Join us in-person at the Museum for an Independence Day Celebration! Throughout the day there will be tours of the Printing Museum’s Galleries, opportunities to create patriotic keepsakes on working antique presses, and a chance to print your own Declaration of

Independence on Benjamin Franklin’s Colonial Press. Visitors will also be able to experience our first vintage car and equipment show in the parking lot, organized by the Museum’s volunteers. Admission includes a slice of apple pie and lemonade for guests to enjoy.

You can purchase your tickets by calling the Printing Museum at (310) 515-7166 or by visiting our website at www.printmuseum.org/event/independence

The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, July 3rd. Guests can purchase tickets in advance or at the door on the day of the event.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for museum members. Groups can purchase four general admission tickets for $50 or four museum member tickets for $40.

Masks will be required for admission.

Credit: (including photos) The international Printing Museum.

Orange County residents can celebrate the 4th of July with two popular fireworks shows this year at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Dana Point Harbor!
Celebrate Independence on the Back Bay at Newport Dunes with live music, SoCal’s largest Inflatable Water Park, watersports, food trucks, and an incredible fireworks show sponsored by the City of Newport Beach at one of the region’s top viewing locations on July 4th from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. For more information about Independence Day on the Back Bay, to purchase VIP Reserved Parking or to view watersports rental rates, please visit NewportDunes.com/event/independence-day-on-the-back-bay/.
Gather family and friends at Dana Point Harbor this 4th of July and look towards the sky over Doheny State Beach to experience south Orange County’s best aerial fireworks display! A popular spot for locals and visitors to celebrate 4th of July each year, the City of Dana Point hosts one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in Southern California with its own customized playlist to sing along to. Dana Point Harbor will be the perfect lookout point to view this patriotic celebration. The spectacular display begins at 9 p.m. on July 4 and will light up the Harbor with fantastic views from Baby Beach, the Island, and the many waterfront eateries within the harbor. Visitors can tune in to KSBR 88.5 FM and listen to patriotic music accompanying the display. For more information, please visit danapoint.org. 

Credit: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Dana Point Harbor.

Dana Point Harbor invites visitors to kick-off the summer season with the Harbor’s Summer Sidewalk Sale happening Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 from 11 am – 3 pm. Each day, select Harbor shops and restaurants will offer special sales and giveaways for visitors, as well as live music from Olivia Ooms and Zach Churchill to entertain guests as they shop.

Participating retailers include Killer Dana Surf Shop offering 30-75 percent off select items and Bella Bazaar will offer sales on their coastal inspired gifts. Local surf enthusiasts can stop by Woody Hut to shop and receive a free gift with their purchase.

For Harbor foodies, Jon’s Fish Market will offer a sale on a variety of their fresh seafood including shellfish, crab, oysters, mussels and more, while visitors with a sweet tooth will receive a chocolate dolphin with every purchase made at Chocolate Soldier. Lil’ Skippers Snack Shack will offer specials on select drinks, snacks and treats for those who need a quick and delicious snack while shopping.

Visitors to the Harbor will also have the opportunity to schedule a 4th of July themed mini photoshoot with Style my Holidays on June 26 and 27. Don’t miss a chance to capture lasting memories with family and friends during a fun outdoor experience.

Guests who shop during the Summer Sidewalk Sale can enter to win a Harbor Prize Package including giveaways from Harbor retailers like Killer Dana Surf Shop and Jon’s Fish Market. Summer Sidewalk Sale shoppers are encouraged to email their receipts to info@danapointharbor.com by Sunday, June 27 to enter. Three winners will be chosen at random and contacted via email on Tuesday, June 29.

Celebrate the summer season at Dana Point Harbor and experience all of the adventure and fun this seaside destination has to offer. For more information visit DanaPointHarbor.com or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Credit: Dana Point Harbor.

The County of Orange and OC Parks are pleased to announce the return of the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series. All events will include free parking with food and drink available for purchase. Spend summer evenings in a family-friendly environment with free live music and movie screenings at parks across Orange County. 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with free outdoor concerts on Thursday evenings beginning June 24 from 5 – 8 p.m. Enjoy live music under the summer sky at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.  

