Best Concerts In the OC This Summer
Coachella may be over but there are plenty of amazing concerts to look forward to in Orange County. It's a bittersweet summer, as Irvine Meadows offers its final run of shows, but at least the 35-year-old amphitheatre is going out with bang. The rest of Orange County though will be offering plenty to see for what's sure to be a summer to remember.
Mudcrutch
The Observatory
3503 S. Harbor Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-0600
www.observatoryoc.com
Date: June 28, 2016 at 8pm
Fans of Tom Petty shouldn't be heartbroken if they can't find his name on the summer concert calendar. Why? Because, he'll be going out on tour with his pre-Heartbreakers band Mudcrutch in support of their new album "2." Don't miss this rare opportunity to catch the rock legend jam out in an intimate setting.
Selena Gomez
Honda Center
2695 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 704-2400
www.hondacenter.com
Date: July 9, 2016 at 7:30pm
It's a sort of homecoming for the former Disney star who's bringing her "Revival" tour just miles away from the Magic Kingdom known as Disneyland. The "Hands to Myself" singer will be joined by friends Charlie Puth, Bea Miller, and the Joe Jonas-led DNCE at the Honda Center, so make sure to arrive early.
The Offspring
Pacific Ampitheatre
100 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.pacamp.com
Date: July 20, 2016 at 7pm
The local legends return to the Pacific Ampitheatre as part of the OC Fair summer concert series. Expect Dexter Holland and co. to bring some SoCal punk heat to Costa Mesa with plenty of classics and deep cuts from the band's extensive catalog. Just consider saving the corn dog and turkey leg for after you're done in the mosh pit.
Dead & Company
Irvine Meadows
8808 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-8095
www.livenation.com
Date: July 26, 2016 at 7:00pm
There's no better way to celebrate the final summer concert season at Irvine Meadows than a performance from the latest iteration of the Grateful Dead, which performed 15 shows at the ampitheatre. Former Dead guitarist and vocalist Bob Weir and drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann will be joined by John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimanti for what's sure to be a jam-packed evening of incredible music.
Alabama Shakes
Irvine Meadows
8808 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-8095
www.address.com
Date: August 14, 2016 at 7:30pm
The Grammy-rockers known as Alabama Shakes became an instant success with their 2012 debut release "Boys & Girls," but last year's follow up "Sound & Colour" catapulted them to superstar status. If you've never experienced the raw power of the group's captivating lead singer Brittany Howard live, you definitely don't want to miss this.
Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa
Irvine Meadows
8808 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-8095
www.livenation.com
Date: August 25, 2016 at 7pm
Expect a great night in Irvine when hip-hop heroes Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalfia join forces for their The High Road tour. It's sure to be a party as Snoop and Wiz roll out the hits including their Grammy nominated collaboration "Young, Wild, and Free."
Animal Collective
The Observatory
3503 S. Harbor Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-0600
www.observatoryoc.com
Date: September 21, 2016 at 7pm
If you plan on freaking out because the summer is coming to an end, you might as well do it to the freak out soundtrack of Baltimore natives Animal Collective. If recent shows are any indication the setlist will be heavy on songs from the band's latest, "Painting With," with some older cuts thrown into the mix.