Date 

Activity

Saturday, July 1

July is National Park and Recreation Month! Be a park leader and learn how you can work in Irvine parks.

Are you passionate about empowering the community through exceptional park and recreation programming and activities? Apply to be a Community Services Leader for the City of Irvine.

Positions are part-time, offering flexible schedules of 10–19 hours per week and up to $22.69 per hour. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/jobs.

Sunday, July 2

Grow your green thumb at the Great Park Farm + Food lab.

Come enjoy classes for all ages that teach the basics of starting and maintaining gardens in urban settings. From learning about how worms are essential for garden health, to creating compost, the Farm + Food Lab is the perfect place to grow your green thumb.  

The Farm + Food Lab also includes the Pizza and Spaghetti Garden, Butterfly Garden, and chicken coop.

Monday, July 3

Go for a swim at the William J. Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center.

The aquatics center features two 50 meter pools and a 25 yard instruction pool. Reserve a time for lap swimming or register for a swim lesson. Instruction is provided for swimmers of all ages and skill-levels, from infants to seniors. Sign up at yourirvine.org. 

Tuesday, July 4

Visit the Field of Valor at the Irvine Civic Center Lawn.

The City of Irvine is hosting the Fourth of July Field of Valor event at the Irvine Civic Center Lawn. Members of the community are invited to honor veterans, active duty, and fallen service members by visiting the flag display.

Wednesday, July 5

Climb among the trees at Adventure Playground!

This rustic park features a tree house, climbing poles and stumps, a kids fort zone, meadows, and more — creating natural play areas children can spend hours exploring.

Thursday, July 6

Make a racket at the University Community Park tennis courts.

The lighted courts offer the perfect spot to try tennis for the first time or play competitively with friends. Adult and junior tennis lessons are also available to help refine your skills and improve your game. Learn more at yourirvine.org. 

Friday, July 7

Support local artists at the All Media exhibition beginning July 8.

Featuring artwork from Southern California artists age 18 and older, this exhibition showcases unique works across all visual creative disciplines and celebrates diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas through art.

Saturday, July 8

Meet New York City’s famous crocodile resident at Movies on the Lawn, Saturday, July 8, for a free screening of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile on the Great Park Terraced Lawn. Bring low-back chairs or blankets to stay comfy during the movie. Arrive early to grab a seat and enjoy delicious treats from gourmet food trucks.

• Food trucks arrive at 6:30 p.m.
• Lyle, Lyle Crocodile will begin at dusk.

You can also catch Minions: The Rise of Gru Saturday, July 15. Movies on the Lawn is presented as part of the new summer event series, Summer in the City, which also includes Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts throughout June, July, and August.

Sunday, July 9

Go for a bike ride on the Jeffrey Open Space Trail.

Pedal down this 3.5-mile paved trail is perfect for bike riding, walking, skating, or running. The trail links the conservation and open space lands within the City of Irvine, and is currently undergoing a 1.5-mile expansion.

Monday, July 10

Learn about local wildlife at the Turtle Rock Nature Center.

Located at the base of the San Joaquin Hills, the Turtle Rock Nature Center is five-acre preserve that serves as a home for wildlife and an outdoor classroom where visitors learn to protect the natural environment.

Explore the nature center by taking a self-guided trail walk, enjoy the native plant garden, or find your way through the labyrinth. 

Tuesday, July 11

Take a hike at the Orchard Hills Preserve.

The Quail Hill Trail Loop offers a strenuous 3.3-mile trail for experienced hikers with steep inclines in parts of the trail, and offers an unbelievable view of the coastal hills and most of Irvine.

An easier 1.2-mile is also available that’s great for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a relaxed walk with great views. 

Dribble and score on the soccer fields at Harvard Community Park.

Kick with your friends and score on one of four, fields available for drop-in games or reservations. 

Thursday, July 13

Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Mike Ward Park – Woodbridge.

Have a picnic by the water with your family while you watch the ducks splash and take in the serene, waterfront view. 

Friday, July 14

Catch a ride with TRIPS!

TRIPS provides low-cost, accessible transportation to services, activities, shopping, appointments, and more for Irvine residents age 18 or older who are unable to drive due to a physical or cognitive disability.

TRIPS also shuttles residents age 65 and older to Lakeview and Rancho Senior Centers.

Saturday, July 15

Explore nature at the Bommer Canyon Preserve.

