Best Events & Activities This Week In Orange County - July 3
Tween Art Explosion
Yorba Linda Public Library
18181 Imperial Highway
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 777-2873
www.ylpl.net
Following last month's summer kick-off festival, the Yorba Linda Public Library has launched an exciting array of programs for kids, tweens and the whole family. On Monday afternoon, they will host the Tween Art Explosion. Though it's the first time the event is being held, it's sure to be a hit, with a variety of creative activities on hand for kids in grades 4 through 8. From 3 to 4:15 p.m., the kids will discover their inner Picassos as they explore the world through everything from paint to crayons and colored pencils. Other tween programs in July include the illusion-filled Magic-ology workshop on the 17th and Candy Chaos on the 31st.
Celebrate Independence Day!
Independence Day On the Bay
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 729-3863
www.newportdunes.com
The 4th of July is one of the most exciting days of the summer, filled with barbecues, fireworks and fun in the sun. The celebration at Newport Dunes starts at 3 p.m. so take advantage of the warm weather and the water with some nearby sports. Guests can partake in kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing or boating on the Back Bay; an inflatable water park will also be out on the water. With live music from a few tribute bands, the sounds of Tom Petty and U2 will fill the air. For dinner, the Back Bay Bistro will host a holiday buffet and there will be food trucks nearby. Then, once the sun sets, enjoy a fireworks display over the water.
4th Of July Fireworks Shows Around Orange County
There is plenty going on around Orange County for the 4th. Visit our complete list of 4th of July Parades, And Fireworks Shows Around Orange County for ideas!
Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-1145
www.foapom.com
Now in its 85th year, the Festival of Arts is one of the most renowned art displays in the world—thanks, in large part, to the Pageant of the Masters that graces the festival stage each summer. Another large part of the summer festival is the fine art show. Opening on Wednesday and running through August 31, the juried exhibition contains works from 140 of the best artists in Orange County. Including everything from photography, paintings and sculpture to jewelry, ceramics, woodworking and glasswork, there is plenty to see and buy—and plenty of artists to meet. The festival also hosts art workshops and lectures that allow visitors to get in on the fun and explore their inner creativity.
Glasscapes by Viscosity
Sherman Library & Gardens
2647 East Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 673-2261
www.slgardens.org
Last month, the Sherman Library & Gardens launched an outdoor art exhibit called Glasscapes. Featuring five different installations of stunning colorful glasswork, these pieces were crafted by husband and wife duo Scott Graham and Cristy Aloysi of Viscosity Art Glass Studio in Northern California's Boulder Creek. Three of the five are on display for the first time—inspired by the grounds at the library and other beautiful aspects of the gardens. Two additional sculptures, inspired by the towering redwood trees that surround the area in which the couple lives, were previously on display. Stop by before the end of October to check out these stunningly simple designs.
Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day!
Multiple Locations
Love fried chicken and waffles or a fried chicken sandwich? There are plenty of spots around Orange County to get your fix this year! Visit our list of the Best Places To Get Fried Chicken In Orange County.
Enjoy Virtual Reality Gaming
Go VR Gaming
400 West Disney Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 829-4189
www.govrgaming.com
Hitting the arcade on a Friday night is an obvious choice, but enhance the experience in a one-of-a-kind way with a stop at Go VR Gaming. Located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, the experience is seamless, thanks to the help of Go VR employees, who will help explain how the center works and determine what would be the best amount of time for your crew. There is a 65" driving simulator, but you'll most likely be interested in the room-scale VR. Play games like Edge Guardian, Kung Fu Ping Pong, Tilt Brush, Catlateral Damage and more in 10x15 areas, complete with headsets and controllers. Family or friends can relax on nearby couches with food and drinks.
Plumerias with the South Coast Plumeria Society
Roger's Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Road
Newport Beach, CA 92625
(949) 640-5800
www.rogersgardens.com
On Saturday, Roger's Gardens will host a free seminar by the South Coast Plumeria Society. The Hawaiian flowers are famous around the world as the blooms used in Hawaiian leis, but the climate in Orange County also happens to be perfect for growing this unique, star-shaped beauties. Specialists from the society will host a one-hour talk that will cover everything from the history of the flowers to their cultural relevance. Other topics included will be how to select a proper plumeria plant, how to care for it, how to transplant it, how to fight pests, irrigation techniques and elements of plumeria nutrition. This is the perfect seminar for those that can't get enough of the Hawaiian islands and want to bring a little bit of aloha to their own gardens.
Celebrate German Heritage Day
Old World German Restaurant
7561 Center Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 895-8020
www.oldworld.ws
This one-day event offers plenty of cultural fun. Whether you're there for the cold German beer or to celebrate the history of German immigrants that migrated here back in the 17th century. Old World will host this free experience from 1 to 6 p.m., offering a casual family-friendly atmosphere with an indoor space, open air outdoor patio and carnival games for the kids. The German American Brass Band will be on site playing polka and other styles of European music while the Donau Schwaben folk dancers will present traditional dances that are over a century old. The first 500 attendees will also receive a free meal.
