Events
Independence Day in Huntington Beach
July 4. Drawing more than half a million people, this is one of the largest celebrations of The 4th of July in the entire country. It features a 5k run, parade, daily festivities, community events and much more – including one of the best fireworks displays around. There is not a moment to be missed, with a full schedule, information and event guide available at hb4thofjuly.org
Anaheim Hills 4th of July Celebration
July 4. The day will start at 7 a.m. with the 5k/10k run/walk followed by a dog show and other activities. Starting at 1 p.m., a parade will go from Canyon High School and end at Eucalyptus Park. Then, beginning at 3 p.m. at Peralta Park, food booths will open up, followed by entertainment at 5 pm and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. More information for specific location and times, visit at villapark.co
Old Glory Boat Parade
July 4. Join the festive celebrations at the annual Old Glory Boat Parade as countless vessels, adorned with flags, streamers, and vibrant decorations, take to the harbor. Witness the patriotic display as boats compete to celebrate the United States in the most stylish and spirited manner. Begins Thursday at 1 p.m. Newport Harbor, Newport Beach. alyc.com
First Friday: Night Market and Food + Beer Pairing
July 5. Join Radiant Beer Co. for First Friday: Volume 7, an evening filled with live music and vinyl spins. Enjoy food and beer pairings, and explore local small businesses and vendors. Friday, 6-9 p.m. 1566 West Lincoln Ave., Anaheim. visitanaheim.org
Food + Drink
Maizano Launches Brunch
Now Available. Maizano Cocina, renowned for its vibrant and modern interpretations of regional Mexican cuisine, has debuted its highly anticipated brunch menu. It will feature dishes such as panuchos, aguachile negro and enchiladas de langosta. The brunch menu will be served every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., inviting guests to savor an array of inventive dishes crafted by Executive Chef Alan Sanz. 2300-C Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. maizanococina.com
Cali Dumpling Co. Opens a Brick + Mortar
Now Open. Started by Allan Tea in 2020, Cali Dumpling quickly became a success, and now, Allan and his team are taking Cali Dumpling in a whole new direction: a fast-casual restaurant serving dumplings, but not your mama’s dumplings. Highlights include pork and Napa dumplings, Hong Kong wontons and pork potstickers. Sunday- Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. 149 N. Glassell St., Orange. calidumpling.com
Las Brisas Celebrates 4th of July
July 4. Grab the best seats in the house for an unobstructed view of the Laguna Beach fireworks show – The fireworks show starts around 9 p.m. giving guests ample time to get cozy and to indulge and explore the menu. $50 per person reserves a guaranteed oceanfront table and includes a complimentary glass of champagne per guest 21 and over. Thursday, reserve your seats here. 361 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
Lido Bottle Works Launches New Summer Dishes
Now Available. Just in time for this weekend, Lido Bottle Works has launched a brand new Summer menu. Try dishes like the umami wedge with Green Goddess, chicken cracklings, smoky blue, heirloom tomato, furikake and tomato dust. Or the Korean fried Mary’s 1/2 chicken with kimchi wax beans, gochujang and cucumber. Hours vary. 3408 Via Oporto, #103, Newport Beach. lidobottleworks.com
Educator Appreciation Jubilation
Every Friday. Award-winning superhero/comic book-themed independent brewery – Unsung Brewing Company – wants to take some time to show its appreciation for all of the local educators. Every Friday, they are offering $2 off pours from 2-5 p.m. Come enjoy your summer the right way. 500 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim. unsungbrewing.com
Arts + Culture
Dixie’s Tupperware Party
Coming Soon. The fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal is inviting you to her Tupperware Party! Learn alternative ways to use the iconic plastic kitchen staple with a side of funny tales and homespun wisdom. The show will run from July 10 through July 13. Tickets start at $44.07 and can be purchased here, in person, or by calling 714.556.2787. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
Now Open. Renowned as one of the nation’s premier juried fine art shows, the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts has been a captivating showcase for artists and art enthusiasts for 90 years. Set in a stunning open-air gallery, this celebrated event features over 100 award-winning Orange County artists displaying their works in various mediums, including paintings, glass, ceramics and photography. From early July through the end of August, visitors can explore the impressive array of artworks, enjoy art demonstrations, live music performances and more. Hours vary. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. More Information.
July 4 Spectacular: Music of Chicago
July 4. Celebrate the Fourth with Pacific Symphony and the iconic music of Chicago, the “rock and roll band with horns,” featuring hits like “You’re the Inspiration,” “25 or 6 to 4,” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” performed by tribute band Brass Transit. Enjoy patriotic tunes, a salute to the Armed Forces, and a dazzling fireworks finale. Thursday at 8 p.m. Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine. pacificsymphony.org
Explore a Water Wonderland at Discovery Cube
Now Open. Experience the return of Ocean Encounter at Discovery Cube Orange County. This interactive exhibit immerses families in an aquatic wonderland featuring the Sunlight, Twilight, Midnight Zones, Abyss and Trenches, each showcasing unique aspects of ocean life and the impacts of human activity. Learn about ocean conservation through hands-on activities, explore a submarine and engage with exhibits on coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and kelp forest decline. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. discoverycube.org
Photo credits: Maizano courtesy of Outshine PR. Las Brisas courtesy of Wagstaff Marketing and PR. Lido Bottle Works courtesy of Knife and Spork PR. Cali Dumpling courtesy of FWD PR. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