Celebrate the reopening of the Cattle Camp at Bommer Canyon Preserve Saturday, July 15, 9–11 a.m., explore the local flora and fauna, and enjoy the idyllic, sweeping hillsides that make Bommer Canyon one of the City’s most popular destinations. 

Sunday, July 16

Skate into the arts and view the skateboarding exhibitions at the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex.

Take a ride on custom-made mini skate ramps at the Slushcult Fingerboard Session Sunday, July 16, 1–3 p.m.

Plus, view the exhibitions celebrating California skateboarding culture and history with curated photographs, collections, and immersive installations: New Normal: Skateboarding Now and Deck Design: A Survey of Skateboard Evolution.

Monday, July 17

Make a slam dunk at the Woodbury Community Park lighted basketball courts

Play a pick-up basketball game under lighted courts, where you and your friends can enjoy hours of friendly competition and perfecting your slam dunk or signature shot. 

Tuesday, July 18

Discover your artistic talents by registering for an art class at the Irvine Fine Arts Center

Classes are offered for all ages and skill levels and subjects range from culinary arts, mosaics, painting, ceramics, jewelry making, photography, and more!

Wednesday, July 19

Roller skate along the Great Park Walkable Historical Timeline.

Have fun skating down the 2,604-foot long timeline and learn 162 significant historical events of global, national, state, and regional significance. It’s fun and educational! 

Thursday, July 20

Take a ride on the Great Park Carousel.

Featuring 12 different animals and original artwork based on the history, transformation, and future of the Great Park, the Carousel is a celebration of the Great Park as a space for all — grounded in history and driven by community.

Purchase an all-day pass for $10 or a single ride pass for $3 at the Great Park Visitors Center.

Friday, July 21

Celebrate Park and Recreation Professionals Day!

Park and Recreation Month recognizes the vital role park and recreation spaces play in bringing people together, providing essential services, and fostering the growth of communities.

Saturday, July 22

Get in the groove at the Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts July 22 at Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge.

Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts, presented as part of the new summer event series, Summer in the City, return to Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Dance along with us starting at 5:30 p.m. as Acme Time Machine performs the groundbreaking hits of the 50s, 60s, and more, including rockabilly, rock n’ roll, swing, and crooner classics.

Sunday, July 23

Host a BBQ at Deerfield Community Park.

Name a better duo than summer and barbecue. The outdoor barbecue areas are the perfect spot to grill your favorite summer foods and enjoy the sunshine.

Monday, July 24

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the lake at Heritage Community Park.

This 36-acre park features large, lush trees and a serene lake, it’s a great spot to stretch your legs, go for a run, or take your dog on a walk.

Tuesday, July 25

Honor veterans at Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial at Northwood Community Park.

Dedicated in 2010, Northwood is the first permanent memorial to honor every American fallen service member in Afghanistan and Iraq for their sacrifice in service to our country.

Pick up a paddle and play pickleball at Los Olivos Community Park.

The lighted, pickleball courts at Los Olivos Community Park are a terrific place to pick up a paddle and discover the sport that combines the fun of tennis, ping pong, and badminton.

Thursday, July 27

Grab a book at the Cypress Community Park Little Free Library.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.

Friday, July 28

Bump, set, spike at the Great Park sand volleyball courts.

Gather friends or family for a fun game of volleyball at the Great Park sand volleyball courts. Or, learn to play with lessons offered for children ages 9–14. Adults 18 and older can also join a league to enjoy friendly competition on the courts. Learn more at youririvine.org. 

Saturday, July 29

Enjoy music with Pacific Symphony in the City July 29.

Come experience a live concert led by Music Director Carl St.Clair at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Have fun participating in family-friendly activities before the concert and be sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating on the grass. Tasty treats and entrees will be available for purchase from gourmet food trucks. The festivities start at 5 p.m.

Sunday, July 30

Take a panoramic selfie with friends or family at Portola Springs Community Park.

Set on a hillside, this park offers a panoramic view of Irvine — you might even catch a view of the ocean on clear day. It’s a great spot to take glamour shots with friends and family. 

Monday, July 31

Float 400 feet high in the Great Park Balloon.

Take a ride on Orange County’s iconic attraction serving as a public observation deck for the Great Park’s development and offers an unmatched 360° view that spans 40 miles on a clear day. Parking and admission to the balloon are free.