Summer 2026 in Orange County: The Arts and Culture Events Worth Your Time and Money
- Culture OC Staff
- 8 minutes ago
- 31 min read
Big acts, local gems and everything in between – the Culture OC team's picks for theater, dance, visual arts, music, food and free outdoor events this summer.
Memorial Day weekend is behind us, so what does the future have in store? Why, the exciting summer arts and culture season, of course!
There’s plenty to see and do in Orange County during 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
Mark Rothko, Alanis Morissette and William Shakespeare might make an unlikely trio huddled around a Southern California beach bonfire, but local theaters are welcoming each this summer. Rothko, the intense and complicated mid-20th century American Abstract Expressionist painter, is the subject of the play “Red” at the Laguna Playhouse; Morissette, the genre-crossing musician who exploded to fame in the 1990s, wrote the music for “Jagged Little Pill,” at Chance Theater; and Shakespeare, the protean wordsmith spawned in 16th century England, gets the SoCal surf treatment in the New Swan Theater’s musical adaptation of his “Merry Wives of Windsor.”
The first is about art versus commerce and mortality versus legacy; the second is about the dissolution of the American family and attempts to heal it; and the third is, well, it’s Shakespeare meets Elvis Presley meets a Southern California beach town circa 1960.
But though different in tone, theme, subject matter and setting. and indebted to different artistic mediums, each shows the mutability of theater. – Joel Beers
‘RED’
When: June 10-28; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. Sundays (1 p.m. June 28)
Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Admission: $69-$129
Contact: 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
John Logan, who wrote a few movies you may have heard of (“Gladiator,” “Hugo” the new Michael Jackson bio-pic) hit theatrical paydirt with “Red,” which won six Tony Awards in 2010 along with a slew of other awards. It’s set in the late 1950s in Rothko’s New York studio as he is working on his first major commission, the Seagram Murals, which were supposed to be decorative paintings for the Four Seasons Restaurant in a posh Manhattan hotel, but turned into a series of dark, brooding canvases, signaling a shift in Rothko’s career.
It follows the volatile relationship between Rothko and his young assistant Ken, as it turns from mentorship into a charged emotional and intellectual clash over the meaning and purpose of art, the Mammon of commercialism and the fear of losing artistic relevance in the rapidly shifting sands of culture.
It’s an intelligent play with Big Ideas, heavy themes and a brilliant, if hopelessly complicated, visual artist at its center. It’s been produced locally only once, in 2016 at South Coast Repertory, and with this production at a theater in a community with fine art in its legacy but where commercial art seems to dominate today, it will be interesting to see how it’s embraced.
There are also a series of post-show talkbacks as well as some community events themed around the show, with information here.
‘Jagged Little Pill’
When: July 10-August 9; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim
Admission: $32-$54, discounts available
Contact: 888-455-4212, chancetheater.com
You can’t toss a tall boy of Modelo these days without hitting some form of a jukebox musical at a theater, from “Mamma Mia” to “Million Dollar Quartet.”They tend to do boffo box office but at the expense of real heart and soul, as they tend toward being a greatest hits compendium of a popular artist or band strung along some kind of loose narrative.
But while “Jagged Little Pill” features 22 songs written by Morissette, including every one from her 1995 album of the same name, a jukebox musical this isn‘t. The book (i.e., narrative) is by Diablo Cody (who counts “Juno” among her screenplays) and the music drives the story but isn’t the story.
The play takes the shiny, well-manicured surface of a suburban American family and starts peeling it back until the rot shows – addiction, identity crisis, trauma and a sexual assault – that threaten to tear it apart. Each member of the Healey family must shed his/her carefully crafted skins, revealing things that are far messier, uncomfortable and honest. But will this newfound honesty destroy the family altogether?
‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’
When: July 8-Aug. 30; in repertory with “Romeo and Juliet,” (see website for specific dates)
Where: UC Irvine, Gateway Commons/Gateway Plaza, 4004 Mesa Road, Irvine
Admission: $115-$238
Contact: 949-854-4646, newswanshakespeare.com
While there are very heavy intellectual, social, emotional and psychological issues in the first two plays on this list, this New Swan Theater production looks like it will be more fun than a barrelful of Beach Boys. This Anna Fitzgerald and Eli Simon (who also directs) adaptation takes Shakespeare’s late 1590s “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” which features his bumbling hero Falstaff’s attempts to seduce two women who outwit him to great humiliation and sets it in a Southern California beach town in the late 1950s. It features surf rock and Falstaff as an Elvis impersonator.
Along with its terrific Shakespeare adaptations (and straight period Shakespeare shows), the draw at the New Swan, which is located on the UC Irvine campus, is the space: an open-air, in-the-round miniature version of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which results in an intimate, immersive experience under the sky – and the few stars that can be seen in the Southern California summer.
