Community Link: October 22, 2026

Dive Into Spooky Fun at Monster Splash

Enjoy Halloween fun at Monster Splash Saturday, October 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center.

Bring the family for trick-or-treating, face painting, recreational swimming, and a spooky inflatable obstacle course. Families can also exchange non-approved flotation devices for a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for children 6 and younger, while supplies last.

Tickets are $15 for children ages 17 and younger. Adults attend free.

New Adventures Coming to Northwood Community Park

Northwood Community Park is getting an upgrade with more shade, refreshed play spaces, and new ways to stay active.

Construction on the project begins Monday, November 2, which includes new playground equipment, rubberized surfacing, shade structures, picnic tables, ADA ramps, and updated fitness equipment along the track. The castle will remain at the heart of the playground.

During construction, the playground will be closed. The Northwood Community Center and adjacent fields will remain open. The fitness stations around the track are scheduled for replacement in early 2027 and will be temporarily closed during that time. Work will be coordinated to minimize disruptions to park users.

Access to the Northwood Community Center parking lot will be maintained throughout construction. Parking stall closures will be kept to a minimum during working hours, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming the community to the newly renovated space in summer 2027.

For project updates or questions, call the project hotline at 949-724-6676 or email pm@cityofirvine.org.

Get Ready to Vote November 3

Voting is underway for the Tuesday, November 3, General Municipal Election, with ballots being mailed to registered voters. Irvine voters will elect a Mayor for a two-year term, and voters in Districts 1, 5, and 6 will elect a Councilmember for a four-year term.

The ballot also includes Measure D, which would direct the use of ranked-choice voting for City Council and Mayoral elections after January 1, 2028, to the extent technically and financially feasible.

Return your ballot by mail — no postage required — or at a secure ballot drop box by 8 p.m. November 3. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Vote Centers open at the Irvine Civic Center, Los Olivos Community Center, and Portola Springs Community Center October 24, with 12 additional Irvine locations opening October 31. Hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. through November 2 and 7 a.m.–8 p.m. November 3.

Make the Holidays Handmade

Find something special for everyone on your list at the 44^th Annual Holiday Faire Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex and Hangar 244 will transform into a festive marketplace featuring handcrafted gifts and original work from approximately 100 local artists, makers, and artisans. Visitors can browse art, ceramics, jewelry, home décor, and more while discovering one-of-a-kind finds for everyone on their holiday shopping lists.

Live holiday music will set the tone for an afternoon of shopping. Guests can meet local makers, find gifts with a personal touch, and support the local arts community. 

Give Back at Love Irvine Citywide Serve Day

Join Love Irvine for the sixth annual Citywide Serve Day Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Choose from more than 20 volunteer projects, including harvesting produce, making blankets for the 2/11 Marine Battalion, sorting food, and supporting local gardens.

A kickoff event begins at 7:30 a.m. at Woodbridge Village Center before volunteers head to their project locations. Explore available projects and register to help make a difference in your community.

Be Prepared for El Niño and Winter Storms

Learn how to prepare for winter weather at the City of Irvine’s El Niño Preparedness Town Hall Monday, October 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Irvine City Hall Council Chamber.

Hear from the National Weather Service, Orange County Fire Authority, Irvine Ranch Water District, and City staff about the seasonal outlook, storm preparations, and ways to keep your household ready. Topics include sandbag availability, emergency alerts, and reporting storm-related concerns. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.

Attend in person at 1 Civic Center Plaza or watch live via Zoom. A recording will be available after the event.

Paint, Paste & Pour

Ages 1–6 | Next class starts October 27
Little artists can get hands-on with colorful, sensory-friendly art activities that encourage creativity and exploration. From painting and gluing to pouring and experimenting with different materials, each project offers a fun way for young children to express themselves and create something all their own.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Grow

Ages 2–6 | Next class starts October 30
Get ready for kindergarten with activities that build early learning skills, encourage independence, and help children feel confident in the classroom. Through interactive games, creative projects, and opportunities to practice social skills, young learners can strengthen the foundations they need for a successful start to school.

Newport Sea Base: Sailing

Ages 7–17 | Next class starts October 31
Head out on the water at Newport Sea Base to learn the fundamentals of sailing. Gain hands-on experience with sailboat operation, develop teamwork and communication skills, and discover the excitement of navigating the water.

Rise Against — October 23
See Rise Against perform with Alkaline Trio and Teen Mortgage Friday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert is open to all ages.

Learn More

Ektaa Diwali Fest — October 24
Celebrate Diwali with family, friends, and the community Saturday, October 24, from 1 to 9 p.m. Enjoy Indian music, cultural performances, food, shopping, henna, and more. A traditional lamp-lighting ceremony will take place at 7 p.m., followed by a drone show.

Learn More

Halloween Movie Night — October 30
Bring your blankets and low-back chairs for a Halloween double feature Friday, October 30. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., followed by Minions & Monsters at 6 p.m. and Hocus Pocus at 8 p.m. Enjoy movies on large LED screens, with food and beverages available for purchase. Admission and parking are free, and leashed dogs are welcome. Outside food and umbrellas are not permitted.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer and highlight the importance of screening and support. The National Breast Cancer Foundation works to help women access screenings, education, and support throughout their breast cancer journey.