JULY 3
“THE STUDENT PRINCE”
The Broadway spectacle from 1924 is known for its operatic elements and heartwarming story. This production will feature a full live orchestra, Opera Laguna’s Young Professional Chorus, soloists, and ballet dancers. In the operetta, Prince Karl Franz moves away from his controlling family to start university and experiences companionship for the first time when he falls in love with a commoner. Now he must navigate deciding between happiness and fulfilling his duties as a future king. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
JULY 4
JULY 4 SPECTACULAR: CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 AND AIR SUPPLY
Pacific Symphony’s 2026 Summerfest will kick off with a bang at this Fourth of July celebration. The symphony will start the evening performing a collection of patriotic pieces, including “America the Beautiful,” “Armed Forces Salute,” and Gould’s “An American Salute.” Then the iconic soft-rock band Air Supply will take the stage to perform its hits with an electric firework display finale. Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, 949-724-6247, pacificsymphony.org
JULY 4
HUNTINGTON BEACH FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
The biggest Fourth of July parade west of the Mississippi River returns for its 122nd year of patriotic fun. The 2.5-mile parade route starts on Pacific Coast Highway and winds its way past the pier and down Main Street. Each year, the parade features decorated floats, specialty cars carrying local celebrities, emergency response vehicles, marching bands, and horse-drawn carriages. Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714-580-7428, hb4thofjuly.org
JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY ON THE BACK BAY
Float in the bay or sit on the sand while enjoying live music and a spectacular firework show. The band The Class will be performing oldies, classic rock, pop, country, and more throughout the evening. All day leading up to the Fourth of July celebration, water sports rentals will be offered, and families can enjoy the elaborate inflatable water park. Food trucks will be serving all kinds of cuisine, and a full bar will be open throughout the day. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949-729-3863, newportdunes.com
SEE MORE JULY 4 FIREWORKS EVENTS HERE
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
OPENS JULY 7
NEW SWAN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: “ROMEO AND JULIET”
In this rendition of Shakespeare’s best-known play, the star-crossed lovers are living in poverty in the midst of the Dust Bowl. Romeo and Juliet’s love story turned tragedy is deeply emotional as the characters navigate their troublesome environment riddled with economic tension and food scarcity. The New Swan Shakespeare festival hosts its performances in a traditional outdoor Elizabethan theater with an incredible cast of actors and designers bringing it all to life. New Swan Shakespeare Festival, Gateway Commons, Inner Ring Road, Irvine, 949-824-2787, newswanshakespeare.com
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