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Dance
For dancers and dance organizations in Orange County, summer is a time for experimentation, collaboration and artistic development. It is a time for audiences to see new works, emerging choreographers and performances that bring professional artists together with the next generation of dancers. A notable milestone this summer is the final season of National Choreographers Initiative, whose annual residency has been a fixture of Orange County's dance community for more than two decades. – Kaitlin Wright
Ballet Orange County’s ‘Vivo’
Where: Curtis Theatre, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea
When: 7 p.m. May 29
Cost: $75
Contact: balletoc.org
Formerly known as Ballet Project OC, Ballet OC presents “Vivo,” an evening exploring the connection between live music and dance. Led by Artistic Director Ally Helman, Executive Director Jon Helman and founder and ballet mistress Emily Helman Berry, the family-run company continues its mission of showcasing contemporary ballet and emerging artistic voices.
This program features new works by guest principal artist and choreographer Skylar Campbell, a Laguna Beach native, and Helman herself, including a new creation set to original music by David K. Israel. Returning audience favorites by Mate Szentes, Christina Ghiardi and Thel Moore round out a program that places musicians and dancers together onstage, creating an immersive experience where movement and music unfold in real time.
PHOTO 1: Backhausdance company members in performance of “Hive” which premiered in 2017. Photo courtesy of Backhausdance PHOTO 2: Dancers perform “Delicate Balance” by Jodie Gates in Laguna Dance’s February 2026 main stage festival. Photo by Cheryl Mann, courtesy of Laguna Dance
Summer Dance Intensive ShowcaseS OF New Work
BACKHAUSDANCE'S ‘DECONSTRUCTED: HIVE’
Where: Waltmar Theatre, Chapman University, 315 E. Palm Ave., Orange
When: 6 p.m. July 24
Cost: $45 general admission; $35 students
Contact: backhausdance.org
LAGUNA DANCE SUMMER STAGE FESTIVAL ‘WE THE PEOPLE’
Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
When: Time TBA, Aug. 7–9
Cost: Tickets coming soon. See website for details.
Contact: lagunadancefestival.org
Summer is a season of education and creation for two Orange County dance organizations. Backhausdance's “Deconstructed: Hive” brings together the company's professional dancers and participants from its summer intensive in an evening-length performance exploring Jennifer Backhaus' contemporary work “Hive.” A few weeks later, Laguna Dance presents its summer stage festival, culminating in the premiere of “We The People,” an interdisciplinary contemporary ballet project led by founder Jodie Gates with contributions from choreographers Peter Chu and Irene Rodriguez. Together, the performances highlight Orange County's role as a place where new dance works are developed, refined and shared with audiences.
National Choreographers Initiative 2026 – The Last Dance!
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
When: 8 p.m. July 26
Cost: Starting at $34
Contact: 949-854-4646, thebarclay.org
National Choreographers Initiative takes its final bow this summer with a farewell performance celebrating more than two decades of new ballet creation. Founded and directed by Molly Lynch, the Irvine-based program has brought together choreographers and professional dancers each summer since 2004 to develop original works in a collaborative laboratory setting.
For its final season, Lynch has invited four choreographers who previously participated in the program – Sarah Tallman (2015), Julia Feldman (2019), Emily Adams (2022) and DaYoung Jung (2024) – to create new ballets during NCI's three-week residency. Performed by 16 professional dancers from ballet companies across the country, the program gives audiences a rare opportunity to see new ballets take shape while celebrating one of Orange County's most influential dance initiatives.
Festival Ballet Theatre's ‘Gala of the Stars’
Where: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
When: 6 p.m. Aug. 6
Cost: Starting at $101.70
Contact: 714-556-2787, scfta.org
Festival Ballet Theatre's annual “Gala of the Stars” returns for its 17th year with an international roster of guest artists. The lineup is headlined by Maria Khoreva, first soloist with Russia's Mariinsky Ballet and one of ballet's most recognizable young stars through her performances and online following. Additional guest artists will be announced. The one-night-only event brings together dancers from leading companies for a program of classical and contemporary works.
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Visual Arts
Summer is the perfect 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 en plein air along the breezy coast.
Like trusty clockwork, art festival season is returning to Laguna Beach. We’ve got the details below. In addition, the recently acquired and renamed UCI Langson Orange County Museum of Art is presenting “Staging California in Early Hollywood,” June 26-Jan. 3, 2027, drawing primarily from the old Irvine Museum’s plein air painting collection.
The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art is showcasing women artists in “Resurrection, Beckoning the Crone,” June 26-27. And for all the Disney fans out there, Muzeo in Anaheim is featuring “Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference,” Aug. 8-Nov. 1. The exhibition was created and assembled for Muzeo by the Walt Disney Archives, and will explore the pursuit of character animation through a collection of rarely seen photographs.
Here are some more highlights of what promises to be a very busy visual arts season. – Richard Chang
115TH Annual Gold Medal Exhibition
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, June 14-Sept. 13
Where: Hilbert Museum of California Art, 167 N. Atchison St., Orange
Cost: Free; reservations encouraged
Contact: 714-516-5880, hilbertmuseum.org
The Hilbert Museum of California Art will host the respected California Art Club’s 115th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition. This will be the fourth time the Hilbert Museum has presented the CAC’s annual show. The CAC tends to focus on the traditional arts, such as painting and sculpture. This Gold Medal Exhibition has a long history of being unthemed, but this year’s installment will include a special focus to commemorate the 175th anniversary of California’s statehood, as well as the 250th anniversary of the United States.
