Spring into the new season with these 30+ top Orange County things to do in March.
Bourbon Steak’s 2nd Anniversary Dinner
Mar. 1. The critically acclaimed restaurant enters its third year with a celebratory five-course whiskey and wagyu dinner featuring WhistlePig Distillery. Each course features premier wagyu paired with WhistlePig whiskies, including rare and small-production bottles such as the 18-year-old Double Malt Straight Rye Whiskey and Boss Hog: Samurai Scientist Straight Rye. Seating extremely limited; reservations required. 6 p.m. $295+. To RSVP, email aault@monarchbeachresort.com. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3900. monarchbeachresort.com
Hoag Classic
Mar. 4-8. For a quarter of a century, the Hoag Classic (formerly Toshiba Classic) has brought top golfers from all over the world to Southern California. Legends such as Fred Couples, John Daly, Bernhard Langer and Mark O’Meara—plus 80 additional players—compete in the 26th annual tournament. $25 pre-sale, $30 day-of. Newport Beach Country Club, One Clubhouse Drive, Newport Beach, 949.660.1001. hoagclassic.com
Delicate Strength: The Life and Times of the Monarch Butterfly
Mar. 5. Learn about the monarch butterfly’s life cycle and its epic migration from an expert from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History in Monterey County, one of the largest monarch butterfly overwintering sites in the country. 7 p.m. $18 GA, $12 members. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
Of Love and Rage
Mar. 5-8. American Ballet Theatre presents the world premiere of Of Love and Rage, a work influenced by the Greek aesthetics of beauty and harmony and incorporating many elements of ancient Greek drama. Choreographed by company artist-in-residence and MacArthur Genius Alexei Ratmansky, it finds its main inspiration in the Greek text Callirhoe. See website for showtimes. $29+. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Aperitivo Hour(s) Pop-Ups
Mar. 6-7, 20-21, 27-28. The Resort at Pelican Hill launches a series of Aperitivo Hour pop-ups throughout the month in collaboration with three of the nation’s most renowned bars—Old Lightning Bar, Peppi’s Cellar and the NoMad Bar. Guest bartenders take over the resort’s Coliseum Pool & Grill each Friday and Saturday. Enjoy the classic Aperol Spritz as well as a variety of cocktails prepared by the bars’ talented bartenders for $12 each. 5-9 p.m. To RSVP, email PelicanHill@lalcomm.com. 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 888.507.6427. pelicanhill.com
Breakfast Menu at the Kroft
Available Mar. 7. Get a taste of Kroft’s new breakfast menu Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Long Beach Exchange (LBX) location. The first 100 guests starting at 10 a.m. receive one free sweet or savory item from the crumpet menu. In April, guests can indulge in breakfast fare daily. The breakfast menu will available at the Anaheim Packing House location in April 2020. 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., #109, Anaheim, 714.635.5900. thekroft.com
Festival of Whales
Mar. 7-8, 14-15. Celebrate the annual spring migration of gray whales at Dana Point Harbor’s 49th annual Festival of Whales. Activities include a parade, concerts, car shows, whale watching, Rubber Ducky Derby and Diamond Dig. See website for full schedule of events. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, 949.496.1045. festivalofwhales.com
Festival of Women Authors
Mar. 7. Support women authors at the Literary Women of Long Beach’s annual festival at the Long Beach Convention Center. Guest authors are Casey Cep (Furious Hours), Catherine Chung (The Tenth Muse), Delia Owens (Where the Crawdads Sing), Whitney Scharer (The Age of Light), Madhuri Vijay (The Far Field), Karen Thompson Walker (The Dreamers) and Elaine Weiss (The Woman’s Hour). Tickets include coffee, breakfast pastries and lunch. Registration starts 7:30 a.m., event 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $100 admission, $15 parking. 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. literarywomen.org
Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic
Opens Mar. 7. Bower Museum’s exclusive exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney Co. archives, with behind-the-scenes access never before granted to the public. Through August 30, view more than 400 objects, including original artwork, costumes and props that tell the story of the archives, the company and Walt Disney himself. See website for hours. Weekdays: $23 adults, $20 students/seniors 62+, $5 children 3-11; Weekends: $25 adults, $22 students/seniors 62+, $5 children 3-11. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org
Holi by the Sea
Mar. 8. Bring color to a child’s life at Child Rights & You (CRY) America’s 5th annual Hindu festival at Bolsa Chica State Beach celebrating the arrival of spring. Look forward to Bollywood music by Fusion Sounds. Paid entry includes snacks and one color packet. Additional color packets available for purchase. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $20 adults, free for children 12 and under. 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.512.6499. events.cryamerica.org
OC Restaurant Week
Mar. 8-14. Eat. Drink. Repeat. One hundred and fifty of Orange County’s favorite restaurants dish up delicious prix fixe menus at fantastic prices. Focuses this year include cocktails, and breakfast for dinner; new guides are divided into categories such as family-friendly dining, date night and ladies’ night. Lunch $10-$25, dinner $20-$50. ocrestaurantweek.com
