JULY 25
THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS
John Williams’ iconic scores have defined the film industry and inspired fans for generations. Beginning with “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” his monumental pieces created a specific sound forever tied to the franchise. For one night, the Pacific Symphony will perform a collection of Williams’ scores along with other Star Wars pieces by Michael Giacchino and Ludwig Goransson. Prepare to be moved by powerful and emotional pieces, including “Duel of the Fates” and “Across the Stars.” Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, 714-755-5799, pacificsymphony.org
JULY 26
SUGAR RAY, SMASH MOUTH, AND TONIC
Three epic bands will come together for a night of good vibes and groovy music. Nothing says summer in Southern California quite like Sugar Ray and the sun-soaked hits “Every Morning” and “Someday.” Since 1996, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum rock trio Tonic has crafted songs ripe with lyrical honesty and solid melodies, selling more than 4 million records. Smash Mouth will bring the energy with their well-known ear worms such as “I’m A Believer” and “All Star.” Pacific Amphitheatre, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, pacamp.com
JULY 11 THROUGH 25
“HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD”
Transport yourself back to Hogwarts and the wizarding world with this live stage performance. The six-time Tony Award winner has won the hearts of fans with its imaginative story and interesting characters. Watch as Harry Potter’s son becomes friends with the son of his sworn enemy, Draco Malfoy, taking the families on a transformative journey full of magic and intense rivalry. As the pair navigates the newfound friendship, they attempt to use a forbidden Time-Turner with the plan to change the past, but they accidentally unlock a dark and twisted alternate reality. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
JULY 6, 13, 20, AND 27
MOVIE MONDAYS
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts summer tradition returns with family-favorite movies to enjoy under the stars. The Julianne and George Argyros Plaza transforms into an open-air theater where anyone can bring their own blankets and beach chairs to sit back and enjoy a film, complete with preshow activities and local food trucks. This month will feature “The Parent Trap” on the 6th, “Men in Black” on the 13th, “How to Train Your Dragon” on the 20th, and “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” on the 27th. Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
JULY 9, 16, 23, AND 30
OC PARKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
The OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with a fantastic lineup of free concerts for the community to enjoy. The season will kick off with ’80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack at Mason Regional Park on July 9. Queen cover band Queen Nation will play on July 16 and Boy Band Review, the tribute act known for performing boy band hits, will play on July 23 at Irvine Regional Park. The final show of July will be the Beatles and Rolling Stones tribute act The Beatles vs Stones: The Greatest Show That Never Was on July 30 at Craig Regional Park. ocparks.com
THROUGH AUG. 9
ALANIS MORISSETTE’S JAGGED LITTLE PILL
The classic 1995 album by Alanis Morissette is transformed into a lively contemporary musical in this stage production. Set in a picturesque and wealthy part of Connecticut, the play stars Mary Jane Healy, a mother struggling with past traumas and addiction. With Morisette’s powerful music as the backdrop, the heartbreaking story of identity, healing, self-discovery, and empowerment unfolds. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 888-455-4212, chancetheater.com
JULY 10, 17, AND 24
SUMMER SOUNDS
The free outdoor summer concerts continue through this month with three more local acts. On July 10, experience authentic Polynesian dance and music with Mevina. The Orange County pop and funk band Undecided Future will play on July 17. Latin fusion musician Manny Cepeda will close out the month with his performance on July 24. Enjoy preshow festivities, food trucks, and outdoor games at every show. Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
JULY 10, 17, 24, AND 31
OC PARKS SUNSET CINEMA
This month’s Sunset Cinema screenings are full of nostalgia and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. The brand new “How to Train Your Dragon” will screen on July 10 at Mason Regional Park. The Pixar film “Elio” is set for July 17, followed by “Twilight” on July 24 at Yorba Regional Park. The final movie of the month is the animated hit “The Wild Robot” on July 31 at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. ocparks.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
The post Top Things to Do in O.C. This Week: July 22nd through 28th appeared first on Orange Coast.