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Join Irvine in Honoring Our Veterans
Honor veterans and their families at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony Wednesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Formal Garden at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park.
The ceremony recognizes the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have served in the United States military, with special recognition for local veterans, veterans groups, and military organizations.
The event is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to Irvine City Hall, adjacent to the park.
Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park is located at 4 Civic Center Plaza. For more information, visit cityofirvine.gov/specialevents or call 949-724-6606.
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Yule Find Something for Everyone at the Holiday Faire
Shop handcrafted gifts and original artwork at the 44th annual Holiday Faire Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex and Hangar 244.
Browse art, ceramics, jewelry, home décor, and more from approximately 100 local artists, makers, and artisans. Enjoy live holiday music, meet local makers, and find something special for everyone on your list while supporting the local arts community.
Admission is free.
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Brighten the Holidays for Marine Families
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Help bring holiday cheer to the families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marines by donating new, unwrapped toys for children ages 12 and younger through Saturday, December 12. The annual Holiday Toy Drive, hosted by the City of Irvine and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, supports families of the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton.
Drop off donations at Irvine City Hall, the Irvine Police Department, the Great Park Visitors Center, Heritage Park Library, Katie Wheeler Library, University Park Library, or the Portola Springs, Turtle Rock, and Woodbury community centers.
You can also donate at a drive-thru drop-off Sunday, December 6, or Saturday, December 12, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Irvine Civic Center parking lot near Deanna Manning Stadium. Keep donations in your trunk or back seat and remain in your vehicle while staff collect them.
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Explore Two Fall Exhibitions at the Irvine Fine Arts Center
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Discover two new exhibitions at the Irvine Fine Arts Center November 14–January 23, 2027, and meet fellow art lovers at the opening reception Saturday, November 14, from 2 to 4 p.m.
In Juan Manuel Gomez: En Lo Profundo / In the Deep, Gomez uses industrial metals and heavy-duty plastics to create mixed-media sculptures that evoke shelter and protection. His new and reworked pieces invite visitors to consider how making and taking things apart can help us navigate uncertain times.
From large festivals to quiet everyday moments, All Together! explores how celebrations bring people together and shape a sense of belonging. The exhibition features work by 13 artists across animation, design, illustration, textiles, and more, highlighting how Southern California communities express joy, identity, and cultural traditions.
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Manage Business Licenses and Report Concerns Online
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Businesses and residents can now use PRISM, the City of Irvine’s new online portal, to manage business licenses and code enforcement concerns.
Businesses can apply for or renew a license, upload documents, pay fees securely, check application status, and receive automatic email updates.
Residents can report code enforcement concerns without creating an account, attach photos and location details, and check case status — including cases opened in the previous system. Reports require a name so staff can follow up.
In-person assistance remains available at the Community Development Assistance Center inside Irvine City Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza.
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Help Animals in Need This Holiday Season
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Support animals in need by donating to the Irvine Animal Care Center Holiday Donation Drive, November 15–January 15, 2027. Your donation helps provide specialized veterinary care, foster homes, and support for animals who need extra care before they’re ready for adoption.
Gifts support four of the center’s Special Programs, including Enhanced Care, Foster Care, Third Chance for Pets, and Rescue Support. Since 1999, Third Chance for Pets has helped nearly 14,500 animals find homes by bringing them to Irvine from overcrowded shelters and other difficult circumstances.
You can also download and decorate a holiday ornament, then return it to the Irvine Animal Care Center at 6443 Oak Canyon for display during the holidays.
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Bricks for Kidz One-Day STEM Workshop: Galaxy Far Away with LEGO®
Ages 5–12 | Next class starts November 14
Blast off into an out-of-this-world building adventure! Young engineers will use LEGO® bricks to create imaginative space-themed models while exploring STEM concepts through hands-on challenges. From futuristic spacecraft to distant galaxies, this workshop encourages creativity, problem-solving, and a little intergalactic fun.
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Newport Sea Base: Family Kayak/Paddle Board
Ages 7 and older | Next class starts November 14
Get out on the water and enjoy an active family adventure! Participants will learn the basics of kayaking and paddle boarding while exploring the waterfront together. Build confidence, practice new skills, and make memories on the water. No prior experience is necessary.
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COOL’inary Cooking Club: Parent + Tot Sticky Fingers Cooking
Ages 3–6 | Next class starts November 16
Little chefs are invited to get hands-on in the kitchen alongside a grown-up! Families will explore simple recipes, practice age-appropriate cooking skills, and discover new ingredients through fun, interactive activities. Expect plenty of mixing, measuring, tasting, and just a little mess along the way!
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Dial Up Fest Moves to March 20 at Great Park Live
Sing along to hits from the late ’90s and early 2000s when Dial Up Fest comes to Great Park Live Saturday, March 20, 2027.
Nelly headlines the rescheduled Irvine festival, with performances by Lit, Paul Wall, Unwritten Law, and more.
For festival details, visit greatparklive.com/event/dialupfest.
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November 8: Diwali, the Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day celebration with its main observance Sunday, November 8. The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Traditions vary by region and community. Many families light small oil lamps called diyas and decorate their doorways with rangoli, colorful patterns made with powdered pigments, rice, or flower petals. For many Hindu families, lighting lamps is also a way to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
Families and friends gather to share festive meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy sweets such as laddoos, jalebis, and barfis. Many people also visit temples, offer prayers, and wear new clothes to mark a fresh start.
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