Events in Newport Beach today

Enjoy two days of smooth, summer jazz at the Long Beach Jazz Festival. This all-ages festival brings together a mix of classic R&B and hot jazz performances in an outdoor setting on a grassy knoll by the waterfront, with plenty of seating plus food and art to explore.

A vibrant Orange County gathering that blends a showcase of automobiles with food and cocktails. Vehicles span vintage classics, modified builds, early muscle, exotics and motorcycles. Display spots are limited for all categories.

Discover the art of fused glass flowers in a hands-on workshop designed for both beginners and experienced glass artists. Participants work with frit slurry, a mixture of powder, glass frit and water, and learn how to mix frit with binders to create rich color blends. Instruction covers planning and designing a flower, choosing and layering colors for depth and dimension, and shaping and building a custom piece. Each person creates an individual flower approximately 8 inches in diameter. After the making session, pieces are fired offsite and will be available for pickup at the artist’s studio in Laguna Beach, or can be mailed by USPS Priority Mail for a small additional charge based on the size of the piece. The cost is $190 per student and includes all materials and firing, with an optional copper stem available for an additional fee depending on the desired length. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All skill levels are encouraged, and enrollment is limited to 10 students. This session includes complimentary festival entry. The workshop takes place at Sawdust Art Festival | Healy House Studio.

Catch a live performance by Jamie Kennedy at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The show is scheduled for late morning, with tickets available through Bandsintown.

Learn Kizomba from the ground up with instructor Rome in a beginner-friendly bootcamp at Atomic Ballroom. Designed for brand new dancers, this immersive session focuses on the smooth, connected basics of the style, including posture, timing, connection, and the characteristic walking quality. You will practice clear lead and follow skills, pick up beginner patterns you can use right away, and build musical awareness so moving into Kizomba 1 feels comfortable. The day covers core topics such as Kizomba foundations, walking and weight transfers, leading and following essentials, and social dance preparation. No prior dance experience is required, and no partner is needed. Wear shoes that stay securely on your feet. Pricing options include a $20 presale, two class credits, $25 at the door, and free for VIP. Atomic Ballroom also offers a New Student Special with 10 group classes for $99, over 50 percent off, with options in Ballroom, Swing, Salsa, and Argentine Tango.

Vinyl Days is back at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, appearing at The Hanger with an updated lineup and new songs.

The Jeffrey Craig Project performs on the Plaza Stage at the OC Fair.

At Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport, this gala gathers entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and standout companies from the Afghan American community for an evening centered on achievement and connection. Expect a red carpet welcome, a runway fashion presentation, meaningful opportunities to network, tributes that recognize excellence, talks from engaging speakers, and live performances. The program highlights success, unity, and the future of Afghan American businesses. For information about showcasing a business or sponsorship opportunities, call 949-742-7742.

Mike Ward Community Park Woodbridge turns into an open-air stage for Irvine Summer in the City Concerts, showcasing a mix of musical styles. Bring picnic favorites or pick up bites from local food trucks. Admission is free with no tickets or preregistration needed, and seating is available on a first come basis. Pack low-back chairs and blankets, and dress in layers as temperatures can change into the evening. Additional parking is available at Woodbridge High School and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The season features the music of Jimmy Buffett and The Beatles, Top 40 hits, and Symphony in the Cities.

Rebelution, Skip Marley, and Niko Rubio perform at Pacific Amphitheatre. Tickets also include entry to the OC Fair on the day of the show, combining a concert experience with fair access in one purchase.

Join COIL (Circle of Infinite Love) for an evening designed to help you slow down, open your heart, and reconnect with yourself and others through music, movement, and sound healing. The program includes guided breathwork and grounding movement, a community song circle with easy call-and-response chanting (no musical experience needed), and a restorative sound immersion to support relaxation and integration. Refreshments are available before and after, and complimentary blue lotus tea is served as you gather.

Open to attendees of all ages, this event takes place at The Hanger at the OC Fair. Tickets are priced between $27.50 and $37.50.

Catch a demolition derby in the OC Fair's Action Sports Arena. A ticket to the derby also includes same day entry to the OC Fair.

Dog N Butterfly brings a heartfelt salute to Heart to The Lido Theater in Newport Beach, showcasing electrifying vocals, a commanding presence, and tight musicianship. Favorites such as Barracuda, Magic Man, Crazy on You, and Alone ring out in a complete stage production that captures the spirit of the originals. Fueled by a true love of the music, the performance blends nostalgia with fresh energy for a classic rock experience that feels alive in the moment.

Catch The PettyBreakers, a high-energy tribute act to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the show running Saturday evening from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Start Making Sense brings its Talking Heads tribute to The Hangar at the OC Fair.

