Culture OC Writers Reveal Their 2025 Arts and Culture Summer Picks
- Culture OC Staff
- 2 days ago
- 28 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
Looking for something to do this summer? From theater and dance to visual art, music and food, Culture OC’s writers share the events they’re most looking forward to across the season.
Memorial Day weekend is behind us, so what lies ahead? Why, the summer arts and culture season, of course!
There’s plenty to see and do in Orange County over the coming months. So instead of relying on the usual, conventional options – movies, amusement parks, the beach, a sporting event – why not explore what this great county has to offer in the realms of arts and culture?
Here’s a look at some of the top summertime picks in theater, dance, visual arts, culture, music (classical, popular, jazz and world) and food, brought to you by Culture OC’s talented team of arts and culture writers.
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Theater
At Laguna Playhouse, playwright and director Steven Dietz takes us on a comedic murder mystery set in 1925 with that consummate detective, Hercule Poirot. Newport Theatre Arts Center treats us to one of the most popular crime thrillers of all time. And New Swan Shakespeare Festival transports a 1598 Shakespeare comedy to the shoot-’em-up old West of the U.S. circa the 1880s. What more could O.C. theater fans want for a summer of singular entertainment? – Eric Marchese
‘Peril in the Alps’
When: June 11-29. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Admission: $56-$110
Contact: 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
If plays like Steven Dietz’s “Murder on the Links” and Jeffrey Hatcher’s “Holmes and Watson” are any evidence, Laguna Playhouse patrons enjoy, appreciate and support a good murder mystery such as those from recent seasons. Now comes “Peril in the Alps,” yet another such genre play by Steven Dietz. In 2021, the prolific playwright adapted an Agatha Christie novel of the same name. Dietz’s 2025 Hercule Poirot comic mystery is also based, in part, on a Dame Christie work (“Poirot Investigates”), and it got its world premiere at North Coast Rep in a production directed by Dietz himself. Set exactly a century ago – 1925 – “Peril in the Alps” is also a follow-up to “Links,” which Laguna staged in June of 2023. Dietz will again be at the helm, and the show should prove to be just what the mystery-craving Playhouse fans ordered.
‘Dial M for Murder’
When: June 27-July 20. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays
Where: Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach
Admission: $25
Contact: 949-631-0288, ntactickets.com
With his hit classic thriller “Dial M for Murder,” playwright Frederick Knott takes us into a world of suspense and intrigue as former tennis player Tony Wendice plots the “perfect” murder of his wealthy wife Margot. When the plan goes awry, Tony must improvise to stay ahead of Hubbard, the brilliant London police inspector assigned to solve the crime. The 1952 play’s worldwide popularity increased with Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 3D color film version starring Grace Kelly, Ray Milland and John Williams.
Newport Theatre Arts Center’s board vice president Andrew Kelley said the play’s “intricate plot twists, cunning deception and edge-of-your-seat tension keep audiences guessing until the final curtain,” and he further touts it as “an old-school murder mystery” that deals with “betrayal, greed and the perfect crime” and is known for its “crisp dialogue, tight narrative and thrilling suspense.”
Rachael VonWormer and Abel Garcia, who appeared in New Swan’s production of “Measure for Measure” last season, star as Beatrice and Benedick in the Irvine company’s upcoming staging of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Photos courtesy of New Swan Shakespeare Festival/Paul Kennedy
‘Much Ado About Nothing’
When: July 9-Aug. 30. 8 p.m. (see website for specific dates)
Where: UC Irvine, Gateway Commons/Gateway Plaza, 4004 Mesa Road, Irvine
Admission: $23-$90
Contact: 949-854-4646, newswanshakespeare.com
The fun of staging Shakespeare’s works is the wide degree of new interpretations that set them in different locales and eras. At its modular outdoor theater at UC Irvine, New Swan Shakespeare has delivered many such new looks at the works of the Bard of Avon. Now we get the comedic 1598 masterpiece “Much Ado About Nothing,” plunked down in the American Wild West circa the 1880s. Troupe founding artistic director Eli Simon, the production’s director, is putting the spotlight on what he calls “dazzling wordplay, a posse of memorable characters and a live onstage bluegrass band.” New Swan last staged “Much Ado” a decade ago, and this year’s version runs in repertory with “All’s Well That Ends Well,” which the troupe’s website calls “a singular tale of true love and courage brimming with a spirit of adventure.”
