July 4, 2025:Fourth of July Red, White, & Blue 5k & 1 Mile at Irvine. Participate in a patriotic run or walk. 5K $44, 1 Mile $38.60.
July 5, 2025:Summer of Loud: Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage, I Prevail, Beartooth at Great Park Live. Catch this high-energy metalcore concert. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
July 10, 2025 (Saturday): Summer Concerts: Family Style / Blues and Soul. A free outdoor concert at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Cost: FREE.
July 7-11, 2025:Coastal Camp at IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. A hands-on nature camp for kids aged 10-12, focusing on shorebirds. 5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA. $275.
July 14-18, 2025:Advanced Bird Camp – Sparrows at IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. An in-depth nature camp for teens aged 13-16, exploring sparrows. 5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA. $300.
July 18, 2025:Movies on the Lawn: Mufasa: The Lion King (PG) at Hicks Canyon Community Park. Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars. 3864 Viewpark, Irvine, CA 92604.
July 19, 2025:Summer Concerts: Family Style • Blues and Soul at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Relax with an evening of blues and soul music. 20 Lake Rd, Irvine, CA 92604.
July 25, 2025:Movies on the Lawn: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (PG) at Hicks Canyon Community Park. Another opportunity for an outdoor family movie night. 3864 Viewpark, Irvine, CA 92604.
July 26, 2025:Summer Concerts: 1969 the Tribute • ’60s Rock and Roll at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Dance to a lively tribute to 1960s rock and roll. 20 Lake Rd, Irvine, CA 92604.Cost: FREE
July 26, 2025:Silent Disco at Irvine Spectrum Center. Put on headphones and dance to your own beat. 670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618.
July 31 – August 2, 2025:Annual Beckman Symposium at Irvine. Attend presentations on cutting-edge research.
August 2025
August 1-2, 2025:Ms Pat at Improv Comedy Club – Irvine. Laugh out loud with stand-up comedy. 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618.
August 2, 2025:Summer Concerts: Your Mom • 90’s and more at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Enjoy a concert featuring 90s hits and more. 20 Lake Rd, Irvine, CA 92604.Cost: FREE
Aug 2, 2025: Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest 2025: The Force Awakens in Concert. Symphony performance at Great Park Live. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
August 3, 2025:Symphony in the Cities at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Participate in pre-concert family activities before a beautiful symphony performance. 20 Lake Rd, Irvine, CA 92604.
August 8, 2025:Movies on the Lawn: Inside Out 2 (PG) at Hicks Canyon Community Park. Another outdoor movie experience for the family. 3864 Viewpark, Irvine, CA 92604.
August 8, 2025: Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest 2025: Beethoven’s Emperor & Pictures at an Exhibition. Symphony performance at Great Park Live. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
August 9, 2025:Summer Concerts: DW3 • R&B, Soul, Old School Funk at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Get down to R&B, soul, and funk music. 20 Lake Rd, Irvine, CA 92604.
Aug 9, 2025: Wiz Khalifa and others at Great Park Live. Concert. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
Aug 15, 2025: Slightly Stoopid with Iration and Little Stranger at Great Park Live. Concert. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
Aug 16, 2025: OC Summer Slam: Flo Rida, Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, and Pretty Ricky. Concert at Great Park Live. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
Aug 23, 2025: Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest 2025: Disco Fever – Let’s Dance!. Symphony performance at Great Park Live. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
August 22-24, 2025:Sam Morril at Improv Comedy Club – Irvine. Enjoy more stand-up comedy. 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618.
August 30, 2025:OCSC Beer Fest vs. Birmingham Legion FC at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Orange County Great Park. Enjoy a beer festival followed by a soccer match. 8272 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618. Designated Driver $33.70, Standard $59.25, VIP $69.50.
August 30, 2025:Silent Disco at Irvine Spectrum Center. Dance the night away with wireless headphones. 670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618.
September 2025
September 5, 2025:LEAD OC | 2025 Charity Golf Tournament at Strawberry Farms Golf Club. Hit the greens for a good cause. 11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612.
Sep 6, 2025: Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest 2025: Tchaikovsky Spectacular. Symphony performance at Great Park Live. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
September 12-13, 2025:Kolohe Kai at Great Park Live. Enjoy a live music performance. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
Sep 13, 2025: SoCal Ballet Scene: Ballet Festival 2025. A ballet performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
Sep 20, 2025: Paula Poundstone. A comedy performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
Sep 25, 2025: Limon Dance Company. A dance performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
Sep 26, 2025: Raiatea Helm: A Legacy of Hawaiian Song and String. Live music at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
September 26, 2025:Mid-Autumn Festival at Great Park. Celebrate this cultural festival. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
October 2025
September 13 – October 31, 2025:Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Regional Park. Pick your perfect pumpkin and enjoy fall activities. 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869. Activity tickets $8, book of 15 tickets $100. Park Entrance Fee: Weekdays $3, Weekends $5, Holidays $7.
