Feel the Sunshine at Great Park
Get out in the summer sunshine and experience all Great Park has to offer! July is Park and Recreation Month, and Great Park has activities for all ages. You can bring your family and friends to see the sculptures in the new Artist Studios installation Phillip K. Smith III: Light + Shadow Works; watch the live classical music performance Contemporary Classical in the Palm Court; and support local businesses at the Sunday Farmers Market. Just don't forget to bring sunscreen!

Phillip K. Smith III: Light + Shadow Works
Artist Studios through August 28
Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Phillip K. Smith III: Shared Light gives viewers an inside look at the impact of large-scale public art in shared spaces and the power of light in the public realm through 3D model displays, photographic documentation, video, and narrative. Running in conjunction with the Great Park Gallery exhibition, Philip K. Smith III: Light + Shadow Works is a minimalist installation showcasing small-scale static artworks by Smith. Unlike the large-scale public artworks featured in the Gallery exhibition, this installation provides viewers with intimate viewing experiences of wall-mounted and free-standing sculptures in the Artist Studios.

The exhibition is on display through Sunday, August 28. Admission is free. Visit yourgreatpark.org/arts for more information.

July is Park and Recreation Month

Visit Great Park for a variety of family-friendly activities in gardening, music, and more while celebrating Park and Recreation Month. Upcoming programs include:

Pop-Up Workshop July 9: Urban Farming 101: Gardeners ages 12 and older can learn what goes into growing their own foods. Topics include soil analysis, crop selection, and rotation. Register Here

Contemporary Classical in the Palm Court: July 23: In this free performance, cellist Bella Pepke and her band will interpret select contemporary classical movements. Bring folding chairs and blankets for seating in and around the Artist Studios and the Palm Court, and stop by the galleries to view art by Phillip K. Smith III. Learn More

Certified Farmers Market on Sundays: Shop seasonal summer produce, including cherries, bell peppers, grapes, and summer squash from local farmers! Save room for food trucks and browse goods from other small businesses every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Learn More

Movies on the Lawn: July 16 and 23: Bring a blanket or low-back chair to the Terraced Lawn and enjoy outdoor screenings of Encanto and Space Jam: A New Legacy. Movies begin after sunset. Open seating will be first-come, first-served, and admission is free. Arrive early to get a seat and enjoy items on sale from gourmet food trucks. Learn More

Stroller Strides: Moms with kids in tow will enjoy 60-minute workouts comprised of strength training, cardio, and core restoration all while entertaining little ones with songs, activities, and fun! Sessions take place Wednesdays at 9:30–10:30 a.m. from July 13 to August 3. Register Here

Park Spotlight: Kids Rock Playground

Kids Rock Playground is inspired by educating young guests about conservation ecology and the water cycle. Water misters, climbing rocks, “underground tunnels,” a seating area made from recycled runway concrete, and illustrated lakes and streams on recycled rubber flooring come together to form an educationally unique and environmentally conscious space that is safe, fun, and relaxing. For more information, visit yourgreatpark.org.

Community Events

Great Park is the site of many events hosted by various community groups and sports organizations. For a list of upcoming activities and more information on the hosting organization, please visit our Community Events page.

Donate During UCI Health Blood Drive

There is currently a great need for blood donations both locally and nationally. UCI Health and the City of Irvine are partnering for a series of blood drives at Great Park.

To address the great need for blood donations in Orange County, UCI Health Blood Drives will take place by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Great Park Parking Lot 2 on the following dates:

Tuesday, July 19

Tuesday, August 16

Tuesday, September 20

To learn more and book a blood drive appointment, click here.

Great Park Project Development Update

A project development update was presented to the Great Park Board during its regular meeting June 28. See a copy of the report here. Find the most up-to-date development information at our Planning & Future Development webpage here.