Exploring Irvine’s Great Park: A Hub of Community, Sports, and Culture
The Irvine Great Park is a crown jewel of the city, offering a dynamic mix of recreation, culture, and community engagement. Built on the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, the park has been transformed into a vibrant space that brings people together for sports, outdoor fun, and special events. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about this incredible destination.
Annual Events at the Great Park
The Great Park is home to some of Irvine’s most exciting annual events, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Some highlights include:
Great Park Balloon Rides & Movie Nights – Enjoy a scenic view of Irvine from the iconic Great Park Balloon or bring a blanket for a relaxing outdoor movie screening.
Spooktacular Fun Days – A family-friendly Halloween event with games, treats, and costumes.
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Events – Celebrate the holiday season with festive lights, ice skating, and themed activities.
Live Concerts & Cultural Festivals – Showcasing Irvine’s diverse community through music, dance, and art.
Irvine Global Village Festival – Every fall, the Great Park hosts Orange County’s premier multicultural event, celebrating Irvine’s rich diversity through a full day of international cuisine, art, music, and cultural exhibits. This festival brings together the best of Irvine’s historic fall festivals, featuring activities for all ages, a global marketplace, and vibrant performances that highlight the city’s global heritage. Love Irvine has been a staple at this event where we attend to meet the community and share about the work we do to help make the city a better place to live.
Recreational Activities and Attractions
Beyond special events, the Great Park offers a range of year-round attractions and activities, including:
The Great Park Balloon – A must-do experience that provides panoramic views of Orange County.
The Palm Court Arts Complex – Featuring art exhibits, workshops, and cultural programs.
Sports Complex – Home to numerous soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and basketball courts.
Kids Rock Playground – A unique play space inspired by nature and adventure.
Wild Rivers Water Park – A fun-filled destination for water lovers of all ages. Wild Rivers opened to the public on July 10, 2022. The newly designed waterpark features over 20 acres, 20 rides, and three restaurants.
Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena — A world-class facility dedicated to the growth and advancement of ice hockey and ice skating in the United States. The Anaheim Ducks use this for their offseason practice and many groups use the rink for their tournaments!
Sports Teams and Community Involvement
The Great Park is also a major hub for youth and amateur sports. Some of the sports organizations and teams that call the Great Park home include:
Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) – A professional soccer team that competes in the USL Championship league.
Irvine Youth Sports Leagues – A variety of programs for soccer, baseball, and more.
Tournaments and Camps – The park regularly hosts regional and national competitions for multiple sports.
For those looking to get involved, many leagues and programs welcome participants of all ages and skill levels, promoting health, teamwork, and personal growth.
Building Community Through Shared Spaces
At Love Irvine, we recognize the importance of places like the Great Park in fostering unity and pride within our city. These spaces allow people from all backgrounds to connect, enjoy shared experiences, and build lasting relationships. Through our initiatives, we aim to bring diverse communities together, guided by Christian values of love, service, and compassion.
Whether you're cheering at a soccer game, exploring the arts, or simply enjoying the open spaces, the Great Park is a symbol of what makes Irvine special. We encourage you to visit, get involved, and take part in making our city a more harmonious, healthy, and connected community.
For more information on upcoming events, view the Great Park Irvine schedule.
Want to explore the park? Check out these maps and plan your visit!