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Summer in the City Returns with Free Family Fun
Summer in the City is back with free events for all ages throughout June, July, and August. Enjoy outdoor movies, live music, a community dance celebration, and a summer symphony performance at parks across Irvine.
Movies on the Lawn returns to Hicks Canyon Community Park with family-friendly films shown after sunset. Food trucks and snacks will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Movie lineup:
- Friday, June 26 — Lilo & Stitch (2025)
- Friday, July 17 — A Minecraft Movie
- Friday, July 24 — How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
- Friday, August 14 — Zootopia 2
Summer Concerts at Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge feature live music beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Concert lineup:
- Saturday, June 6 — Jimmy's Buffet, Jimmy Buffett tribute band
- Saturday, June 27 — 4 Lads from Liverpool, Beatles tribute band
- Saturday, July 18 — Jukebox, Top 40 band
Celebrate Irvine's 55th anniversary at the 55th Anniversary Homecoming Dance Saturday, August 8, 5:30 p.m., at the Great Park. The event will feature music, dancing, food, and drinks.
The season concludes with Symphony in the Cities Saturday, August 15, at Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge. Family activities begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m.
All Summer in the City events are free and do not require tickets or pre-registration. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to bring low-back chairs, blankets, and layered clothing.
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Vote Centers Open for Early Voting in Irvine
Vote Centers are now open in Irvine as early voting continues for the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election.
The Irvine Civic Center and Los Olivos Community Center Vote Centers are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday, June 1. On Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, all Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Additional Irvine Vote Centers will open Saturday, May 30, at the following locations:
- Cypress Community Park
- Deerfield Community Center
- Great Park Artist Studios
- Harvard Community Center
- Irvine Valley College
- Las Lomas Community Center
- Northwood Community Center
- Portola Springs Community Center
- Quail Hill Community Center
- UCI Gateway Study Center
- University Community Center
- William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center
A drive-thru ballot drop-off option is available at the Irvine Civic Center.
Registered voters may also return completed ballots at one of 11 secure Ballot Drop Box locations throughout Irvine.
For a complete list of Vote Center locations, hours, and Ballot Drop Box sites, visit cityofirvine.gov/election or ocvote.gov.
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20 Years Later: The Great Picture
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Opening Reception: June 11, 5–7 p.m. Exhibition: June 11–December 11
20 Years Later: The Great Picture exhibition commemorates the 20th anniversary of The Great Picture, the world's largest photograph, created in 2006 by six photographers known as The Legacy Project. Made using a converted airplane hangar at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station as a giant pinhole camera, the image captures a panoramic view of the site that is now the Great Park. The exhibition explores the creation of this monumental artwork and its lasting impact on the history of photography.
The Legacy Project includes Jerry Burchfield, Mark Chamberlain, Jacques Garnier, Rob Johnson, Douglas McCulloh, and Clayton Spada.
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Irvine Ranked Among the Best Places to Raise a Family
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The City of Irvine has been recognized as one of the best places to raise a family in the nation, earning the No. 3 spot in a recent ranking by WalletHub.
The study evaluated 180 U.S. cities based on factors such as housing, education, health care, safety, and recreation. Irvine ranked highly for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and family-friendly community.
According to the report, Irvine has the second-lowest violent crime rate and the 15th-lowest property crime rate among the cities analyzed. The City also ranked among the top communities for education, with a high percentage of highly rated schools and strong high school graduation rates.
The report further recognized Irvine's strong family environment, citing a high percentage of two-parent households and one of the lowest separation and divorce rates in the country.
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Get Ready to Rock with Queen Nation - Irvine Nights
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Queen Nation Friday, June 5, 7 p.m. Great Park Live
Experience the music of Queen with Queen Nation, one of the nation's premier Queen tribute bands. Known for high-energy performances and authentic recreations of Queen's legendary sound, the band performs fan favorites including "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," "Somebody to Love," and "We Are the Champions."
Doors open at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome. Ticket options include VIP, Reserved Seating, and General Admission.
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City of Irvine camps for tweens and teens are designed for exploring new interests, building confidence, and developing real-world skills. Tour college campuses, master matcha, discover a new creative passion, and more –– there’s something for every future trailblazer.
Matcha Masterclass
Grades 8–12 | Starts June 8 Explore the art of matcha preparation while discovering the culture, history, and traditions behind this beloved tea. This immersive four-day camp includes visits to popular local cafés, hands-on matcha-making experiences, and take-home matcha kits, with transportation and supervision provided each day.
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Youth Leadership Camp
Grades 6–8 | Starts June 16 Build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and learn what it takes to lead with purpose in this engaging camp designed for middle school students. Through team challenges, interactive activities, and real-world leadership exercises, campers will develop collaboration, problem-solving, and public speaking skills.
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Slime and Stories Camp
Grades 6–9 | Starts July 13 Get ready for a week of creativity, storytelling, and a little messy fun! Participants will combine hands-on slime-making with imaginative writing activities as they explore literary techniques, spark their creativity, and bring their ideas to life through colorful creations and original stories.
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Experience the 32nd Annual Studio Arts Festival
Celebrate creativity at the 32nd Annual Studio Arts Festival Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Community Park, adjacent to the Irvine Fine Arts Center.
Presented by Arts in Irvine, this free outdoor festival features more than 100 artists showcasing and selling original handcrafted works, including ceramics, painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, woodworking, glasswork, soaps, candles, and more. Visitors can meet artists, explore unique creations, and discover the talents of local and regional makers.
Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a day filled with art and inspiration while learning about exhibitions, classes, and year-round programs offered through the Irvine Fine Arts Center.
Admission and parking are free. Heritage Community Park is located at 14301 Yale Ave.
For more information, visit Artsinirvine.org/studioartsfestival or call 949-724-6880.
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All June: Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. More than 55 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related condition.
Throughout the month, the Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter encourages the community to wear purple, learn about brain health, and support efforts to advance research, care, and awareness. Join the movement to help create a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
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