You may have relied on Cliff’s Notes to get you through Shakespeare in high school, but why not give the bard another try now that you are a grown up? All over Orange County, theatre groups take their shows to the great outdoors on summer evenings. Pack a picnic, take some wine (make sure it is allowed in the park you are going to), bring a beach chair and blanket, and enjoy a night out without the kids.

Capistrano Shakespeare Festival, San Juan Capistrano Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars in Old Town San Juan Capistrano. “Romeo and Juliet” Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 11 through July 20. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 18 through 27. “Two Gentlemen of Verona” Friday, Saturday, Sunday July 25 through August 30. 7:30 p.m. $15. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949-489-8082.

Shakespeare Orange County The local troupe puts on one of Shakespeare’s finest historical plays. “Henry V” Thursday, Friday, Saturday July 10 through July 26. 8:15 p.m. $32. Festival Amphitheatre, 12740 Main Street, Garden Grove. 714-744-7016.

Shakespeare by the Sea, Irvine Choose a historical play or one of the fanciful comedy but either way you will get a wonderful night—and free! “Anthony & Cleopatra” Sunday, July 13. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Sunday, July 20. 7 p.m. show begins. FREE. Turtle Rock Community Park, 1 Sunnyhill, Irvine. 949-724-6606. www.shakespearebythesea.org.

Shakespeare by the Sea, Laguna Niguel For lovers of the bard in south Orange County, here is your chance to catch some free Shakespeare this summer. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Sunday, July 27. 7 p.m. FREE. Crown Valley Community Park 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel. www.shakespearebythesea.org.

Orange Coast College Put the revelry of the Fourth of July behind you and be transported back to summer in Shakespearean England. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6. 7 p.m. FREE. Orange Coast College Amphitheatre, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. 714-432-0202.

Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach If you have never been to this event, you really need to get tickets and go. Important works of art are recreated by actors on stage. This year’s theme is “All the World’s A Stage,” and will feature painting and sculpture brought to life in breathtaking scenes. This is a PERFECT night out with the ladies. July 9 through August 30. 8:30 p.m. $20-$100. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-497-6582. www.foapom.com.

MUSIC

If Shakespeare is just NOT your thing, there are plenty of other arts events going on in July. While many summer concerts in the park are family-oriented, here are a few that are better suited for a night out with adults.

Concerts on the Green, Cypress Saturday, July 19 “Neil Diamond Tribute.” I don’t know about you and your friends, but my crowd loves Neil. Bring a blanket and picnic (no alcohol please) and hum along with all-time greats like “Sweet Caroline” and “Song Sung Blue.” 6 p.m. FREE. Cypress Civic Center Green, 5275 Orange Avenue. 714-229-6780. www.cypressrec.com.

Fashion Island—Music on the Island Wednesday, July 16: Diane Schuur. Wednesday, July 23: John Waite. Wednesday, July 30: Freda Payne “A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.” Under the sun, moon and stars enjoy Fashion Island’s music series every Wednesday evening in the Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. 7:30 p.m. FREE—seating is first-come first-served. Preferred seating available for $20 through guest services. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949-721-2000. www.shopfashionisland.com.

Concerts in the Park, Newport Beach “Opera Soup” Sunday, July 20. Performed by the Opera Pacific this will be a great introduction to famous opera music for the non-experienced listener. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. FREE. Grant Howald Park, intersection of Marguerite and Fifth Avenue, Newport Beach. 949-644-3211.

