This month, Orange County brings you beachfront festivities, foodie events galore, musical performances and more. See our list of 40+ top Orange County things to do in June.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
Newport Beach Jazz Festival
June 1-3. Sway through the weekend at this annual jazz fest that features a lineup of nearly 20 jazz artists including The Commodores, Brian Culbertson, Will Downing, Peter White & Euge Groove and many more. The festival also features an international food court with eclectic dishes and shopping in the surrounding vendor village. F 6 p.m.; Sa-Su 10:30 a.m. Single day tickets, weekend pass or VIP pass available, $70-$310. Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, 949.360.7800. newportbeachjazzfestival.com
Sugarland at Honda Center
June 1. Award-winning country duo Sugarland is returning to the stage with their highly-anticipated Still The Same Tour. With numerous Grammy, ACM and CMA Awards as well as chart-topping hits and multi-platinum sales, the pair will bring their show to Orange County and feature opening acts Brandy Clark and Clare Bowen. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. hondacenter.com
Tony Bennett
June 1. With a whopping 20 Grammys under his belt and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, legendary singer Tony Bennett takes center stage at Segerstrom Hall with special guest and daughter Antonia Bennett. 7:30 p.m. $79+. 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
BeachFront Cinema
June 2, 16. Bring friends and family to experience movie night on the beach. This month, the event screens flicks—Spider-Man: Homecoming (June 3) and Wonder Woman (June 16)—on one of the largest inflatable outdoor movie screens in California. Arrive early for pre-movie festivities, live entertainment, games and contests. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase from food booths and the beach bar. Pre-movie activities begin at 5 p.m., show time 8 p.m. $10-$45, free for children 3 and under. VIP package includes jumbo two-person bean bag. Huntington State Beach, lifeguard tower 14, Huntington Beach. beachfrontcinema.com
“The Sisters Rosensweig”
Through June 2. In a witty look at the quest for love, acceptance and self-fulfillment, three sisters from Brooklyn gather in London for a birthday party with the men in their lives. See website for showtimes. $58+. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
Trap Door Dining Pop-Up Dinner
June 2. Indulge in Trap Door Dining’s seven-course pop-up dinner themed “Fire + Grain” at a residence in Laguna Beach. The menu features California-grown ancient grains, local seafood and boutique rosé wines. Highly stylized courses include buckwheat and carrot, kamut risotto and sea urchin and polenta and prawns, all aired with unique wines. 21+. $125. Location TBD. trapdoordining.com
James Ehnes and Max Levinson
June 3. Canadian violinist James Ehnes and pianist Max Levinson team up for an afternoon of formidable technique and chemistry at Samueli Theater. 3 p.m. $38+. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Farmhouse Celebrates Negroni Week
June 4-10. In celebration of Negroni Week, sip on a limited edition Negroni Sbagliato called The Crasher at Farmhouse, crafted by award-winning cocktail guru Anthony Laborin. Additional cocktails for the week include a Negroni Sour with lemon, honey, sweet vermouth, fruit infused Campari and gin as well as a classic Negroni with sweet vermouth, Campari and gin. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; midday menu 2-5 p.m.; dinner 5 p.m.-closing. Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, 949.640.1415. farmhouserg.com
The Kooks at The Observatory
June 5. English pop rock band The Kooks are coming to Orange County during their 13-city U.S. tour in preparation for the release their long-awaited fifth studio album Let’s Go Sunshine. Doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. $35. 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. observatoryoc.com
“Clybourne Park”
June 6-24. A spinoff of Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking drama A Raisin in the Sun, this Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning satire examines race and real estate in a fictional Chicago neighborhood. See website for show times and prices. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Eilo’s Kitchen Sunday Brunch Series at The Ecology Center
