Events
Cypress Community Festival
Sept. 26. One of the largest, free-to-attend family events of the year returns. This year is the 70th Birthday celebration of the City of Cypress, and the celebration includes a classic car show, a chili and salsa contest, food and vendor booths, a massive kids area with various activities including a rock wall, bounce houses, obstacle courses, large slides, and more. Saturday, noon-7pm. Oak Knoll Park, Cypress. More Information
64th Annual Sand Castle Contest
Sept. 27. Grab your buckets, shovels and creative spirit—it’s time to hit the beach and build something amazing. This year’s Sandcastle Contest celebrates everything we love about the California coast with the theme “Surf, Sand & Sun.” From crashing waves and sunny days to surf culture and beach life, let your imagination run wild and turn the sand into a masterpiece. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Corona del Mar State Beach, 3100 Ocean Blvd., Newport Beach. More Information
Fall Festival
Sept. 24-27. Get ready for fall fun as the City of Westminster proudly presents their 5th annual Fall Festival. Come for a vibrant weekend featuring thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and much more. This year’s events also include a drone show, Cultural Night Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, a Moon Lantern Celebration, and more. Attendance for this event is anticipated to be over 12,000 visitors throughout the weekend. Hours vary. Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd, Westminster. More Information
Purrs in Paradise Opens
Sept. 26. Purrs in Paradise, a new tropical-inspired cat lounge, will celebrate its grand opening at The CAMP in Costa Mesa. The celebration will be inviting the community to relax, connect with cats, have fun, and support local animal rescue. Created as a paradise for cats and the people who love them, Purrs in Paradise offers guests a colorful, welcoming space to spend time with cats, all of whom are available for adoption through the lounge’s rescue partner, Friends of Normie Rescue. This event is this Saturday, which runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2981 Bristol Street, Suite B3, Costa Mesa. More Information
Food + Drink
Environmental Nature Center Presents Wine Walk
Sept. 27. The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) and Hi-Time Wine Cellars are partnering for an unforgettable afternoon of wine tasting. Guests will be able to stroll along the ENC’s scenic trails, stopping at tasting stations to enjoy selections from more than two dozen exceptional wineries, including Precept, Wente, Prestige Wine Imports. Small bites will be served throughout the walk, and live music will add ambiance near the stream. The walk will culminate by the ENC firepit, with dessert and Kean Coffee. Tickets and more information can be found online at encenter.org
Burger Week Concludes
Ends Sept. 26. Happiness Is served on a bun all week as the 2026 edition of Burger Weeks comes to its epic conclusion. The region’s premier kitchens continue to push the boundaries of the bun. This is a week-long flavor tour designed to drive discovery. From elevated $15 lunch specials to premium Luxe dinner menus, Burger Week offers a seat at the table for every palate. Participating locations, menus, and more Information can be found here. https://burgerweek.com/
Ruin Bar Turns Ten
Sept. 27. One of OC’s best bars is turning 10. On September 27th Ruin Bar turns 10 and Mijenta, Old Forrester, and Tin City out of Paso Robles will all be on hand supporting and celebrating. Welcome drinks, flash tattoos, tarot readings, and more will all be happening as you enjoy and celebrate a real OC gem this Sunday from 5-10 p.m. The LAB Anti-Mall, 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa. More Information
Arts + Culture
Tale as old as time!
Now Playing. Don’t miss Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, now playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The beloved show and lavish musical production boasts the Oscar-winning and Tony Award-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Now – October 11 only! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.556.2787. scfta.org
The Bad Plus: The Farewell Tour
Sept. 26. Boundary-pushing and fiercely original, The Bad Plus redefine modern jazz with explosive improvisation and bold, genre-defying sound. On their farewell tour, the critically acclaimed quartet delivers knotty grooves, immersive textures, and the fearless creativity that has captivated audiences worldwide. Tickets range from $39 – $129 and are available at thebarclay.org. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. More Information
The Tipping Point
Sept. 26. Join award-winning writer Rina Palumbo in the gallery for an evening of writing in response to art. The immersive and dynamic art installation by Einar and Jamex de la Torre sets the stage – just as the exhibit examines the moments when one thing elides another, you will explore, through the rubric of ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ aspects of these ‘tipping point’ moments using different prompts and craft writing techniques. Saturday, 5-7 p.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information
Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