The concert series kicks off with Flashback Heart Attack on June 24 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by fan-favorite local artists including Uptown Funk, Surf’s Up, The Fenians, Queen Nation, and Tijuana Dogs. Free concerts continue with contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on August 5 at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, followed by the ultimate Smiths and Morrissey tribute band Sweet and Tender Hooligans, and blues and soul and rock band Family Style. Donavon Frankenreiter will close out the 2021 OC Parks Summer Concert Series at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. 

OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings family-friendly movies to the big screen at regional parks on Friday nights starting June 18. Enjoy a screening under the stars at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. 

Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy recent favorites and popular classics throughout the summer. The event sites open at 6 p.m. and the movies begin at approximately 8 p.m. after sundown. 

Friday night films kick off on Friday, June 18 and include the following: The NeverEnding Story (1984), How to Train Your Dragon (2010), Independence Day (1996), Dolittle (2020), The Sandlot (1993), Toy Story 4 (2019), Willow (1988),The Lion King (2019), The Mighty Ducks (1992), Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Hook (1991), Dolphin Tale (2011), and The Little Mermaid (1989). 

“The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to be able to present the summer concert and movie series in person once again,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “These concert and movie events provide a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to come enjoy entertainment in a beautiful, outdoor setting.”

OC Parks Summer Concert Series and OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series are entirely outdoors and will be held in accordance with the most current guidance from State and local health agencies. All events are open to the public of all ages and free to attend with free parking. Food trucks and booths will be available for delicious bites and beverages. Gather friends and family and enjoy free concerts and movie screenings this summer with OC Parks.

OC Parks Summer Concert Series

Thursday nights, 5 p.m. (Event starts at 5 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m.)

Date: June 24

Concert: Flashback Heart Attack @ Craig Regional Park

Date: July 1

Concert: Uptown Funk @ Craig Regional Park

Date: July 8

Concert: Surf’s Up @ Mason Regional Park

Date: July 15

Concert: The Fenians @ Mason Regional Park

Date: July 22

Concert: Queen Nation @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: July 29

Concert: Tijuana Dogs @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 5

Concert: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Mile Square Regional Park 

Date: August 12 

Concert: Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Mile Square Regional Park 

Date: August 19

Concert: Family Style @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

Date: August 26

Concert: Donavon Frankenreiter @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

OC Parks Sunset Cinema Movie Series

Friday nights, 6 p.m. (Event starts at 6 p.m., movie begins at sunset)

Date: June 18

Movie: TheNeverEnding Story (1984) @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 25

Movie: How to Train Your Dragon (2010) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Date: July 2

Movie: Independence Day (1996) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Date: July 9

Movie: Dolittle (2020) @ Yorba Regional Park 

Date: July 16

Movie: The Sandlot (1993) @ Yorba Regional Park 

Date: July 23

Movie: Toy Story 4 (2019) @ Mason Regional Park 

Date: July 30

Movie: Willow (1988) @ Mason Regional Park

Date: August 6

Movie: The Lion King (2019) @ Irvine Regional Park 

Date: August 13

Movie: The Mighty Ducks (1992) @ Irvine Regional Park 

Date: August 20

Movie: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Date: August 27

Movie: Hook (1991) Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Date: September 3

Movie: Dolphin Tale (2011) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

Date: September 10

Movie: The Little Mermaid (1989) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

Credit: OC Parks.

For the first time, the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific’s Blue Whale Gala is going virtual. Everyone is invited to join comedian Iliza Shlesinger as she gets up-close with Fern the zebra shark, Gatz the Magellanic penguin, and Groot the giant Pacific octopus. Then, you can experience surprise cameo appearances by animal ambassadors, discover how the Aquarium is contributing to the recovery of endangered species, and celebrate with a toast. The Aquarium is also proud to present Charles Annenberg Weingarten, founder of explore.org, with its Ocean Conservation Award during this program. The evening will close with a musical performance by Kodi Lee, winner of America’s Got Talent Season 14. Lee has been a long-time participant in the Aquarium’s Festival of Human Abilities that celebrates the creative talents of people with disabilities, getting his start there when he was just 9 years old.

