714.973.6865. ocparks.com
Spa at the Mission
Now Open. The new Spa at the Mission at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection, pays homage to Spain; patio views take in the ruins of the adjacent mission’s Great Stone Church. The spa offers four treatment rooms, one for couples (pictured). The signature Lavender & Olive Oil Indulgence is inspired by the property’s 72 Mission olive trees; other treatments use natural oils infused with lemon and basil grown on site. Spa manager Donna Sullivan comes from Ritz Carltons in Rancho Mirage and Cayman Islands. 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.503.5700. marriott.com
Fourth of July
Huntington Beach’s Celebration “Surf City Dreamin’”
July 2-4. Kick-start your holiday weekend in Huntington Beach with a variety of fun celebrations. Locals and visitors can enjoy festivities such as neighborhood car parades, an outdoor Pier Plaza Festival, socially distanced and virtual Surf City 5K Runs, and home/business decorating contests. The events will be capped off with an incredible fireworks show over the Pacific Ocean. Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714.536.5486. hb4thofjuly.org
Pacific Hideaway
July 2-4. For those looking to eat out this Fourth of July, head to Pacific Hideaway at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort in Huntington Beach to enjoy festive specials all weekend long. On the food side, specials include barbecue beef ribs with cilantro slaw and chipotle sweet-potato salad ($30); and Southern fried-chicken dinner (breast, wing, thigh, leg) with collard greens biscuits, mashed potatoes and red-eye gravy ($28). On the drinks side, there’s Miller High Life and bourbon boilermaker ($10); Smirnoff Ice ($5); and Frozen Rocket made with red vodka, frozen lemonade blue curaçao and mini rocket pop. Reservations highly recommended. 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.965.4448. pacifichideawayhb.com
Food + Drink
Oji Sushi & Sake Bar
Now Open. Calling all sushi lovers! Come hungry to the new Oji Sushi & Sake Bar—previously H20 Sushi & Izakaya—at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. The extensive menu, created by chef and partner Nick Kim, features a selection of sushi and sashimi; classic and specialty rolls; donburi; udon; chicken and pork katsu; combinations; and other dishes. On weekends, there’s off-menu chef specials such as Japanese oysters, golden eye snappers, Spanish mackerels, live shrimp and gizzard shad. M-Th 4-10 p.m., F-Su 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.515.7400. ojisushi.com
New Summer Cocktails at Farmhouse
Now Available. Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens welcomes summer with a new cocktail menu, courtesy of chef de swigs Anthony Laborin and his team, utilizing the season’s freshest produce from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. The seasonal sips join the weekly Swig for Selflessness offering which features a new cocktail each week and benefits a local charity with 50% of proceeds donated. Cocktail highlights include This Strawberry Is Drunk, The Second Dose (pictured), Disclaimer: You Won’t Like This, Capsicum Annum?, and So Nice You Had It Twice. Open daily 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, 949.640.1415. farmhouse.rogersgardens.com
Summer Dishes at Hendrix
Now Available. Delight in new seasonal dishes showcasing summer’s most vibrant ingredients at Hendrix Restaurant & Bar. Executive chef Rainer Schwarz adds new pastas as well as ocean-to-table dishes to the starters, salads and entrees on the menu. There’s also the addition of barbecue octopus tacos with bright pineapple salsa; hummus made with fresh avocados; duck confit salad with beautiful green and yellow wax beans; summer soup with the season’s most flavorful corn; and pan-seared diver scallops with bold Moroccan salsa. 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.248.1912. hendrixoc.com
Weekend Brunch at The Rooftop Lounge
Now Available. Cheers to the return of The Rooftop Lounge’s weekend brunch! Located atop the historic La Casa del Camino hotel, the restaurant welcomes guests back to enjoy its all-new menu with panoramic views of the ocean. Specials include the marzipan-stuffed french Texas toast and filet and eggs; coastal-inspired mains such as the Spanish shrimp ceviche and seafood pasta; classic sandwiches like the La Casa Smashburger and buttermilk fried chicken sandwich; and more. Reservations highly recommended. Sa-Su 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1289 S. Coast Hwy., 4th floor, Laguna Beach, rooftoplagunabeach.com
Arts + Culture
“greenHOUSE” at Sherman Library & Gardens
Now Open. Sherman Library & Gardens invites you to experience “greenHOUSE,” the new summer exhibit of lavish ‘living’ rooms with a botanical twist. Make yourself at home in ‘living’ rooms nestled within the garden, conceptualized and created by the Sherman Gardens’ horticulture team. Open daily 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5 per person, free for members and children under 3. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261. thesherman.org
Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
Upcoming | July 5-Sept. 3. Reconnect with the arts this summer at the Festival of Arts! Set in a beautiful open-air gallery, this highly acclaimed juried fine art show features the work of over 100 award-winning O.C. artists. From paintings, glass, ceramics, photography and more, the festival showcases a variety of mediums and artwork styles. Additional highlights include art demonstrations, live music performances on select days, opportunities to meet the artists and more. M-F 4-11:30 p.m., Sa-Su 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10 per person. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 800.487.3378. lagunafestivalofarts.org
Photo credits: OC Parks Summer Concert Series by Mathew Martinez. Oji Sushi & Sake Bar courtesy Jane Gillespie PR & Marketing. Hendrix courtesy Moxxe PR. The Rooftop Lounge by Kartsie Photography. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
