12 Things to Do in Irvine at Night (Way More Than Just UC Life!)

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Forget what you’ve heard about Irvine being all business parks and college life. When the California sun sets, this slice of Orange County serves up way more fun than you’d expect. The evening air fills with the smell of Korean BBQ and the sound of live music while rooftop bars light up against the backdrop of city lights.

I’ve found all the best things to do in Irvine at night, from comedy clubs that’ll have you crying with laughter to secret speakeasy spots where locals actually hang out. Sure, it might not be LA or San Diego, but that’s exactly what makes Irvine’s nightlife special. Get ready to discover Orange County’s most underrated after dark scene!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this whale-watching tour from Newport Beach, just a 15-minute drive from Irvine! They take you out on a spacious 50′ catamaran with 360-degree viewing access, plus you get incredibly close views of blue whales, humpbacks, and dolphin pods. This whale-watching experience is absolutely a must-do on an Irvine itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Irvine at Night (2025 Guide)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Irvine in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Irvine after dark, making it a Southern California gem. Keep reading to find where to go in Irvine at night!

1. Night hike through Bommer Canyon

Bommer Canyon turns into something totally different after dark, and honestly, it’s way better than most people expect. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow even with just a flashlight, making it perfect for a spontaneous evening adventure. I’ve done this hike multiple times at night, and there’s something really peaceful about having the whole canyon to yourself.

The main trail is about 2 miles round trip and takes you through some gorgeous scenery that feels completely removed from suburban Irvine. You’ll catch glimpses of city lights in the distance, but mostly it’s just you, the trail, and the sounds of nature. The elevation gain is pretty minimal, so you don’t need to be in amazing shape to enjoy it.

Just bring a good flashlight or headlamp and wear decent walking shoes. The canyon stays open until 10 PM, so you’ve got plenty of time to explore. It’s free, there’s parking right at the trailhead, and you can easily combine it with dinner somewhere afterward. If you’re looking for something active that doesn’t involve crowds or spending money, this is actually a perfect Irvine night activity.

2. Catch stand-up comedy at Irvine Improv

Irvine Improv is legitimately one of the best comedy clubs in Orange County. And the lineup is way more impressive than you’d expect for a suburban location. I’ve seen some huge names here – we’re talking Netflix special level comedians who often test new material here before taking it on tour. The club gets acts like Kevin Hart, Patton Oswalt, and other A-listers pretty regularly.

Tickets usually run anywhere from $30 to $100 depending on who’s performing, and there’s a two-item minimum per person (which adds up fast with drinks at $10-12 each). But the experience is worth it – the venue seats about 490 people, so even the “bad” seats give you a pretty good view of the stage. The sound system is excellent, and the sight lines are solid from almost everywhere.

The food is actually better than typical comedy club fare. They’ve got an Umami Burger inside, plus a full menu of appetizers and entrees. Shows typically start at 8 PM on weekends, and you’ll want to get there early for general admission seating. Pro tip: if you’re driving, park in Structure 3 at Irvine Spectrum Center – it’s the closest to the club. The whole experience usually wraps up by 10:45 PM, making it perfect for a night out that won’t keep you up too late.

3. Grab drinks at Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar

Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar sits on the 16th floor of the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, and the 360-degree views are absolutely incredible. On clear nights, you can see everything from Saddleback Mountain to the ocean, plus all the twinkling lights of Orange County spread out below you. I love coming here right before sunset to watch the sky change colors over the city.

The bar specializes in honey-infused cocktails (hence the name), and they’re not just gimmicky – the drinks are actually really well-crafted. Try the Hive & Honey Old-Fashioned or the Bees Knees for something unique. Expect to pay premium prices though – cocktails run $15-18 each, and small plates are in the $12-20 range. It’s definitely a splurge, but the atmosphere makes it worth it for special occasions.

Hours are Monday through Wednesday 4 PM to 10 PM, Thursday and Friday 4 PM to 11 PM (Friday goes until midnight), Saturday 11 AM to midnight, and Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM. You can make reservations through Resy, and I’d highly recommend it – walk-ins often face long waits, especially on weekends. The space is pretty large at 3,500 square feet, but it fills up fast. If you’re not staying at the hotel, you’ll need to use valet parking, which is kind of annoying but unavoidable.

4. Shop and dine at Irvine Spectrum Center

Irvine Spectrum Center becomes this totally different place once the sun goes down. The outdoor mall transforms into this lively entertainment hub with live music, the Giant Wheel all lit up, and people hanging out on the lawn areas. I actually prefer going here at night rather than during the day – it’s way more fun and less crowded with families.

The Giant Wheel costs $5 per person ($4 for military/seniors) and gives you three rotations with killer views from 108 feet up. You can see the ocean on clear days and definitely catch Disneyland’s fireworks if you time it right. The ride takes about 8-10 minutes and is definitely worth doing at least once, especially if you’ve never been on it.