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Dance
With the mainstage season on pause, summer offers a chance to slow down and savor dance in a different light. The focus turns to timeless works like “Swan Lake” and “Giselle,” revisited by today’s top artists, alongside programs that spotlight new voices and community celebrations. Whether it’s ballet at Segerstrom or tap under the sun in Huntington Beach, this summer season invites you to revisit the classics, discover new favorites, and simply enjoy the rhythm of summer. – Kaitlin Wright
Miami City Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
When: Various times, June 20–22
Cost: Starting at $55.37
Contact: 714-556-2787, scfta.org
This isn’t your typical “Swan Lake.” Miami City Ballet brings a fresh vision to the iconic ballet with Alexei Ratmansky’s acclaimed new production. First staged in 2022, this version draws on archival notations from the original 1895 choreography, blending historical detail with bold theatricality and a nuanced take on the Tchaikovsky score. Expect vivid storytelling, exquisite dancing and a whole new way to experience the classic.
OC Tap Festival
Where: Shorebreak Hotel, 500 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
When: July 9–13
Cost: Festival passes available; prices vary
Contact: octapfestival.com
The OC Tap Festival returns to Huntington Beach, offering workshops, masterclasses and performances by renowned tap artists. The festival culminates in a beachfront concert on July 13, celebrating the rhythm and artistry of tap dance.
American Ballet Theatre’s ‘Giselle’
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
When: Various times, July 24-27
Cost: Starting at $55.37
Contact: 714-556-2787, scfta.org
Romance, betrayal and forgiveness take center stage in American Ballet Theatre’s production of “Giselle.” A pillar of the classical ballet canon, this ghostly love story is beloved for its dramatic sweep and ethereal second act. ABT’s roster of world-class dancers brings both technical brilliance and emotional depth to the tragic tale of a village girl who dies of a broken heart and returns as a protective spirit.
National Choreographers Initiative: Discovery 2025
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
When: 8 p.m. July 26
Cost: Starting at $28
Contact: 949-854-4646, thebarclay.org
Now in its 21st year, National Choreographers Initiative (NCI) continues to champion the development of new ballet-based work. Artistic Director Molly Lynch invites four choreographers and 16 professional dancers to Irvine for a three-week lab-style residency. The culminating performance gives audiences a chance to witness bold ideas in motion: works-in-progress that often go on to stages across the country.
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Visual Arts
Summer is a time to enjoy sunshine and the great outdoors. But it’s also a time to explore art in the comfort of cool, air-conditioned galleries, museums, or outside along the breezy coast.
Like the return of the swallows in San Juan Capistrano, art festival season is coming back to Laguna Beach. Also, free or low-cost venues, like the Hilbert Museum of California Art, the O.C. Museum of art, Brea Art Gallery and UCI’s Langson IMCA are stimulating for the eyes and mind, and easy on the pocketbook. Here are a few highlights in what appears to be a very busy visual arts season. – Richard Chang
‘WORLD OF THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS’
When: Through Oct. 19; hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays
Where: Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
Cost: $29 adults, with discounts for seniors, students and members
Contact: (714) 567-3600, bowers.org/warriors
The Bowers Museum is once again presenting China’s famed terracotta warriors, found in pits located near the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor 51 years ago. This third iteration features over 110 newly unearthed treasures making their North American debut. In fact, the subtitle for this exhibition is: “New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century.”
In addition to the 2,235-year-old clay warriors, this exhibit features sculptures of horses, jade and gold ornaments, bronze vessels and relics from Shimao dating back 4,000 years. There are also some engaging multimedia elements. Some special events and a lecture series are also planned.
LAGUNA SUMMER ART FESTIVALS
FESTIVAL OF ARTS
When: July 2-Aug. 29
Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $10-$15 general, $7-$11 students and seniors, $5 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger, military and Laguna Beach residents
Pageant of the Masters runs July 5-Aug. 29 with showtimes at 8:30 p.m., and tickets start at $45
Information: (800) 487-3378, LagunaFestivalofArts.org
SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL
When: June 27-Aug. 1 Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $12 for adults, $10 seniors, $5 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger
Information: (949) 494-3030, sawdustartfestival.org
ART-A-FAIR
When: June 27-Aug. 31
Where: 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beac
Cost: $10 adults, $8 for seniors and students, free for Laguna Beach residents, military and children 12 and younger
Information: (949) 494-4514, art-a-fair.com
Laguna Beach will once again play host to its world-famous art festivals: the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair. The Festival of Arts will celebrate 93 years since its inception in 1932, with over 120 Orange County artists showcasing their talents in various media. The jewel of the festival’s crown, the Pageant of the Masters, will pay homage to California art and museums with the theme, “Gold Coast: Treasures of California.”
