Angelina's Pizzeria will participate in Fresh Toast 2017—A Brunch Event.
Angelina’s Pizzeria will participate in Fresh Toast 2017—A Brunch Event.

From festivals and big-name concerts to spectacular theater and more, check out the best Orange County things to do in March.

Edited by Laura Okey

Wine + Craft Night
March 2. Channel your creativity with a wine and craft night. Learn how to paint wine glasses that will last through washes and use. The instructor will demonstrate a dotted confetti design, but you are welcome to paint whatever you like. Bring your own ideas or follow others for inspiration. In addition to sipping wine or beer, make it an evening for pampering with Innov8 Hair Design product and service specials like haircut and deep conditioning treatments for 45+. All ages welcome, must be 21+ to drink. Must pre-book hair services day of the event to receive special pricing. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Innov8 Hair Design, 4023 East 4th Street, Long Beach. eventbrite.com

 

The Beach Boys and Pacific Symphony
March 3-4. The Beach Boys are making another splash into the music scene with Pacific Symphony, featuring some of their best-loved like “God Only Knows,” “Don’t Worry Baby” and “You’re So Good to Me.” Look forward to seeing founding member Mike Love and Beach Boy-vet Bruce Johnston, as well as Jeffrey Foskett, Brian Eichenburger, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill of The Cowsills and Scott Totten. 8 p.m. $35-$169. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. pacificsymphony.org

 

ChaseRice
Chase Rice stops at House of Blues Anaheim for two nights this March.

Chase Rice
March 3-4. Country music singer and songwriter Chase Rice is ready to rock the house—House of Blues, that is—for two nights. “Ready Set Roll,” “Gonna Wanna Tonight” and “Only a Country Girl” are a few of his most recognized songs. 7 p.m. $27-$35. 400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com

 

Napa in Newport
Mar. 4. Enjoy a selection of fine, rare and reserve wines from 30 renowned Napa Valley wineries, including ZD Wines, Anomaly Vineyards, Arkenstone, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Arrow & Branch and many more. The evening will include a three-course dinner created by chef Amar Santana of the celebrated Broadway by Amar Santana and Vaca restaurants. The event will kick off with a wine tasting reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, wine pairings and a live auction. Benefits CureDuchenne which helps raise funds to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 4:30 p.m. $650. Ritz Carlton,  Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. napainnewport.org

 

Festival of Whales
March 4-5, 11-12. The 46th annual Festival of Whales celebrates the migration of the California gray whale with a parade, street fairs, concerts, crafts and marine-mammal cruises. Call for hours. Free. Dana Point Harbor, 949.496.1045. festivalofwhales.com

 

Fred Hall Ultimate Outdoor Expo
March 1-5. Find deals on gear for hunting, fishing and boating from the world’s leading outdoor recreation manufacturers. Show highlights include a shark tank with 1,000 Mako sharks; a deep blue dive pool where you can take a scuba lesson in a dry suit ; a Paul Bunyan lumberjack show and much more. Also find over 400 seminars. W-F 1-9 p.m.; Sa 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $17; children 15 and younger accompanied by adult free. Long Beach Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. fredhallshow.com

 

OC Restaurant Week
OC Restaurant Week features 100+ restaurants with specially priced prix-fixe menus.

OC Restaurant Week
March 5-11. Dine on specially priced prix-fixe menus at more than 100 Orange County restaurants, ranging from casual and family friendly to upscale fine dining. Beyond the standard price categories, a select group of restaurants will offer a “luxe” menu, priced at $80, to include wine or cocktail pairings. Many include a cocktail or signature item at no additional charge. Options for $10-$20 for lunch and $20-$50 for dinner are endless at restaurants like 25 Degrees, Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, Back Bay Bistro, Five Crowns, Gratitude Newport Beach, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, Selanne Steak Tavern, SeaLegs and more. See website for list of restaurants and menus. ocrestaurantweek.com

 

OC Fashion Week features four days of the season’s best fashion. Pictured: MW by Mimoza Windisch. Photo credit: Leslie Pedraz
OC Fashion Week features four days of the season’s best fashion. Pictured: MW by Mimoza Windisch. Photo by Leslie Pedraz.