An artists’ reception is planned for 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 13. Attendees will have the chance to meet the exhibiting artists, as well as purchase some of the Gold Medal works.
LAGUNA SUMMER ART FESTIVALS
FESTIVAL OF ARTS
When: July 7-Sept. 3
Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $10-$15 general, $7-$11 seniors and students, $5 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger, military and Laguna Beach residents
Pageant of the Masters runs July 9-Sept. 4, with showtimes at 8:30 p.m.; tickets start at $45
Information: 800-487-3378, LagunaFestivalofArts.org
SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL
When: June 26-Sept. 6
Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $35.50 summer season pass. One day tickets: $12.50 for adults, $10.50 seniors, $5.50 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger
Information: 949-494-3030, sawdustartfestival.org
LAGUNA ART-A-FAIR
When: June 26-Sept. 6
Where: 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $15 VIP season pass. One day tickets: $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
This summer, 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 – named one of the top 10 art festivals in the nation by USA Today – will celebrate 94 years since its inception in 1932, with over 120 Orange County artists showcasing their accomplishments in various media. The jewel of the festival’s crown, the Pageant of the Masters, will celebrate artists, innovators and masterpieces in art history with the theme, “The Greatest of All Time.”
The Sawdust Art Festival will be celebrating its 60th annual gathering, with more than 180 local and Laguna Beach artists on sawdust-covered, eucalyptus-shaded grounds. Live music, workshops and artists’ demonstrations are planned throughout the summer.
And Laguna Art-A-Fair will also celebrate 60 years, with 39 returning artists and 73 returning favorites. Workshops and entertainment are also planned through the run of the festival.
‘A Look at the Future: America 350’
When: July 25-Sept. 6
Where: Brea Art Gallery, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea
Cost: $3 general, $2 for seniors, military and students, free for Brea residents and children under 12
Information: 714-990-7731, breagallery.com
We know about all the America at 250 celebrations taking place this year. But imagine what this country might look like at 350 years old? Brea Gallery, in collaboration with Thinkspace Projects, has invited Southern California artists to explore speculative futures shaped by climate, technology, migration, labor, memory, identity and evolving social systems. Through diverse contemporary works, the artists reflect on the myths, infrastructures, communities and possibilities that may define America’s next century.
The free opening reception will be from 5-7 p.m. July 25. Admission to the gallery will also be free during BreaFest, 6-10 p.m. Aug. 7; Fresh{AIR} from noon-5 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23; and during the closing reception, 4-6 p.m. Sept. 6.
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Food & Drinks
Summertime is around the proverbial corner, and with the welcome change in temperature, residents are treated to a quartet of new and familiar brands to Orange County. From OG rainbow cones in Laguna to a family-friendly Huntington Beach kitchen and a sweet/savory corner shop hidden in Old Town Tustin, food and beverage openings aren’t slowing down. And annual festivals such as Brea Summerfest are in the home stretch in planning. By the way, the trend I never really paid attention to until now is the option to pay via Venmo, Cash app and others – based on the discretion of the business; sadly, cash isn’t always considered king anymore. – Anne Marie Panoringan
THE ORIGINAL RAINBOW CONE
Where: 244 S Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, and 9527 Valley View St., Cypress
Laguna Beach Hours: Noon - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday.
Cypress Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Cost: Cones start at $5 with happy hour pricing from opening to 3p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: rainbowcone.com
Best known for its signature dessert, the Original Rainbow is made up of five precise, “sliced” layers: classic chocolate, juicy strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts; named after a historic structure in the brand’s home turf of Chicago), pistachio almond and refreshing orange sherbet on top. “This is a small?!” could be overheard from a group of teens as I waited for a photo op at the new Laguna Beach spot, the second California location after Cypress.
I suggest treating your sweet tooth during the affordable, $5 Happy Hour from shop opening (noon Mondays-Thursdays, 1 p.m. Fridays) to 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Worried about not finishing your rainbow? Purchase a matching slice of ice cream cake instead and bring a frozen ice pack plus an insulated bag for cooler transport – Pageant of the Masters is returning July 9 and out-of-towners will leave zero street parking for locals.
CHAMPAGNES KITCHEN
Where: 200 Main St., Huntington Beach, and 1250 Bison Ave., Newport Beach
Huntington Beach Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday 8 a.m.-midnight, Friday & Saturday
Newport Beach Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Contact: champagneskitchenoc.com
Welcoming customers and families to Newport Beach since 1989, Champagnes is a familiar sight in this beach community. It finally expanded to another prime location – this time in downtown Huntington Beach, replacing a former iHop that’s a block from the ocean.