October 11, 2025:Irvine Global Village Festival at Great Park. A vibrant celebration of Irvine’s diverse cultures. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
October 18, 2025 onwards:Louisville City FC at Orange County SC at Championship Stadium at OC Great Park. Catch professional soccer matches. 8272 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
Oct 19, 2025: Ziggy Marley with Burning Spear at Great Park Live. Concert. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
October 25, 2025:Monster Splash at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center. A fun, Halloween-themed aquatic event. 4601 Walnut Ave, Irvine, CA 92604.
November 2025
November 1, 2025:Love Irvine: Citywide Serve Day at Various Locations. Join community service efforts across Irvine.
Nov 1, 2025: Sarod Virtuoso – Amjad Ali Khan with Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Indian classical music performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
Nov 2, 2025: The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System. Family-friendly show at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Cost: Ticketed event, varies.
November 8, 2025:Holiday Faire at Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. Find unique gifts from local artisans at this festive fair. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
November 11, 2025:Veterans Day Ceremony at Col. Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. Attend a ceremony to honor veterans. 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606.
November 22, 2025:2025 Kaiser Permanente Get Fit Festival at Irvine. Participate in various fitness challenges. 36 Mile Team Relay $240, 5K $35, Bike Tour $45.
November 27, 2025:Irvine/Orange County Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile at Irvine Valley College. A Thanksgiving-themed run or walk. 5500 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618. 5K $42.80, 1 Mile $33, Combo $56, Kid’s GOBBLE WOBBLE $31.
November 28 – December 30, 2025:Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad. Experience a festive village with holiday activities. 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869. Activity Tickets $8 each or $100 for 15, Park Entrance Fee: Weekdays $3, Weekends $5, Holidays $7.
December 2025
December 6, 2025:Holidayz at the Park & Pop Up Exhibit at Great Park. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
December 6, 2025:Illuminate Irvine at Great Park. Enjoy a festive light display. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
December 26-30, 2025:Train of Lights at Irvine Park Railroad. Take a magical train ride through festive lights. 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869. 5pm-6pm $16, 6pm-7pm $14, 7pm-8pm $12, 8pm-9pm $10, Park Entrance Fee: Weekdays $3, Weekends $5, Holidays $7.
What to Do
At Great Park
Great Park Balloon & Carousel: Soar high for panoramic views or enjoy a classic carousel ride. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618. Balloon $10/adult, Carousel $3.
Great Park Gallery: Explore rotating art exhibitions. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618. Free admission. Open Thursdays & Fridays: Noon–4 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Ongoing Exhibitions in 2025:
Journey Through the Maze: 45 Years of PAC-MAN Art Exhibition. On view through September 28.
Irvine Farmers Market: Find fresh local produce and goods. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618. Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Great Park Ice & Sports Complex: A state-of-the-art ice and sports facility. 8880 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
Farm + Food Lab: An interactive outdoor classroom for learning about agriculture. 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618.
At Irvine Spectrum Center
Irvine Spectrum Center: A vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, featuring a iconic Ferris wheel. 670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618. Giant Wheel $8.
The Escape Game Irvine: Challenge yourself with immersive escape rooms. 790 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618. Starting at $45.99.
Irvine Improv: Catch hilarious live stand-up comedy shows. 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618.
Regal Irvine Spectrum: Enjoy the latest movies at this state-of-the-art theater. 500 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618.
Silent Disco: Experience a unique dance party on select Saturday evenings. 670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618.
At Irvine Regional Park
Orange County Zoo: A smaller zoo focused on animals native to the Southwest. 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869. Zoo admission $2.
Irvine Regional Park: A expansive park offering biking, paddle boats, horse riding, and picnic areas. 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869. Park entrance fee: Weekdays $3, Weekends $5, Holidays $7. Bike rentals from $12, Paddle boats $22, Horse rides $80, Pony rides $8. Free entry on Tuesdays for the Farmers Market.
University & Cultural Venues
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA): Discover contemporary and modern art at this prominent museum. 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Free general admission for 10 years, thanks to a gift from Lugano Diamonds. Free Art + Play sessions (ages 0-5) on the second Wednesday of every month. Free Bring Your Own Baby Tour & Tea on the first Wednesday of every month.
Ongoing Exhibitions in 2025:
2025 California Biennial: Desperate, Scared, But Social. June 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
Yoshitomo Nara: I Don’t Want to Grow Up. May 28, 2025 – December 28, 2025.
Amy Adler: Nice Girl. April 26, 2025 – September 7, 2025.
Irvine Fine Arts Center: Explore diverse art exhibitions and participate in classes and workshops. 14321 Yale Ave, Irvine, CA 92604. Free admission to galleries.