OC Fashion Week
March 6-9. Fashion meets innovation, beauty and art for the 2017 season of OC Fashion Week. Check out the season’s best in ready-to-wear and one-of-a-kind couture collections. The annual event will feature emerging and leading retail designers from all over the world including Pamela Yiallas and Justine Pogroske, Olivia Babarczy, Stefani Alvarado and many more. See website for ticket prices and varying locations. ocfashionweek.com

 

Story Time at Chuck Jones Center for Creativity
March 6, 30. Enjoy a family fun day with creative art projects, music and story time. Children and parents are invited to participate in Chuck Jones’ creative art projects featuring a color of the week, lively interactive music and engaging stories by Christa Mae. 1-2 p.m. Free. 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. socoandtheocmix.com

 

Sol Cocina & Clase Azul Tequila Pairing Dinner
March 7. Join Sol Cocina and Clase Azul tequila for a special pairing dinner. Special guest Arturo Lomeli, owner and founder of Clase Azule, will guide you through the paired menu, curated by Sol’s head chef Andres Miramontes. Begin the evening with a welcoming margarita featuring La Pita pomegranate liqueur, followed by courses featuring items crab ceviche, beef short rib barbacoa and more, plus chocolate spice cake for dessert. See website for full menu. 6-9 p.m. $95.  251 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, 949.675.9800. solcocina.com

 

Big West Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament
March 9-11. March Madness is in full effect with the Big West Basketball Tournament and the 2017 NCAA men’s quarterfinals, women’s and men’s semifinals and women’s and men’s championship games taking place at the Honda Center. Cheer on your favorite teams as they compete for the 2017 title. March 9, noon; March 10, noon, 6:30 p.m.; March 11, 4 p.m., 8:30 p.m. See website for pricing. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. hondacenter.com

 

Jo Koy
March 10-19. Laugh with the hilarious comic, Jo Koy, who has appeared on over 100 episodes of Chelsea Lately. His infectious, explosive energy onstage, insightful jokes and family‐inspired humor cross all boundaries. See website for all showtimes. $35-$65. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455. irvine.improv.com

 

Firkfest Tiki Beer Festival
March 11. Taste unlimited pours from 50 casks, made by 32 of the area’s best craft breweries, and each beer made exclusively for Firkfest. This year’s theme is tiki, so anticipate tropical notes such as pineapple, coconut and rum. Bites will be available for purchase from Packing House eateries such as Adya, Pour Vida and The Iron Press. Ages 21+ only. Noon-4 p.m. $55, designated driver $15. Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. firkfest.com

 

Daya
March 11. Grammy Award-winning artist Daya will be one of the first to perform at the new House of Blues Anaheim. You’ll recognize her voice in “Don’t Let Me Down” with The Chainsmokers, along with her hit songs “Hide Away” and “Sit Still, Look Pretty.” 6:30 p.m. $20. 400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com

 

succulents_PC-Disney-Event-Group
At OC Chef’s Table, each chef creates a unique table design decorated to reflect the personality of his or her restaurant. Photo courtesy of Disney Event Group.

OC Chef’s Table
March 12. Delight in an evening of luxury and culinary genius as 30 of Orange County’s top chefs collaborate on a five-course meal prepared table-side. Each chef will also create unique awe-inspiring table designs decorated to reflect the personality and brand of his or her specific restaurant, and offer wines paired for each course. Visit website to purchase table or seats. Benefiting Illumination Foundation. 5 p.m. Disney Grand Californian Resort & Spa, 1600 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 949-544-0385. ifhomeless.org

 

Billy Idol
March 13. International star, singer/songwriter Billy Idol hits the stage at brand new House of Blues Anaheim. Some of his epic hits include “White Wedding,” “Dancing with Myself” and “Rebel Yell.” 7 p.m. $59. 400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com

 

ABT-Whipped-Cream-Stella-Abrerra-as-Princess-Tea-Flower-145-by-Doug-Gifford
American Ballet Theatre’s Whipped Cream. Photo by Doug Gifford.