Tomatomania
Through Mar. 8. Back for its eighth year, the week-long tomato seminar offers a selection of more than 200 varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomato plants, including new varieties for 2020, as well as a large selection of peppers. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, 949.640.5800. rogersgardens.com
International Women’s Day Luncheon
Mar. 9. Cafe Sevilla at Triangle Square hosts an International Women’s Day luncheon with Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley. Guest speaker Jami Goldman Marseille is a mother, teacher, author, multiple gold medal winner, world-record holder, motivational speaker and a double amputee. Listen as she discusses the importance of dedication, perseverance, stamina and triumph. Space is limited; reservations required. 11:30 a.m. $50. 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 888.738.4552. costamesachamber.com
National Meatball Day
Mar. 9. The American kobe beef meatballs have been a guest favorite since the opening of the first Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse more than 35 years ago. Inspired by chef/owner Steve Difillippo’s mother’s recipe, they pair perfectly with a robust glass of Davio’s Cabernet Sauvignon and can be enjoyed during lunch or dinner service at any of the Davio’s locations. Irvine Towers, 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.477.4810. davios.com
A Bronx Tale
Mar. 10-22. Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri teams with directors Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks, and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater to create this streetwise musical. Based on Palminteri’s true life story, this Broadway takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s, where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. See website for showtimes. $26+. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
The Hall Napa Valley Wine Dinner
Mar. 10. Executive chef Jesus Mendoza and the culinary team at 21 Oceanfront present an exclusive wine dinner featuring the Hall Napa Valley as well as Walt Wines. Menu highlights include sautéed abalone paired with Walt Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2017; pan-seared red trout with Hall Cellar Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016; and grilled prime ribeye paired with Hall Cellar Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. $149 (excludes tax and gratuity). 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
Cherry Blossom Festival
Mar. 13-15. Celebrate cherry blossom season with a festival featuring Japanese food, cultural exhibits, arts, crafts, games and live performances by traditional Japanese dancers. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. Huntington Beach Central Park, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach. hbjapanesefestival.com
Shamrock ‘n’ Roll
Mar. 14. Celebrate the revelry, tradition and spirit of Ireland with a rocking event. The event features a lineup of live entertainment with music for fans of the 1970s and 80s, Ska, punk, folk, soul, and of course, Irish rock. Four diverse bands perform throughout the evening: Yachtley Crew, Hoist the Colors, the Untouchables and Dirty Old Town. Ages 21+. 7 p.m.-midnight. $30 presale, $35 at the door. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.600.4313. queenmary.com
Leonora & Alejandro
Mar. 17. The Double Edge Theatre presents Leonora & Alejandro: La Maga y el Maestro, a fantasia on the relationship between two remarkable artists: famed surrealist Leonora Carrington, a British-born Mexican painter and feminist, and the Chilean filmmaker/provocateur Alejandro Jodorowsky. It’s a performance steeped in the dreamlike worlds of magic realism and surrealism, illuminating the alchemical melding of these two great seers—and also their spiritual tug-of-war. 7:30 p.m. 415 N. Glassell St., Orange, 844.626.8726. muscocenter.org
St. Patrick’s Day at Malarkey’s
Mar. 17. Head to Newport Beach’s iconic Malarkey’s Irish Pub for the longest continuing St. Patrick’s Day party in the city. In addition to beer and Irish whiskey, expect professional bagpipers and Irish tunes, corned-beef-hash sandwiches and other Irish fare. Doors open at 6 a.m. 3011 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.675.2340. malarkyspub.com
Cirque du Soleil’s Volta
Mar. 18-Apr. 19. Energetic, urban and contemporary, Volta is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, Volta is about finding yourself and unveiling your personal powers. See website for showtimes and prices. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 877.924.7783. cirquedusoleil.com
Newton Winery and Veuve Clicquot Wine Dinner
Mar. 19. Aveo Table + Bar hosts a culinary experience featuring Newton Winery, Veuve Clicquot, and dishes prepared by executive chef Jason Adams and chef de cuisine Donald Lockhart. Gather at the award-winning Monarch Beach Resort and enjoy an exclusive five-course menu. Limited seating; reservations required. Call to make a reservation. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3900 (ext. 2). monarchbeachresort.com
An Evening with Marni Raab
Mar. 20. Join Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens for a benefit dinner supporting Casa Romantica’s artistic and educational programs with a sunset cocktail reception, three-course dinner with wine pairings, luxury live auction, and a performance of songs by Marni Raab. A veteran of Broadway and international stages, soprano Raab ihas played the lead role of Christine Daaé more than 3,000 times in the Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera—more than almost any other actress in the play’s 30-year run. 6-8 p.m. $175-$250. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
