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Irvine’s 44th Annual Holiday Faire Returns to Great Park November 7

Issue # 0722

Author

Joshua Tjia
27 Oct

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

💧🏗️ Irvine Breaks Ground on $42 Million Woollett Aquatics Center Expansion

❄️⛸️ Irvine Spectrum Center’s Holiday Ice Skating Rink Returns November 6 Through January 3

🧋🍂 Sip Into Fall: Tastea’s Seasonal Drinks Are Here

📖📄 Irvine Seeks Community Feedback on 20-Year Library Master Plan

🎃🫘 From Mummy Bars to Enchiladas: Two Creative Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin

🌱🔍 Become a Plant Detective: Learn to Identify Local Plants at Buck Gully Reserve on Nov. 10

🎨🛍️ Irvine’s 44th Annual Holiday Faire Returns to Great Park November 7

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛ New Homes, Happy Hearts: 18 Pets Find Loving Families at Irvine Animal Care Center

🤽🏻‍♂️ UC Irvine Men's Water Polo Defeats Air Force 18-10 on Senior Day

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Woodbridge Girls Flag Football Defeats Downey 33-19 in CIF Open Division Playoffs

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Irvine Police Arrest Burglary Suspect Following Tip From Social Media Follower

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

🌟🏪🎉Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the apple do when he made a mistake?

He apple-ogized.

We hope this joke brings some laughter to your day! 😁

Irvine Breaks Ground on $42 Million Woollett Aquatics Center Expansion

The City of Irvine has broken ground on a $42 million expansion of the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, with completion expected in spring 2028. The project will add a fourth pool (the facility’s third 50-meter pool), covered bleachers, a new training and locker room building, a splash pad, additional parking, and a NinjaCross water obstacle course. The expansion aims to accommodate larger swimming competitions while increasing access to swim lessons for local families. Irvine’s Learn to Swim program currently serves more than 10,000 children annually, and city officials hope the additional pool will help eliminate waitlists and improve water safety. Existing facilities will remain open during construction.

Irvine Spectrum Center’s Holiday Ice Skating Rink Returns November 6 Through January 3

Get ready to skate under the stars. Irvine Spectrum Center’s popular outdoor ice skating rink returns to Giant Wheel Court from November 6 through January 3. Enjoy festive holiday skating, special Themed Thursday Skate Nights, and opportunities to Skate with Santa. Visit Irvine Spectrum Center’s Ice Rink page for skating hours, admission prices, and event details.

Sip Into Fall: Tastea’s Seasonal Drinks Are Here

Celebrate the season at Tastea with five delicious drinks from their fall menu: Earl Grey Matcha, Blueberry Blush, Avocado Coconut Dream, Earl Grey Milk Tea, and Mango Coconut Dream. Whether you're craving something fruity or creamy, there's something for everyone. Stop by and give these seasonal favorites a try!

Irvine Seeks Community Feedback on 20-Year Library Master Plan

The City of Irvine is inviting residents to help shape the future of the Irvine Public Library through a new 20-year Library Master Plan. The plan will guide improvements to library facilities, programs, staffing, technology, and services to meet the community’s evolving needs. The plan is expected to be completed by December 2027. Residents can share their ideas by:

  • completing the Library Master Plan Survey by November 30

  • or participating in pop-up surveys at Heritage Park, Katie Wheeler, and University Park libraries.

Learn more at irvinepubliclibrary.org.

From Mummy Bars to Enchiladas: Two Creative Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin

Looking for tasty ways to enjoy pumpkin? Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, pumpkin supports immune health, digestion, and overall wellness. Developed by UCI Health executive chef Jessica VanRoo, these recipes make it easy to enjoy healthy, satisfying meals and snacks.

  • Pumpkin-Spiced Mummy Bars: A delicious breakfast or snack made with pumpkin, oats, chia seeds, and eggs. Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, these bars provide sustained energy and help keep you feeling full longer.

  • Pumpkin Enchilada Graveyard: A hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, black beans, and tomato sauce. Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this flavorful dish supports heart health and provides lasting energy.