The Aquarium’s virtual Gala takes place on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Day Time (PDT) with the virtual cocktail reception, followed by the evening program at 7:15 p.m. Fully tax-deductible tickets for the evening program are available for $50, giving you exclusive access to stream the show from your home. You can visit aquariumofpacific.org/gala to purchase tickets. All proceeds support the Aquarium’s education, conservation, and animal care programs.

HONOREE:    As founder of explore.org, Charles Annenberg Weingarten’s multimedia organization is the world’s largest live nature network with a mission to inspire life-long learning and champion the selfless acts of others. Thanks to Weingarten, the Aquarium of the Pacific installed its first two explore.org live web cameras in exhibits in 2010. Since then, the Aquarium has continued to strengthen the partnership with explore.org and currently has seven webcams in various exhibits from its 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef Habitat to its June Keyes Penguin Habitat. While these cameras have always been a great way to learn about the Aquarium of the Pacific’s animals, explore.org has given Aquarium members, donors, educators, and students the ability to connect with the animals throughout the pandemic and the temporary closures. Annenberg also serves as the vice president and director of the Annenberg Foundation, which has been a generous donor of the Aquarium for over twenty years. “With live cameras, the real essence is the selfless nature of individuals who are dedicated to making this place a better place to live in. As a philanthropist, you take care of what you love,” said Weingarten. 

WHEN:  Saturday, June 12, 2021, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PDT

WHERE: Online (link to be provided after ticket purchase)

COST: $50 ticket (fully tax-deductible)

INFO: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org/gala

GALA SPONSORS:

Blue Whale Sponsors

• Esther S.M. Chui Chao
• explore.org
• Don Temple Family Charitable Foundation

Humpback Whale Sponsors

• Bank of America
• Johnny Carson Foundation
• Pepsi
• Port of Long Beach
• Ed Feo
• Michael and Millie Sondermann

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Reservations will be required on select weekends for Amtrak^® Pacific Surfliner^® trains that travel between San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Additional train cars are being added when possible to increase the number of available seats on select trains. However, the number of seats onboard each Pacific Surfliner train is limited. To safely manage capacity during periods when more travelers are anticipated, customers will need a reservation to travel on the following dates:

• Fourth of July Weekend: July 2 – July 5, 2021
• Opening Weekend of Del Mar Races: July 16 – July 19, 2021
• Labor Day Weekend: September 3 – September 7, 2021

Additionally, the Rail 2 Rail program will be suspended on most of the dates above, during which monthly Metrolink and COASTER passes will not be accepted onboard Pacific Surfliner trains.

Amtrak monthly and 10-ride passes may still be used. However, multi-ride ticket holders will be required to confirm each trip (train and date) through the Amtrak RideReserve program on Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, or an Amtrak agent prior to traveling during the reservation period; thus, ensuring travelers have the safest and most comfortable journey possible. 
Passengers are encouraged to follow safety measures and any important public health orders in place during their trip and at their destination. This includes wearing a mask at stations and onboard trains at all times, washing hands or using sanitizer often, and staying home if they are feeling sick. Per federal law and Amtrak policy, all customers and employees must wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations.  

More dates may be added where a reservation is required, depending on travel demand throughout the summer. For the latest information, please visit www.pacificsurfliner.com/schedules.

Credit: Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner ® and LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency.

Make Laguna Beach your summer destination all season long with a 2021 Passport to the Arts for only $29 per passport (a $66 USD value). This triple-value Passport to the Arts pass provides unlimited entry to the three premier art festivals located in Laguna Beach throughout the entire 2021 summer festival season: Festival of Arts Fine Art Show (July 5 to September 3), Laguna Art-A-Fair (July 2 to September 5), and Sawdust Art Festival (July 2 to September 5).

Re-discover the arts and artists in Laguna Beach with a 2021 Passport to the Arts pass. Delight in Laguna’s booming art scene and relish in the beauty of the beachside community with this single ticket that in essence acts as a season pass providing unlimited admission to the three popular art festivals.

“From the laid back atmosphere to the prestigious art, live performances, and perfect weather, Laguna’s art festivals offer families experiences you won’t find anywhere else,” shared Sharbie Higuchi, Director of Marketing/PR at Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach. “We hope patrons with a Passport to the Arts have a wonderful, memorable, exciting summer experiencing all the artistry offered in Laguna Beach.”

