Shanghai Acrobats
Oct. 1. The award-winning Shanghai Acrobats—one of the leading acrobatic companies in the world—makes its debut at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. With more than 100 top aerial acrobats, trampoline artists, jugglers and contortionists, they will perform a spectacular new show “Shanghai Nights.” 2 p.m., 7 p.m. Tickets start at $19. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
The Godfather Live
Oct. 1. See The Godfather like you never have before—live and in concert. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece film will be accompanied by Nino Rota’s iconic score, performed live by a symphony orchestra while the film is simultaneously shown in high definition on the big screen. 1 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival
Oct. 1-2. Savor spectacular wine and food at the 3rd annual event. The event features tastes from 42 Orange County dining destinations like Mastro’s, Red O, Selanne Steak Tavern and Broadway by Amar Santana; sips from 250 world-renowned cult and boutique wines, along with cocktails and beer. Also find cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs such as Rick Bayless and Shirley Chung, and a jazz lounge. New this year are Taste Around Town off-site events, hosted by various restaurants in Newport Beach such as The Ritz Prime Seafood. See website for more details. Sa-Su 2-6 p.m. One day $175, weekend pass $295. Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, 888.511.3378. newportwineandfood.com
Oktoberfest at the Anaheim Brewery
Oct. 1, 8. Indulge on all of the German eating, drinking and music you can handle. Get your fill of Oktoberfest essentials like bratwurst, pretzels and Anaheim Brewery’s Oktoberfest lager, which was recreated from a 100-year-old recipe found in the Paulaner brewery in Germany. 336 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.780.1888. anaheimbrew.com
Patz & Hall Winery Dinner at Watertable
Oct. 6. Join Patz & Hall Winery and Watertable Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach for a delicious five-couse tasting menu with carefully selected wine pairings. Enjoy items like vanilla-poached lobster tail with a 2014 chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, almond dusted Chilean sea bass with a 2014 Russian River Valley chardonnay from Dutton Ranch and black tea cold smoked duck with a 2013 pinot noir from Sonoma Coast. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. $125/pp. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, Watertable Restaurant, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.4885. huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com
Segerstrom Ranch Dinner
Oct. 6. Join Top Chef finalist Amar Santana as he hosts the annual Segerstrom Ranch Dinner. Indulge on a five-course, farm-to-table dinner benefiting the Festival of Children Foundation. Santana is executive chef and partner of Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach and Vaca Restaurant in Costa Mesa. Tickets can be purchased by contacting inge@festivalofchildren.org. 5:30 p.m. $1000. Segerstrom Ranch, 3315 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. festivalofchildren.org
A Night in White—Fumanelli Wine Dinner
Oct. 6. Join Paséa Hotel & Spa for an elegant seaside affair. Dress in all-white for live entertainment and a perfectly paired gourmet meal under the stars. Two powerhouse winemakers—Armando Fumanelli from Marchesi Fumanelli (Verona, Italy) and Garrett Busch of Trinitas Cellars (Napa Valley, California) will collaborate to showcase their exquisite wines with dual pairings alongside Italian-inspired cuisine prepared by Paséa’s executive chef Kevin Meyer. Highlights include grilled Alaskan halibut with oxtail tortellinis, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and red wine jus, and for the main course, dry aged New York steak with smoked parsnip puree, nantes carrots and bordelaise sauce. Wine reception and entertainment 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:30-9:30 p.m. $150. Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. paseahotel.com
Orange County International Auto Show
Oct. 6-9. See a large collection of the most beautiful vehicles in the world all in one place. This iconic event features 2017 production-model debuts—you can test drive 100 of them—plus concept, custom and exotic cars. $12, Children under 13 free. Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.765.8950. motortrendautoshows.com
Blink 182
Oct. 7. American punk rock band Blink 182 will hit the stage at Irvine Meadows with fellow punk rock bands A Day to Remember and All Time Low. Known for hits like “All the Small Things” and “I Miss You,” the band played a key role in coining the genre known as pop-punk. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $60. Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. irvinemeadows.com
Festa dell’Autunno
Oct. 7-9. Experience Italy by way of Newport Beach at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Enjoy food and wine, live music and dancing, traditional art, Motori Italiani auto exhibits, bocce ball and flag performances at the Italian street festa on Saturday Oct. 8. Taste seasonally inspired cuisine and wine pairings at the guest chef wine dinners and enjoy an ocean-view jazz brunch with festive alfresco dining, endless prosecco mimosas and live entertainment. See website for time, price and schedule of daily events. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 S. Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast, 888.553.3782. pelicanhill.com
Jazz Weekend