The Sawdust Art Festival will be celebrating its 59th annual gathering, with over 185 local, Laguna Beach artists on sawdust-covered, eucalyptus-shaded grounds. And Laguna Art-A-Fair will also celebrate 59 years, with 115 artists from around the country and world working in various media. The theme this year is “A Festival Without Borders.”
‘RESILIRE: WOMEN ARTISTS AND RESILIENCE’
When: Noon-5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. June 7-28; a reception is planned for 6-10 p.m. June 7
Where: OCCCA, 117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana
Cost: Free
Information: (714) 667-1517, occca.org
The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art is presenting artworks by six female artists: Sandy Bleifer, Francesca Lalanne, Amandine Nabarra, Kyomi Fukui Nannery, Soheila Siadate and Jane Szabo. OCCCA members Beverly Jacobs and Dalibor Polivka are the co-curators.
The word “resilience” is derived from the Latin verb “resilire,” meaning to jump back or to recoil, which is akin to a human’s ability to bounce back after one of life’s impactful challenges. The curators of “resilire” have assembled female artists from diverse cultural backgrounds whose art embodies this resilience through their life experiences.
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Food & Drinks
From as far north as Fullerton down to Lake Forest, restaurant and grocery news is abundant throughout the county. When you crave time away from work, take a “food staycation” and explore the following places to alleviate your wanderlust. – Anne Marie Panoringan
MIMI GARDEN NOW OPEN
When: Soft-opened in mid-May
Where: The Orchard, 23624 El Toro Road, Suite D, Lake Forest
Cost: Varies
Contact: themimigarden.com
The second location for this local brand (the flagship being in Rancho Santa Margarita), Mimi Garden continues to modernize traditional Chinese cuisine. Its intentional layout allows for intimate friend/family gatherings and a transparent view of the kitchen where the signature Kurobuta XLB (xiao long bao, aka pork soup dumplings), wonton and dumpling dishes are all crafted in-house. Nosh on refreshing cucumber salad or slurp Mimi’s rich hot and sour soup before digging into family-style bites.
South County residents no longer need to sit in 405 traffic for their XLB. Talks of a third location are underway. Note: While ginger threads and chili oil appear on the table, soy sauce and vinegar are provided upon request to enhance the dumpling experience.
SUPPORT PETER’S GOURMADE BURGERS
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Where: 1101 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton
Cost: Varies
Contact: petersgourmadeburgers.com
Originally a tiny popup inside a Valero gas station, Peter’s Gourmade (a hybrid of “gourmet” and “homemade”) eventually acquired its own brick-and-mortar in 2012 at one end of a Tustin strip mall. The following year, Peter Stavros sold it to John Norman, who would retain the name but operate it as a family-run business specializing in a solid selection of hamburgers.
In August of 2024 a vehicle jumped the curb, crashing into the restaurant. Norman opened up a secondary spot in Fullerton while repairs were made. However, what was quoted as six months has taken much longer due to a number of factors including inspections and a costly rebuild. In the meantime, loyal followers of Peter’s have taken to social media to encourage residents to frequent Fullerton as a way to help fund the eventual Tustin reopening. Burger aficionados familiar with Peter’s menu will stand by the selections, which include many of the original Stavros recipes alongside additions from the Normans.
IRVINE ACQUIRES A DUO OF SUPERMARKETS
Japanese specialty market Tokyo Central by Marukai will launch in the former Super Irvine plot off Culver and the 5 Freeway, making it the third branch in Orange County in addition to Costa Mesa and Yorba Linda. With Mitsuwa and Ralph’s already present, we recommend visiting during off-peak hours if you don’t want to brave the traffic inside Heritage Plaza (one of the few areas not owned by the Irvine Company). Tokyo Central is scheduled to open its doors this summer.
In related news, the same Super Irvine took over the building formerly occupied by Zion Market inside Parkview Center at the intersection of Jeffrey Road and Michelson Drive across from Tanaka Farms and is working toward a summer launch. The revamped Persian market is rumored to include a full-service deli, bakery, restaurant and coffee bar. This supersized location will compete for customers from nearby Wholesome Choice. Expect a late July/early August announcement.