FREE CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Buena Park “Concerts in the Park” Wednesdays July 2, 9, 16, 23, 307 p.m. to 9 p.m. Boisseranc Park, 7520 Dale Street. 714-236-3868.
Costa Mesa Tuesdays. 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Fairview Park, 2525 Placentia Avenue, www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us.
Cypress “Concerts on the Green” Saturday, July 12 and July 19. 6 p.m. Cypress Civic Center Green, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress. 714-229-6780.
Dana Point “Free Summer Concert Series” Saturday, July 6, 13, 20, 27. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 6, Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano. All other concerts, Heritage Park, 34000 Old Golden Lantern. 949-248-3530.
Fullerton “Summer Concert Series” Saturday, July 12, 19, 26. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fullerton Sports Complex, 560 E. Silver Pine Street, Fullerton. 714-738-6545.
Garden Grove Thursday, July 10, 17, 24, 31. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastgate Park, 12001 St. mark Street, Garden Grove. 714-741-5200.
Huntington Beach “Surfin’ Sundays” Sunday, July 13 and July 20. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Surfing Museum, 411 Olive, Huntington Beach. 714-960-3483.
Laguna Niguel “Concerts in the Park” Friday, July 4, 11, 25. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheatre, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel. 949-425-5100.
Lake Forest Sunday, July 27. 5:30 p.m. Pittsford park, 21701 Pittsford Drive, Lake Forest. 949-461-3450.
Los Alamitos “Concerts on Green” Sunday, July 6 and July 20. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Laurel Park (Bloomfield and Katella). 562-430-1703.
Orange “Concerts in the Park” Wednesday, July 9, 16, 23, 30. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hart Park Band Shell, Glassell Street. 714-744-5599.
Rancho Santa Margarita Sunday, July 13, 20, 27. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central Park, 30842 La Miranda, Rancho Santa Margarita. 949-635-1800.
San Juan Capistrano “San Juan Summer Nights,” music, food, and kids activities. Wednesday, July 16. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Historic Town Center Park, El Camino Real. 949-493-5911.
San Clemente “Summer Beach Concert Series” Thursday, July 24. On the beach, north of the pier. 949-361-9264.
Seal Beach Wednesday, July 9, 16, 23, 30. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eisenhower Park at the Seal Beach Pier. 562-431-2527.
Tustin “Concerts in the Park” Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 6 p.m. Peppertree Park, 230 W. First Street. 714-573-3000.
Westminster Sunday, July 6, 13, 20, 27. 6:45. Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Boulevard. 714-895-2860.
Yorba Linda “Concerts in the Park” Sunday, July 13, 20, 27. 5:30 p.m. Hurless Barton Park, 4601 Casa Loma Avenue. 714-961-7167.

ART IN THE EVENING

Several Orange cities host evening art walks. These are free events where you and your friends can stroll and enjoy a cultural evening without dropping a dime. Unless of course you catch dinner too, or if you fall in love and buy a piece of art to bring home.

Artists Village Open House Saturday, July 5. The first Saturday of each month the galleries and studios open their doors to the public for an evening of fine arts. Stroll through the galleries, enjoy live performances and hear great live music. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. FREE. Artists Village, Santa Ana, near intersection of Broadway and 3rd Street. www.aplaceforart.org.

Art Walk, Laguna Beach Thursday, July 3. The first Thursday of the month is devoted to the arts and gallery owners open to the public after hours. Plan to get some drinks and dinner and stroll with cool ocean breezes and great art. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. FREE. Downtown Laguna Beach, along Pacific Coast Highway.

Art Walk, San Clemente Thursday, July 26. On a warm evening come cool off on the streets of San Clemente and enjoy the works of California artists. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. FREE. Historic Downtown, on Avenida del Mar, west of El Camino Real.

Festival of the Arts, Laguna Beach This one isn’t free but it makes a great night out. The Festival grounds display the works of 154 of Orange County’s finest artists. There are also special events weekly. Every Thursday (July 10, 17, 24, 31) “Art, Jazz Wine and Chocolate.” 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Every Sunday (July 13, 20, 27) “Beatles’ Classics.” 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is also dining available at two restaurants inside the festival grounds: Tivoli Terrace and Gina’s Alfresco. Daily 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. $7 general; $4 seniors and students; kids under 12 FREE. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-497-6582. www.foapom.com.

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