American Ballet Theatre’s Whipped Cream
March 15-19. See the world premiere of American Ballet Theatre’s new production of Whipped Cream. The performance is based on Schlagobers, a two-act ballet with lebretto and score by Richard Strauss. First performed at Vienna State Opera in 1924, the ballet tells the story of a young boy who overindulges at a Viennese pastry shop and falls into a delirium. To help him escape from his attending physician, the boy dreams of his rescue by princess praline and her court, replete with princess tea flower, prince coffee and marching marzipan. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

 

Corks & Canvas on the Walk
March 16. Enjoy an evening of painting, wine and fun. A local artist will lead you in a two hour class where you will paint your own masterpiece while sipping wine and indulging on delicious appetizers. After completing your work of art, post it to social media with the hashtag #CorksandCanvas for an opportunity to win a $50 gift card. Admission includes two glasses of wine and appetizers. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $40. Anaheim GardenWalk, McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon, Suite 212, Main Level, 400 Disney Way, Anaheim, 714.635.7400. anaheimgardenwalk.com

 

The Local Band Hangout
March 16. Listen to top local artists and up-and-coming bands while experiencing the wonders of the majestic Queen Mary every third Thursday of each month. The new concert series takes place in the historic Observation Bar. This week, see Elan Atias of legendary reggae band The Wailers (the backing band for Bob Marley) as he performs a special acoustic set; and folk/jazz duo Queen Califia, the collaborative project of Long Beach based Kelsey Landazuri and Loryn Ruiz-Mendoza. Arrive early for Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. See website for changing lineup. Happy hour 5-7 p.m. Show begins 8 p.m. $10. Parking $8 with validation. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com

 

Musink Tattoo Convention & Music Festival
March 17-19. MUSINK returns for a 10th year celebrating music and tattoos with more than 300 of the world’s finest tattoo artists and killer entertainment all weekend long. See performances by NOFX, The Vandals, The Used, Hell or Highwater, Bad Religion, Pennywise and many more. See website for weekend schedule. $45-$120, VIP $299. Children ages seven and younger free. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. musink.org

 

The Master Collaboration Makeup Class
March 19. Learn how to create Hollywood worthy makeup looks while getting insider tips and tricks on how to promote yourself uniquely in a crowded industry. You will be joined with special guest celebrity makeup artists for a Q&A where they will offer insight on how to achieve success. Once you’ve completed the class you will get a certification from Velvet 59 and a goodie bag worth over $500. All ages and skill levels welcome. 6-9:30 p.m. $249. Impressions Vanity, 1402 Morgan Circle, Tustin. velvet59.com

 

 

Big Sean: I Decided Tour
March 21. American Rapper Big Sean’s fourth stop on his I Decided Tour lands him at the new House of Blues Anaheim. Performing songs from his latest album I Decided (which ranked number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart), you’ll recognize lead single “Bounce Back.” 7 p.m. 400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com

 

Finding Neverland Photo credit: Carol-Rosegg
See the Orange County premier of Finding Neverland at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Photo credit: Carol Rosegg

Finding Neverland
March 21-April 2. See the Orange County premiere of the hit Broadway musical. Based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan, Finding Neverland follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired the beloved character Peter Pan. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

 

The Grand Celebration Event
March 23. Celebrate the Anaheim GardenWalk and everything it has to offer. Featuring live entertainment, food samples, a photo booth, promotions and giveaways, the center presents an opportunity to explore the tried, true and new. Among them, the opening of House of Blues Anaheim, Mission Escape Games, Rumba Room Live, Grasslands Meat Market and Billy Beez. 4-9 p.m. Free. Anaheim GardenWalk, 400 Disney Way, Anaheim, 714.635.7400. anaheimgardenwalk.com

 