Expect even busier lunchtime hours thanks to the consistent amount of foot traffic along Main Street. Your best bet is to order online. (I recommend the turkey chili in addition to whatever you crave) before heading over to reduce the wait. Don’t sleep on the breakfast beignets, either. Bonus: Thanks to an additional 1,000 square feet of space, ownership agreed to include a full bar.
MAISON & Old Town Creamery
Where: 158 W. Main St., Tustin
Taking over the former Rutabegorz space in Old Town Tustin’s historic Artz Building (named after entrepreneur Charles O. Artz), Maison plans to specialize in a trio of handheld snacks: donuts, bakery items and frites/fries. In addition to branded merchandise previewed via Maison’s Instagram, QR codes are posted outside for foodies and residents to scan and bookmark as new details continue to be released. A late summer opening is expected.
For any Ruta loyalists, expect to see a nod to the original dining room, as the doorway that used to connect the main dining with secondary seating remains. However, instead of tables and chairs, Maison management will unlock a chill Old Town Creamery to cure any summertime blues with scoops of classic flavors. Rumor has it that a bespoke coffee blend will also be featured.
An opening date for both concepts has not been disclosed, although it would behoove them to launch by Independence Day.
Brea Summerfest
Where: St. Angela Merici Parish School, 575 S. Walnut Ave., Brea
Where: 6-10 p.m. May 29. 3-10 p.m. May 30. 2-8 p.m. May 31
Contact: summerfestbrea.org
Coming in hot this weekend is Brea’s annual fundraiser (aka Summerfest) benefiting St. Angela Merici Parish School. Occurring Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31, this local festival offers zero entry fees and plenty of entertainment in the form of carnival rides, musical performances, bingo, beverages (beer, wine and cocktails) plus numerous food stalls including local storefronts Finney’s Crafthouse and Firehouse Subs.
Summerfest is in its 37th year and it’s run like a well-oiled machine thanks to hundreds of volunteers. It is considered the largest community event in North O.C. Please note that outside food or drink is not permitted.
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Culture
Summer is full of promise for enthusiasts of boat, surf and tattoo culture. There are fun festivals planned for the entire fandom. Take a look at what’s in store at the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival, OC Tattoo Festival and Surf Guitar 101 Festival. – Jessica Peralta
Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 13
Where: Balboa Yacht Club, 1801 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar
Cost: $10 per person, free for children under 12
Contact: newportbeachwoodenboatfestival.com
Guests can explore more than 40 iconic boats on land and water, speak with boat owners, tour featured vessel the Spirit of Dana Point, and check out food and entertainment. There will be both a large boat and small boat collection to admire. Gondola rides will also be available to purchase at the event.
OC Tattoo Festival
When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 18-19
Where: The QD Venue, 7722 Garden Grove Blvd., Westminster
Cost: Starts at $22 for one adult/day
Contact: octattoofestival.org
Tattoo artists and fans have a chance to come together to share in their passion for ink this summer. OC Tattoo Festival promises a full weekend of ink, art, food and community. The festival invites artists to enter the tattoo contests, but its Instagram account warns that the “crowd is tough, bring your best work only.”
Surf Guitar 101 Festival
When: First performance at 6 p.m. July 31, moderated discussion starts at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 1, moderated discussion starts at 11 a.m. Aug. 2
Where: Garden Grove Elks Lodge, 11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove
Cost: $44-$75, general admission
Contact: surfguitar101festival.com
In its 17th year, the Surf Guitar 101 Festival is three days of celebrating all things surf band. Founded by Jeff “BigTikiDude” Hanson in 2008, the festival features traditional, modern and cutting-edge international, national and local bands performing instrumental surf music. Fans can also shop for surf music-related items like CDs, LPs, 7-inch and 10-inch vinyl records, DVDs, T-shirts, books, posters, Tiki mugs, guitar pedals and more.
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Classical Music
Summer season is festival season in the classical music world. A listener in Southern California may have to travel a little to find a good performance, but that can be part of the joy: classical music as destination. You make a day, or a week, of it. Often, you end up outdoors under balmy, starry skies, a place that can be more conducive to listening than concert halls. The pickings are again plentiful this year. Here are three sure bets. – Timothy Mangan
Ojai Music Festival
When: June 11-14
Where: Libbey Bowl, 210 S Signal St., Ojai, CA
Cost: $25-$195
Contact: ojaifestival.org
For four days every June, since the 1940s, this charming little Ventura County town becomes the center of contemporary classical music. The concerts and events run early morning into late night and the crowds are enthusiastic, no matter how difficult some of the music is. This year’s music director (in a repeat performance) is the Finnish conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen; he’ll feature many of his own works in the course of the festival. He’ll be joined by many guests, including the marvelous Colburn Orchestra, technically students, but they don’t sound like it.
Baroque Music Festival, Corona de Mar
When: June 21-28
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: $50-$60
Contact: bmf-cdm.org
With Baroque music often ignored during the regular season, the Baroque Music Festival, Corona del Mar, now in its 46th year, has long offered compensation, a week focused solely on it. Violinist Elizabeth Blumenstock leads the variously sized ensembles of period instruments in a series of delightful small venues. The grand finale will celebrate the patron saint of music, St. Cecilia, with music by Handel, including his “Ode to St. Cecilia’s Day” on a text by Dryden, for orchestra, chorus and soloists.
