July’s Hottest Events: OC + Desert Edition

Summer is in full swing, and July 2025 brings a vibrant wave of festivities to Orange County and the Coachella Valley.

Whether you’re a local looking to savor the season or a visitor eager to explore, you’ll find a wide array of events—from beachfront concerts and classic art festivals to desert street fairs and family fun. Get ready to mark your July calendars with unforgettable experiences that capture the best of SoCal’s summer spirit!

Central Orange County

Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade + Festival

When: Friday, July 4 · Parade at 10am + festival to follow; fireworks 9pm

Where: Downtown Huntington Beach

The largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi! Enjoy a morning parade, an all-day beach festival, and a spectacular oceanfront fireworks display.

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular

When: Friday, June 4 · 9pm

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Celebrate Independence Day with a dazzling fireworks show set to patriotic music. Bring your chairs and blankets for a festive night under the stars.

Fourth of July Celebration

When: Friday, June 4 · 4-10pm

Where: Great Park, 8000 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine

Celebrate at the Great Park with an exciting new tradition featuring live music, family fun, and a spectacular grand finale. Connect with the community and make lasting memories at this unforgettable Fourth of July celebration.

Independence Day on the Back Bay

When: Friday, July 4 · 3-8 pm (fireworks at 9pm)

Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach

Celebrate Fourth of July with live entertainment, food trucks, water sports, electric boat rentals, and a red-white-and-blue fireworks display at 9 pm.

The Old Glory Boat Parade – Newport Harbor

When: Friday, July 4 · Parade begins at 1pm

Where: Newport Harbor

Enjoy a festive boat parade featuring vessels decked out in patriotic décor. Spectate from the shore or decorate your own boat to compete in categories like Best Theme, Best Music, and Best Decorated.

Costa Mesa Summer Nights: Movies + Music

When: Fridays, July 11, 18 & 25 · 5-9pm

Where: Lions Park Event Lawn, 1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa

Enjoy an evening of live music followed by a family-friendly outdoor movie. Food trucks and activities make it a perfect Friday night for the whole family.

Live Music at SeaLegs at the Beach

When: Saturdays, July 12, 19 & 26 · 10am-8pm

Where: SeaLegs at the Beach, 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach

Kick back with ocean views, food trucks, cocktails, and live tribute bands playing everything from classic rock to reggae.

3rd Thursdays – Corona del Mar Village

When: Thursday, July 17 · 6-9 pm

Where: Corona del Mar Village

Stroll through CdM for open-businesses, live music, pet-friendly pop-ups, scavenger hunts, sales, and more community fun every third Thursday.

OC Fair

When: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, August 17 · Times Vary

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

The annual OC Fair returns with thrilling rides, live concerts, farm exhibits, outrageous fair food, and more. Don’t miss the Pacific Amphitheatre concert series, home-grown competitions, and interactive experiences perfect for all ages.

Summer Concerts in the Park

When: Saturday, July 19 & Saturday, July 26 · 5:30pm

Where: Mike Ward Community Park, 20 Lake Road, Irvine

Enjoy FREE, family-friendly concerts this summer at Mike Ward Community Park. Bring picnic snacks or grab a bite from gourmet food trucks while relaxing to a variety of music genres. Seating is first-come, first-served, so bring low-back chairs, blankets, and dress in layers.

South Orange County

Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters

When: Tuesday, July 1 – Friday, August 29 · Times Vary

Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

mmerse yourself in one of California’s premier summer art festivals. By day, browse juried artwork and enjoy live music, food, and workshops. By night, experience the renowned Pageant of the Masters, where famous paintings come to life through live performances under the stars.

Seaside Sessions – Live Music Series

When: Thursdays – July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 · 4-6pm

Where: Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point

Enjoy FREE mellow acoustic sets by the harbor as local musicians perform every Thursday in July. Great for a relaxing afternoon stroll by the water.

Stars, Stripes + Slip ‘N Slides / Fireworks Show

When: Friday, July 4 · 10am – 2pm; fireworks 9pm

Where: Linda Lane Park, 400 Linda Lane, San Clemente; fireworks at the San Clemente Pier

Celebrate the 4th of July in San Clemente with Stars, Stripes & Slip ‘N Slides at Linda Lane Park, featuring water fun and family activities (wristbands required). Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at 9 pm at the San Clemente Pier, and take advantage of free trolley service running from 10am to 11pm for easy access to all the festivities.

Kundalini Yoga + Meditation at Salt Creek Beach

When: Thursdays – July 10 & 17 · 10-11:30am

Where: Salt Creek Beach, 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point

Join peaceful guided yoga and meditation sessions in a breathtaking coastal setting. Perfect for all levels and a great way to start your day.

Laguna Niguel Summer Concert Series

When: Fridays, July 12 & 26 · 6:30-8pm

Where: Crown Valley Park Amphitheater, Laguna Niguel

Bring your picnic gear and enjoy FREE live performances from local favorites, covering everything from pop hits to Latin rhythms.

Desert Cities

Palm Springs VillageFest

When: Thursdays – July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 · 7-10pm

Where: Palm Canyon Drive, 100 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Experience a lively street fair featuring art, entertainment, shopping, and food along Palm Canyon Drive. This weekly event is a staple of Palm Springs nightlife!

Desert Hot Springs Summer Nights Concert Series

When: Fridays – July 11, 18 & 25 · 7-9pm

Where: Mission Springs Park Amphitheater, Desert Hot Springs

FREE outdoor concerts featuring regional bands and family activities—great for locals and visitors looking to relax and dance the night away.

Palm Springs Power Baseball

When: Home games throughout July · Times Vary

Where: Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs

Affordable summer fun with a vintage vibe. Catch a game, grab a hot dog, and enjoy a night under the lights with this collegiate summer league.

Second Saturdays in Indio

When: Saturday, July 13 · 6pm

Where: Miles Avenue Park, 82540 Miles Avenue, Indio

Celebrate community vibes at Second Saturdays in Indio. This FREE monthly event brings Downtown Indio to life with live music, delicious food vendors, family-friendly entertainment, and a rotating lineup of local and regional performers. Every month offers something new—perfect for all ages and music tastes!

There’s no shortage of exciting events lighting up Orange County and the Coachella Valley this July—perfect for soaking in summer’s best vibes. Whether you’re drawn to oceanfront concerts or desert night markets, Southern California is the place to be. Ready to live the lifestyle year-round? Connect with our real estate specialists at SurterreProperties.com and explore our exclusive listings today!

Explore the best of Orange County and the Coachella Valley with insights from Bob Gino, Carol Neyer, Douglas Dunlap, Loralie Dunlap, and Victoria Strombom—top real estate agents specializing in luxury estates, beachfront properties, desert homes, and exclusive communities. Whether you’re interested in vibrant summer events, scenic neighborhoods, or exclusive listings, our team can help you navigate the best that Southern California has to offer.

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