OPENS JULY 30
VOICES OF ROCK
For a few select nights, Voices of Rock will bring timeless rock music of eras past to the stage. The performance includes music from Styx, Boston, Kansas, Starship, Toto, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and more. The group of talented musicians is known for its dynamic covers of beloved arena rock bands complete with robust instrumentation and incredible vocal talent. The band aims to transport the crowd to the golden age of rock. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
JULY 30
TREVOR NOAH
The Emmy-award winning host of “The Daily Show” and creator a dozen comedy specials has sold out tours and become a mainstay in the comedy scene. He’s known for his satirical portrayals of current events and pop culture news as well as his sharply witty stand-up. In each of his specials, Noah often jokes about his childhood in South Africa, family life, and topical events. Pacific Amphitheatre, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, pacamp.com
AUG. 1
“BACK TO THE FUTURE”
Experience the magic of this classic ’80s film while the Pacific Symphony performs live orchestration of the soundtrack. Award-winning composer Alan Silvestri added an additional 20 minutes of music to the score specifically for live orchestration to accompany the film. Watch as Marty McFly and Doc Brown journey to the past, present, and future in their time-traveling DeLorean while trying to fix their accidental disruption of the space-time continuum. Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, 714-755-5788, pacificsymphony.org
AUG. 2
NELLY
The hip-hop legend will take the stage to perform his catalog of throwback hits, including “Hot in Herre,” “Ride Wit Me,” “Dilemma,” and “Just a Dream.” Known for bending genres, Nelly has seamlessly incorporated country with hip-hop and landed on the Billboard Top 10 of country albums with his 2021 release, “Heartland.” He will be joined by rapper Too $hort, a huge influence on the West Coast hip-hop scene since his start in the 1980s. Pacific Amphitheatre, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, pacamp.com
AUG. 1 THROUGH 9
“THE LIGHTNING THIEF”
Percy Jackson is an average teenager who discovers that he is the son of a Greek god. While navigating this revelation and his newfound magical powers, he finds himself thrown into a war among the gods that he must stop. Alongside his friends Annabeth and Grover, he sets out on a grand adventure to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt, and save his own destiny and the future of the world. The South Coast Repertory Theatre Conservatory’s Summer Players, a talented group of young performers, will bring this mystical rock musical to life on stage. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
AUG. 1 THROUGH 29
NEW SWAN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: “ROMEO AND JULIET”
The star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare’s beloved classic take on a fresh identity in this rendition; Romeo and Juliet’s love story unfolds in the impoverished Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The pair’s tale turns tragic as their families rip them apart and economic tension and food scarcity plagues their town. The New Swan Shakespeare festival offers an authentic viewing experience with its traditional Elizabethan theater, unique stage design, and talented performers. New Swan Shakespeare Festival, Gateway Commons, Inner Ring Road, Irvine, 949-824-2787, newswanshakespeare.com
THROUGH AUG. 2
2026 US OPEN OF SURFING
The shores of Huntington Beach will transform into a bustling village for the yearly US Open of Surfing event, complete with stadiums for BMX riding and skateboarding, art exhibits, stages for live music, and shopping. For a full week, professional surfers, skateboarders, and BMX riders from all around the world will compete. This year’s musical performances feature a lineup of local artists and fan favorites, including Matt Costa, Local Natives, Argy Drive, G. Love & Special Sauce, and Real Estate. Huntington City Beach, usopenofsurfing.com
THROUGH AUG. 16
OC FAIR
The Orange County summer staple returns to the OC Fair & Event Center for a whole month of food, games, shows, live music, rides, and more. Scope out the hundreds of entries into the agriculture, food, livestock, wine, horticulture, and art competitions, all submitted by locals from the community. In addition to catching daily concerts in the Hangar and demolition derbies in the Action Sports Arena, visitors can enjoy indulgent fair food, meet animals at Centennial Farm, and peruse the vendor halls. OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, ocfair.com
THROUGH SEPT. 4
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS
This year’s theme is “The Greatest of All Time” highlighting artists with unforgettable careers that have left a lasting impact on the arts. Enjoy the works of Michelangelo, Picasso, Monet, Norman Rockwell, Velázquez, and Van Gogh as they seem to jump off the canvas and come to life. The Pageant of the Masters perfectly combines art with theater as live music and a robust stage production create a truly unique live performance. Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 800-487-3378, foapom.com
THROUGH SEPT. 6
60TH ANNUAL SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL
Handcrafted pieces from local artists are available for purchase and to view all month long at the popular festival. Stroll through the many booths to view jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and photography, or participate in an art class. In addition to daily live demonstrations, there will be live music on different stages throughout the festival. For 60 years, the Sawdust Art Festival has served as a home for locals to support the bustling Orange County art scene. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-494-3030, sawdustartfestival.org
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