Hollywood Bowl
When: July-September
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles
Cost: $13-$191
Contact: hollywoodbowl.com
With its plethora of concerts in various musical genres, it can sometimes be easy to forget that the Hollywood Bowl was envisioned as primarily a classical venue. It’s the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the best nights to hear it are Tuesdays and Thursdays, when crowds are more manageable and parking less a pain. Several concerts this year will celebrate outgoing music director Gustavo Dudamel, who is heading to the New York Philharmonic. The one on Aug. 20, featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, looks like a good choice. No matter when you go, plan to arrive early for a visit to the marvelous Hollywood Bowl Museum.
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Popular Music
Even for those who aren’t in school anymore, there’s something about summer that just feels like freedom. The days are longer, the sun is out and the weather is warm, giving us space and time to explore to our heart’s content. It’s the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor (or maybe even indoor) concert, swaying and singing as that golden hour glow ushers in a starry sky overhead. These are, personally, some of my favorite moments, as they provide an unparalleled setting for celebrating how music makes you feel. – Ashley Ryan
MANÁ
When: 8:30 p.m. June 5-6
Where: Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Cost: Starting at $76.10
Contact: hondacenter.com
It’s been more than 30 years since Mexican pop-rock band Maná took the world by storm with its first international tour. But the quartet is not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. After making history early last year as the first Spanish-language group to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the band announced its Vivir Sin Aire arena tour – a lineup of more than 30 dates wrapping in December. But just five days before the end of the run, Maná revealed a 2026 extension with 19 additional dates. With two Anaheim shows toward the beginning of the schedule, and additional dates at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood in September, Southern California fans can expect a nearly two-hour show that features Maná’s emotional ballads, an on-stage waterfall and an intimate acoustic set performed closer to the crowd.
VANS WARPED TOUR
When: July 24-25
Where: Long Beach Shoreline Marina, 450 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach
Cost: $199.98 for general admission; $449.98 for VIP
Contact: vanswarpedtourlongbeach.com
After a six-year hiatus, Vans Warped Tour made its return last summer in honor of the festival’s 30th anniversary. To the delight of emo, pop punk, rock and post-hardcore music fans, the tour skipped its usual stops in Ventura or Pomona, instead taking up space along the Long Beach shoreline – a venue it’s gracing again for 2026. Bask in the summer sun while enjoying a lineup that includes nearly 150 acts, ranging from All Time Low, The Used and G-Eazy to Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World. Upgrade your ticket to VIP to enjoy access to expedited entry lines and dedicated viewing areas. This year’s event will also include several experiential elements, including meet and greets along Artist Alley, extreme sports demonstrations, educational Charity Circle booths and more.
LEE BRICE
When: 5 p.m. July 26
Where: Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine
Cost: Starting at $85
Contact: greatparklive.com
Best known for his powerful voice and storytelling style of songwriting, singer-songwriter Lee Brice creates live shows that feel like you’re catching up with an old friend. High-energy enough to keep you entertained while also revealing intricate details behind his country tracks, Brice’s meaningful lyrics capture the raw emotion that has made the genre so popular in recent years. With a band just as poignant and impassioned as the artist himself, the concert will be filled with heartfelt moments during recognizable tunes like “I Don’t Dance,” “One of Them Girls” and “I Drive Your Truck.” Concertgoers can spread out on the sprawling lawn and dance the night away with general admission, book reserved seating or grab pit tickets in the very front for a more intimate experience. Kameron Marlowe and Timmy McKeever are also scheduled to perform.
AN EVENING WITH DIANA ROSS
When: 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: $60.60 to $159.50
Contact: pacamp.com
The Queen of Motown, Diana Ross, is in the midst of a worldwide tour, with stops in the Czech Republic, Belgium and the United Kingdom before she comes back to North America. Originally rising to fame as the singer of 1960s girl group The Supremes, known for hits like “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “You Can't Hurry Love,” she later became a global icon with an expansive career of her own. During this special evening, Ross will perform a career-spanning setlist, likely including timeless classics such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I’m Coming Out.” Despite nearly 70 years in the music industry, Ross has maintained her dynamic stage presence, complete with high-energy glamour and captivating costume changes. Although the locally beloved OC Fair wraps up in mid-August, this special post-fair concert takes place at the OC Fair & Event Center amphitheater, aka the Pac Amp.
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Jazz & World Music
This year, Orange County's summer jazz and world music lineup is a rich landscape offering several major names, plenty of outdoor performances, some tempting free concerts, and an especially rich diversity of Latin jazz artists. Before we get to the top picks, let’s quickly run through a few highlights.
Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate Series: Hosted by the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, this recurring summer series pairs fine wine and chocolate with live jazz. Highlights include performances by Tony Guerrero with Lia Booth on July 23 and Bill Cantos on Aug. 25.
