Community Link: July 2, 2026

Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July

As residents celebrate Independence Day and America 250, the City of Irvine reminds the community that all fireworks, including Safe and Sane fireworks, are illegal in Irvine. Residents should also note there will not be a public fireworks show in Irvine, including at the Great Park, this year.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a State Fire Marshal-approved public display conducted by trained professionals. For fireworks safety information and a list of public fireworks displays throughout Orange County, visit ocfa.org/fourthofjuly.

In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, select City facilities and services will operate on modified schedules or be closed Friday, July 3. Residents are encouraged to review holiday hours and service schedules before visiting City facilities. View holiday closures and modified service schedules. 

The City of Irvine will celebrate America 250 throughout July with family-friendly activities, patriotic crafts, educational programs, exhibits, and community events for all ages. Learn more and view the complete schedule at cityofirvine.gov/america250.

42nd Irvine Annual Opens July 11

The Irvine Annual juried exhibition showcases artworks from local and regional artists ages 18 and older who work across multiple visual artistic mediums. The Irvine Annual exhibition will be held at the Irvine Fine Arts Center, July 11 through September 5, with a free opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. 

This year’s exhibition brings together work in painting, photography, fiber, and mixed media, along with material-based practices that push familiar forms in new directions. Across the selection, artists explore how images and objects are built, how materials carry meaning, and how process shapes interpretation.

Together, the works offer a broad view of contemporary art today — diverse in approach, grounded in experimentation, and connected through a shared interest in how form and material interact.

Irvine Annual will be on view through September 5.  

Make a Splash Safely This Summer

The City of Irvine is helping residents make water safety a priority this summer through the Super Swim Lesson and Floatie Exchange at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center Friday, July 10, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature water safety education, swim lessons beginning at 6 p.m., and a free recreation swim with a waterslide, giant inflatables, diving boards, and a poolside showing of Shark Tale at dusk.

Families can also trade inflatable arm floaties and other non-approved flotation devices for a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

The Super Swim Lesson is open to children ages 3 and older. Lifeguards will be on duty, and children ages 6 and younger must be accompanied in the water on a one-to-one basis by an adult.

Register at cityofirvine.gov/superswim.

Discover Irvine this Park & Recreation Month

Celebrate National Park & Recreation Month by exploring Irvine with the free City of Irvine Park & Recreation Field Guide, presented by Hoag. Now through July 31, pick up your guide at any Irvine Public Library branch and complete fun challenges at parks, community centers, libraries, and other destinations throughout the City.

Collect stamps as you explore to earn prizes, including an exclusive 2026 Park & Recreation Month America 250 commemorative enamel pin while supplies last.

Get your Field Guide at any Irvine Public Library branch. View details online.

Solarize Irvine Virtual Workshop

Residents are invited to join the City of Irvine and nonprofit OC Goes Solar for a free virtual Solarize Irvine workshop Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. to learn about financing options and group-discounted pricing for solar, battery storage, heat pumps, and EV charging equipment in Irvine.

The workshop will provide an overview of the program, introduce participating installers, and explain how residents can explore options for reducing home energy costs and utility bills.

Bricks 4 Kids Camps

Ages 5–12 | Next camp starts July 6
Children build, design, and problem-solve through hands-on engineering activities inspired by architecture, science, and technology. Using creative building challenges, campers strengthen critical thinking, teamwork, and STEM skills while having fun.

BrainStorm Camps

Ages 7–12 | Next camp starts July 13
Spark curiosity through interactive experiences that blend science, technology, engineering, art, and innovation. Campers explore new ideas, tackle creative challenges, and develop problem-solving skills through hands-on learning.

Play-Well TEK Camps

Ages 5–12 | Next camp starts July 13
Bring engineering concepts to life through imaginative building projects and collaborative design challenges. Campers strengthen creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork while exploring STEM in a fun and engaging environment.

Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge — Raised on Radio Tour

Sunday, July 12, doors open at 6 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning artists Wynonna Judd and Melissa Etheridge bring their co-headlining Raised on Radio Tour to Great Park Live for an evening of country and rock hits. This all-ages concert features performances from both music icons as part of their national tour.

For every ticket sold, $1 will be donated to The Etheridge Foundation and $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tickets are available at greatparklive.com; VIP, reserved seating, and general admission options are available.

July 4: Independence Day

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is celebrated in the United States of America and is a federal holiday that commemorates the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified on July 4, 1776. The Second Continental Congress declared that the thirteen original colonies were no longer subject to the British monarchy, and were now united, free, and independent states. Independence Day is celebrated across the United States with community gatherings, parades, barbecues, fairs, ceremonies, and public events that commemorate the nation's independence.