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Culture
Summer is full of free, fun activities in all kinds of subject matter — whether it’s reggae, surfing or Shakespeare. Bowers Museum’s Reggae Festival offers Caribbean-themed performances for the whole family. Doheny Surf & Art Festival celebrates surf culture for all. Shakespeare by the Sea offers outdoor, summer Shakespeare theater for everyone to enjoy. Get some fun, sun and eclectic cultural experiences at these events. – Jessica Peralta
Reggae Festival
When: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. June 1
Where: Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana
Cost: Free
Contact: (714) 567-3600 or bowers.org
Part of Free Family Festivals that are held every first Sunday of the month in the Key Courtyard and supported through the Nicholas Endowment, the Reggae Festival features performances by Caribbean Joy – with limbo dancing, walking on broken glass and even fire eating. There will also be performances by Southern California Caribbean band, Upstream, with reggae, soca ("soul of Calypso”) and Caribbean beats. Upstream performs at noon and 2 p.m., and Caribbean Joy Dance Team has its dance performance at 1:30 p.m. There will also be face-painting, hands-on art activities like Caribbean watercolor seascapes and tie-dye kerchiefs, and free Caribbean-style frozen fruit bars, while supplies last.
Doheny Surf & Art Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 21-22
Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
Cost: Free
Contact: (949) 496-6171 or dohenystatebeach.org
A community event open to all, the Doheny Surf & Art Festival is a two-day celebration of local surf culture and coast. There will be live music, a surf contest, an interactive whale display and local food, beer and wine vendors. Performers include the Mission Viejo Aloha Strummers, ’80s cover band New Wave Kids and more.
Left: "As You Like It" is one of Shakespeare by the Sea's productions this summer. Right: The backstage view of the Shakespeare by the Sea's travelling stage. Photos courtesy of Shakespeare by the Sea
Shakespeare by the Sea
When: “As You Like It”: June 29, July 11, July 24. “Julius Caesar”: June 28
Where: Rush Park, Rossmoor; Oso Viejo Park, Mission Viejo; Soka University, Aliso Viejo
Cost: Free
Contact: (310) 217-7596 or shakespearebythesea.org
The nonprofit theater company Shakespeare by the Sea returns for its 28th admission-free season with performances of ”As You Like It” and “Julius Caesar.” The outdoor, summer Shakespeare festival entertains multigenerational, underserved and culturally diverse audiences across more than 15 communities in Southern California. In Orange County, “As You Like It” is at Rush Park in Rossmoor on Sunday, June 29 at 7 p.m., Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo on Friday, July 11 at 7 p.m. and Soka University in Aliso Viejo on Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. “Julius Caesar” is at Rush Park in Rossmoor on Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m. While the summer festival is free, the nonprofit is facing financial gaps and is raising funds through donations, raffle ticket purchases, merchandise sales and concessions.
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Classical Music
The world of classical music slows down a bit in the summer months, but in our plentiful times there’s still much to see. Festivals both near and far make up for the relative dearth of subscription concerts, and there’s a wealth of serious music to be heard if you know where to look. Generally, the performers head outdoors to enjoy the weather, and on a good night, with a solid sound engineer on duty, listeners can find themselves in a musical idyll under the stars. – Timothy Mangan
Baroque Music Festival, Corona de Mar
When: June 22-29
Where: St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2200 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach; St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar; Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar
Cost: $45-$55
Contact: bmf-cdm.org
This year’s Baroque Music Festival, Corona del Mar, the 45th, focuses on the music of Vivaldi, some well-known pieces and some not so. Violinist Elizabeth Blumenstock is again in charge, leading orchestral and chamber forces performing on period instruments. The various small venues lend intimacy to the proceedings. The Festival Chorus is featured in the finale, which will include a performance of Vivaldi’s ebullient Gloria, RV 598.
Gustavo, Yuja & the Bolívars
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 12
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles
Cost: $13-$191
Contact: hollywoodbowl.com
The Hollywood Bowl has been a major destination for classical music lovers since the 1920s, and continues to be so. With some recent technical improvements, it delivers on sound and visuals as never before. Most classical concerts are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which means smaller crowds, and fewer headaches getting in and out. August 12 is a night of classical superstars: conductor Gustavo Dudamel, pianist Yuja Wang and the exciting and virtuosic Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Their program includes dances from around the world, Ravel’s Boléro, and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
Pacific Chorale’s Choral Festival
When: 5 p.m. Aug. 17
Where: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: Free
Contact: pacificchorale.org
Every year, the Pacific Chorale’s Choral Festival provides local choirs the opportunity to perform side by side with the Grammy-winning group. Artistic director Robert Istad will lead the massed singers in an agenda that includes selections from Bernstein’s Mass, Adolphus Hailstork’s “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” and the spiritual “We Shall Walk Through the Valley.” Organist Jung-A Lee assists. Tickets are free to the public.