Manny Cepeda Orchestra: Vibrant, high-energy salsa and Afro-Cuban rhythms at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on July 24.
Sawdust Art Festival: Running all summer long, this festival highlights bluesy, New Orleans-influenced sounds and international flavors. Catch solo multi-instrumentalist Mike Maimone on July 31 and Aug. 21 or Texas-blues-inspired guitarist Fernando Noronha on Aug. 26.
Andrea Miller: The Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition finalist delivers an evening of jazz standards. She performs at The Sanctuary Studio for the Arts & Humanities in Santa Ana on Aug. 22. Tickets start at $15.
Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra: The multi-Grammy-winning pianist and his legendary big band bring contemporary Afro-Latin jazz to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Sept. 19.
Here are my top picks. – Paul Hodgins
Kolohe Kai
When: 7:30 p.m. July 24
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Admission: $56-$165 (includes OC Fair admission)
Contact: 866-380-8425 or etix.com
Oahu native Kolohe Kai stands as a seminal force in Pacific Island reggae, blending island melodies, roots reggae, pop and R&B into a sound that resonates across generations. Working with singer-songwriter Roman De Peralta, Kai honors his roots with heartfelt lyrics, smooth vocals and an undeniable connection to the aloha spirit. Kai’s music has found a universal audience, drawing millions of streams and earning multiple reggae album of the year awards. His signature hits, including “Ehu Girl,” “Cool Down” and “Heartstrings,” have become anthems of island culture.
Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 6
Where: City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Admission: $109.55-$139.25
Contact: 714-712-2700 or groveofanaheim.com
The Gipsy Kings’ unique blend of Catalan rumba, flamenco, salsa and pop has attracted a large following for almost 50 years. Formed in 1979 in Arles, France, the band has drawn most of its members from two related families, the Reyes and the Baliardos, whose roots lie in Catalonia, Spain. They perform mostly in Spanish but also mix in Catalan, French and languages of southern France, such as Occitan. Their self-titled 1987 album catapulted them to international stardom, and they’ve since sold over 20 million albums globally.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
When: 6 p.m. Aug. 8
Where: Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley
Admission: Free
Contact: ocparks.com
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was at the forefront of the swing revival movement, and it has successfully outlived that brief trend to find an enduring appeal. Formed in Ventura in 1989, the group is famous for its high-octane blend of 1940s-style big band jazz, swing, jump blues and Dixieland. The band’s appearance in the 1996 hit indie film “Swingers” cemented its popularity. BBVD has performed over 3,000 live shows, played for three U.S. presidents, and frequently collaborates with orchestras across the U.S. Admission is free to all OC Parks Summer Concert Series.
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Classical Music | Popular Music | Jazz & World Music | Free Arts in the Parks
Free ARTS in the Parks
Orange County is filled with parks and plazas that come alive with music, movies, theater and dance productions during the summer. A seemingly endless array of free (unless otherwise noted) arts performances – listed below – are planned outdoors over the next few months in cities throughout the county. So, grab some lawn chairs or a blanket and pack a picnic dinner to enjoy these shows as the sun goes down and the summer heat gives way to evening breezes. Whether it’s a live band or a favorite film under the stars, there’s something for everyone this season. If we’ve missed any free events near you, email us at info@cultureoc.org and we’ll update our list. – Sharon Stello
ALISO VIEJO
Movie Nights, 6:30 p.m. Fridays at Grand Park | June 5 & 19; July 10 & 24; Aug. 7
Shakespeare by the Sea, 7 p.m. Thursday at Soka University, Campus Green | July 23
Summer Concerts, 5 p.m. Sundays at Grand Park | June 7 & 21; July 12 & 26; Aug. 9
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Soka University, Campus Green | June 18
ANAHEIM
Concerts, 7 p.m. Saturdays at Pearson Park Amphitheater | July 25; Aug. 1, 8, 15 & 22 (online reservations required); 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Pearson Park Amphitheater | July 2 (online reservations required)
Cultural Events, 6:30 p.m. Fridays at Pearson Park Amphitheater | July 10 & 17 (Baile y Canto & Anaheim Ballet Free Family Show, online reservations required)
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series, sunset Fridays at Yorba Regional Park | July 17 & 24
BREA
Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at City Hall Park | July 8, 15, 22 & 29; Aug. 5
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series, sunset Fridays at Carbon Canyon Regional Park | June 5 & 12
BUENA PARK
Concerts, 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Boisseranc Park | July 8, 15, 22 & 29; Aug. 5
Dive-In Movies, 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at William Peak Park Pool | July 9, 16 & 23 (admission is $1 per child and $1.50 per adult)
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ehlers Event Center | Aug. 12