A Snail's Pace Running Club hosts a fun 5K at the OC Fairgrounds, featuring a 3.1 mile celebration with fair games, prizes, and more. Event day parking is free for registered runners. Use discount code ASP10 when registering.

Experience the OC Fair in a new way with family friendly fun runs through the fairgrounds before the gates open. Choose a 5K or a 1.1 mile course and move at your own pace, whether you prefer to run, walk, or skip. It is a lighthearted outing for all ages in a festive setting.

This monthly writing group offers a supportive space for seasoned authors and those just getting started. Sessions are held in the Victoria Room with a simultaneous Zoom option. Each meeting centers on reading and providing feedback on four pieces that members submit ahead of time. To receive the materials or ask questions, please contact Mifanwy before the discussion.

A one-afternoon pop-up choir at ATOMIC Ballroom brings musical theater enthusiasts together to learn and sing a two part harmony medley from the Broadway hit Hamilton. Facilitated by Jessica Wilbert, a former musical theater performer and violinist, with assistance from Chris Fore and Brigitte Bellavoine, this three hour workshop welcomes teens and adults at all experience levels, as long as participants can match pitch. The atmosphere is low pressure and audition free. Sheet music and a vocal practice track are provided in advance to help everyone get comfortable with the music. During the session, the group will rehearse parts, refine harmonies, and record a performance video to remember the day. Pricing options include $40 presale or $45 at the door, acceptance of 4 class credits, and a 50 percent discount for VIP Members. Atomic Campus Access Members and teens pay $15 presale or $20 at the door.

Jimmy's Buffet brings a celebration of Jimmy Buffett's music to The Hangar at the OC Fair. Every ticket also includes same-day admission to the OC Fair.

GCW Battleground brings live wrestling to the Orangeville Curling Club with a two-ring steel cage charity event. Wrestlers from across Ontario will compete, and during intermission fans can meet their favorite superstars, pick up a limited edition GCW program, and get it signed. A wide range of Lucha wrestling masks will be available, along with authentic GCW merchandise such as T-shirts, hats, and more. Tickets include General Admission for kids 12 and under at $25, General Admission for adults at $30, and Front Row reserved seats at $40 available online only. VIP options are offered as General Admission or with Front Row included, adding a GCW gift bag with two GCW pins, a GCW program book, and additional surprises for an extra $25. Attendees are invited to support the local community food bank by bringing non-perishable items and receiving one raffle ticket per item, up to a maximum of ten, and are asked to check expiry dates. High-demand donations include kids school snacks, juice in boxes or large containers, canned vegetables and fruit, canned pasta, cereal, toothpaste and soap, pet food, and diapers and other baby supplies. Presented by GCW, part of Ontario wrestling since 2004.

Enjoy a free community concert at Bluebird Park as part of Laguna Beach’s Music in the Park series. This show features Missus Jones with a tribute to Amy Winehouse. Bring low beach chairs for comfortable seating. Dogs are not allowed in the park and smoking is prohibited. Drones are not permitted. Displaying or selling merchandise and any form of solicitation are not allowed. Guests 21 and older may have alcohol only when accompanied by a full meal. Please follow park guidelines to help keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Celebrate Jewish culture through food, music, and art at the 20th annual Chabad Jewish Summer Fest. The evening features live Jewish music, hands-on craft activities, children’s rides, classic games, and face painting, along with a kosher barbecue serving hot dogs, burgers, falafel, and more. All are welcome, regardless of background or faith. Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, the event coordinator, shares that the aim is to give children and their families a lively night together and a positive Jewish experience. The concert is free, rides and a craft badge are available with an $18 donation, and food will be sold on site. The festival is planned for Newport Ave. and the beach near the Ventnor Library, contingent on the weather. The event is organized by Chabad at the Shore, whose work supports Jewish continuity through education and social programs.

Part of the Newport Beach Concerts on the Green series, this free outdoor performance on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green features Pacific Symphony. Presented by the Newport Beach Arts Commission, attendees can relax on low chairs or blankets. Bring a picnic or pick up food from food trucks on site. Alcohol is not permitted. Admission and parking are free and available on a first come, first served basis. The summer series presents concerts at both the Civic Center Green and Marina Park.

The lineup features Rebelution, Skip Marley, and Niko Rubio at Pacific Amphitheatre. Every ticket also includes same-day admission to the OC Fair, creating an easy way to pair live music with fair activities.

Action Sports Arena at the OC Fair hosts a demolition derby packed with hard hits and nonstop collisions in a free-for-all showdown. A ticket to the derby also includes entry to the 2026 OC Fair on the same day.