Oct. 7-9. See jazz greats honor jazz legends during a celebratory weekend featuring jazz music from the last 100 years. The weekend will kick-off with a special double bill concert featuring the SFJAZZ Collective performing a tribute to Miles Davis along with the band’s own compositions. The evening continues with JAZZ 100 marking the 2017 centennial celebration for four visionary talents all born in the same year: Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mongo Santamaria and Thelonious Monk. Saturday, see Los Angeles tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington perform songs from his latest album, The Epic. Sunday, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will perform with the opening act of drummer and vocalist Jamison Ross. See website for schedule and pricing. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Art of Design: Create a Seat to End Homelessness
Oct. 8. Interior designer Dorothy Willetts will design an original chair for the event that benefits the Illumination Foundation. See all of them on on display at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island starting Sept. 21; they will be auctioned off the evening of Oct. 8. The auction event features live music, silent auctions, drinks and cuisine from acclaimed local restaurants such as Watertable. 5-9 p.m. $100. Coldwell Banker Atrium, 840 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. ifhomeless.org
Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational
Oct. 8-16. Thirty-five plein-air artists take the scenic beauty of Laguna Beach as their subject and recreate its canyons and coves on a canvas. The works of art will be available for purchase. The week-long event will be held in multiple places, see website for full schedule. Heisler Park, 375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.376.3635. lagunapleinair.org
Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festivals
Oct. 13-16. Find thousands of quality handmade crafts, antiques and collectibles made in the U.S. from more than 120 vendors. The festival’s first stop is in Costa Mesa at the Orange County Fair grounds. See website for hours at each location. Free. Buena Park Downtown, 8320 On The Mall, next to Walmart, Buena Park, 562.598.0857. sugarplumfestivals.com
Fall Craft Beer Dinner
Oct. 14. Indulge on a five-course menu paired with California craft brews. The second installment of the seasonal series feature brews from Absolution Brewery. Reservations required. $50. Hotel Irvine, EATS Kitchen, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 888.230.4452. eatskitchen.com
Foodbeast’s Oozefest II
Oct. 15-16. Don’t miss the world premier of more than 20 cheesy creations at Foodbeast’s Oozefest. In honor of October being national cheese month, restaurants such as Slapfish, Slater’s 50/50, Burnt Crumbs, Iron Press and more will be presenting perfectly oozing cheese items for you to consume until you can’t anymore. The all-you-can-consume tickets include four hours of eats, drinks and entertainment. Craft beer will be served from 4 Sons Brewery, Good Beer Co. and many more. If your appetite is a little lighter, try the Oozefest Marketplace where you can purchase individual items from places such as Burnt Truck, Ragin Cajun and The Crispy Cuban. See website for details. Oozefest Sa-Su 5-9 p.m. AYCC $50. Oozefest Marketplace noon-10 p.m. $5 at the door. See website for event map. Downtown Santa Ana, between 4th and 5th Streets. oozefestival.com
Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow
Oct. 21-23. See incredible air shows from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Breitling Jet Team, Kirby Chambliss, Bill Stein, Lucus Oil Skydivers and many more. The Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow is free with seating upgrade options for premium viewing. See website for details. Downtown Huntington Beach, Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard. hbairshow.com
Jimmy Buffet
Oct. 22. Head straight to Margaritaville with Jimmy Buffet, American musician and songwriter, best known for his “island escapism” lifestyle and music. Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffett has recorded hit songs including “Margaritaville” and “Come Monday.” 8 p.m. Tickets start at $70. Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. irvinemeadows.com
Gray Event
Oct. 23. Indulge on a Thai-themed menu and reception featuring music, dance, drinks and appetizers, followed by dinner and a cooking demonstration by chef Pascal Olhats and Cathy Thomas. The evening’s proceeds will benefit the Save Elephant Foundation, dedicated to protecting and caring for Asian elephants. Special guest of the evening is Sangdeaun Lek Chailert, founder of Save Elephant Foundation. 4 p.m. Reception $100, reception and dinner $250. Sherman Library and Gardens, 2647 East Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.0034. thegrayevent.com
Sunday in the Vineyard
Oct. 23. Transport yourself to vineyards around the world with wine tastings from more than 80 unique and rare finds from boutique wineries spanning the globe. Enjoy delectable tray-passed hors d’oeuvres by The Winery’s executive chef Yvon Goetz, a live and silent auction and a fashion expo by Saks Fifth Avenue. Benefiting the Marconi Foundation for Kids and Plasticos Foundation, the event will be held alongside a collection of rare automobiles at the Marconi Automotive Museum. 1:30-5 p.m. Tickets start at $150. 1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin, 714.258.3001. http://marconimuseum.org/
Oktober-feast Beer Dinner at Oak Grill
