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Summer in the City Returns with Free Movies, Concerts, and Symphony Performances

Issue # 0425

Author

Joshua Tjia
10 Jun

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

☀️🍿🎶 Summer in the City Returns with Free Movies, Concerts, and Symphony Performances

⛳️🏡 Irvine Hosts Town Hall on Proposed Oak Park Village Development June 14

🍚🥘 So Gong Dong Tofu & BBQ Opens New Location in Irvine

🌮🎉 Tacos and Tunes: Irvine Adult Day Health Hosts Benefit Event with Live Music, Food, and Auction

🚔📄 Applications Open June 11 for Irvine Police Explorer Program

🤸‍♀️🩺 Walk-In Sports & Camp Physicals Available at FCC Urgent Care in Irvine and Costa Mesa

🌳🚲 Stroll, Bike, and Play — Discover the Trails at Irvine’s Great Park

🧖🏼‍♀️🫧 Face Time Fridays: Free Skincare Fun at Lush Irvine Spectrum

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🐕 New Beginnings for 28 Pets: Adoptions and Reunions at Irvine Animal Care

🎾UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Ranks Top 10 in ITA Mid-Major, Finishes Season Strong

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🥍⚽️ Irvine’s Top Student-Athletes of 2025 Honored for Excellence On and Off the Field

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What is a musician’s favorite swimming stroke?

The Bach stroke.

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

Summer in the City Returns with Free Movies, Concerts, and Symphony Performances

Irvine’s Summer in the City series is back for 2025, bringing free, family-friendly outdoor entertainment throughout the season. Whether you're in the mood for a movie night, live music, or a symphonic evening under the stars, this lineup offers something for everyone. Here are a few of the first upcoming events:

  • Movies on the Lawn – Hicks Canyon Park
    • Friday, June 13 – Harold and the Purple Crayon (PG)

  • Summer Concerts – Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge
    • Saturday, July 19 – Family Style (Blues and Soul)
    • Saturday, July 26 – 1969 The Tribute (1960s Rock & Roll)

  • Symphony in the Cities – Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge
    • Sunday, August 3 – Pacific Symphony concert begins at 7:00 p.m., with family activities starting at 5:30 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. For full schedule and event details, visit cityofirvine.org/summer.

Irvine Hosts Town Hall on Proposed Oak Park Village Development June 14

Irvine will host a Town Hall on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall Council Chamber to discuss a proposed General Plan amendment by Irvine Company that could turn Oak Creek Golf Course into a residential village.

  • The proposed "Oak Park Planning Area" (Area 52) may include 3,100 homes, parks, a school, and infrastructure upgrades.

  • The area would be bordered by Jeffrey Rd, I-5, Valley Oak/Oak Canyon, and Irvine Center Dr. Residents can attend in person or email comments.

  • Learn more at cityofirvine.org/oakpark.

So Gong Dong Tofu & BBQ Opens New Location in Irvine

A new go-to spot for Korean comfort food has arrived in Irvine. So Gong Dong Tofu & BBQ, a well-known name for hearty Korean stews and grilled meats, has opened its newest location near Irvine Center Drive. The menu centers around spicy tofu soups, marinated BBQ, and shareable sides.

  • Top dishes: Soon-Dubu Jjigae, beef short ribs, spicy pork bulgogi

  • Fan-favorite sides: Seafood pancake, japchae, and classic banchan

Find more information here

Tacos and Tunes: Irvine Adult Day Health Hosts Benefit Event with Live Music, Food, and Auction

Irvine Adult Day Health Services is inviting the community to a special afternoon event on June 24th, featuring tacos, live music, refreshments, and a silent auction—all in support of programs for disabled and older adults. Guests will have the chance to bid on items like theme park tickets, local dining experiences, sports memorabilia, and original artwork. It’s a relaxed and meaningful way to give back. RSVPs are requested by June 17.

Applications Open June 11 for Irvine Police Explorer Program

The Irvine Police Explorer Program is a volunteer opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in law enforcement through training, patrol ride-alongs, community event support, and mentorship from officers across various units like K-9 and SWAT. Applications open June 11 for a limited time, and the program only accepts new participants twice a year—so don’t miss your chance.

Walk-In Sports & Camp Physicals Available at FCC Urgent Care in Irvine and Costa Mesa


As families prepare for summer sports and camp activities, a physical exam can help ensure kids are healthy and ready to participate.

  • FCC Urgent Care in Irvine and Costa Mesa offers walk-in sports and camp physicals with experienced providers who conduct a full check-up—including vitals, vision, flexibility, and a review of medical history.

  • The visit also includes guidance on injury prevention and managing any existing health conditions. Families are encouraged to bring necessary school or camp forms.

Stroll, Bike, and Play — Discover the Trails at Irvine’s Great Park

Explore 1.5 miles of walking and biking trails at Great Park’s scenic Upper Bee and Bosque area.

  • Open daily, the trail features shaded rest stops, a playground near Magnet & Bosque, picnic areas, and uninterrupted paths with trail undercrossings — no street crossings needed.

  • Trails are lighted and surrounded by native landscaping.

  • Learn more at cityofirvine.org/greatpark.

Face Time Fridays: Free Skincare Fun at Lush Irvine Spectrum

Lush at Irvine Spectrum Center is hosting Freshen Up Fridays every Friday in June (through June 27) from 6–8 PM. Enjoy a free 20-minute skincare consultation with on-face application, personalized product recommendations, and expert skincare advice.

We will resume with the high school music calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

New Beginnings for 28 Pets: Adoptions and Reunions at Irvine Animal Care

From June 2–8, the Irvine Animal Care Center celebrated the adoption of 11 dogs, 15 cats, and 2 guinea pigs. Pets like Rocket, Starling, Azula, and Sundae found loving homes. One dog, Sakura, was sent to a rescue, while 6 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 turtle were happily reunited with their families.

Learn more about adopting at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Ranks Top 10 in ITA Mid-Major, Finishes Season Strong

UC Irvine men's tennis capped off a standout 2025 season with strong placements in the ITA rankings. The Anteaters were ranked 10th nationally among mid-major programs and 8th in the ITA Southwest Region. They also finished 44th overall in the national rankings.

  • Individually, Noah Zamora was ranked 9th in the region and 66th nationally, while Andy Nguyen was 20th in the region.

  • UCI went 18-6 overall, won the Big West Championship for the second year in a row, and made their 14th NCAA appearance.

  • Zamora was named Big West Player of the Year and UCI Male Athlete of the Year, with both he and Nguyen earning first-team all-conference honors in singles and doubles.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

We will resume with UCI’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall quarter.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

We will resume with IVC’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Irvine’s Top Student-Athletes of 2025 Honored for Excellence On and Off the Field

Irvine's top student-athletes of 2025 were recognized for their outstanding performances across multiple sports and their dedication both on and off the field.

  • Northwood’s Elisa Kung earned Athlete of the Year honors for leading her teams in flag football, soccer, and lacrosse—all while recovering from heart surgery.

  • Irvine High’s Cooper Stearns, a standout in basketball and golf, helped secure the school's first basketball title since 1991 and will play golf at Stanford.

  • Other honorees include Mia Thompson (Woodbridge, soccer & flag football), Nash Luper (Portola, football), Robin Koehler(Woodbridge, swimming), Morgan Cruz (Beckman, flag football & soccer), Luke Morrison (Beckman, volleyball), and Nina Saiki (Portola, basketball).

We will resume with the high school athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

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

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