The 2021 Passport to the Arts special offers include:

• Unlimited admission all summer long to all three Laguna Beach art festivals
• Access to more than 500 artists and their work
• Art workshops
• Live music and entertainment at all three festivals throughout the season
• One-time free parking at Lot #16 (Act V), 1900 Laguna Canyon Road
• FREE Trolley service all summer long

The Festival of Arts, Sawdust Art Festival, and Laguna Art-A-Fair not only foster arts education, and creativity, but each festival also creates jobs and contributes significantly to the local and state economy. Each summer the festivals draw crowds from within and around the community, as well as attract new and visiting populations annually, creating economic support for the arts and overall local community. Together the festivals continue to provide a competitive edge improving Laguna Beach’s ability to attract economic activity and creating a climate in which innovation can flourish.

The 2021 Passport to the Arts may be purchased online at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com or at any of the three art festivals. Some restrictions apply. Offer excludes Pageant of the Masters. For information about overnight stays and things to do while in Laguna Beach visit www.visitlagunabeach.com.

Credit: Laguna Art-A-Fair.

Take a voyage around the world to explore colorful coral reefs, the animals that call them home, and the threats they face along with solutions in the exhibition Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Programming and exhibits include the reimagined Tropical Pacific Gallery, animals such as a green sea turtle and glowing corals, and films about coral reefs, including one for the immersive Honda Pacific Visions Theater. The Aquarium invites you to take in the majesty of coral reefs as you learn about their importance and how to protect them through the relaunch of Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities May 28, 2021 through April 2021.

While coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, more than 25 percent of all marine fish species depend upon them. Coral reefs are the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, filled with colorful fish and invertebrates that are found nowhere else on Earth. Tens of millions of people rely on them for their livelihoods, and billions of people could potentially depend upon them for the life-saving, medicinal secrets they may contain. But these important ecosystems are at risk. Coral Reefs examines this topic and what we can do to help.

To create the exhibition, the Aquarium redesigned its Tropical Pacific Gallery to focus on various aspects of coral reef habitats and showcase new animals. Some of the animals that are highlighted include numerous species of coral, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and diverse reef fishes such as pufferfish, filefish, parrotfish, and flashlight fish. The Aquarium has also added new animals to this exhibition for the relaunch, including sexy shrimp, the crown of thorns sea star, and pajama squid.

Learn how coral reefs form, how corals represent a mutually beneficial partnership between a colony-building ocean animal and algae, and discover the coral life cycle. Find out how so many animals live in close communities on coral reefs and how some species control the balance. Meet the seabird animal ambassador, Sula the red-footed booby, and find out about her species’ relationship to coral reefs. Sula is one of two known red-footed boobies living at a zoo or aquarium.

In addition to more than a dozen exhibits representing various coral reef habitats and species, guests can take a virtual dive with a new multimedia experience in the Aquarium’s Honda Pacific Visions Theater. The Aquarium will also offer a Great Hall film showcasing the beauty of reefs, an interactive exhibit where guests can digitally color a coral reef animal and add it to a virtual tank, a coral art installation, and informative displays where visitors can learn more about the importance of corals and reefs to animals and to people and what can be done to help protect them.

Coral reefs are highly valuable to communities around the world. Besides serving as beautiful places to explore while snorkeling on a tropical vacation, coral reefs and the marine life they support serve many important uses for humans. Reefs help protect coastal communities by reducing the impact of storm surges. Healthy coral reefs support a diversity of marine life and are an important source of food for many nations, including the United States. They may also have uses that are yet to be discovered. Some corals and sponges contain compounds that may hold the cures for human diseases, yet 95 percent of the ocean, where these animals may be abundant, remains unexplored.

The exhibition culminates with displays that show what people around the world are doing to help coral reefs and what each of us can do to join their efforts. The Aquarium of the Pacific has been involved in various programs to help coral reefs and promote coral conservation. Aquarium experts have traveled to places like Guam to assist with coral reef restoration as part of an ongoing effort with SECORE (Sexual Coral Reproduction) International, which the Aquarium joined in 2013. The Aquarium supported the CORALASSIST project in Palau in 2019 to help with efforts to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services in the face of climate change. The Aquarium also acts as a rescue facility for confiscated corals for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and has a coral propagation area to grow and care for corals.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.