DISNEYLAND’S MERRY MILESTONE: The sparkly 70th anniversary festivities kicked off at The Happiest Place on Earth, but with the arrival of July 17 — that is the actual birthday of the iconic Anaheim theme park, which opened in 1955 — things are in full let’s-get-merry mode. The anticipated new stage show “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” opened at the Main Street Opera House July 17; other inspired offerings are festooning the schedule “this summer and beyond.”
OC Fair opens: We want to pet a sheep, eat some buttery corn, and try our hand at tossing a ring in the general direction of a bottle, all to see if we win something huge and stuffed and cute. Good thing this Costa Mesa wonderland of everything cow-y, quilt-y, ride-y, and treat-on-a-stick-y is back for its month-long reign. It’s not open every day, do note, and advance tickets are essential.
Plumeria Festival: If you’re the sort of floral fan who reads the word “plumeria” and finds yourself instantly transported to a lush realm of otherworldly fragrance, you’ll want to head for the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden on the afternoon and evening of July 18 and the morning and midday of July 19. Plummy petals are the focus, with plumeria pros, flowery walks, and other ethereal activities on the roster.
Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party: The Colorado Street Bridge, that curved arroyo-spanning marvel, only closes to traffic once every two years. People then stroll onto the bridge, right around sunset and as the night deepens, to enjoy live music, food trucks, and the rare opportunity to soak up the history and architectural splendor of the landmark, which marked its centennial several years back. Tickets to the July 19 celebration are available for purchase at the Pasadena Heritage site.
ART, THEATER, AND SCIENCE: Conduit 742 in Hollywood presents “James Valentine: Paintings” (opening night is July 19), “Puppet Up — Uncensored” summons smiles through saucy puppetry at the Kirk Douglas Theatre over several select July dates, and the popular “Summer Nights” shimmer at the La Brea Tar Pits July 18 with fossil fun, DJ tunes, and the chance to enjoy that mammoth-tastic museum for free.