From Surf City Surf Dog to Painting & Prosecco at Pelican Hill, check out the top Orange County weekend events for September 21-24.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
EVENTS
Local Band Hangout
Sept. 21. Board the legendary Queen Mary ship for a night filled with appetizing food, enticing drinks and some of the best reggae music Southern California has to offer. Special performances include Niu Roots, RFK (Remedy for Kill) and WISE. Every third Thursday of the month, the Queen Mary will host local artists for a night of fun and entertainment. Happy hour from 5-7 p.m.; event begins 7 p.m.; Free after 6 p.m. The Observation Bar & Art Deco Lounge, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach. queenmary.com
Knott’s Scary Farm
Sept. 21-Oct. 31. The nation’s first theme park turns sinister on select nights during the Halloween season. This year includes new live shows, mazes and 1,000 monsters lurking throughout the park. 7 p.m. Admission to every event night: $90. See website for Scary Farm event nights. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
Janet Jackson ‘State of the World’ Tour
Sept. 23. Global music icon, multiple Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist Janet Jackson will embark on a four-month North American tour this fall. The tour is a continuation of her Unbreakable tour and will include fan favorites from her chart-topping ‘Unbreakable’ album, an array of her socially conscious music and soon-to-be released tracks with a state-of-the-art live production. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2400. hondacenter.com.
14th Annual Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails (HDHR)
Sept. 23. One of the most influential and innovative events in the snowboarding industry, HDHR features some of the best riders in the world competing on a one-of-a-kind rail jam course designed and built by Bear Mountain’s renowned park staff. Enjoy live performances by Method Man & Redman, DJ Snoopadelic (Snoop Dogg), Tomorrows Bad Seeds and Andrew W.K.. See website for schedule. Gates open 10 a.m. $25 Adults; $15 Kids 5-12; Kids 4 and under free. Big Bear Lake, 844.462.2327. hotdawgzandhandrails.com
2017 Golden Foodie Awards
Sept. 24. Popularly know as the “People’s Food Choice Awards,” this event honors and celebrates chefs, bartenders, food and drink of chef driven and independent restaurants in Orange County. There will be food and libation stations, four lounges, a Garden of Eden Lounge After Party and more. RSVP on website “Contact Us” page. 5-11 p.m.; Red carpet gala 5 p.m.; Awards ceremony 6:30 p.m. $160. Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, 900 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, goldenfoodieawards.com
Balboa Island Carnival & Taste of the Island Event
Sept. 24. Ushering in the first fall weekend of the season, you are invited to the inaugural Balboa Island Carnival & Taste of the Island. Activities will include carnival games and rides, a dunk tank, bungee jump, a pie-eating contest, food stations, a fashion show, raffles, a beer and wine garden, and more. 1-5 p.m. 200 Block of Marine Ave., Newport Beach. explorebalboaisland.com
Surf City Surf Dog
Sept. 24. Catch a few waves with your furry friend at one of Southern California’s most pristine beaches. This event brings together the community, surfers, dog lovers, families and pets for a day of fun and fundraising. While canine competitors try to catch the top five waves in 12 minutes, food trucks will be open to attendees on land. Check in 7:30 a.m.; Event 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Huntington Dog Beach, 100 Golden West St., Huntington Beach, 714.841.8644. surfdogevents.com
500 Classic Motorcycles at House of Blues Anaheim
Sept. 24. Cruise on over to see 500 classic and vintage style motorcycles on the north side upper level of Anaheim GardenWalk, across from House of Blues main entrance. The 500 riders will be dressed in his or her best dapper suits and classy attire for the occasion. There will be a special celebration with a red carpet entrance, live entertainment and a Gentleman’s Happy Hour with themed food and drink specials. 1-6 p.m. 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. gentlemansride.com
Laguna’s Annual Pet Parade and Chili Cook-Off
Sept. 24. Bring the whole family, including your beloved pet, to this event sponsored by the Laguna Beach Board of Realtors. There will be entertainment for children, a pet contest and a chili cook-off to see who will be awarded The Best Chili of the Year. Proceeds will benefit local organizations. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 Adults; Free for children under 16; $5 per pet contest entry. Tivoli Too!, 777 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, 949.230.3353. lbr-caf.info
FOOD + DRINK
oak laguna beach’s Weeknight and NFL Happy Hour Specials
Come for happy hour, stay for the whole game. Enjoy select menu favorites including small plates, signature sandwiches and comfort food sides courtesy of executive chef Chris Tzorin. Special drinks include Oasis Tai, Oak Mule, Lagunarita, Jack Sour and more. M-F 3-5 p.m.; Su during NFL games (bar seating only). 1100 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, 949.940.3010. oak-lagunabeach.com
2nd Annual Tastemakers of Orange County
Sept. 20. Join the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) in celebration of their culture and heritage while indulging in Asian and Pacific Island-inspired cuisines and beverages from distinguished chefs throughout OC. There will be food tastings, entertainment, a silent auction and more. See website for list of chefs and drink providers. 7-9 p.m. $95 GA; $135 VIP. SOCO and The OC Mix, 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. ocapica.wixsite.com