June 6-Aug. 5. On the first Sunday of every month, the Eilo’s Airstream—a traveling restaurant that’s fully equipped with a highly functional, top-of-the-line industrial kitchen and team of classically trained chefs—is continuing their pop-up brunch series in The Ecology Center’s outdoor courtyard. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free to attend, brunch is purchased á la carte. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org
Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
June 8-10. Come see 50 of the best wooden hull boats on the West Coast at the Balboa Yacht Club. Enjoy a day filled with fun on the waterfront in appreciation of the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of privately owned boats of all sizes, power and sail. F 5-6:30 p.m. VIP reception; Sa 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Su 11 a.m. for the parade and 1 p.m. for Heritage Sail-By. Free. Parade and sail-by viewable around the harbor, 1801 Bayside Dr., Corona del Mar, 949.673.3515. newportbeachwoodenboatfestival.com
Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge
June 8-9. Watch canines catch some waves at the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge. The Western Regional event features a variety of dog breeds competing in several Olympic-style events, including high-flying disc routines, a fetch-it competition, large and small dog agility courses, dog diving into a 19,000-gallon pool of water and dog surfing competition. See website for schedule. F 9 a.m., Sa 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Huntington Beach State Park, Route 39 and Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. proplan.com
Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
June 8-10. For one weekend only, car enthusiasts can view more than 400 highly collectable European sports, American muscle, hot rods and custom cars spanning the block. Russo and Steele places buyers, sellers and enthusiastic spectators up close and personal with vehicles. Gates open 9 a.m., auction 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. F-Sa $20, Su $10. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, 602.252.2697. russoandsteele.com
Summer Holiday Tabletop Workshop
June 8. Led by O.C.’s garden guru and style-maker Molly Wood, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to pick up tips that will get your tabletop ready for Southern California’s summer season. 1-3 p.m. Free, RSVP required. Molly Wood Garden Design, 1660 Orange Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.548.1611. mollywoodgardendesign.com
Second Saturdays at the SOCO Farmers Market
June 9-Aug. 11. On the second Saturday of each month, over 30 vendors will showcase the best that California farmers and local food artisans have to offer. Listen to live music, watch chef demos and take part in a variety of family-friendly activities while enjoying the newly-expanded market. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. SOCO and The OC Mix, 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.760.9150. socoandtheocmix.com
“California Bounty: Image and Identity, 1850-1930”
Opening June 11. Come see the first public display of many specially selected paintings—most of which had spent years in storage. Guests can view works by early artists documenting the Mission and Rancho periods; landscapes by plein air painters portraying California’s coasts and canyons; sumptuous portraits and still-life paintings of flowers and paper-wrapped fruit by Alberta and William McCloskey; and a small selection of works indicating California as a continued place of possibility. Tu-Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$15 GA, free for children under 12. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org
“‘Til Death Do Us Part: Sister’s Late Nite Catechism 3”
June 11, 18. After teaching about the saints and venial sins at previous shows, Sister’s Late Nite Catechism 3 offers hilarious lessons on the sacraments of marriage and last rites. 7:30 p.m. See website for prices. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Cakebread Cellars Wine Dinner
June 12. Indulge on a four-course wine pairing dinner with sweeping ocean views at 21 Oceanfront. Menu highlights include smoked Chilean sea bass carpaccio with Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc 2016; prosciutto-wrapped scallops with Siberian sturgeon caviar with Rombauer Chardonnay 2015; pepper-crusted petite filet with colossal prawn paired with Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Selection 2013 and more. See full menu online. 6:30 p.m. $99. 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
LPAPA’s Dinner Party & Miniature Auction FUNdrasier
