1. Gala of the Stars
Celebrate world-class ballet at the 16th annual Gala of the Stars, Orange County’s international ballet festival in association with Youth America Grand Prix. The evening features performances by renowned artists alongside talented protégés. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 6 p.m.-Aug. 7, thebarclay.org
2. Summer Concert Series
Enjoy Elton The Early Years, an Elton John tribute, at Irvine Regional Park. There are food trucks and a beer and wine garden. Music starts at 6 p.m. Aug. 7, ocparks.com
3. Movies on the Lawn
Enjoy “Inside Out 2” at Hicks Canyon Community Park. Bring low‑back chairs, blankets and a picnic – or grab a bite from on‑site food trucks. Movie begins after sunset Aug. 8, cityofirvine.org/summer
4. National Night Out
Meet Irvine police officers and Orange County firefighters, explore emergency vehicles and equipment and enjoy hands‑on activities at National Night Out. Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 5, cityofirvine.org
5. California art
Step into California homes before 1940 at this free exhibition exploring everyday life in the Golden State. “California Kinship” runs through Aug. 30 at UCI’s Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art. 18881 Von Karman Ave., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, imca.uci.edu
6. Pro soccer match
The Orange County Soccer Club will host San Antonio FC on Aug. 20 and Birmingham Legion FC on Aug. 30. 7 p.m., Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium, orangecountysoccer.com
7. Night ride
Explore Limestone Canyon and Red Rock Wilderness under the stars on this 12-mile mountain bike ride with 1,500 feet of climbing. Minimum age requirement is 16, and it’s not recommended for first-time night riders. Advance registration is required. 6-8:30 p.m. Aug. 12, letsgooutside.org
8. Movies Under the Stars
Enjoy Movies Under the Stars at Irvine Spectrum Center with “Elemental” on Aug. 10, “Inside Out 2” on Aug. 17, “Wicked” on Aug. 24 and “IF” on Aug. 31. Bring blankets or low chairs. All movies start at 7 p.m. Giant Wheel Lawn, irvinespectrumcenter.com
9. Splash-in Movie
Grab your swimsuit, floatie and family for “Shrek” at the pool starting at 6:30 p.m. The movie starts at dusk. Fees are $2.50 per child and $5 per adult. William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, Aug. 23, 949-724-6717
10. Concerts in the park
Live, free music returns to Mike Ward Community Park in Woodbridge. DW3 brings R&B, soul and old-school funk. Concert begins at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 9, cityofirvine.org/summer