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Popular Music
Summertime and popular music go hand-in-hand, reflecting the season’s energy in the vibrant, catchy, carefree tunes that abound in the songs. With upbeat tempos you can dance to and themes that range from romance to freedom and adventure, genres like pop, country, rock, EDM and hip-hop explode in the summer months, with each artist eager to release the “song of the summer.”
From energetic festivals and concerts under the summer sun, to indoor venues with ample air conditioning to cool off on hot nights, there’s an opportunity for Orange County locals to embrace all that pop music has to offer this season. —Ashley Ryan
SWIFT NATION
When: June 7 at 6 p.m.
Where: Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine
Cost: $11.29 to $52.45
Contact: greatparklive.com
To the disappointment of Swifties everywhere, The Eras Tour came to a close late last year. But the hype over the iconic retrospective, its glittering costumes and captivating three-hour setlist hasn’t died down. Enter Swift Nation, a tribute band that aims to capture the magic of the tour while honoring Taylor Swift’s legacy.
Start your summer off right with an outdoor performance by Swift Nation, led by San Diego-based frontwoman Melody Ebner, at the Great Park. Aiming to capture the essence of Swift's many eras, the band gives fans the chance to sing along to hits like “Lover,” “Shake It Off,” “Bad Blood,” “Anti-Hero” and much more. In addition to the music, this event will feature a kid's zone with inflatable play places, carnival games and mini golf.
JIN: THE RUNSEOKJIN EP TOUR
When: July 17-18 at 8 p.m.
Where: Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Cost: Starting at $258.75
Contact: hondacenter.com
South Korean singer Jin, who rose to fame as part of K-pop supergroup BTS before serving a mandatory stint in the military from 2022 to 2024, is launching his first worldwide tour this summer. Stopping everywhere from Tokyo to Amsterdam, the RunSeokjin EP Tour comes to Orange County this July.
Performances will include songs from Jin’s first extended play album, “Happy,” released in November, as well as tunes from “Echo,” a follow-up EP release in mid May. Branding for the tour has been inspired by “Run Seokjin,” the singer’s web-based variety show that puts members of the BTS ARMY front and center, implying that the experience will be fan-centric with intimate and engaging interactions between Jin and the audience.
Two hours before the concert starts, the venue’s Brewery X Biergarten will be open for a pre-party event with games, a live DJ, happy hour specials and gourmet cuisine.
STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO: THE PLACE BEHIND THE STARS TOUR
When: July 24 at 7 p.m.
Where: House of Blues Anaheim, 400 Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim
Cost: $51 to $88.50
Contact: houseofblues.com/anaheim
Ska punk band Streetlight Manifesto got its start more than 20 years ago and, although it has never become a big-name radio group, it has garnered a loyal following that supports the band to this day.
Back in 2013, the band ceased full-time touring in favor of one-off performances and appearances at festivals around the world. The upcoming tour marks Streetlight Manifesto’s return to not only touring but also to the studio, with the band’s first studio album in more than a decade slated to be released in late June. Titled “The Place Behind the Stars,” the new album will be the focal point of the House of Blues concert, though the high-energy band is sure to play some of its classic songs as well.
Expect a dynamic and electrifying performance with an engaging stage presence and intricate arrangements featuring a brass section with trumpet, saxophone and trombone.
CARLY PEARCE
When: Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: $44.71 to $74.25
Contact: pacamp.com
Part of the OC Fair’s summer concert series, country-pop star Carly Pearce will delight audiences with her catchy tunes that feature deep country undertones inspired by her Kentucky roots.
Heavily influenced by ‘90s country’s leading ladies, Pearce has made a name for herself in recent years with hits like “Next Girl” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now” that blend the styles of past eras with those of modern music. Her compelling storytelling and relatable lyrics have earned her a place among the top artists in contemporary country. During the concert, expect some of her older hits as well as songs off her “Hummingbird” album, the deluxe version of which launched in March with additional songs that expand on the 2024 release.
The OC Fair runs through Aug. 17, with all performances in the series featuring complimentary fair admission with every ticket purchased. Additional shows include Fitz and the Tantrums (July 25), Beck with the Pacific Symphony (July 30), KC and the Sunshine Band (July 31), Brett Young (Aug. 8), Blues Traveler (Aug. 15) and more.