June 14. Join the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association for their annual dinner party. Guests will enjoy a selection of wines with a gourmet buffet prepared by the Seven-Degrees culinary team. Special guest and associate director of UCI Institute and Museum for California Art, Jean Stern, will indulge guests with tidbits of Laguna’s artistic legacy and share the history of a miniature masterpiece by Arthur Rozaire from the Stern’s private collection. 5-9 p.m. $125. Seven-Degrees, 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.376.3635. lpapa.org
“Casa Coastal: The Art of Baja California”
June 15-Aug. 25. View artwork by three artists who explore the lifestyle and folklore of Baja California. Throughout the exhibition’s run, enjoy live music and entertainment, family-fun activities, artist meet-and-greets, sunset tours of Casa Romantica and a pop-up cafe with regional fare cooked by award-winning chefs. The opening reception includes Baja-inspired cuisine and a performance by local folklórico dancers. Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Free; food and beverages are priced separately ($1-$5 per item). Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
OC Night Market
June 15-17. Come one, come all to the original and largest Asian-themed night market in the country. The OC Night Market features hundreds of food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in one jam-packed weekend of festivities that appeals to all ages. New and returning chefs will present delectable dishes. F-Sa 4 p.m.-midnight; Su 4 p.m.-11 p.m. $5 GA, free for kids under 6; $8 parking. OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. ocnightmarket.com
Pirate Coast Paddle Company Glow Tours
Beginning June 15. Spend your summer evenings at the bay on an LED light-adorned paddleboard or kayak. Come and see marine life only visible at night on this unique excursion on Friday and Saturday nights through Labor Day. Afterwards, enjoy cocktails and dinner at Back Bay Bistro. 8 p.m. F-Sa; call for schedule. $45 per session. 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, 949.278.0011. piratecoastpaddle.com
Chili at the Beach
June 16. Surf City invites you to experience and taste a variety of uniquely prepared chilies and salsas at the beach. Watch a chili cook-off while enjoying live entertainment, a kids zone and vendors throughout Main Street and The Strand. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $10-$15 Downtown Huntington Beach, Main Street and Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. hbdowntown.com
Cleanup with Surfrider Huntington Beach
June 16. Give back to Mother Nature at this beach cleanup hosted by Angel City Brewery and Surfrider foundation. Come prepared with close-toed shoes, a water bottle and sun protection. Participants are encouraged to register in advance, though walk-ins will be welcome. Pre-registered participants will receive a custom commemorative t-shirt. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. $10. Huntington Beach Pier and 6th Street. angelcitybrewery.com
L.A. Dance Project at Musco Center for the Arts
June 16. International dance artist and innovator Benjamin Millepied brings his L.A. Dance Project to Chapman for a week-long technical residency, culminating with a one night performance. Prior to founding L.A. Dance Project, Benjamin Millepied was a principal dancer and choreographer with the New York City Ballet, and was director of dance at Paris Opera Ballet. He also choreographed and appeared in the Hollywood hit film Black Swan. 7:30 p.m. $35-$65. Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell, Orange, 844.626.8726. muscocenter.org
Newport Beach Art Exhibition
June 16. Mingle with artists at 54th annual show featuring more than 200 works by local and regional artists. Expect music, wine and food. 1-6 pm. Free. Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.717.3800. newportbeachca.gov
OC Parks Sunset Cinema
June 16-Sept. 14. Pack a picnic, blankets and beach chairs to enjoy this film series that brings 14 family-friendly screenings to regional parks. The series kicks off with a screening of Disney’s new take on The Jungle Book. Food trucks will also be on-site. See website for list of films and venues. Films begin at approximately 8 p.m. Free entrance and parking. Carbon Canyon Park, 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, 714.973.6865. ocparks.com
Pat McNabb Martin Solo Exhibition: “Between The Lines”
June 16-30. Join modern contemporary artist Pat McNabb Martin for her first solo exhibition where guests can meet-and-greet Pat while enjoying wine and light hors d’oeuvres. Opening reception 6-9 p.m. Free. 540 S. Coast Hwy., Suite 106, Laguna Beach, 949.494.0900. avranart.com