For dinner, you’ve got everything from Fogo de Chão for fancy Brazilian steakhouse vibes to Shake Shack for something more casual. The outdoor seating areas get pretty lively in the evenings, especially around the fountain area where they often have live music or DJ sets. Dave & Buster’s stays open late if you’re into arcade games and drinks, and the Regal Cinema shows movies until pretty late too. Parking is free in the structures, though it can get crazy busy on weekend evenings. The whole center stays open until 10 PM most nights, with restaurants and entertainment often going later.

5. Browse California art at The Irvine Museum

The Irvine Museum (now part of UCI’s Langson Institute) is this hidden gem that most people don’t even know exists. It’s located at 18881 Von Karman Avenue and focuses specifically on California Impressionist art from the 1890s-1930s. I stumbled into this place by accident once and ended up staying for over an hour just getting lost in these gorgeous landscape paintings.

The collection includes works by major California artists like William Wendt, Edgar Payne, and Anna Hills – basically all the painters who captured California’s natural beauty during its early development. The landscapes are stunning and give you this amazing sense of what Orange County and the coastline looked like before all the development. It’s like getting a window into old California.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM, and general admission is just $5 (kids, students, and seniors get in free). They also have free admission on the second Wednesday of every month. The space is pretty intimate – you can easily see everything in about 45 minutes to an hour. They validate parking too, which is nice since you’re in the business district. It’s perfect if you want something cultural and low-key, plus you can easily combine it with dinner nearby. The museum will eventually move to the UCI campus, so catch it at this convenient location while you can.

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6. Ride the Great Park Balloon at sunset

The Great Park Balloon is honestly one of the coolest things you can do in Irvine, and most people have no idea it even exists. This isn’t a hot air balloon…it’s a massive helium balloon tethered to the ground that takes you up 400 feet for incredible 360-degree views of Orange County. I was skeptical at first, but the views are legitimately amazing.

The balloon operates Thursday-Friday with sessions from 10 AM-3 PM and 7 PM-10 PM, plus Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-3 PM and 7 PM-10 PM. It costs $10 for adults and kids 18 and under are free with a paid adult (or $5 if they’re alone). The ride lasts about 8-10 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to take photos and soak in the views. On clear days, you can see for 40 miles – all the way to Catalina Island and the mountains.

The catch is that wait times can be brutal – sometimes up to 3 hours on busy days. When you arrive, check in with park staff and they’ll either get you in line or add you to a waiting list with text notifications. I’d recommend going during the evening sessions when it’s less crowded. The balloon is weather-dependent and flights aren’t guaranteed, so call 949-724-6247 before heading over. There are no age or height restrictions, and it’s wheelchair accessible. The surrounding Great Park is pretty huge, so there’s plenty to explore while you wait.

7. Eat your way through Diamond Jamboree

Diamond Jamboree is basically food heaven if you’re into Asian cuisine, and it gets really lively at night when all the restaurants are buzzing with energy. This outdoor plaza feels like you’ve been transported to a night market in Asia – there are people everywhere, amazing smells coming from every direction, and this great communal energy that’s perfect for exploring.

The variety here is incredible. You’ve got everything from authentic Sichuan hot pot at Boiling Point to Din Tai Fung for those perfect soup dumplings. I always end up at Lollicup for bubble tea after dinner, and Shinsengumi for late-night ramen is clutch. The plaza also has Korean BBQ, Vietnamese pho, Japanese ramen, and tons of dessert spots including Class 302 for Taiwanese shaved ice.

Most restaurants stay open until 10 PM or later, and the whole place really comes alive after 7 PM when the dinner crowds show up. Parking can be a nightmare on weekends – I usually park in the structure and walk a bit rather than circling forever looking for street spots. The outdoor seating areas fill up fast, but there’s something fun about the energy and chaos of trying to grab a table. It’s perfect for groups because everyone can order from different places and meet up to eat together. Just bring cash for some of the smaller vendors, though most places take cards now.

8. Belt out songs at Plush Karaoke Lounge

Plush Karaoke Lounge is hands down the best karaoke spot in Irvine. For me, it’s the kind of place where you can actually sing without a bunch of drunk strangers judging you. Located at 2710 Alton Parkway in the Diamond Jamboree area, it’s got private rooms that range from small (2 people minimum) to VIP (10 people minimum), so you can actually enjoy yourself without the typical karaoke bar awkwardness.

The rooms are really well set up with HD screens, good sound systems, and comfortable seating. What’s cool is that you can connect to YouTube through their system, so you can literally sing almost any song that exists – not just the limited catalog most karaoke places have. I’ve found some pretty obscure indie songs that way. Regular room rates are about $42/hour for small rooms, $53 for medium, and $66 for large.

They also have an All-You-Can-Sing deal Monday through Wednesday from 7 PM-2 AM for $28 basic or $35 with a drink included, which is actually a pretty solid value if you’re planning to stay for a few hours. The hours are Monday-Thursday 7 PM-2 AM, Friday 7 PM-2:30 AM, Saturday 3 PM-2:30 AM, and Sunday 3 PM-2 AM. They serve finger foods and drinks (including alcohol for 21+), and there’s a 15% gratuity automatically added. Bring a phone charger or rent one for $3 – you’ll need it for the YouTube connection and the long singing sessions.