Chef’s Kitchen Dinner at Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen
Mar. 20. Executive chef Leonel De Leon at Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen presents his first Chef’s Kitchen dinner experience, where guests can taste new and seasonal ingredients along with wine or spirits. Chef Leo will delight guests’ senses with with a six-to-eight course seasonal meal. Note: Name on ticket must match the name of guest attending dinner; parking is valet only. 7-10 p.m. $125+. Marriott Irvine Spectrum, 7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.759.0200. Tickets
André Rieu
Mar. 21. The global phenomenon and “King of Waltz,” who has made classical music accessible to ordinary people, brings his 70-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra back to Honda Center. Rieu has been dubbed the “Maestro of the Masses” by the New York Times and a “Weapon of Mass Happiness” by The Spectator. 8 p.m. See website for prices. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. hondacenter.com
Curry 101 Cooking Class
Mar. 20. Chef Shachi Mehra leads an interactive cooking class with step-by-step instruction of how to make curry. The class includes lunch along with chai, wine, beer or lassi. To RSVP, call or email at info@adyaoc.com. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., #201, Anaheim, 714.533.2392. adyaoc.com
School Readiness Fair
Mar. 21. An educational non-profit whose focus is on early childhood education, Pretend City Children’s Museum hosts its annual fair in order to provide parents with the information they need to assure that they and their children are ready to successfully begin their kindergarten experience. The fair provides resources including family fun activities, free health screenings for children and opportunities to meet with Orange County School District representatives who provide support in getting students ready for enrollment. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900. pretendcity.org
Swallows Day Parade
Mar. 21. Celebrate the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission with the 62nd annual Swallows Day Parade. Activities at one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades include El Presidenté Ball, Fiesta Grande, and Taste of San Juan, among others. 11 a.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976. swallowsparade.com
VeggiePalooza
Mar. 21-22. Taste the homegrown difference with more than 100 varieties of tomatoes and 70 varieties of peppers, plus companion flowers, veggies and more available for purchase. All plants sold are grown in Fullerton at the Arboretum. Guests can also participate in gardening classes, watch cooking demos and join a Q&A session with the UCEE Master Gardeners. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Fullerton Arboretum at CSUF, 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 657.278.4010. fullertonarboretum.org
Dancing with the Stars—Live Tour 2020
Mar. 25. America’s favorite dance show returns to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with celebrity guests and professional dancers from the 2019 season. Celebrity contestant Kate Flannery (The Office) joins the show to wow live audiences across the country by performing fan-favorite routines from this past season. 7 p.m. $49+. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Ocean Institute’s Jazz Festival
Mar. 27-28. Experience the annual jazz festival to support the Adopt-a-Class program, which benefits more than 10,000 underserved students in Southern California. On Saturday, come for a gala and a four-course dinner by the executive chefs at Monarch Beach Resort, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Montage Laguna Beach and the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. The festival features jazz artists including Grammy winner Deniece Williams, Gregg Karukas and Michael Paulo. See website for schedule and ticket prices. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org
The Scarlet Letter
Mar. 28-Apr. 25. Named The Wall Street Journal ‘s 2017 Playwright of the Year, Kate Hamill brings Nathaniel Hawthorne’s acclaimed masterwork to life at South Coast Repertory. Two years after her husband goes missing, intelligent, strong-willed Hester Prynne has a child and is branded an adulteress. Defying Puritan ideals, she refuses to reveal the father’s identity and is condemned to wear a scarlet A to mark her shame. Then her estranged husband shows up—bent on revenge. See website for showtimes and prices. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
Glitterfest
Mar. 29. Browse a collection of work by artists using mixed media. Find pieces including handmade jewelry, sculpture, primitive dolls, home decor and paper whimsy. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $7. Spring Field Banquet & Conference Center, 501 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.573.1025. glitterfest.com
Note: All event listings included in this roundup were confirmed accurate as of press date. Due to current environmental concerns, the editors suggest readers check for schedule changes which may have recently occurred.
Photos: Cirque du Soleil courtesy Cirque du Soleil. Mozambique courtesy OC Restaurant Week. “A Bronx Tale,” Joan Marcus. Dancing with the Stars—Live Tour 2020, Geoff Burke.