Fresh Toast 2017: A Brunch Event
March 25. The ultimate weekend brunch party showcases tastings from over 35 local restaurants including Anchor Hitch, Bosscat Kitchen, Saint Marc Pub-Café, Memphis and Back Bay Bistro. Enjoy cocktail samples, brunch bites, a Bloody Mary competition, artisanal vendors and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $35-$60. Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. fresh-toast.com
Bubble Run Anaheim 2017
March 25. Deck yourself in white and get ready to be drenched. Run, walk, dance and play across a 5K course of absolute fun while waves of bubbles blast you with colored foam every 3-5 minutes. At each kilometer, run through a Bubble Bog where there is enough colored foam to cover you from head to toe. Each Bubble Bog features a different color to frolic through. 8-9 a.m. start time. $20-$50. Angel Stadium of Anaheim, 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim. bubblerun.com

 

Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Fair
March 25. See the parade that commemorates the storied annual bird visit from Argentina. The Mercado Street Fair in Historic Town Center Park features more than 100 vendors with live music, activities for children and a variety of food and drink. A free shuttle will be available for transportation between events. Swallows Day Parade 11 a.m. Street Fair 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976. swallowsparade.com

 

Kenny G
March 29. Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G will perform a 10-song set, a mixture of classics and Kenny G originals. In a recording career that spans almost three decades and 23 albums, Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop and Latin to a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premier artist in contemporary jazz. 8 p.m. $45-$85. City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700. citynationalgroveofanaheim.com

 

ariana_grande
Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman Tour stops at Honda Center March 30.

 

Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Tour
March 30. Performing hits from her latest album, Dangerous Woman, Ariana Grande is in the spotlight at Honda Center yet again. Songs you’ll recognize from the album include “Dangerous Woman,” “Be Alright” and “Into You.” 7 p.m. Tickets start at $29.95. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. hondacenter.com

 

Winter Wine Series at Back Bay Bistro
March 30. Join Back Bay Bistro’s executive chef Bruno Massuger and featured guest Hi-Time Wine Cellars for the launch of their winter wine series. Beginning with a welcoming reception on the Harborside Courtyard, enjoy appetizers of Maine scallops wrapped in smoked bacon and lamb lollipops with prosecco. Following the reception, experience a special five-course menu with highlights including crisp pork belly, white beans, hoisin sauce and frisee garnish; porcini dusted filet of beef with red wine sauce and roasted root vegetables; and layer chocolate cake with cranberry coulis. Each course will be paired with a wine chosen by Hi-Time Wine Cellars. See website for full menu. 6 p.m. $75. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144. newportdunes.com

 

Biggie Smalls-Inspired Dinner at Mesa
Through March. Join Mesa on Tuesdays through March for a musician-inspired four-course meal. This month, chef Niki Starr will draw her inspiration from Biggie Smalls. Course one, inspired by Biggie Smalls hit song “Hypnotize,” features carrot curry soup, coconut creme swirl and carrot fleur de sel. The third course, “Going Back to Cali,” features a Cali burrito with short rib carne asada, french fries, tomatillo salsa, secret sauce and napa cabbage slaw in a housemade flour tortilla. See website for full menu. Reservations required. 5-9 p.m. $60. 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700. 100eats.com

 

Circadia Oxygen Treatment
Life Time Athletic Laguna Niguel is a comprehensive health and lifestyle center, offering resort-like amenities from its fitness activities—rock climbing walls, spin classes and more—to its full service LifeSpa. This month, LifeSpa invites you to try the Circadia Oxygen Treatment, sometimes referred to as the Chocolate Indulgence Facial, an exclusive Life Time Athletic treatment designed to leave skin luminous, firm and healthy. The facial features aromatic cocoa powder enzymes that nourish and exfoliate the skin, followed by an effervescent oxygen masque that increases blood flow, nourishes skin cells and stimulates collagen synthesis for aging skin. With purchase of facial, you have access to the club the entire day. 60-minute treatment, $154. Call to reserve. 25600 Rancho Niguel Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.238.2724. lifetimefitness.com

 

CONTINUING
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Through March 5. The Tony Award-winning musical presents the lighter side of murder. Follow the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress, his fiancée and the constant threat of landing behind bars. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

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