Orange County Things to Do in January

Newport Beach Restaurant Week: Cucina Enoteca

From theater and concerts to dining and libations, see our list of the best things to do in Orange County this January.

The Madwoman in the Volvo
Jan. 3-24. A comedic tale of debauchery unfolds as women going through menopause decide to turn their mid-life crisis into midlife madness. See website for showtimes. $53. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org

Act 3
Jan. 6-31. A long-married couple are holding secrets from each other, then their secrets collide. See Rita Rudner and Charles Shaughnessy star in the U.S. premiere of the new play. See website for showtimes. $20-$51. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com

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Modern Calligraphy Workshop at Peinture at SOCO

 

Modern Calligraphy Workshop
Jan. 9. Discover your new obsession by joining The Makery Craft Co. and Letter Sparrow at Peinture for an introduction to modern calligraphy. During this fun and informative workshop, you’ll learn the basic applications of calligraphy as you work through the entire alphabet in both upper and lower case to develop your own unique style. In just two hours, you’ll be well on your way to turning your ordinary handwriting into a lovely work of art suitable for framing.  Price includes all supplies and light refreshments. 1-3 p.m. $68 for members or $85 for non-members. Peinture at SOCO, 3323 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.427.0668. peinture.com

 

Perfectly Paired at Red Bar and Lounge
Jan. 14. Red Bar and Lounge’s monthly pairing series will have guests indulging in two great things coming together to create one out-of-this-world experience. For January’s pairing, enjoy oysters and gin. Reservations required. Reserve your spot by emailing info@redbarandlounge.com. 6:30 p.m. $35.  Hotel Irvine, Red Bar & Lounge, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6757. redbarandlounge.com

 

California Wine Nights
Jan. 15. EATS Kitchen & Bar is showcasing Pali Winery, a California winery, and the winemakers themselves will lead guests through an interactive five-course meal pairing their wines with an exclusive menu created by Chef Jason Montelibano. Full menu will be available online prior to date. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. $75. EATS Kitchen + Bar, Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. eatskitchen.com

 

French Eclairs Class
Jan. 16. Join Chef Stephane Treand for a delicious and exciting pastry making workshop. You’ll learn to bake French eclairs in a fun, professional environment and will leave with a full tummy as well as an understanding of the art of pastry making. No previous baking experience is necessary. Bring your friends and sample delicious treats. Cost includes recipe books, pens and aprons as well as all supplies needed to create these delectable and sophisticated treats. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $100. ST Patisserie at SOCO, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.825.0180. stephanetreand.com

 

Segerstrom Center’s Off Center Festival 2016
Jan. 16-30. 
See an all-new lineup of creative, contemporary and sometimes controversial artists and shows. The festival will present Manual Cinema’s AVA/ADA, Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall, Toshi Reagon and BigLovely in Sacred Music for Sacred Times and much more. There will be two parties on the plaza, Jan. 16 and 23. Both will offer live music, dancing and food truck cuisine. The Off Center Lounge in Leatherby’s Café Rouge will be open again with a special low-cost post-performance menu and the opportunity to mix and mingle with festival artists. See website for schedule and showtimes. $25.  600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121. scfta.org

 

Juicy J at The Observatory
Jan. 17. See Juicy J as he performs live at The Observatory. Open to all ages. Doors open at 7 p.m. Showtime 8 p.m. $35. The Observatory Orange County, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. observatoryoc.com

 

Newport Beach Restaurant Week
Jan. 18-31. Prepare your inner-foodie for the longest running restaurant week in Orange County. The annual event features special prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner at 50 premier eateries in Newport Beach, such as The Ritz Prime Seafood, Sol Cocina, Slapfish, Fig & Olive, The Winery, Sushi Roku, among others. Feed your curiosity and try new places or revisit your favorites. Find a culinary road map of participating locations on their website. No passes or coupons required, just visit your favorite participating restaurants during business hours. Lunch $10-$25/pp, Dinner $20-$50/pp. dinenb.com

 

Goose Island Beer Dinner at Oak Grill
Jan. 21. Celebrate Goose Island’s 25th anniversary with Oak Grill. Enjoy a five-course menu prepared by Sous Chef David Fernandez with each course paired with an award-winning, bourbon-aged Goose Island brew. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. $65. Oak Grill, Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com

Red
Jan. 22-Feb. 21. In the Tony Award-winning play about the nature of art and artists, an abstract expressionist and living legend converts a gym deep in New York City’s Bowery to an art studio where he begins work on the biggest commission in the history of modern art—and everything is at stake. See website for showtimes. $25-$60. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org

 

Cooking with Zov
Jan. 30. Prepare exotic Mediterranean cuisine and learn the history and the lore of the Mediterranean’s most popular specialty foods. You’ll also learn how simple it is to roast, sauté and braise delicious foods by creating dishes such as stuffed baby eggplants with herbs and garlic, olive salad with tahini sauce, fire-roasted eggplant dip and more. 11:30 a.m. $75. 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, 714.838.8855. zovs.com

 

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