COSTA MESA
Concerts in the Park, 5 p.m. Tuesdays at Fairview Park | July 14, 21 & 28
Golden West Pops Concert, 11 a.m. Sunday at Fish Fry & Carnival at Lions Park | June 28 (admission is free; live music planned June 26-28)
Movie Mondays, 8 p.m. Mondays at Argyros Plaza, Segerstrom Center for the Arts | July 6, 13, 20 & 27; Aug. 3
Movies in the Park, dusk Saturdays | June 13 at Downtown Recreation Center; July 11 at Balearic Community Center; Aug. 8 at Shiffer Park
Summer Sounds Concerts, 8 p.m. Fridays at Argyros Plaza, Segerstrom Center for the Arts | June 12, 19 & 26; July 10, 17 & 24
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Heller Park; Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Vista Park; Saturday, Aug. 29, at Shiffer Park
Tuesday Night Dance Classes, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Argyros Plaza, Segerstrom Center for the Arts | June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; July 7, 14, 21 & 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25
CYPRESS
Concerts on the Green, 6 p.m. Fridays at Civic Center Green | June 19 & 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; Aug. 7
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Friday at Maple Grove North Park | Aug. 14
DANA POINT
Concerts in the Park, 2:30 p.m. Sundays at Sea Terrace Park | July 12, 19 & 26; Aug. 2, 9 & 16
Dana Point Shakespeare in the Park, 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Sea Terrace Park | July 10 & 11
Movies in the Park, 8 p.m. Fridays | June 5 at Dana Crest Park; June 12 at Sunset Park; June 19 at Del Obispo Park; June 26 at Sea Terrace Park
OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach | Aug. 27; Sept. 3
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series, sunset Friday at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach | Aug. 28
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Pines Park | July 8
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 Sports Park | July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Movies in the Park, dusk at Fountain Valley Sports Park | Tuesday, Aug. 4; Friday, Aug. 14
OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at Mile Square Park | Aug. 13 & 20
FULLERTON
Friday Night Live: Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Fridays | Aug. 7 at Fullerton Sports Complex; Aug. 14 at Independence Park; Aug. 21 at Bastanchury Park; Aug. 28 at Amerige Park
OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at Ted Craig Regional Park | July 30; Aug. 6
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series, sunset Fridays at Ted Craig Regional Park | June 19 & 26
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hunt Library | July 7
GARDEN GROVE
Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Eastgate Park | June 18 & 25; July 9, 16, 23 & 30
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Concerts in the Park Summer Series, 5 p.m. Sundays at Thomas Ridley Bandstand at Central Park, behind the library | June 28; July 5, 12, 19, & 26; Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Surfin’ Sundays Concert Series, noon Sundays at Pier Plaza | May 31; June 21; July 19; Aug. 23; Sept. 13
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Huntington Beach Central Library | Aug. 18
IRVINE
Movies on the Lawn, after sunset Fridays at Hicks Canyon Community Park | June 26; July 17 & 24; Aug. 14
OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursday at William R. Mason Regional Park | July 9
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series, sunset Friday at William R. Mason Regional Park | July 10
Summer Concerts, 5:30 p.m. Saturdays at Mike Ward Community Park | June 6 & 27; July 18
Symphony in the Cities, time TBA Sunday at Mike Ward Community Park | Aug. 15
LA HABRA
Concerts in the Park, 7 p.m. Thursdays | July 9 & 23 at Vin Scully Centennial Park; July 16 & 30 at Portola Park; Aug. 6 at Vin Scully Centennial Park
Movies in the Park, sundown | Friday, May 29, at Vin Scully Centennial Park; Friday, June 26, at El Centro-Lions Park; Friday, July 24 at Portola Park; Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Brio Park
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Portola Park | July 28
LA PALMA
Central Park Cinema, 8 p.m. Fridays at La Palma Central Park | Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28
Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at La Palma Central Park | July 9, 16, 23 & 30; Aug. 6
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Thursday at La Palma Central Park | Aug. 13
LADERA RANCH
Summer Concerts, 6:30 p.m. Fridays | July 10, 17 & 24 at Town Green; July 31 at Founders Park; Aug. 7 at Founders Park
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Oso Grande Park | July 21
LAGUNA BEACH
Fête de la Musique, 11 a.m. Saturday at Main Beach cobblestones and all afternoon on downtown streets | June 20
Movies in the Park, sunset at Heisler Park Amphitheater | Thursday, July 16; Thursday, Aug. 20; Saturday, Sept. 26
Symphony on the Go, 5:30 p.m. Friday at Heisler Park Amphitheater | Sept. 25
LAGUNA HILLS
Movies in the Park, 10 minutes after sunset Fridays | July 10 at Mackenzie Park; July 24 at San Remo Park; Aug. 7 at Stockport Park; Aug. 21 at Clarington Park
Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. Fridays outside at Laguna Hills Community Center | July 17 & 31; Aug. 14
