• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Pumpkins, Train Rides and Fall Fun Return to Irvine Park Railroad

Pumpkins, Train Rides and Fall Fun Return to Irvine Park Railroad

Issue # 0693

Author

Joshua Tjia
21 Aug

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🍁🚂 Pumpkins, Train Rides and Fall Fun Return to Irvine Park Railroad

🏙️💡 Learn How to Save Energy and Lower Utility Costs at Free Irvine Workshop

🐟🎣 Join the Community for a Catfish Fishing Derby at Irvine Lake

🏫🌟 Irvine Valley College Ranks No. 5 Among California Community Colleges

🚲 Orange County to Hold First E-Bike and E-Moto Buy Back at Angel Stadium

🍕🍪🥤 Pizza Press Serves Up a $14.95 Back-to-School Study Break Deal

🍂🤕 Stay Ahead of Fall Migraine Triggers With These 9 Tips

🌳🚲 Explore Bommer, Nix and Shady Canyon on a Guided Mountain Bike Ride

🎨 Meet the Artists Behind “Irvine Annual” at Free Aug. 29 Event

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛ Meet Becky: A Playful Cat Looking for a Home to Call Her Own

🏀 UC Irvine Men’s Basketball Finishes Pool Play Undefeated at 6-0

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓👚 Irvine Police Arrest Suspect Following Thefts at Lululemon and Sephora

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do you call a sleeping T-Rex?

A dino-snore!

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

Pumpkins, Train Rides and Fall Fun Return to Irvine Park Railroad

Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch returns September 12 through October 31 at Irvine Regional Park. Families can enjoy pumpkins, train and wagon rides, games, crafts, and plenty of fall activities.

  • 🎃 Dates: September 12–October 31

  • ⏰ Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; weekends, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

  • 🚂 Activities: Train and wagon rides, fishing, face painting, cookie and pumpkin decorating, carnival games, and photo spots

  • 🎟️ Activity tickets: $8 each or $100 for 15 tickets

  • 🍂 Most activities: 1–2 tickets per person

  • 📅 Weekend reservations: Required on select weekends

  • 💻 Reservations open: September 9 at 10 a.m.

  • 💵 Reservation price: $16–$22 per person and includes Pumpkin Patch admission plus a train or wagon ride

Learn How to Save Energy and Lower Utility Costs at Free Irvine Workshop

The City of Irvine is hosting a free Weatherization & Utility Assistance Workshop on Wednesday, September 9, from 10–11:30 a.m. at Heritage Park Community Center. Residents can learn simple ways to make their homes more energy efficient, lower utility bills, and find assistance programs that may help cover essential utility costs. The workshop is presented with Community Action Partnership of Orange County.

Registration at yourirvine.org.

Join the Community for a Catfish Fishing Derby at Irvine Lake

Grab your fishing gear and enjoy a morning by the lake! The Third District Catfish Fishing Derby is coming to Irvine Lake on Saturday, September 12, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free, with registration starting at 5 a.m. and awards presented at 1 p.m.

Irvine Valley College Ranks No. 5 Among California Community Colleges

Irvine Valley College has been ranked the No. 5 community college in California by WalletHub and placed among the top 25 community colleges nationwide. The ranking evaluated more than 610 schools across the U.S. based on cost and quality, recognizing IVC for its academics, transfer opportunities, student support and affordability.

Orange County to Hold First E-Bike and E-Moto Buy Back at Angel Stadium

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will hold its first E-Bike and E-Moto Buy Back on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Residents can anonymously turn in unwanted working or non-working e-bikes, e-scooters, pocket bikes and e-motorcycles for $200 to $1,000 in gift cards, depending on the vehicle classification. The first 75 participants will also receive two Los Angeles Angels game tickets. The event is part of a countywide effort to reduce serious injuries and deaths involving electric bikes and motorcycles.

Pizza Press Serves Up a $14.95 Back-to-School Study Break Deal

The Pizza Press is offering a back-to-school Study Break deal for $14.95, featuring a 12-inch cheese or pepperoni pizza, fountain drink, and fresh-baked cookie. The deal is available through the Pizza Press app at participating Orange, Costa Mesa, and Irvine locations, making it an easy meal option between classes or study sessions.

Stay Ahead of Fall Migraine Triggers With These 9 Tips

Fall weather changes, allergens, shorter days, stress, certain foods, caffeine, and disrupted sleep can trigger migraines for some people. Here are a few lifestyle habits that may help reduce the frequency or severity of seasonal migraines.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout the day.

  • Keep a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times.

  • Eat balanced meals: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and magnesium-rich foods.

  • Know your triggers: Track foods, drinks, weather changes, or other factors that seem to precede migraines.

  • Manage stress: Try walking, meditation, gardening, music, or another relaxing activity.

  • Watch caffeine: Keep intake consistent and avoid excessive amounts.

  • Be mindful of bright light: Sunglasses or light-filtering glasses may help if light is a trigger.

  • Use pain medication carefully: Follow your healthcare provider’s directions and avoid frequent overuse.

  • Seek medical advice when needed: Talk with a healthcare professional if migraines are frequent, worsening, or difficult to manage.

Explore Bommer, Nix and Shady Canyon on a Guided Mountain Bike Ride

Experienced mountain bikers can join a challenging guided ride through Bommer Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Shady Canyon on Friday, Sept. 4, from 7–10 a.m. The 15-mile, intermediate-paced route includes about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, steep climbs, flowing descents and technical singletrack. This Level 5 ride is intended for riders ages 16+ and who have at least one year of mountain biking experience.

Meet the Artists Behind “Irvine Annual” at Free Aug. 29 Event

The “Irvine Annual” Juror Walkthrough & Artist Mixer takes place Saturday, Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. Attendees can join the exhibition jurors and select award-winning artists for a behind-the-scenes look at how the artwork was judged, hear from featured artists about their work, and mingle with artists and fellow art enthusiasts afterward.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Meet Becky: A Playful Cat Looking for a Home to Call Her Own

Becky is an affectionate, playful and independent cat at the Irvine Animal Care Center who enjoys birdwatching, naps, wand toys and cuddling when the mood strikes. With plenty of confidence, charm and a little sass, she’s looking for someone who will appreciate her unique personality. Becky and other adoptable pets can be visited during weekday adoption hours from noon to 5 p.m.

UC Irvine Men’s Basketball Finishes Pool Play Undefeated at 6-0

UC Irvine men’s basketball defeated Jordan 80-49 to finish pool play undefeated at 6-0, with Josiah Johnson leading the Anteaters with 13 points and five assists. UCI will play its crossover semifinal on Saturday, August 22.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women’s Volleyball

  • Sat, Aug 22 - vs Concordia Irvine, 3:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Aug 21 - vs Chaffey, TBA

  • Fri, Aug 21 - Scrimmage Tournament, 9:00 AM

Women’s Soccer

  • Tue, Aug 25 - vs Norco, 3:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated with August Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

August 2026

Monday, August 24

  • Tennis, Girls - 3:15 PM Capistrano Valley

  • Golf, Girls - 4:30 PM vs Corona Del Mar

  • Flag Football, Girls - 6:30 PM vs El Modena

Irvine Police Arrest Suspect Following Thefts at Lululemon and Sephora

Irvine Police arrested 33-year-old Quyen Nguyen of Anaheim on Tuesday night after an alleged shoplifting spree at Irvine Spectrum Center. According to police, Nguyen stole about $390 in merchandise from Lululemon, later leaving those items near Sephora before allegedly taking about $1,699 worth of merchandise from Sephora. Officers intercepted her as she moved on to another location, and she was booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of felony 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

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!

1