“Star Wars” Day at the OC Zoo
June 16. May the Force be with you on this day of family-fun that includes Star Wars characters, crafts, games and photo opportunities. Watch zoo animals receive special treats and attend animal meet-and-greets throughout the day. The first 100 children ages 12 and under in costume will receive a special gift and a free train ride ticket to Irvine Park Railroad. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $2 GA, free for children 2 and under. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847. ocparks.com
Summer of Mud: Lake Mud Run
June 16. Celebrate summer with a 5K mud run course. Beginning and ending at Irvine Lake, the course takes you through hills, water, professionally built obstacles and over a dozen mud pits (more mud than ever before). With a promise to become drenched and muddy, be sure to bring towels and a change of clothing. 9 a.m. $50. Oak Canyon Park, 5305 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado. irvinelakemudrun.com
38th Baroque Music Festival
June 17-24. Grab your friends and attend five individual concerts within a eight-day period at this annual music festival. Guests will watch stylistically authentic performances of works from the Baroque period at various locations in Corona del Mar. Performances include “Parisian Divertissements,” “Bach and the French Style,” “Stylus Phantasticus,” Les Petits Concerts and Festival Finale: Handel’s Orlando. Wine and Waters reception follows each performance. $30-$50. 949.760.7887. bmf-cdm.org
Newport Beach Concerts on the Green with Matt Mauser
June 17. Kick off summer with a four-part concert series on the Civic Center Green. First up, Matt Mauser and Pete Jacobs capture Sinatra at the height of his career. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring picnic dinners, blankets and low-slung beach chairs to enjoy the concert. Food trucks will be on-hand for dinner and desserts. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Civic Center Green, 100 Civic Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.644.3309. newportbeachca.gov
Wags N Wine
June 17. Get ready for an exciting day filled with delicious food, wine tasting, beer, prizes, live music, live and silent auctions and, of course, dogs—lots and lots of dogs. Watch the Pooch Pageant and introduce your furry pal to some new friends. Every dog attending will be treated to a doggie goodie bag. Food, drink and entertainment are inclusive in the admission price. VIP noon, GA 1-5 p.m. $75-$105 adults; $20 children 6-12; free for children 5 and under. Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.328.8661. wagsnwine.com
“The Color Purple”
June 19-24. Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel and the 1985 Warner Brothers motion picture, this Tony Award-winning musical brings a soulful score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues to the story of a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Casa Cool: Johnny Oskam
June 21. Spend your summer nights at this three-part music series, Casa Cool, that supports preservation of this historic landmark and award-winning cultural center. This event features an eclectic mix of contemporary music styles such as blues, jazz and rock. Kicking off the series is Johnny Oskam, who will perform original works inspired by great blues artists. Doors open 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. $15-$20. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
Chopin Social at Oak Grill Fireside
June 21. Enjoy tray-passed hors d’oeuvres of thin-crust pizza, short rib sliders and poke cones at this alfresco dining experience. Bites will be accompanied by all-you-can-drink Chopin-centric creative cocktails such as Passion Mule, Strawberry Frosé, Summer Loving and Peach Smash. A DJ will be in attendance to make this an especially fun way to spend the first day of summer. 21+. 6-9 p.m. $50. Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. Tickets
Day of Music Fullerton
June 21. Celebrate the summer solstice with over 150 free musical events throughout the city of Fullerton. All musicians—amateur or professional, young or old—are invited to take part in the festival. Musicians must register by June 1. See website for schedule of events and various locations. Noon-10 p.m. Free. thedayofmusic.com
OC Parks Summer Concert Series
