Events
Mardi Gras Gala
Oct. 7. The Stay Golden Gala, set to unfurl at The Ranch in Anaheim, melds merriment and philanthropy under this year’s lively Mardi Gras theme. Guests, encouraged to pair beads with their golden attire, will indulge in an evening of unlimited libations, exquisite fare and fun moments as dreams are made reality for children facing life-threatening illnesses, creating joy and transformation in a night steeped in both celebration and compassion. Saturday, 6-10 p.m. 1025 E. Ball Rd., Anaheim. Get Tickets Now
National Mead Day
Oct. 7. Honey Pot Meadery – one of not just Orange County’s best creators of mead, but the nation’s – is hosting a its annual Mead Day Fall Celebration for this historic beverage. This free event, open to all ages, kicks off with a Super Smash Bros. tournament, and has limited bottle releases, food trucks, games for all ages, axe throwing, a live DJ, and much more. 5120 E. La Palma #104, Anaheim. honeypotmeadery.com
FIRKENSTEIN Craft Beer Festival
Oct. 7. Firk Fest is back from the DEAD and returns as FIRKENSTEIN. Enjoy unlimited tastings from over 30 of Orange County’s best breweries. Food is available to enjoy as well from Tacos el Gringo, Chili Doug, and more. Tickets are selling fast so purchase yours now to enjoy this great event. 21+ only. Starts this Saturday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Center St., Downtown Anaheim. firkfest.com
Student-Built Homes Take on Climate Change
Oct. 5-8 & 12-15. Education is the key to addressing climate change! The Orange County Sustainability Decathlon is a competition and festival, focused on sustainability, that challenges students to design sustainable houses that reflect California’s transition to renewable energy. Tour these homes and explore family-friendly experiences at the FREE event, Thursday-Friday, 3-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. October 5 – 8 & 12 – 15 at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. ocsd23.com
Food + Drink
Taste of Laguna
Oct. 5. This Thursday, foodies can experience over 30 local restaurants and award-winning chefs showcasing their most popular menu items from all over the city of Laguna Beach. A celebration of some of the best chefs around, in one or Orange County’s most beautiful cities should not be missed. Starts Thursday, at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. tasteoflagunabeach.com
Ed and Junes Pop-up
Oct. 6. Boil and Bake – beloved Costa Mesa-based bagel shop – is bringing a new pop-up to the people. Ed and Junes is coming to their own space to serve you all some amazing small plates, fine wine, and a great time. Guests can enjoy a fun, limited menu during this exclusive event. Friday, from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. 270 Bristol Street, Suite 114, Costa Mesa. boilbake.com
Journey from New Delhi to Dana Point
Beginning Oct. 7. Enjoy Chef Sanjay’s contemporary approach to Indian regional specialties that places creative artistry, quality of ingredients, and respect for authentic flavors and ingredients at the forefront of cooking. For specific times and reservations, click on the link here beginning this Saturday. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. ritzcarlton.com
The B8kery by Selanne Opens
Oct. 8. Located just steps from sister restaurant Selanne Steak Tavern, this new bakery will beckon both locals and newcomers with its array of offerings that include decadent sweet treats and house-made breads created by Rebekah Eastman, who previously worked as pastry chef at Bourbon Steak, Chef Michael Mina’s restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort. Open daily from 7 a.m.- 2 p.m. 1456 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. More Information
Arts + Culture
Lila Downs performs an incredible one-night only concert at Segerstrom Center!
Upcoming | Oct. 11. Multiple Grammy winner Lila Downs returns to celebrate one of Mexico’s most colorful holidays, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Downs’ bilingual performance is one of the most powerful and unique that exists today. Her symbolic stage presence and emotional storytelling through song transcends all language barriers and honors loved ones and family members during her one-night-only Dia de Muertos performance. Get tickets at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, or over the phone at 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Self Help Graphics & Art: A Celebratory Lecture
Oct. 7. Join the museum for an opening weekend celebration for Marking an Era: Celebrating Self Help Graphics & Art at 50 with a captivating lecture led by the erudite Kevin Cruz Amaya. Immerse yourself in the profound cultural impact of Self Help Graphics & Art while gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry of printmaking. Saturday, at 6 .pm. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. lagunaartmuseum.org
Squash the Competition at the Pageant of the Monsters
Registration Open Now. Spook away the competition at this year’s second-ever Scarecrow Contest as registration has officially opened. The Pageant of the Monsters is fast approaching, so now is the time to put that scary creativity into overdrive and prepare your scarecrow, as entries will fill up quickly. Register your scarecrow here. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. foapom.com
Photo credits: Taster of Laguna taken By Mitch Ridder. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