Irvine Historical Society & Museum at San Joaquin Ranch Historic Park. Delve into Irvine’s rich history through exhibits and preserved ranch structures. 5 San Joaquin, Irvine, CA 92612. $1 donation appreciated for non-members.
Irvine Barclay Theatre at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Attend a variety of live performances including music, dance, and theater. 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612.
Peter the Anteater Statue at UC Irvine. A quirky photo opportunity with the university’s mascot. University of California, Irvine, CA 92697.
Aldrich Park at UC Irvine. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this large, central park on campus. University of California, Irvine, CA 92697.
UCI Arboretum at UC Irvine. Discover Southern California native flora. University of California, Irvine, CA 92697.
Nature & Outdoor Recreation
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary: A peaceful wetland sanctuary ideal for birdwatching and scenic walks. 5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA. Free admission.
William R. Mason Regional Park: A spacious park featuring a tranquil lake, expansive green areas, and walking trails. 18712 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612.
Bommer Canyon at Bommer Canyon Open Space Preserve. Explore picturesque hiking and biking trails through a preserved natural landscape. 11 Bommer Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92603.
Turtle Rock Viewpoint at Turtle Rock Park. Offers stunning views, especially at sunset, from this elevated vantage point. 1 Sunnyhill Dr, Irvine, CA 92603.
Jeffrey Open Space Trail: A linear park offering extensive trails for walking, running, and biking. Access points vary along the trail, such as near Irvine Blvd & Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 92618.
Quail Hill Open Space Preserve: Features an easy loop trail and a popular starting point for longer hikes. 34 Shady Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603.
Shady Canyon Trail: Part of Irvine’s extensive trail system, popular for outdoor activities. Access points vary, such as near Shady Canyon Dr & Portola Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618.
Oak Creek Golf Club: Play a round on this championship golf course. 1 Golf Club Dr, Irvine, CA 92618.
Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course: A public golf course offering scenic views of the San Joaquin Marsh. 1 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine, CA 92612.
Strawberry Farms Golf Club: A beautiful golf course set amidst natural wetlands and abundant wildlife. 11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612.
Other Attractions
Tanaka Farms: Experience a working farm with U-Pick tours and seasonal events. 5380 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612. U-Pick tours generally $20-$30.
K1 Speed Irvine: Get your adrenaline pumping with indoor electric go-kart racing. 17221 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92614. 1 Race $28.95.
Pretend City Children’s Museum: An interactive educational museum designed as a child-sized city. 24 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618. Adults/Children $22.
The Original Manassero Farms Irvine Market: A charming farm market offering fresh produce and a U-pick herb garden. 19600 Fairchild, Irvine, CA 92612.
Art at City Hall: Interiors of MCAS El Toro: An art exhibition on view through August 1. Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606.
What to Eat
Fogo de Chão: A Brazilian steakhouse offering an all-you-can-eat churrascaria experience with fire-roasted meats. 623 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618.
North Italia: A modern Italian restaurant celebrated for its handmade pasta and fresh, seasonal ingredients. 2957 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: An upscale steakhouse renowned for its sizzling, butter-topped USDA Prime beef. 2961 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612.
Houston’s: A refined American restaurant known for its classic dishes and sophisticated ambiance. 2991 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612.
Bistango: A fine dining establishment serving New American cuisine, accompanied by live music and an impressive art gallery. 19100 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612.
The Halal Guys: Savor iconic New York street food with delicious Middle Eastern flavors. 4255 Campus Dr Ste A120, Irvine, CA 92612.
King’s Fish House: A lively seafood restaurant boasting a vast selection of fresh fish and shellfish. 15215 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618.
Mitsuwa Marketplace: A large Japanese supermarket featuring a bustling food court with various authentic Japanese dishes. 14230 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604.
Hello Kitty Cafe: A super cute, Sanrio-themed spot offering delightful treats and drinks in an adorable setting. 860 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits: Indulge in authentic Southern BBQ within a lively, rustic atmosphere, complete with a full bar. 15353 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604.
Kalbi Social Club: Interactive Korean BBQ experience specializing in perfectly grilled short ribs, often cooked right at your table. 14775 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 92618.
Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar: A farm-to-table restaurant where the menu thoughtfully changes with the seasons, creating a fresh culinary journey with each visit. 18555 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92612..
SideDoor: A cozy English pub atmosphere serving elevated gastropub fare. No clear Irvine location found. Please verify.
Habana: Transport yourself to Cuba with vibrant decor, energetic live music, and authentic Cuban cuisine. 708 Spectrum Center Dr Suite 708, Irvine, CA 92618.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: A lodge-like setting offering comforting American food, known for its dog-friendly patio. 13290 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602.
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen: A vibrant Latin American restaurant featuring live music and a lively patio, ideal for a festive night out. 13126 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602.
