Now through October 19
Hilbert Museum of California Art | Chapman University
The Hilbert Museum is hosting three major exhibitions through October 19th. “Gifted: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956” showcases an amazing collection of California art that graduating classes gave to the school. “The Magic and Flair of Mary Blair” features the groundbreaking work of Disney artist Mary Blair, and “Sincerely Normal Rockwell: Celebrating a New Acquisition” wows with a pencil drawing called “Crestwood Commuter Station.” Free admission. HilbertMuseum.org
July 4
Old Glory Boat Parade | Newport Harbor
Each Fourth of July, boat owners adorn their boats in red-white-&-blue decorations, streamers, flags and more, as Sousa marches and anthems fill the air. Families and friends gather at bayfront beaches and yacht clubs along the peninsula and the many islands for the occasion, themed “United We Stand” and hosted by the American Legion Yacht Club. 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ALYC.com
July 4
Independence Day on the Back Bay | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Join the historic Fourth of July celebration on the Back Bay by bringing beach chairs and umbrellas for a fun day in the sun with food trucks, a full bar, special performances by Journey Tribute – DSB and others, and a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by the City of Newport Beach. VIP table seating $60. Parking sold separately. 2:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. NewportDunes.com
July 4
Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles | Pacific Amphitheatre, OC Fair & Event Center
The Pacific Symphony, under the director of Richard Kaufman, will celebrate the Fourth of July with the music of the Eagles and the Hotel California tribute band. Hits like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy will entice and, to cap off the evening, sing along to your favorite patriotic tunes, as the armed forces are saluted, and a sizzling fireworks display delights. PacificSymphony.org
July 4
Mariners 46thAnnual Independence Day Parade | Mariners Drive & Mariners Park
Supporting Mariners Elementary School Foundation in Newport Beach, this popular Fourth of July celebration, in conjunction with the City of Newport Beach, begins with a bicycle parade down Mariners Drive at 10:30 a.m., followed by games and activities at Mariners Park starting at 11 a.m. Proceeds benefit the school and account for nearly 10% of the foundation’s annual funds. MarinersFoundation.com
July 8
Movie Mondays | Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center
Bring your picnics (no barbecues) and blankets to Arygros Plaza for some fun films in July. July 8: The Greatest Showman; July 15: Mean Girls; July 22: Fan Vote: Anastasia; July 29: Dreamgirls. Set-up begins at 5:30 p.m. with the movies beginning at approximately 8 p.m., but arrive early for fun and games led by the evening’s MC. SCFTA.org
July 12
OC Fair | OC Fair & Events Center
Orange County’s biggest summer event, the OC Fair, begins Friday, July 12, and runs through Sunday, August 11. This year’s theme, “Acres of Fun,” will once again offer entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits, and more. Hours are Noon to Midnight Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to Midnight Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. See website for further info. OCFair.com
July 20-21
San Clemente Ocean Festival | San Clemente
Enjoy a full weekend of family events, including new events like the Tandem Boogie Board contest and Pier Bowl Surf Classic along with the Kid’s Dolphin Dash, the Dory boat races, 5k beach run, one-mile ocean swim, a sand sculpting contest, Woody Car exhibit, Ocean Art Show, a beach party and free concert, City Lifeguard Pancake Breakfast, and much more. OceanFestival.org
July 27
National Chorographers Initiative | Irvine Barclay Theatre
The 16thannual National Choreographic Initiative features three weeks of intense creative effort at the dance studios at UCI with four talented choreographers and 16 professional dancers from ballet companies across the country, producing new works to be performed at the Irvine Barclay Theatre on July 27. NCI Founder/Artistic Director Molly Lynch and the choreographers will discuss the works. TheBarclay.org