Oct. 27. Lederhosen aren’t the only things that come in pairs. At Oak Grill, the Oktoberfest-inspired Beer Dinner, will offer a five-course menu paired with seasonal craft beers from Four Sons Brewing. Chef David Fernandez will showcase his specialty dishes, while General Manager Kevin Morales introduces brews that perfectly complement this fall holiday meal. 6 p.m. $65. Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
SoCal Corgi Beach Day
Oct. 29. Grab your corgi and your surfboard and head to Huntington Beach Dog Beach for SoCal Corgi Beach Day. Enjoy fun activities, contests, corgis, corgis and more corgis at the biggest corgi “pawty” on the planet. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Huntington Beach Dog Beach, Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest. facebook.com
Halloween Inferno at Aqua Lounge
Oct. 29. Travel back in time this Halloween with Aqua Lounge. The forecast calls for a disco inferno—dust off your best pair of bell-bottoms and catch the soul train down to this event. There will be party favors and big prizes for the winners of the Halloween costume contest. A popular DJ will be on deck to ensure the party keeps on going. 9 p.m. $25 entry fee includes one complimentary drink. Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Eat, Drink and Be Scary
Oct. 29. Hotel Irvine invites guests to come as they aren’t for its 2nd annual Halloween costume party at Red Bar and Lounge. Dress up for the costume contest (and win some scary-good prizes) and enjoy the frightfully delicious spooky cocktails. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free entry for costume party. Hotel Irvine, Red Bar & Lounge, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. redbarandlounge.com
Oktoberfest at Bayside
Through Oct. 29. In celebration of Oktoberfest, Bayside in Newport Beach will be offering a special menu crafted by executive chef Paul Gstrein. The specials will celebrate classic Bavarian cuisine and traditional ingredients of the region. Among the menu highlights is the “Käserkrainer” Bratwurst—Emmental cheese-infused smoked pork sausage with sauerkraut, roasted potatoes and sweet and spicy mustard. Bayside Restaurant, 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222. baysiderestaurant.com
Gwen Stefani
Oct. 29-30. Rock out with Gwen Stefani, as she stops at Irvine Meadows performing hits from her latest album This is What the Truth Feels Like. Young the Giant, an American rock band from Irvine, will hit the stage with her. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $38. Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. irvinemeadows.com
Oktoberfest
Through Oct. 30. Celebrate Oktoberfest all month long at Old World. Enjoy German food, music and activities including beer tasting, a biergarten, farmers markets, yodeling and dachshund races. Don’t forget your wiener dog! See website for full schedule of events. Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.895.8020. oldworld.ws
Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
Sept. 29-Oct. 31. Live your nightmares aboard the haunted Queen Mary among ghouls, spirits and the un-dead. This year, discover new monsters, more attractions and a hauntingly horrifying maze. Scary Mary’s Lullaby Maze takes you on a spine-tingling trip through the story of little Scary Mary who’s looking for new playmates. End your frightening night in the exclusive R.I.P. Lounge with all-you-can-eat tacos. See website for Happy Haunting Hour and VIP packages. Su, Th 7 p.m.-midnight; F-Sat 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Closed Tu, W. Tickets start at $20. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0742. queenmary.com
The 17th Door
Through Oct. 31. Remember, the safe-word is “Mercy.” The 17th Door is more twisted than ever. Taking place inside a vacant furniture shop at The Market Place, sign a waiver before the doors are locked behind you. Gruesome characters are able to touch you as you venture through 21 unsettling horror rooms and a mini escape room. Prepare for all five senses to be engaged with things like foul scents, extreme temperatures, detailed visuals, spooky sounds and even a chance for a taste test or two. See website for schedule. Tickets start at $22. Adults and teens; Children under 13 permitted at parents’ discretion; no infants or toddlers allowed. The Market Place, 2856 El Camino Real, Tustin, 714.441.9080. the17thdoor.com
Knott’s Scary Farm
Through Oct. 31. Halloween is fast approaching and Knott’s is the perfect place to put you in the zone—the scare zone. The attraction features numerous mazes like Shadow Lands, where you will fight off demon samurais in the depths of purgatory; and Red Barn, a blood-soaked affair filled with carnivorous animals seeking to prey on human flesh. Also find new live shows and thousands of monsters lurking throughout the park. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
Social Hour + Live Music
Ongoing. Kick off your weekend at beautiful Pelican Hill Resort. Listen to a live guitarist, sip on handcrafted cocktails and $5 wines by the glass and enjoy various forms of entertainment such as trunk shows and boutique art exhibits on select dates. Also, on Sunday through Wednesday, soak in the sounds of the Great Room Social Lounge with the Late Night Social Hour. Enjoy 50 percent off the small bites menu plus handcrafted cocktails and select wines for $5. Through the end of the year. F 5-7 p.m. Su-W 9:30 p.m. Complimentary valet parking. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, 855.467.6800. pelicanhill.com