Anaheim Scoop
Posts
🍺 Who serves the best food and drinks in Anaheim? You decide.

🍺 Who serves the best food and drinks in Anaheim? You decide.

Our city is doing its thing again: public art, 60 years of red sauce, and plenty of iconic events!

July 23, 2026

_{Was this e-mail shared with you?}_{Sign up here}_.

We have a question for you: what are your favorite local spots?

The first Locally Loved Awards are officially open for voting, giving residents a chance to shine a light on the restaurants, shops, and neighborhood hangouts that make this place feel like home. Meanwhile, OCVibe is bringing a major new public art program to the area, and there's no shortage of summer events to fill your calendar!

Let's get into it.

🏆 Voting is open for the First Locally Loved Awards

The Gist: Visit Anaheim is running its first-ever Locally Loved Awards, a resident-voted contest crowning favorite neighborhood spots across 14 categories. Voting is open through July 31, with winners announced in early August. Every ballot also enters you into a drawing for Angels tickets and Anaheim merch valued at around $800.

Why It Matters: It is a rare public shoutout to the independent restaurants, shops, and gathering places that make Anaheim feel like Anaheim, and the ballot is decided by locals rather than a tourism panel.

What's Next: Cast your votes before the July 31 deadline.

🎨 Public art program kicks off at OCVibe

The Gist: OCVibe is officially launching a massive public art initiative across its 100-acre district near the Honda Center, starting with a multi-story mural by artist Brian Peterson on Katella Avenue. Over the next year, the $5 billion development plans to debut more than 70 original artworks along a pedestrian loop, alongside over 2,000 new housing units.

Why It Matters: The project mixes accessible outdoor art with much-needed local housing, transforming the area around the sports arena into a more walkable, welcoming gathering place for the community. Installation for the next mural, Gratitude by local artist Carla Roque, begins along Katella Avenue in the coming weeks.

🍝 Old-school red-sauce comfort on the patio

2170 W Ball Rd, Anaheim

Mama Cozza’s has been serving house-made pasta on red-checkered tablecloths since 1965. Sixty-one years in, the Cozza family still runs the floor, welcoming guests like old friends.

There's still plenty of season left to enjoy the string-lit patio over a piping bowl of cioppino, a slice of Mama’s Special Pizza, or a classic veal parm. Pair it with half-off bottles on Wine Wednesday for an effortless evening out!

🕹️ Where 1,200 retro cabinets steal the spotlight

4421 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim

Tucked into an East Anaheim warehouse, Captain’s Auction Warehouse has been the West Coast’s home for pinball and arcade games since 1999. Owner Chris "Captain" Campbell packs 1,200 machines across 40,000 square feet, making it a great last-minute summer stop.

Free play opens two hours before the July 31 through August 2 auction, showcasing rare setups like King Kong II, Elevator Action Invasion, and a horse racing game.

You can catch the OC Belles & Chimes league, while charity drawings and matched proceeds support local causes. Proceeds from event drawings roll into scholarships for Spirit League, a local sports league for kids and young adults with special needs.

Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!

Alfie is a brave and curious adult Beagle looking for a gentle restart

This small tricolor fellow is currently learning what it means to live outside of a laboratory, taking cautious steps toward trust each day. While his past required immense resilience, his future holds promise with the right patient person by his side.

To learn more about this adorable boy,

🎸 Britain's Finest | Pearson Park Amphitheatre | 07/25 | More
Classic Beatles hits under the palms with blankets and picnic dinners welcome.

🛍️ Big Dreams Marketplace Kids Pop-Up | 849 N Bradford Ave | 07/25 | More
Youth entrepreneurs: homemade treats, crafts, games, and family activities.

🎨 Saturday Summer Reading Fun | Various Anaheim Libraries | 07/25 | More
Hands-on crafts, miniature car racing, and live animal shows across local branches.

🎁 Anaheim Really Really Free Market | Pearson Park | 07/26 | More
Sharing circle offering books, clothing, plants, and hands-on skill workshops.

🕺 Concerts in the Canyon: Dance Dance Evolution | Ronald Reagan Park | 07/30 | More
Retro disco beats and dance floor classics for all ages.

👑 Live Music: KellyBoyz | Brewery X | 07/24 | More
Country rock, modern twang, and lively party anthems in a bustling biergarten.

🎬 OC Parks Sunset Cinema: Twilight | Yorba Regional Park | 07/24 | More
Atmospheric sunset movie screening with pre-show games and food trucks.

😎 Club 90s: Off Campus Night | House of Blues | 07/25 | More
Nostalgic dance anthems and throwback hits in a concert hall.

💃 Salsa Dance Class & Social | MAKE Anaheim | 07/25 | More
Latin rhythm, dance instruction, craft drinks, and historic neighborhood charm.

🍷 Galaxia #1: Super Smash Bros. Tournament | Radiant Beer Co. | 07/30 | More
Competitive gaming, local craft beer, and friendly matches in a vibrant taproom.