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What’s Up in Garden Grove: Things to Do in the area

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What’s Up in Garden Grove: Things to Do in the area

What’s Up in Garden Grove: Things to Do in the area
From live music to a hidden beach day—here’s what’s worth your time this week.

Jimmy Zee

Apr 24, 2026

#1

Whats up, Garden Grove!

Our first newsletter, how exciting!

 

I’m always looking for something fun to do on the weekends… and new places to eat. So I started this newsletter to keep everything in one place—and share it with you.

 

Think of it as your weekly guide to what’s actually worth checking out in Garden Grove and the surrounding areas.

 

A little about me—I was born in Garden Grove, raised in Northern California, joined the Navy, traveled the world… and now I’m back, baby!

 

And honestly, I appreciate this place more than ever.

 

This is your weekly guide to “The City of Youth and Ambition”
(yes—that’s really our official motto here)

 

Each week, we’ll cover:

  • Things to do
  • Places to eat
  • Local updates
  • Deals you won’t find anywhere else

 

Right here in Garden Grove and the surrounding area.

 


Got something we should feature?

Events, food spots, local stories, or hidden gems—I want to hear it.

 

hello@whatsupgardengrove.com

Whether you want a night out, something for the kids, or just an excuse to get out of the house...Here are some things to do in Garden Grove:

 

Garden Amp
🎶 Live music is back at Garden Amp 🎶

If you’ve never been to Garden Amp, this is your sign. It’s one of the best low-key outdoor venues in the area.

 

When: April & May
Where: Garden Amp, Garden Grove

→ View full lineup

 

Upcoming shows include:

 

 

 → View full lineup

Gem TheaterThe Last 5 years

A date night idea on Main Street

The GEM Theatre is currently showing The Last 5 Years, a modern musical that’s perfect for a low-key night out. Easy parking, walkable area, and you can grab dinner nearby before or after.

 

When: Now through April 26
Where: The GEM Theatre, Main Street

→ Showtimes & tickets

 

 

 

Quick errand that actually helps

Got old prescriptions sitting around? Garden Grove is hosting a safe, no-questions-asked drop-off so you can clear them out responsibly.

 

When: April 25 | 10AM–2PM
Where: Garden Grove Police Department: 11301 Acacia Parkway

→ More info

 

 

Coming up:

 

Strawberry Festival

🍓 Strawberry Festival is almost here

Garden Grove’s biggest event of the year is coming up. Think carnival rides, live entertainment, food booths, and the famous strawberry shortcake. If you’re new to the area, this is the one event you don’t want to miss.

 

When: May 22–25, 2026
Where: Village Green Park

→ Event details

Boban, a popular Mediterranean restaurant, has seen significant success with its Garden Grove location and is now looking to expand further.

The restaurant focuses on providing high-quality, healthy food in a welcoming atmosphere.

With plans to open more locations in the near future, Boban is set to broaden its reach and continue serving delicious cuisine to more customers.

The success of the Garden Grove location has fueled the company's growth and inspired them to pursue further expansion opportunities.

Read More...
Tip of The Day

Check out the Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village in Garden Grove for a fun and educational day trip! Open Tuesday's and Friday's.

Did You Hear?

Westminster Mall is officially being demolished to make way for a major new development.

 

Plans are in motion for a mixed-use project called Bolsa Pacific, which will include:

 

  • 🏘️ New housing
  • 🛍️ Retail + commercial space
  • 🌳 Updated community areas

👉 Big shift for the area as older malls continue to get redeveloped across OC.

 

👉 Read more

Celebrate Earth Month this April with a variety of sustainability activities at our Eco Challenge event.

Join us for hands-on demonstrations and exhibits aimed at inspiring eco-friendly actions.

Special programming includes a Worm Cart Demonstration, Microplastics video and activity, Windmill activity, and Compost Stage Show.

These activities will teach guests about the importance of sustainable practices like composting, reducing food waste, and using alternative energy sources.

Dates for the event are April 25-26.

Join us in learning how to make a difference for our planet!

 

Read more...

Grand Opening: Liv Más Café in Orange

Liv Mas opening

 

Taco Bell Liv Más Café is bringing a whole new vibe to Taco Bell—and it’s officially opening with an event.

 

This new concept is all about drinks, with 25+ unexpected, handcrafted beverages—think specialty coffees, refreshers, and freezes.

 

👉 If you’re bored of your usual coffee or boba run, this is worth checking out.

 


Grand Opening Event

  • 🎧 Live DJ
  • 🥤 Drink samples
  • 🎁 Exclusive Live Más Café merch

 

🗓️ When: April 29 | 5PM–7PM

📍 Where: 468 S Main St, Orange

 

Check it out

 

👉 Not your typical Taco Bell… more like a drink spot with a twist.

Weekend Getaway to Crescent Bay: Fun in the Sun Just a Short Drive Away!

Escape from the city and head to Crescent Bay this weekend for a fun-filled getaway just 30 minutes from Garden Grove.

This beautiful cove offers a sandy beach with rocky areas perfect for activities like skim boarding, diving, surfing, and tide pooling.

Enjoy the amazing views and keep an eye out for seals and sea lions at Seal Rock just off the shore.

With a variety of beach games and water activities, Crescent Bay is the perfect destination for a weekend adventure.

Remember to respect the marine life and environment by not collecting or disturbing any animals or plants.

 

Here are directions to Crescent Bay.

 

Parking can be a challenge on busy days. Be patient. Be prepared to walk a bit if you don't get a close spot. But know it will be worth it! Bring a sandwich, some drinks, and sunblock! Stay a while.

 

I also recommend you wear flip flops or water shoes when exploring the tide pools. The rocks are sharp on your bare feet. There are tide pools on both the left and right sides of the beach.

 

Read more

Have a story idea?

We want to hear from you 👀

Got a favorite weekend spot?
A place you always recommend?
Know someone in the community we should feature?
Or have a tip, deal, or life hack worth sharing?

 

👉 Send it our way: hello@whatsupgardengrove.com

 

Own a local business?

Want to be featured in What’s Up Garden Grove?

Let’s chat!

 

See you next week!!

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© 2026 What's Up Garden Grove.

Your weekly guide to Garden Grove — things to know, places to go, and local deals you won't find anywhere else.

© 2026 What's Up Garden Grove.