June 21-Aug. 23. Every Thursday night, rock out to popular local and national artists for this outdoor concert series. Save your spot on the grass for the concert and then grab some grub from the food trucks or drinks from the beer garden. The series kicks off with Donavon Frankenreiter on June 21, followed by artists including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Stone Soul, Flashback Heart Attack and Topcat and The English Beat, with more artists still to be announced. All concerts 6-8 p.m. Concertgoers 21+ can purchase beer and wine at the beer tent. 5-8 p.m. Free. Various locations, 714.973.6865. ocparks.com
Two Farmtables and a Microphone
June 21. Feed all five senses with cuisine by Monica Little of Seasonal Creations. Take part in transparently-sourced, farm fresh meals accompanied by a diverse array of guest speakers from the frontiers of entertainment, technology and culture. 6-9:30 p.m. $25 speaker only; $75 dinner; $90 VIP dinner, includes speaker table seating and goodies. Towne Park Brewery & Taproom, 1566 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim. 2ftam.com
Kevin Hart at FivePoint Amphitheatre
June 23. Have a laugh with actor and comedian Kevin Hart during his Irresponsible Tour at this new concert venue, FivePoint Amphitheatre. Doors open 7 p.m. See website for prices. 14800 Chinon, Irvine, 949.988.6800. fivepointamphitheatre.com
Long Beach Bayou Festival
June 23-24. Experience the Louisiana Bayou at this two-day festival featuring musical performances, dance lessons, a parade, a crawfish eating contest and more. Savor the many delicacies and flavors of the Big Easy with authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Afterwards, dance through the festival while a wide range of groups perform, including Cajun, zydeco and blues artists. See website for weekend schedule. $25-$35. Rainbow Lagoon Park, Linden Ave. and Shoreline Dr., Long Beach, 562.912.4451. longbeachbayou.com
Cars & Cafe at Moulin
June 24. Sip on a cup of coffee and stroll through the Moulin parking lot for the automobile extravaganza. Find an array of antiques and exotics—from Bugattis to Citroëns—and enjoy breakfast “classiques” like Moulin’s famous croque madame, smoked salmon eggs Benedict and fresh-baked goods. Coffee is free for all guests. 7-9 a.m. 1000 N. Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.474.0920. moulin.com
Butterfly Social Media Takeove
June 26. Nature enthusiasts can discover how native plants help the butterfly community prosper during the first-ever Butterfly Social Me
Hoag Summer Classic
June 27. Get a taste of more than 40 of Orange County’s finest restaurants while enjoying live entertainment. Participating restaurants include Red O, A Restaurant, Bayside, Water Grill and many more. Headliner for the evening is Jumping Jack Flash, known as the world’s greatest Rolling Stones tribute band. Proceeds from the event will benefit Hoag Hospital Foundation. 5-8 p.m. $125+. Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach. hoaghospitalfoundation.org
Casa Theater
June 28-29. The course of true love never runs smoothly in Shakespeare’s comical story of magic and romance A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performed by the Southern California Shakespeare Festival Guild, this play revisits an enduring tale with a striking new production. 7 p.m. $20-$25. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
A Taste of Greece
June 29-July 1. Join more than 12,000 guests for this annual Greek festival. Enjoy traditional cuisine and pastries, Greek folk dancing lessons, church tours and cooking demonstrations. F 5-10 p.m.; Sa noon-10 p.m.; Su noon-9 p.m. $3 GA; free for children under 10; free on Saturday from noon-5 p.m. for seniors age 65+. St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine, 949.733.2366. irvinegreekfest.com
Laguna Art-A-Fair
June 29-Sept. 2. Jump into the art scene at this annual juried festival that includes works by 125 artists in painting, drawing, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood. Come on weekends for live entertainment. Su-Th 10 a.m.-9 p.m., F-Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (closes 6 p.m. on July 4 and Sept. 2). $7-$9. 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.4514. art-a-fair.com
Sawdust Art Festival
June 29-Sept. 2. View works by 200 Laguna Beach artists in various mediums such as glass, painting, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and textiles, sculpture, scrimshaw and photography. Additional highlights include demos, kids activities, outdoor cafes and live music in the eucalyptus grove. Daily 10 am-10 pm (closes 6 p.m. on July 4). $4-$9. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030. sawdustartfestival.org
OC Parks Sunset Cinema photo courtesy of The ACE Agency. “The Color Purple” photo by Matthew Murphy, 2017.
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