9. Race go-karts at K1 Speed Irvine

K1 Speed Irvine has two full indoor tracks and honestly feels more like a high-end racing facility than a typical go-kart place. The electric karts are surprisingly fast – adult karts hit 45 mph while junior karts (for kids 48″ and up) max out at 20 mph. I was shocked by how legitimate the racing experience is here, especially compared to those sad outdoor tracks with gas engines.

The facility is huge at 10,000 square feet and feels really upscale with leather couches, plasma TVs, and racing memorabilia everywhere. Each “Arrive & Drive” race is 14 laps against up to 11 other drivers, and the computerized timing system shows you exactly how you’re doing in real-time. The safety equipment is solid – you wear head socks under the helmets for sanitation, and the barriers are state-of-the-art.

Hours are Monday-Thursday 11 AM-10 PM, Friday 11 AM-midnight, Saturday 10 AM-midnight, and Sunday 10 AM-10 PM. Single races start around $25, but they offer 3-race packages that bring the cost down. The Paddock Lounge serves food and drinks if you get hungry, plus they have arcade games and pool tables. Wait times can get crazy on weekend evenings – I’d recommend calling ahead or going during weekday evenings when it’s less crowded. You need to be 58″ tall for adult karts or 48″ for junior karts, and closed-toe shoes are required.

10. Walk the UC Irvine Arboretum gardens

UC Irvine Arboretum is this surprisingly peaceful 12-acre botanical garden right on campus that most people don’t even know exists. It’s perfect for a quiet evening walk when you want to decompress from the day but don’t want to drive far from civilization. I discovered this place during finals week in college and it became my go-to spot for clearing my head.

The garden features plants from Mediterranean climates around the world, so you’ll see everything from California natives to species from Chile, South Africa, and Australia. The paths are well-maintained and easy to walk, winding through different themed areas like the herb garden and the South African section. It’s not huge, so you can see everything in about 30-45 minutes of leisurely walking.

The arboretum is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is completely free. There’s parking available on campus, though you might need to pay for parking depending on when you visit (weekday evenings usually require permits, but weekends and after certain hours are often free). The lighting is pretty minimal after dark, so bring a flashlight if you’re going late. It’s not exactly a party destination, but if you’re looking for something peaceful and restorative after a stressful day, this place is perfect. The garden is located near the Physical Sciences buildings on campus, and there are usually maps available at the entrance.

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11. Unwind at Irvine Spa

Irvine Spa is this Korean-style spa that’s perfect when you want to completely disconnect and relax. Located at 2700 Alton Parkway, it’s a full jjimjilbang experience with multiple saunas, hot tubs, cold pools, and relaxation areas. I love coming here when I’m stressed out – there’s something about the whole ritual that just melts away tension.

The facility has separate men’s and women’s areas with different temperature saunas (dry, steam, infrared), plus co-ed areas where you can hang out in provided uniforms. The jade sauna is my favorite – it’s supposed to have healing properties and truly feels amazing. They also have ice rooms for contrast therapy, which sounds terrible but actually feels incredible after the hot saunas.

Entry fees vary but expect to pay around $25-35 for a day pass. They offer various massage services and body treatments for additional costs, ranging from $60-150 depending on what you want. The facility is open 24/7, which is awesome for late-night stress relief. You can literally spend hours here – they have sleeping rooms, a restaurant, and relaxation lounges. Just know that it’s clothing-optional in the gender-specific areas (swimwear required in co-ed areas), and there are specific rules about phones and talking quietly. Bring flip-flops and a lock for the lockers, or rent them there. It’s definitely a Korean spa experience, so read up on the etiquette before you go.

12. See a show at Irvine Barclay Theatre

Irvine Barclay Theatre is this really intimate venue that hosts an impressive variety of performances – everything from touring Broadway shows to classical music concerts to contemporary dance. The theatre only seats about 756 people, so even the “cheap” seats give you a pretty good view of the stage. I’ve seen some amazing shows here that I probably wouldn’t have caught at bigger venues.

The acoustics in this place are fantastic, and the sight lines are designed so you’re never really far from the action. They get some legit touring productions – I’ve caught everything from small musicals to stand-up comedians to chamber music concerts. The programming is really diverse, which keeps it interesting. Tickets vary wildly depending on the show, ranging from $30 for smaller productions to $100+ for bigger touring acts.

The theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive on the UC Irvine campus, and parking is available in nearby structures (usually $8-12 for events). Most shows start at 7:30 PM or 8 PM, and they typically run 90 minutes to 2.5 hours with intermission. The lobby area is pretty small, so I’d recommend getting there early to grab drinks and get settled. Check their website for the full season schedule – they usually announce shows several months in advance. It’s definitely more of a “dress nicely” kind of venue, though you don’t need to be super formal. Perfect for date nights or when you want something cultural that’s not a huge production.