SUN SOAKED
When: Sept. 6
Where: Huntington State Beach, 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
Cost: $79.49 to $217.95
Contact: sunsoaked.insomniac.com
Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Kaskade will bring his beachy music event, Sun Soaked, back to Southern California this summer after a seven-year hiatus.
Last held in Long Beach in 2018, the long-awaited event will feature a lineup of some of the biggest names in electronic music playing right on the sand, courtesy of Insomniac Events. Kaskade will, of course, headline the one-day festival with support from Malaa, Meduza, Sidepiece and Walker & Royce, as well as Anabel Englund, Mph and Skilah.
Aside from enjoying house music on the beach under the sun, guests can enjoy delicious food vendors during the event – the perfect way to wrap up summertime.
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Jazz & World Music
This summer the local performance calendar is particularly rich in the realm of world music. While there’s plenty of tempting jazz – check out the lineup for the Muckenthaler Jazz Fest and the Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival – these three unique world music events look to be promising summer highlights. Keep an eye on the OC Parks Summer Concert Series as well. The frequent free shows sometimes feature famous acts, such as the world music-influenced L.A. band Ozomtali at Fountain Valley’s Mile Square Park on June 19. – Paul Hodgins
The Festival of Tabla
When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 16, 11 a.m.-10.p.m. Aug. 17
Where: Soka University Concert Hall, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo
Admission: Prices start at $88 for one day, $150.50 for both days
Contact: 949-480-4ART (4278), soka.edu
The Festival of Tabla is a two-day event that celebrates the art of tabla solo performance. It was established by the Ravi & Shashi Bellare Arts Foundation, formed for the stewardship, preservation and presentation of the Indian classical arts: vocal music, dance, instrumental and the percussive arts, specifically the tabla as a solo and as accompanying instrument. The festival will feature various instrumental virtuosos, vocal maestros and mesmerizing dance pieces from India and around the world.
Buena Vista Orchestra
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 22
Where: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Admission: Tickets start at $44.07
Contact: 714-556-2787, scfta.org/shows-events
To date, the Buena Vista Social Club and related projects have racked up global sales of 50 million albums, making it the biggest-selling Cuban music project in history. The Buena Vista Orchestra continues the legacy of the legendary group. Formed in 2024, its repertoire includes many of the BVSC’s greatest hits. Its leader, Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos, is a Cuban trombonist, composer, arranger and musical director with a lengthy resume as a performer and bandleader. He is best known as the original orchestra leader, composer and trombonist of the Buena Vista Social Club.
La Banda Morisca
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14
Where: Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton
Admission: $35
Contact: 714-738-6595, themuck.org/program/2025/08-14
These musicians from Cadiz, Spain come from different professional backgrounds, making La Banda Morisca’s repertoire a rich blend of influences. Their goal is to experiment and evoke the cultural heritage of ancient al-Andalus and the legacy it has left on the music performed in Andalusia, the Maghreb and the Middle East. Inspired by this Andalusian heritage and by traditional ballads, La Banda Morisca’s music mixes the eastern and western influences of the Mediterranean with the spirit of traditional flamenco and Andalusian rock.
