Southern California’s $4B mega-project swings open in early 2027 — with huge concert venue and food hall

The countdown is on for one of Southern California’s biggest new developments.

OCVIBE, the sprawling 100-acre, $4 billion district rising around Anaheim’s Honda Center, has unveiled the first wave of restaurants, public spaces and attractions set to open over the next year — while also revealing an all-star lineup of chefs who will anchor its massive food hall when it debuts in 2027.

The ambitious project aims to transform the area into a walkable destination packed with dining, nightlife, shopping, apartments, offices, hotels and public gathering spaces, with visitors getting a taste without having to wait until it’s entirely finished.

Among the first spaces to debut include two major highlights: a 5,000-seat live concert hall spanning 18,000 square feet, and Katella Commons, a 50,000-square-foot market hall.

The concert hall is being built with music in mind, boasting “world-class acoustics,” outstanding stage views for guests, complete with a three-tiered seating system and elite backstage amenities for performers, according to project details. Developers say the venue is also being designed for comedy shows, televised programming, esports and other special events.

The biggest reveal is what’s coming to Katella Commons, though. Five celebrated culinary teams will headline the market, including James Beard Award semifinalists Danielle Duran Zecca and Alessandro Zecca, the team behind the “MexItalian” Highland Park spot Amiga Amore.

The other culinary partners announced include: Burritos La Palma founder Alberto Bañuelos, the duo behind Evil Cooks taqueria, Alex Garcia and Elvia Huerta, and Manaao Thai Comfort Food founders, Kanate Ungkasrithongkul and Anita Lin.

Rounding out the first chefs revealed is Zach Scherer, founder of Santa Ana’s acclaimed DARKROOM, which was featured on the Los Angeles Times’ coveted 101 Best Restaurants list.

Katella Commons will boast dozens of food and drink concepts, with dramatic architecture that blends airy open design, natural light, and expansive communal gathering areas into OCVIBE’s larger network of public plazas.

While the exact opening date is unknown, The Weave, a “hospitality-driven” Kiln co-working hub, the South Plaza, and the Urban Park, which will feature 3 miles of walking trails and an outdoor public art gallery, are all set to open in 2027 as well.

Construction will continue in phases over the next several years, with portions of the district opening incrementally as work progresses.

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