Freemark Abbey Dinner
Sept. 21. Indulge in Freemark Abbey wines with each item on Chef Manny’s delicious menu at Watertable. Featured menu items include Seared Scallops, Port Braised Veal Cheeks, Pan Roasted Pheasant and White Peach and Greek Yogurt Granita. 6 p.m. $125 (plus tax and gratuity). RSVP at 714.845.4885. Watertable at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. hyatt.com
JUSTIN Wine Dinner
Sept. 21. Treat yourself to an extravagant four-course dinner created by executive chef Adrián GarcÃa with decadent wine pairings from JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. Justin Baldwin, owner of JUSTIN, will be the host for the evening. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $100 (plus tax and gratuity). Red O Fashion Island, 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport, 949.718.0300. justinwine.com
Towne Park Brewery & Taproom Grand Opening Weekend
Sept. 22-24. Spend your weekend at the new Towne Park Brewery as they debut something for every beer-drinker’s palate: an American Lager, an India Pale Ale, a White Ale, a Pale Ale, an Amber Ale and a smooth Blonde Ale. Over the course of three days, expect live music, food trucks, a ribbon cutting ceremony with the mayor of Anaheim and, of course, lots of beer. F 6 p.m.; Sa-Su 11 a.m. 1566 West Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, 714.844.2492. towneparkbrew.com
8th Annual Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival
Sept. 23. With import beer samplings from 90+ breweries, craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy quality hops, gourmet food trucks and restaurant vendors, live entertainment, games and more. Noon VIP; 1 p.m. GA. Tap closes at 4 p.m.; $60 VIP; $45 GA. Designated driver tickets available for purchase upon entry. Oak Canyon Ranch, 5305 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Silverado, ocbrewhaha.com
‘The Art of Flavor’ with Daniel Patterson
Sept. 23. Join Taco MarÃa in welcoming one of chef/owner Carlos Salgado’s greatest mentors, Daniel Patterson, for his first guest chef event. The dinner will celebrate Patterson’s newest book, coauthored by perfumer Mandy Aftel, The Art of Flavor: Practices and Principles for Creating Delicious Food. Salgado and Patterson collaborate on a five-course menu inspired by Patterson’s novel and the chefs’ time together at Coi. RSVP online only. Reservations available from 5:30-9:30 p.m. $200. 3313 Hyland Ave Ste C21, Costa Mesa, 714.538.8444. tacomaria.com
Nékter Juice Bar Grand Opening
Sept. 23. Summer may be ending and school back in session, but the fun isn’t over in Newport Beach as Nékter Juice Bar celebrates the grand opening of their newest location at Harbor View Shopping Center. There will be fresh juice and smoothies for $1, cleanse packs for $30, swag bags for the first 50 guests, a photo booth and DJ. Nékter will donate 15 percent from the day’s sales to nearby Lincoln Elementary School. 2-5 p.m. 1666 San Miguel Drive, Newport Beach. nekterjuicebar.com
Meat Me in Texas
Sept. 23. Support Break of Dawn restaurant as they host a benefit pop-up dinner with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to charities helping those in Houston and surrounding areas affected by the hurricanes. Chef/Owner Dee Nguyen will be joined by fellow local OC chefs and sponsor Sysco, who has pledged to match every dollar raised from the dinner. Limited to 66 guests. 6 p.m. $200. RSVP to dee.breakofdawn@gmail.com. 24291 Avenida De La Carlota #P-4, Laguna Hills, 949.587.9418. breakofdawnrestaurant.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Painting & Prosecco at Pelican Hill
Sept. 21. With a glass of bubbly in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, soak in panoramic sunset views of the Pacific while creating your own rendition of the Resort’s iconic Rotunda. Taught by local art guru Timree Gold, this class is great for beginners, painting enthusiasts or anyone looking to spend an afternoon with friends. 4:30-6:30 p.m. $85 includes bottomless Prosecco, canvas and painting supplies and 20 percent off same-day dining. Complimentary parking. 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, 949.467.5215. pelicanhill.com
An Evening with Joshua Bell
Sept. 24. Proclaimed as “The greatest American violinist active today” by The Boston Herald, Joshua Bell has captured the imaginations of both critics and audiences. For an extraordinary, one-night-only special event featuring the heart-stopping beauty of Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Bell joins the orchestra, led by music director Carl St.Clair, for an experience not to be missed. 8 p.m. $49-$199. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.755.5799. pacificsymphony.org
Soul of Korea
Sept. 24. Celebrate music, dance, heritage and culture by Korean American performers from the Korean American Youth Performing Association (KAYPA) and the Korean American Music Academy (KAMA). Internationally renowned pianist Sung Chang and award-winning soloists, Sean Lee and Daniel Paik, will perform. Guest artists include the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra and its conductor, Dr. Roger Kalia. 4 p.m. $20-$50. Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Surf City Surf Dog photo by Charmaine Gray. Laguna’s Annual Pet Parade and Chili Cook-Off photo courtesy of Laguna Beach Magazine. Nékter Juice Bar Grand Opening photo courtesy of Erin Peacock.