Catch a Wave takes the stage at The Hangar at the OC Fair. Each concert ticket also includes same-day admission to the OC Fair.

Campers dive into Minecraft to expand their building skills, progressing from basic structures to ambitious creations like castles and entire cities. Activities include collaborative builds, daily challenges, and creative workshops that develop teamwork, problem solving, and design. Participants can work in Creative Mode and experiment with Redstone to power their ideas in an engaging, practical setting. Early drop off and late pick up are included. For ages 7 to 15.

This camp for young artists in grades 3 to 8 focuses on color sketching as part of a summer centered on art, storytelling, and design and blends fine art, digital creation, and hands-on making. Through step by step practice, participants study how light, color, form, and negative space define objects, then apply those insights to still lifes, animal portraits, drapery, vases, and the human figure. Instruction covers hatching, shading, and essential color theory as students learn to render a variety of materials with convincing texture and vivid tones. Projects use both traditional media and digital tools such as Procreate, supporting growth in skill and confidence while turning imagination into finished, realistic sketches.

Celebrate hummingbirds and summer in a vibrant setting where these colorful pollinators pause to feed in a showcase garden. Explore a wide variety of water-wise, nectar-rich flowers, native plants, and distinctive feeders designed to help create a welcoming habitat at home. Friendly guidance covers plant choices, feeder tips, and simple steps to attract, observe, and conserve hummingbirds. During this event, purchases rounded up to the nearest dollar support the Sea & Sage Orange County Chapter of the National Audubon Society, with matching contributions from Roger’s Gardens. Sea & Sage Audubon is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, citizen science, research, and public policy advocacy. Collective contributions help strengthen local wildlife and the places they rely on.

Coach Juan leads tennis camps for ages 5 to 14 at University Community Park in Irvine. Camps are offered Monday through Friday, and the cost is $240 per week. A full-day option is available that includes chess in the afternoons.

Greatest Showman Camp is a summer performing-arts week for kids ages 5 to 14, running Monday through Friday. Sessions take place each day from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Newport Theatre Arts, with plenty of time for theater-focused activities and skill-building.

Repujado artist Miguel Borbolla returns to Laguna Art-A-Fair for his 29th year, presenting a fresh collection of Repujado artwork in Booth B30. The fine art festival showcases work by many other Laguna Art-A-Fair artists, creating a full gallery experience in one setting. Tickets are $10 for a general admission one day pass, $8 for a student or senior season pass, and $15 for a VIP season pass, with each option admitting one person.

For more than six decades, Laguna Beach’s Sawdust Art Festival has celebrated the creators who shape the community’s vibrant arts scene. Wander beneath eucalyptus shade and explore original work from over 180 local artists across painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, textiles, photography, and other mediums. Enjoy performances on three stages, demonstrations by artists, free art classes, and local food and beverages, with plenty of chances to meet the people behind the pieces. Whether you are searching for a one of a kind artwork or an inspiring day out, fresh discoveries await at every turn. More than a festival, Sawdust is a creative community and a cherished local tradition where art, culture, and connection come together throughout the summer.

Part of UCI’s 4M’s of Healthy Aging Series, this second session focuses on mind and memory to help build confidence in understanding dementia. It highlights how to recognize cognitive changes and become familiar with the various forms of dementia. Attendees will gain practical, easy to use approaches for strengthening memory, improving communication, promoting safety, and supporting overall quality of life. Free to attend.

Take part in a hip hop class at Segerstrom Center for the Arts that celebrates individuality and personal style. Rooted in street dance, the session focuses on rhythm, musicality, and self expression. Participants build core grooves and learn fresh combinations in an upbeat, supportive setting. It is welcoming to first timers and experienced dancers alike. Expect to move, break a sweat, and enjoy the process. The class is led by Sakina Ibrahim, founder of the Dance Arts Academy Foundation, a program in Orange County and Los Angeles that offers a wide range of styles including creative movement, hip hop, Latin, and ballet folklorico. Her background includes intensive study at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, the Bates Dance Festival, and Broadway Dance Center, along with immersive cultural training at the Dagbe Cultural Arts Center in Ghana.

This tournament offers friendly competition in a soft tip format, with a handicap system that keeps play balanced. The entry fee is $100, and a Phoenix account is required to participate.

Meet up for an in-person speed dating night designed for singles ages 25 to 45. You’ll have the chance to meet up to 12 potential matches through short, structured conversations, with each interaction lasting about 6 minutes. After each round, you’ll indicate who sparked your interest, and the organizers help facilitate the rest. Expect a friendly, low-pressure evening focused on finding a real connection.