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Free ARTS in the Parks
There is nothing like packing a picnic basket, grabbing some lawn chairs and heading over to the park to catch a band or watch a movie as the heat of the day cools off with afternoon ocean breezes. In just about every city throughout Orange County, you can find free concerts, movies and even some outdoor theater throughout the summer. We scoured Orange County's city websites and have compiled a complete list of free summer events, listed with start times and dates. If we are missing free events near you, email us at info@cultureoc.org and we'll update our list. – Heide Janssen & Ashley Ryan
ALISO VIEJO Movie Nights, 6:30 p.m. Fridays in Grand Park | June 6 & 20, July 11 & 25, Aug. 8 Shakespeare by the Sea, 7 p.m. Friday at Soka University | July 24 Summer Concerts, 5 p.m. Sundays in Grand Park | June 8 & 22, July 13 & 27, Aug. 10 Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Soka University, Campus Green | June 25
ANAHEIM Concerts, 7p.m. Sundays at Pearson Park Theater | Aug. 2, 16 & 23; Aug. 9 (online reservations required) Cultural Events, 6:30 p.m. Fridays at Pearson Park Theater | July 11 & 25 (Baile y Canto & Anaheim Ballet Free Family Show, online reservations required) OC Parks Cinema Series, 5 p.m. Fridays at Yorba Regional Park | July 18 & 25
BREA Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in City Hall Park | July 9, 16, 23 & 30; in City Hall Park | Aug. 9 OC Parks Cinema Series, 5 p.m. Fridays at Carbon Canyon Regional Park | June 6 & 13
BUENA PARK Concerts, 6 p.m. Wednesdays in Boisseranc Park | July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; Aug. 9 Drive-In Movies | TBA Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in Boisseranc Park | Aug. 13
COSTA MESA Concert in the Park, TBA in Fairview Park | TBA Movies on the Plaza, 8 p.m Mondays at Argyros Plaza, Segerstrom Center | July 7, 14, 21 & 28. Friday Aug. 8 Summer Sounds Concerts, 7 p.m. Fridays at Argyros Plaza, Segerstrom Center | June 6, 13 & 20; July 11, 18, & 25 (Plaza Pass may be required) Symphony in the Cities, 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Fairview Park | July 27
CYPRESS Concerts on the Green, 6 p.m. Fridays at Civic Center Green | June 13, 20 & 27; July 11, 18 & 25; Aug. 1 & 8
DANA POINT Concerts at the Park, 2:30 p.m. Sundays at Sea Terrace Park | July 13, 20 & 27; Aug. 3, 10 & 17 Dana Point Shakespeare Festival, 5 p.m. at Sea Terrace Park | July 11 & 12 OC Parks Cinema Series, 5 p.m. Fridays at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach | Aug. 29 OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach | Aug. 14 & 21
Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Thursday at Pine Park | July 17
FOUNTAIN VALLEY Concerts in the Park, 6 p.m. Thursdays at Fountain Valley Recreation and Sports Park | July 2, 10, 17, 24 & 31 OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at Mile Square Regional Park | June 19 & 26 Movies | TBA
FULLERTON Concerts in the Park, Fridays at TBA | TBA Family Movie Night, at Fullerton Community Center | TBA (pre-registration required) OC Parks Cinema Series, 5 p.m. Fridays at Craig Regional Park | June 20 & 27 OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at Craig Regional Park | July 17 & 24
GARDEN GROVE Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Eastgate Park | June 13 & 26; July 10, 17, 24 & 31
HUNTINGTON BEACH Sunday in the Park Concerts, 5 p.m. Sundays at Thomas Ridley Central Park Concert Bandstand, behind the library | June 22 & 29; July 6, 13, 20 & 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17 & 24 Surfin' Sundays Concert Series, 9 a.m. Sundays at Pier Plaza | June 15; July 13; Aug. 26; Sept. 7; Oct. 26
Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Wednesday at Central Park | July 16
IRVINE Movies on the Lawn, 6 p.m. Fridays at Hicks Canyon | June 13, July 18 & 25; Aug. 8 OC Parks Cinema Series, 5 p.m. Fridays at William R. Mason Regional Park | July 11 OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at William R. Mason Regional Park | July 10 Summer Concerts, 5:30 p.m. Saturdays at Mike Ward Community Park | July 19 & 26; Aug. 2 & 9 Symphony in the Cities, 5:30 p.m. Sundays at Mike Ward Community Park | Aug. 3
LA HABRA Concerts in the Park, 7 p.m. Thursdays at Portola Park | July 10, 17, 24 & 31; Aug. 7 Movies in the Park, Sundown, Fridays at Portola Park | June 13 & 27; Saturdays, July 12 & 26; Aug. 9 Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Portola Park | June 15
LA PALMA Central Park Cinema, 8 p.m. Fridays at La Palma Central Park | Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29 Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at La Palma Central Park | July 10, 17, 24 & 31; Aug. 7 Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at La Palma Central Park | Aug. 14
LADERA RANCH Summer Concerts, 6:30 p.m. Fridays at Town Green | July 18 & 25; Aug. 1 & 8 Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Wednesday at Oso Grande Park | Aug. 27