Find the recipes here

Become a Plant Detective: Learn to Identify Local Plants at Buck Gully Reserve on Nov. 10

Discover the fascinating world of plant identification at Buck Gully Reserve on Tuesday, November 10, from 9–11:30 a.m. Participants will learn to identify local plants using a step-by-step scientific guide called a dichotomous key. This beginner-friendly, level-2 activity includes hands-on observation and deductive reasoning along the trail.

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Irvine’s 44th Annual Holiday Faire Returns to Great Park November 7

Get into the holiday spirit at Irvine’s 44th Annual Holiday Faire on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. This festive community tradition features handmade gifts, unique treasures, and creative finds from local vendors, offering an opportunity to shop for the holidays while supporting local artisans.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  • November 4 - Irvine Band Spectacular, 7:00 PM

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://timbmusic.org/events/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  • October 29 - IUSD High School Vocal Festival, 7:00 PM

  • November 3 - Concordia Treble Chorus Festival, 6:30 PM

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  • November 4 - Band Spectacular, 7:00 PM

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

  • October 28 - Fall PHS Orchestra Concert, 7:00 PM

  • October 30 - Fall PHS Band Concert, 7:00 PM

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

New Homes, Happy Hearts: 18 Pets Find Loving Families at Irvine Animal Care Center

The Irvine Animal Care Center celebrated 18 adoptions from October 19–25, including 10 dogs, 7 cats, and 1 rabbit finding loving new homes. Additionally, one bird and one cat were transferred to rescue organizations, while two dogs and one cat were reunited with their owners.

Visit cityofirvine.gov/animals for adoption information and operating hours.

UC Irvine Men's Water Polo Defeats Air Force 18-10 on Senior Day

UC Irvine men's water polo defeated Air Force 18-10 on Senior Day, led by Alex Lopez with four goals and three assists. The Anteaters will next host UC Santa Barbara on Friday, Oct. 30.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Tue, Oct 27 - vs Cal State, 7:00 PM

Women’s Soccer

  • Wed, Oct 28 - vs Cal State Fullerton, 6:00 PM

Women’s Tennis

  • Thur, Oct 29 - vs UCI Fall Invitational, TBA

  • Fri, Oct 30 - vs UCI Fall Invitational, TBA

  • Sat, Oct 31 - vs UCI Fall Invitational, TBA

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Soccer

  • Tue, Oct 27 - vs Santiago Canyon, 3:00 PM

Women’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Oct 28 - vs Canyons, 6:00 PM

  • Fri, Oct 30 - vs Riverside, 1:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Oct 31 - vs Palomar, 2:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  • Fri, Oct 30 - vs Grossmont, 5:00 PM

Men’s Soccer

  • Fri, Oct 30 - vs Fullerton, 3:00 PM

Woodbridge Girls Flag Football Defeats Downey 33-19 in CIF Open Division Playoffs

Woodbridge High School’s girls flag football team defeated Downey 33-19 in the opening round of the CIF Open Division playoffs, led by quarterback Delia Stone’s four touchdown passes. The Warriors (23-4) will face Orange Lutheran on Wednesday, hoping to avenge an earlier season loss and advance toward the semifinals.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated with October Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No further upcoming varsity home games for this month.

Irvine Police Arrest Burglary Suspect Following Tip From Social Media Follower

A tip from a social media follower helped Irvine Police identify and locate a burglary suspect. Directed Enforcement officers tracked the suspect to a motel just outside Irvine, where they detained him as he exited his room with a bicycle. Investigators also linked him to other residential burglaries in Irvine. William Harrison Hauskins, 69, of Santa Ana, was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail for burglary.

Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

Click the link below and fill out the Local Business Spotlight Application Form to be featured and let’s celebrate the spirit of Irvine together!

Irvine Insider is sent to a local audience of Irvine residence Monday through Friday with 50% - 60% open rate. Our newsletter is a great way to reach Irvine residents.

  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

    • Where: 5428 Bonita Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • Manassero Farmers

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Where: 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92604

  • Tanaka Farms

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info:Tanaka Farms

September 12 - November 1 Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch

November 6 - 7 Idina Menzel 8 PM

November 7 Love Irvine: Citywide Serve Day 8 AM - 12 PM

November 7 Holiday Faire 10 AM - 4 PM

November 8 Barber, Beach & More 3 PM

November 12 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!

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