There’s a special joy to spotting a pink box of donuts in the office break room—an invitation to pause and savor something sweet together.

 

Everyone has a favorite, from soft glazed donuts that melt in your mouth to cinnamon-filled apple fritters and irresistible custard bars.

 

By afternoon, only the last glazed donuts linger, chilled by the fridge—yet one brave soul always returns, coffee in hand, to revive them with a dunk.

 

This tasty ritual isn’t new.

 

National Donut Day, celebrated every first Friday in June, began as a Salvation Army tradition during World War I—a thank-you to the volunteers who baked for soldiers, and a local tradition that still brings people together.

 

From workplaces to family kitchens, donuts continue to connect Long Beach locals in the simplest, sweetest ways.

Belmont Shore welcomes back its cherished Chocolate and Wine Festival—rebranded as the Sweets and Sips Festival—this February, transforming 2nd Street into a lively celebration of local flavor.

 

On Sunday, February 15, locals and visitors can relish artisan chocolates, curated wine tastings, and seasonal cocktails in a relaxed, family-friendly environment from 1 to 4 PM.

 

Shops and bakeries across the district offer unique bites and sips, while tasting tickets and wristbands allow everyone to pace their own indulgence.

 

The famed community dessert contest invites bakers to compete as attendees sample and vote for favorites, ensuring everyone’s voice counts.

 

Beyond sweets and drinks, the festival features a themed scavenger hunt and live local music, adding a playful, energetic spirit to the city’s Valentine’s tradition.

 

Admission is free, making it the perfect way to experience Belmont Shore’s vibrant, creative community—no reservations or prix fixe menus required.

The Orange County Fair returns July 17 through August 16, 2026, at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, running 23 days under the theme "Your Adventure Awaits."

 

For Long Beach residents, it's an easy summer escape just a short drive away — packed with bold food trends, live concerts, carnival rides, agricultural showcases, and local artisan exhibits.

 

The fair is especially known for its cutting-edge food vendors, who use the event as a launching pad for concepts that eventually shape menus and festivals across Southern California.

 

Admission runs $13 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, $18 on Fridays through Sundays, and $10 for seniors 65 and older.

 

The fairgrounds are open Wednesday through Sunday — 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days, with midnight closings on Fridays and Saturdays.

 

One of California's most beloved annual traditions, the OC Fair continues delivering the kind of unforgettable summer memories that keep Southern Californians coming back every year.