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Cabot Park | Aug. 25
LAGUNA NIGUEL
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series, sunset Fridays at Laguna Niguel Regional Park | July 31; Aug. 7
Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. at Crown Valley Park Amphitheater | Fridays, June 5 & 19; Saturday, July 4; Fridays, July 17 & 31; Friday, Aug. 14
LAGUNA WOODS | no free events
LAKE FOREST
Movies in the Park, sunset Fridays at Lake Forest Sports Park | June 12; July 17; Aug. 7
Summer Concerts, 6 p.m. Saturdays at Lake Forest Sports Park | June 27; July 18; Aug. 15
LOS ALAMITOS
Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays | June 11, 18 & 25 at 10901 Pine St.; July 9 at 10901 Pine St.; July 16 & 30 at Little Cottonwood Park; July 23 at Orville R. Lewis Jr. Park; Aug. 6 at Orville R. Lewis Jr. Park
MISSION VIEJO
Concerts on the Green, 6 p.m. Fridays at Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center | June 12; July 17 & 31
Symphony in the Cities: time TBA Saturday at Oso Viejo Community Park on the Village Green | Aug. 8
Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Sunday at TBA | Sept. 13
NEWPORT BEACH
Movies in the Park, 7 p.m. Fridays | June 5 at Marina Park; July 10 at Mariners Park; Aug. 21 at Cliff Drive Park; 6 p.m. Friday at Bayview Park | Sept. 18
Summer Concert Series, 6 p.m. Sundays at Newport Beach Civic Center Green | July 19; Sept. 13; 4 p.m. Sunday at Marina Park | Oct. 11
Symphony in the Cities, time TBA Sunday at Newport Beach Central Library | Aug. 9
ORANGE
Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hart Park Bandshell | June 24; July 8, 15, 22 & 29; Aug. 5
OC Parks Summer Concert Series, 5 p.m. Thursdays at Irvine Regional Park | July 16 & 23
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series, sunset Fridays at Irvine Regional Park | Aug. 14 & 21
Symphony in the Cities, time TBA Sunday at Aitken Arts Plaza at Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University | Aug. 16
PLACENTIA
Concerts in the Park, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Tri-City Park | June 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Movies in the Park, dusk Fridays | July 3 at Champions Sports Complex; July 17 at Richard Samp Park; July 31 at Tri-City Park
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Bradford Park | Aug. 30
RANCHO MISSION VIEJO
Concerts at Red, White & Blue Bash, 4:30 p.m. Saturday at The Pavilion field | June 27
Summer Concert Series, 6 p.m. Saturdays at The Pavilion field | June 6, 13 & 20
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Concerts in the Park, 6 p.m. Sundays at Central Park | July 12, 19 & 26; Aug. 2 & 9; 4 p.m. Sunday at Central Park | Aug. 16
ROSSMOOR
Shakespeare by the Sea, 7 p.m. Thursday at Rush Park | July 2
SAN CLEMENTE
Free Family Sundays, 10 a.m. Sundays at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens | July 5 (performances by Community Outreach Alliance musicians); Aug. 2 (Coloring Book Day)
Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights! Concert and Movie, 5 p.m. Thursday at Parque del Mar | July 2
Summer Beach Concert Series, 6 p.m. Thursdays | July 9 at Linda Lane Park; July 16, 23 & 30 at San Clemente Pier; Aug. 13 at San Clemente Pier
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Ole Hanson Beach Club | Aug. 27; 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Dorothy Visser Senior Center | Sept. 17
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
San Juan Summer Nites Concerts, 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Historic Town Center Park | June 17; July 15; Aug. 19; Sept. 16
Symphony on the Go, 6 p.m. Tuesday at Los Rios Park | Sept. 15
SANTA ANA
Family Festivals, 11 a.m. Sundays at Key Courtyard at Bowers Museum | July 12; Aug. 2; Sept. 13
Fourth of July Concerts, 6:45 p.m. Saturday at Centennial Park | July 4
Movies in the Park, dusk Fridays | June 5 at Delhi Park; June 12 at El Salvador Park; June 26 at Portola Park; July 10 at Jerome Park; July 17 at Centennial Park; July 24 at Lillie King Park
SEAL BEACH
Seal Beach Summer Concerts, 6 p.m. Wednesdays at the base of Seal Beach pier in Eisenhower Park | June 17 & 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; Aug. 5 & 12
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Eisenhower Park | June 27
STANTON
Movies Under the Stars, 8 p.m. Fridays at Stanton Central Park | July 10, 17, 24 & 31
TUSTIN
Concerts in the Park, 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Peppertree Park | June 10, 17 & 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29
Movies in the Park, dusk Fridays | July 10 at Tustin Sports Park; July 17 at Frontier Park; July 24 at Peppertree Park; July 31 at Camino Real Park; Aug. 7 at Veterans Sports Park
VILLA PARK
Concerts in the Park, TBA
Symphony on the Go, 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Villa Park Town Center | Sept. 26
WESTMINSTER
Movie Nights, 8:15 p.m. Thursdays at Civic Center Sunken Gardens | July 9, 16, 23 & 30
Summer Concerts, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Civic Center Sunken Gardens | Aug. 6, 13 & 20
YORBA LINDA
Concerts in the Park, 5:30 p.m. Sundays at Hurless Barton Park | July 12, 19 & 26; Aug. 2, 9 & 16
Movies in the Park, dusk Saturdays at Hurless Barton Park | June 20; July 18; Aug. 15; Sept. 19
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