OC Spots to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday This Fourth of July Weekend

This year's Fourth of July carries a little extra weight: America turns 250. Whether you're drawn to live music on the water, fireworks over the harbor or a hands-on workshop to get into the spirit, Orange County's coastline has plenty of ways to mark the occasion. Here are spots worth adding to your holiday weekend itinerary.

Lido Marina Village (July 2)

Kick off the long weekend early at Lido Marina Village's Patriotic Pop Up on the Lido Deck, set for Thursday, July 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Patriot Brass will perform live patriotic favorites while guests try their hand at seasonal workshops, including a patriotic floral arranging class with French Buckets and a watercolor American flag workshop led by Bailey Art Studios. Pink Lady Creamery will be on hand serving handcrafted ice cream, rounding out a festive waterfront afternoon for families, friends and visitors getting an early start on the celebration.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina (July 3-5)

For a holiday spent on the water, Newport Dunes' annual Independence Day on the Back Bay celebration returns with live music, food trucks, watersports and family activities all weekend, capped by a fireworks display over the Back Bay on July 4. Guests can kayak, paddleboard, cruise Newport Harbor aboard a Duffy boat or splash around the Inflatable Aquatic Park, with live entertainment running throughout the weekend ahead of the 9 p.m. fireworks show. 

Photo by Mike Novak

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa | Huntington Beach (July 4)

For a front-row seat to Huntington Beach's Fourth of July festivities, check into the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Located steps from the sand, the resort puts guests in the heart of the action, from the city's iconic parade to fireworks over the Pacific. Spend the day at the beach, enjoy a bonfire and s'mores, and take advantage of dining options ranging from casual beachfront fare to upscale coastal cuisine.

Starting rate: From $450 per night.

Dana Point Harbor (July 4)

Dana Point Harbor offers a full day of options, from soaking up the sun at Doheny State Beach and Baby Beach to watching fireworks light up the night sky. For waterfront views, book a spot on July 4th Fireworks on the Water Cruises at Dana Wharf or aboard Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. By land, stop by Delanya's Smokin' Hot Texas BBQ's limited-edition community pop up or grab a dinner reservation at a waterfront restaurant while they last. The official fireworks show, hosted by the City of Dana Point, kicks off at 9 p.m. just offshore of Doheny State Beach.

‘Gala of the Stars’ Returns to Segerstrom for 17th Year

Mark your calendar for Thursday, Aug. 6, when Festival Ballet Theatre brings its beloved "Gala of the Stars" back to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for a one-night-only celebration of ballet.

Now in its 17th year, the gala pairs international ballet stars with a select group of young protégés for an evening that's equal parts mentorship and masterclass. This year's headliner is Maria Khoreva, first soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, who joins guest artists from American Ballet Theatre, Dutch National Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Tulsa Ballet and Vienna State Opera. (Guest artists are subject to change.)

The evening unfolds in two parts. At 6 p.m., the program opens with an optional one act performance from the young protégés, dancers chosen for their exceptional promise who've just wrapped two weeks of intensive training under top artistic directors from the Royal Ballet School, Youth America Grand Prix and San Francisco Ballet Training Program. Then at 7 p.m., the main event takes the stage: a one act performance featuring the world renowned guest artists themselves.

It's a rare chance to watch seasoned stars and rising talent share one stage, all in celebration of the same craft.

This year's gala also marks a bigger milestone: the 38th anniversary of Festival Ballet Theatre, Orange County's premier resident ballet company. The young protégés taking part will be coached by Royal Ballet School Artistic Director Iain Mackay, along with YAGP founders Larissa Saveliev and Gennadi Saveliev, and a roster of esteemed guest faculty.

Tickets are available now at scfta.org.

600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa.

Segerstrom Center’s Y2K-Inspired Movie Mondays Return This Summer

Relive the Y2K era this summer as Segerstrom Center for the Arts brings back its popular Movie Mondays series with a nostalgic lineup of late ’90s and early 2000s favorites on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.

Returning for its 18th year, the complimentary outdoor movie series begins July 6 with The Parent Trap, followed by Men in Black on July 13, How to Train Your Dragon on July 20, The Lizzie McGuire Movie on July 27, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Aug. 3.

Guests may arrive beginning at 5:30 p.m., with pre-show activities from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Movies begin at dusk, approximately 8 p.m. Seating is first come, first served, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets, low-back chairs, snacks, or a picnic. Tables, barbecues, and large food setups are not permitted.

Food trucks will be on site, and George’s Café will offer beverages and alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older. Outside alcohol is prohibited.

All screenings will include closed captioning.

More information is available at ]https://www.scfta.org/shows-events/movie-mondays">[/url]Segerstrom Center for the Arts Movie Mondays

600 Town Center Dr. Costa Mesa. 714.556.2121