Stop by the children’s department at Barnes & Noble for a weekly storytime. This is a free event for all ages.

Enjoy a “road trip” with local artist Joan Gladstone as she shares her creative process for reimagining iconic roadside signs in paintings recently exhibited at the Hilbert Museum of California Art. This part of Route 66 celebrates the 100th birthday of Route 66 and is presented by the OASIS Senior Center. The event is free.

Billy Nation returns to Festival of Arts Laguna Beach with a tribute performance celebrating the songs people know and love. The Festival highlights top Southern California tribute bands that honor music legends, filling the stage with familiar hits and fan favorites that keep audiences singing and tapping along. Guaranteed seating is available in the reserved Nightclub VIP section, which covers entry to both the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Reservations must be secured earlier on the day of the performance, and a limited number of free seats are offered for each show.

Tricia Freeman & Friends present a mix of rock classics, country, and blues at Campus JAX. Groups of eight or more receive free admission, and a call in advance is required to arrange this. A live stream will be available for those who prefer to watch remotely.

Motorhome Madness flips the script on vacation motorhomes, swapping glamping comforts for an all out demolition showdown. The action takes place in the Action Sports Arena. Tickets include same day Fair admission.

Cameron Mackintosh presents a refreshed staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s renowned musical The Phantom of the Opera, marking the return of a beloved theater experience. First welcomed with rapturous praise from London critics when it reopened in 2021, this updated production is poised to thrill audiences anew.

AJR, The Happy Fits, and Avery Cochrane share the stage at Pacific Amphitheatre for a multi-artist concert. Each ticket also includes same-day admission to the OC Fair, making it easy to enjoy live music and the fair in a single visit.

24K Magic, the number one Bruno Mars tribute, brings a live performance to The Hangar at the OC Fair.

Bring your little ones for Storytime on the Lido Deck as part of the Little Lido Kids Club. You’ll enjoy harbor views while staff from Lido Village Books read stories old and new. It runs from 10:00 to 10:30 AM.

Act Yer Age delivers a lively set of favorites from the 1970s through the 2000s, powered by a high energy three piece that gets the crowd joining in on the lyrics and moving to the beat. Enjoy the show at Dick Church's with dinner and a drink for a fun night of live music.

At Campus JAX, Funny Bones: A Trombone Summit brings together a remarkable circle of trombonists whose connections span schools, bands, mentorship, recording sessions, and friendships built over two decades. Drummer, educator, and bandleader Matthew Elton Smith leads from the kit, shaping a program inspired by his own early years on trombone and a career that grew through a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s in jazz drum set from CalArts. The lineup features Joey Sellers, an influential educator and composer whose accolades include the Gil Evans Fellowship and the Sammy Nestico Award, with work performed by ensembles and soloists around the world and mentorship that has guided several players on the stage. Abdullah Ebrahim draws on studies at California State University Northridge and the University of North Texas and experience with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, pairing classical clarity with modern jazz improvisation. Steven Robinson, a Los Angeles native and new dad, brings a wide-ranging resume from international tours with John Fogerty and Grammy winning projects to daily performances at Disneyland with The Straw Hatters. Bob Lawrence, a sought-after trombonist, arranger, and educator and a former student of Sellers, adds credits with Poncho Sanchez, Luis Enrique, and the Latin Grammy nominated Afro-Peruvian Jazz Orchestra. Bass trombonists Robert Todd and Rose Doylemason round out the brass, reflecting deep experience across jazz ensembles, orchestras, brass groups, chamber settings, and more. A creative rhythm section underpins the summit with pianist Sam Ross, a Long Beach based composer and DownBeat Award winner, and bassist Cole Sainburg, whose musical voice is shaped by jazz along with Armenian folk and traditional Japanese music, with Matthew Elton Smith driving the ensemble on drums. The concert highlights the trombone’s expressive range, from lyrical lines to laughter and power, and celebrates mentorship, friendship, shared history, and the spirit of jazz across generations.

Dwight Yoakam performs with Los Hermanos Mendoza at Pacific Amphitheatre. Each ticket includes same-day entry to the OC Fair, making it easy to combine the concert with a visit to the fair in one outing.

Geeks Who Drink hosts a lively trivia night on the Deli Nerds patio, welcoming teams and solo players to test their knowledge for prizes and lasting bragging rights. There is no cost to participate, there is no cover charge, and parking is plentiful. Keep the brainpower flowing with sliders, scratch-made bites, and cold drinks between rounds.

Expect a crash-filled spectacle with crumpled bumpers, fenders sent airborne, and roaring wreckage. Plus, enjoy complimentary OC Fair entry on the same day.