Oh sweet summer: Top community events in Southern California for July

The weather is heating up, and so is the fun! From free concerts to festivals and outdoor movies, Southern California has a lot to offer during July. Check out our top picks for events in our area this month: 

The Nuvision Freedom Ride

When: July 4^th, 2019 at 8:00 am
Where: Nuvision Credit Union (7812 Edinger Ave. Huntington Beach, CA)
Cost: Free

The Nuvision Freedom honors the heroic men and women who respond to emergency situations. The motorcycle ride begins at Nuvision headquarters and ends at Cook’s Corner, where there will be free breakfast, a presentation, and live music by the award-winning singer-songwriter and Marine veteran Gethen Jenkins. Join us to celebrate Independence Day and honor our heroes.

Long Beach Uptown Jazz Festival

When: July 6th, 2019 from 12:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave. Long Beach, CA)
Cost: Free

Enjoy an afternoon jamming out to live music by Con Funk Shun, DW3, and more! This is a great event for families. Guests can also find food trucks, vendor booths, and even a Kids’ Zone for the children.

Chalk Festival

When: July 13th from 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Where: Long Beach Towne Center (7575 Carson Blvd, Long Beach, CA)
Cost: Free

Witness artists from the area fill the courtyard by the Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26 Theater with beautiful and breathtaking chalk murals. While chalk drawings are the main attraction, they aren’t the only things you’ll see at this festival—there will be balloon twisting, face painting, and music. Children can also play in the Chalk Zone, a special area for them to create their own drawings.

Rock the Queen

When: Jul 13th, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Where: The Queen Mary (1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA)
Cost: $35

Board the historic Queen Mary ship and hear music from Southern California’s top British tribute bands. Guests will be able to listen to performances from ARENA, Britain’s Finest, The Cured, The Handsome Devils, and The Who Generation. They’ll also be able to visit three stages, multiple bars, a 1960s culture clash, and an outdoor pub.

Fairhaven Classic Car Show and Concert in the Park

When: July 14th, 2019 at 3:00 pm
Where: Fairhaven Memorial Park (1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA)
Cost: Free

The Fairhaven Car Show displays some of the best vintage cars and motorcycles from across Orange County. Following the car show, families can enjoy a free concert in the park. Rockabilly musician, James Intveld with the Honky Tonk palominos, will be playing.

Bacon, Bourbon, Beer Fest: Soccer & Brews Event Series

When: July 27, 2019, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Orange County Soccer Club (8272 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine, CA)
Cost: Starting at $35

Indulge in hours of unlimited craft beer and bacon tastings. There will be over 40 varieties of beer, and a variety of bacon vendors. Following the tasting, you’ll get to watch Orange County’s only pro soccer team take on the Sacramento Republic FC. General admission game tickets are included with a tasting ticket purchase.

Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival

When: July 27-28^th, 2019
Where: Marine Stadium (5255 E. Paoli Way, Long Beach, CA 90803)
Cost: Free

Experience one of the largest dragon boat competitions in California at the Marine Stadium. Attendees can enjoy the races, traditional Chinese art, acrobatics, dance, hip hop, music, and martial arts demonstrations.

City of Brea's Family Films in the Park

When: June 21 – July 26, 2019
Where: Arovista Park Amphitheatre (500 W. Imperial Highway, Brea, CA)
Cost: Free

This movie series plays different films throughout the summer on every Friday evening from 8-10pm. Bring out the lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a fun, free outing with the family. All movies are kid-friendly. Films playing in July include the Sandlot, Incredibles 2, and Mary Poppins Returns. Visit their website for the full list of movies and dates.

Orange County Fair

When: July 12, 2019 - August 11, 2019
Where: OC Fair & Event Center (88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA)
Cost: Adults $12; Seniors & Children (6-12): $7; (5 and under): Free

Spend the day visiting countless exciting attractions and stuffing yourself with great food. The OC Fair will feature animals, live entertainment, carnival rides, exhibits, and more. As always, favorite fair foods like the funnel cake and deep-fried Oreo will be available. Attendees will also get a taste of new treats, such as the Hot Cheetos and Cheese Turkey Leg or the Cinnamon Maple Bacon Bombs. This multi-week event is sure to be a blast for all ages.

Garden Grove Free Summer Concerts

When: June 26 – August 15, 2019
Where: Eastgate Park (12001 St Mark St, Garden Grove, CA)
Cost: Free

Kick back and relax during this free summer concert series. Various bands will play throughout the summer, including Trinity, The Answer, and Flogging Seagulls in July. Gourmet food trucks and dessert vendors will be on site for guests to purchase snacks and drinks.