Events
Cruisin’ 2 Freedom
Jan. 19. Join the Slave 2 Nothing Foundation’s Cruisin’ 2 Freedom Car Cruise, Car Show and Dinner to support organizations that fight human trafficking. Attendees will be treated to an amazing car show complete with made-to-order In-N-Out, raffles, giveaways, and much more. Car show and check-in begins at 10 a.m. at 21101 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach. More Information
A Festive Winter Escape
Jan. 17. Hilton Irvine hosts Winter Wonderland, offering a free evening of seasonal fun for Orange County families. The event features live music, a snow machine, a complimentary hot chocolate bar and a cookie-decorating station. Guests can gather around fire pits with $5 s’mores kits or order from the Aura restaurant menu, including Dry January mocktails like sparkling blood orange and cranberry ginger fizz. Cozy blankets, games and festive ambiance make it a perfect local winter escape. This Friday from 6-9 p.m. 18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine. destinationirvine.com
Country Music Night Market in Mission Viejo
Jan. 18. Get ready for a boot-stompin’ good time at the Country Music Night Market in Mission Viejo. Come to North Paseo at Los Osos this weekend for an unforgettable evening of country music, delicious food, and local fun. Bring your friends and family for a night of entertainment, community, and celebration. Admission is free. 5 p.m – 9 p.m. 25282 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo. More Information
Food + Drink
Matty’s Pattys Welcomes Guests
Now Open. Canadian celebrity chef and restauranteur, Matty Matheson – known for his supporting role on FX’s “The Bear” – has opened a second location of his renowned burger shop right in Costa Mesa. Featuring his infamous burgers, poutine (as a proud Canadian does) and more, this new spot is sure to win hearts just as Matheson himself has. 1734 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. More Information
Wine and Trivia
Jan. 19. Sunday Funday Trivia is back at your favorite neighborhood wine bar. The first Trivia of 2025 with MC Cole returns at Five Vines. Come early to grab a table – you don’t want to miss the fun or the wines. Teams of up to 5 players per team. Start gathering your team to drink while you think now. This Sunday starting at 4 p.m. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. More Information
Wine Shops and Sand
Now Open. It may not feel like summer in the air, but the art of enjoying some wine near the beach will never be out of season in Southern California – your new favorite wine shop is now open in Laguna as A La Carte has recently opened its doors. This is your new go-to stop before hitting the beach, featuring a wonderfully curated selection of natural wine, snacks, and treats to be enjoyed alongside every wine. Hours vary. 1025 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. More Information
Mint is Back
Now Open. The team behind some of the best restaurants in Orange County has breathed new life into a former space, as Mint has reopened its doors. After suffering a devastating fire several years ago, the space has been brought back to life. Bringing the astoundingly wonderful flavors of India and Pakistan to every dish, the return of Mint is a highly celebrated one in the Orange County dining scene. Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 2-10 p.m. 25381 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills. More Information
LA Wildfire Relief + National Pizza Week
Ongoing. An Orange County staple for some of the best pizza in the area is making more than just pizzas for National Pizza Week… This National Pizza Week, share a slice for a cause. Through the 18th, 100% of pizza sales proceeds at Sgt. Pepperoni’s locations will support LA fire efforts. So, eat some pizza, and support a great cause – easy, right? Various locations in Orange County. sgtpepps.com
Nick’s Newport Beach Now Open
Now Open. Nick’s Restaurants has opened its newest location in Newport Beach to welcome guests in to enjoy their iconic menu offerings and drinks. Built into a redesigned space that formerly houses Gracias Madre, the newest addition to the Nick’s empire is dripping with hospitality, and ready to welcome guests in with open arms. Hours vary. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach. More Information
Arts + Culture
The Ted Lasso of Broadway
Jan. 21-Feb. 2. Kimberly Akimbo, the toast of Broadway and winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical, makes its Orange County premiere at Segerstrom Center for the Arts January 21 – February 2nd! Full of heart, humor and hope, Kimberly Akimbo is about growing up and growing old – in no particular order. Don’t miss this acclaimed smash! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
A Jazz-Inspired Porgy and Bess & My Fair Lady
Jan. 18. In this unique concert, the West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band – led by Josh Nelson and Kevin van den Elzen – gives audiences the rare opportunity to experience two of the most iconic jazz versions of Broadway musicals ever created. The first half of the performance takes listeners through the legendary Porgy and Bess album that featured arrangements by Gil Evans and showcased the incomparable talent of Miles Davis. Saturday at 8 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. More Information
Conversation and Book Signing
Jan. 18. Join artist Fred Tomaselli and curator Rochelle Steiner for a special conversation about the exhibition Fred Tomaselli: Second Nature, followed by a book launch and signing. They will discuss the array of imagery and themes that run through the works on view. Books will be available for sale, and the artist will sign your copy to commemorate the exhibition and this special event. Saturday at 2 p.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information
Photo credits: Nick’s Newport Beach courtesy of Wales Communications. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
