Community Link: April 16, 2026

The Countdown is On — CicloIrvine is May 2

The City of Irvine’s third annual CicloIrvine: Open Streets Event returns Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grab your bike, scooter, skateboard, skates, or any set of wheels — or lace up your shoes — and roll through a 1.3-mile car-free stretch of Irvine Boulevard between Culver Drive and Parkwood.

Enjoy live music, art, and hands-on activities as Irvine Boulevard transforms into a vibrant, open-air experience. Discover local businesses, connect with the community, and see the City from a new perspective — no cars required.

Street closures will be in place Saturday, May 2, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents and businesses along the route should plan for detours. Designated crossing points will be available, and access to The Groves will remain open via Parkwood from Irvine Boulevard near Jeffrey Road. View the event map.

City of Irvine Seeks Community Input on the Future Great Park Library

The City of Irvine is planning for the future of the Irvine Public Library and exploring a new main branch at the Great Park — envisioned as a hub for learning, connection, and community life. Community members are invited to attend an upcoming community meeting to learn more, hear a brief presentation, and share input that will help shape the library’s future.  

Upcoming Meeting: 

• Monday, April 20, 6 p.m. – Great Park Studio, located in the Palm Court Arts Complex, 8000 Great Park Blvd. Irvine

Irvine Animal Care Center Virtual 5K — Through April 30

Join the Irvine Animal Care Center Virtual 5K and support animals in need through April 30.

Walk, jog, or run at your own pace and in any location. Participate solo or with friends, family, and pets.

Registration is $35 and supports care and adoption services for animals. Finish by April 30 to receive a medal and certificate. Pets can also participate to earn a commemorative medal for $8.

Register at irvineanimals.org/5k or call 949-724-7740 for more information.

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 23, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Exhibition: Through May 15
Location: Irvine City Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza

Discover the creativity of emerging artists at the annual High School Art Exhibition, featuring work by students from across greater Irvine. The exhibition highlights a wide range of mediums, including digital media, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, and sculpture.

Awards will be presented in several categories, recognizing originality, innovation, and artistic style.

Great Park Balloon Grounded for Now — Back to New Heights Soon

The Great Park Balloon is temporarily closed for scheduled maintenance through Saturday, April 18. A new balloon and gondola are expected to be in place by Sunday, April 19. Updates will be shared as they become available.

The Great Park Balloon operates on a seasonal schedule and is open Thursday through Sunday. Flights are offered Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m. For up-to-date flight information, call the Visitors Center at 949-724-6247, or check Great Park social media accounts @YourGreatPark.

Your Summer Starts Here

Energy. Curiosity. Non-stop fun. City of Irvine camps offer kids and teens a place to go all in –– score goals on the field, bring big ideas to life in art studios, crack challenges in hands-on science labs, and get outside for games, hikes, and excursions to iconic Southern California destinations that feel like summer.

Every day brings something new to try, build, or master, with instructors who keep the momentum going and friends who make it even better.

Make your move — register today and get summer started.

Irvine Nights: Be Like Blippi Tour

Bring the family to Great Park Live for Irvine Nights: Be Like Blippi Tour, an all-ages live show filled with music, movement, and interactive fun. Inspired by curiosity and play, the performance invites kids and families to explore the world alongside Blippi and Meekah in a high-energy experience designed to spark imagination.

Sing and dance along to fan favorites like “The Excavator Song,” “Monster Truck,” “Dino Dance,” and “Curious Like Me,” as the show blends music, laughter, and hands-on moments throughout the event.

Enhance your visit with optional Kids Zone inflatables, which include unlimited access during the event and one round of mini golf. Additional on-site rentals, including Adirondack chairs and lockers, will also be available.

Ticket Options: General Admission and add-on experiences available
Purchase tickets and parking at greatparklive.com.

Saturday, April 25, 2026, doors open at 4:40 p.m.
Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine
Free parking available

April 22: Earth Day 

Earth Day is celebrated each year April 22 and highlights the importance of protecting our environment. First observed in 1970, it has grown into a global movement that encourages people to take action in their communities.

Individuals and organizations mark the day by planting trees, cleaning up litter, hosting educational events, and supporting efforts that promote sustainability. Earth Day is a chance to reflect on how our actions impact the planet and to make choices that help protect it.

While the theme changes each year, the goal remains the same — to raise awareness and inspire action to care for our environment.