Events
Maker Faire OC
Sept. 12-13. Maker Faire OC brings together inventors, artists, engineers, hobbyists, and curious minds for a weekend of hands-on creativity and DIY innovation. Guests can explore interactive exhibits, robotics, technology, crafts, and plenty of wonderfully weird projects while getting a look at what local makers are building. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets available here. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. More Information
Fiestas Patrias Festival & Parade
Sept. 12-13. Fiestas Patrias Festival & Parade celebrates Mexican Independence with a full weekend of live music, traditional performances, food and drink, vendors, carnival rides, cultural exhibits, and the annual El Grito ceremony. The celebration continues Sunday with the Fiestas Patrias Parade marching down Main Street. Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Free. Downtown Santa Ana, Main Street and Civic Center Drive. More Information
Maritime Festival
Sept. 11-13. Maritime Festival returns to Dana Point Harbor for a weekend celebrating Orange County’s seafaring history and coastal culture. Guests can explore historic vessels, enjoy live music and maritime demonstrations, browse local vendors, and take part in family-friendly activities throughout the harbor. Friday-Sunday, times vary. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. More Information
Food + Drink
Old Towne Burger Fest
Sept. 12. The 2nd Annual Old Towne Burger Fest brings together some of Orange County’s best burger pop-ups for a community-driven showdown to crown the Best Burger in OC. Guests can sample burgers, cast a vote for the People’s Choice award, and enjoy craft beer, classic cars, music, and plenty of burger-fueled competition. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets available here. Chapman Crafted Beer, 123 N. Cypress St., Orange. More Information
Annual Original Lobster Festival
Sept. 11-13. The Original Lobster Festival returns to Orange County for its 30th year, bringing fresh Maine lobster, live music, dancing, drinks and plenty of festival food to Fountain Valley. Guests can dig into lobster feasts, lobster rolls and sliders, sample wine, spritzers, tequila and whiskey, and enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment and karaoke throughout the weekend. Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-8 p.m. Tickets available here. Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley. More Information
Levain Bakery Arrives in Newport Beach
Now Open. Levain Bakery, the New York City bakery famous for its oversized six-ounce cookies, makes its Orange County debut at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The new location will offer Levain’s signature cookies alongside freshly baked breads, pastries, sandwiches and coffee, including its viral Cookie Milk Latte. 315 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. More Information
Pacific Wine & Food Classic
Sept. 12. The Pacific Wine & Food Classic returns to Newport Beach for its eighth year, bringing together more than 35 restaurants, 100 wines and premium craft cocktails for an afternoon of eating and drinking along the bay. New this year is the Bubble Garden, a dedicated experience featuring sparkling wines and bubbly drinks on the water’s edge. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Tickets available here. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. More Information
Arts + Culture
Beauty and the Beast arrives!
Starts Sept. 22. Be our guest as Disney’s spectacular stage extravaganza arrives at Segerstrom Center for the Arts for three weeks only, Sept 22 – October 11! Join us at the beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.556.2787. scfta.org
SHAG Store X Muzeo
Sept. 13. SHAG Store X Muzeo brings artist Josh Agle, better known as SHAG, to Anaheim for an afternoon celebrating his distinctive mid-century-inspired artwork. Guests can shop limited-edition prints and merchandise, meet the artist, and enjoy cocktails while taking in Muzeo’s creative surroundings. Sunday, 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $14, with free admission for Muzeo members. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. More Information
Dialogues in Form
Sept. 12. Sphere Gallery in Laguna Beach presents Dialogues in Form, a group exhibition bringing together contemporary artists whose work explores the relationship between shape, material, space and visual expression. The exhibition offers a chance to see work from both established and emerging artists in one of Laguna’s newer contemporary galleries before the show closes. Saturday, hours vary. Sphere Gallery, 278 Beach St., Laguna Beach. thespheregallery.com
Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