LAGUNA BEACH Music in the Park, 5 p.m. Sundays at Bluebird Park | July 6, 13, 20 & 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Summer Movie Nights Sundown Wednesday at Aliso Beach Park | June 18; Sundown Thursday at Heisler Park | July 17 Sunset Seranades, Sundown Fridays at the Heisler Park Amphitheater | May 30; June 6, 13 & 20
LAGUNA HILLS Movies in the Park, 10 minutes after sunset | TBA Summer Concert Series | TBA Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Friday at Cabot Park | Aug. 29
LAGUNA NIGUEL OC Parks Cinema Series, 5 p.m. Fridays at Laguna Niguel Regional Park | Aug. 1 & 8 Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. Fridays at Crown Valley Park Amphitheater | June 6 & 20; July 4 (at 5:30 p.m.) & 18; Aug. 1 & 15
LAGUNA WOODS | no free events
LAKE FOREST Movies in the Park, Sunset Fridays at Lake Forest Sports Park | June 13; July 11; Aug. 8 Summer Concerts, 5:30 p.m. Saturdays at Lake Forest Sports Park | June 28; July 26; Aug. 23 Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Wednesday at Lake Forest Sports Park | Sept. 10
LOS ALAMITOS Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m Thursdays on Pine Street | June 12 & 19, July 10; 6:30 p.m. Sundays at Little Cottonwood Park | July 17 & 31; at Orville L. Lewis Park | July 24 & Aug 7
MISSION VIEJO Concerts on the Green, 4 p.m. Fridays at Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center | June 13, July 18 Shakespeare by the Sea, 7 p.m. Friday at Newhart Middle School | July 11 Symphony in the Cities, 4 p.m (prelude), 7 p.m. (concert) Saturday at Oso Viejo Community Park on the Village Green | Aug. 9 Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Fridays, at Pavion Park | May 30; at Napoli Park | Jun 27; Sunday at Melinda Park | Sept. 28
NEWPORT BEACH Summer Concert Series, 6 p.m Sundays at the Civic Center | July 27, Aug. 17, Sept. 14 Symphony in the Cities, Time TBD Sunday at Newport Beach Central Library | Aug. 17
ORANGE Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Hart Park Bandshell | July 9, 16, 23 & 30, Aug 6 OC Parks Cinema Series, 5 p.m. Fridays at Irvine Regional Park | Aug. 15 & 22 OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at Irvine Regional Park | July 31, Aug. 7 Symphony in the Cities, Time TBD Saturday at Aitken Arts Plaza at Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University | Aug. 10
PLACENTIA Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Tri City Park | July 10, 17, 24 & 31, Aug 7 Movies in the Park | TBA Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Saturday at Bradford House Lawn | Sept. 13
RANCHO MISSION VIEJO Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Pavilion Park | Aug. 24
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA Summer Concerts, 4 p.m. Sundays in Central Park | June 29 & Aug. 10; 6 p.m. Sundays | July 6, 13, 20 & 28, Aug. 3
ROSSMOOR Shakespeare by the Sea, 7 p.m. at Rush Park | June 28 & 29
SAN CLEMENTE Summer Concert Series, 6 p.m. Thursdays at San Clemente Pier | July 10, 17, 24 & 31, Aug. 14 Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Thursday at Ole Hanson Beach Club | Aug. 28; 6:30 p.m. Friday at Dorothy Visser Senior Center | Sept. 12
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO San Juan Summer Nites, 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Historic Town Center Park | June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17 Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Los Rios Park | Oct. 11
SANTA ANA Concerts in the Park, at TBA | TBA Movies in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Fridays, at El Salvador Park | June 6; at Santiago Park | June 13; at Windsor Park | June 20; at Jerome Park | June 27; at Carl Thornton Park | July 11; at Memorial Park | July 18; at Santa Ana Zoo | July 25 Shakespeare in the Park, at TBA | TBA
SEAL BEACH Concerts by the Pier, 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Seal Beach Pier | TBA Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Saturday at Eisenhower Park, South/East side of Pier | June 27
STANTON Movies Under the Stars, 8 p.m. Fridays at Stanton Central Park | July 11, 18 & 25, Aug. 1 Symphony on the Go, 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Stanton Central Park | June 26
TUSTIN Concerts in the Park, 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Peppertree Park | June 11, 18 & 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Movies in the Park, 6 p.m. Fridays, at Veterans Sports Park | June 27; at Peppertree Park | July 11; at Frontier Park | July 18; at Cedar Grove Park | July 25; at Camino Real Park | Aug. 1
VILLA PARK
Summer Concert | TBA
WESTMINSTER Movie Nights, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Civic Center Sunken Gardens | July 10, 17, 24 & 31 Summer Concerts, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Civic Center Sunken Gardens | Aug. 7, 14 & 21
YORBA LINDA Concerts in the Park, 5:30 p.m. Sundays at Hurless Barton Park | July 13, 20 & 27, Aug. 3, 10 & 17 Movies in the Park, Dusk Saturdays, at Eastside Community Park | July 19 & Sept. 20; at Hurless Barton Park | June 21, Aug. 16, Oct. 18
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