Orange County

Weekend roundup

August 1-4

Events

Calling All Explorers at Dino Quest

Now Open. Experience a journey that’s bigger, bolder, and more thrilling than ever before. The fully reimagined exhibit features an interactive dinosaur fossil excavation site, tons of interactive missions to enjoy and learn from, and jaw-dropping life-sized dinosaurs. Dive into the past for an unforgettable adventure with Dino Quest at Discovery Cube Orange County. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. More Information

Little Italy Mercato

OC Fair Farmer’s Market

Aug. 1. Come enjoy one of the best local farmer’s markets, with the signs and sounds of The OC Fair – along with special fair hours – in the background. Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos. Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. ocfarmbureau.org

ENCHANTED Bubble Blast

Aug. 3. Families can experience a day full of bubbles including an interactive Foam Zone, Bubble Stations by BubblePOP, meet & greet with Baby Shark, live DJ, and kids can make a Sea Jelly Kaleidoscope and Nemo Sea Anemone forest. Free to attend. Saturday, noon-2 p.m. Located in The Promenade at The District at Tustin Legacy, 2437 Park Ave, Tustin. More Information

Food + Drink

Nếp Cafe Happy Hour

Now Available. Discover a unique blend of flavors at Nếp Cafe’s Happy Hour at the bar and cocktail area. Highlights include $6 Draft Beers and Spicy Noodles, $7 Mimosas, The “Dao,” and Brussels Sprouts, $8 Coffee-tini, Vietnamese Chicken Salad, Tropical Sangria and more. Available Monday-Thursday, 2-5 p.m. Locations are both in Fountain Valley and Irvine, for specific directions visit website. nepcafe.com

International Beer Day at Wahoo’s

Aug. 2. Available at participating Wahoo’s locations through the entire month of August (plus International Beer Day, on August 2nd), guests can enjoy a draft of Pacifico or Modelo for $0.99 with the purchase of one food item. Limited to one per person per transaction. Monday-Thursday at 5 p.m. Various locations. wahoos.com

Little Billy’s Soft Opening Weekend

Aug. 2. Your new neighborhood dining destination for all things comfort, homey eats is thrilled to announce their long-awaited soft opening. Offering a curated breakfast and lunch menu with guest focused hospitality – they strive to create delicious memories and being a staple in the neighborhood and community for years to come. Friday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 2606 Avon St., Newport Beach. littlebillyscafe.com

Olympic Menu at Bayside

Now Available. Olympic fever has taken us all by storm and the inventive Bayside team has made it possible to feel like we’re dining on the streets of Paris, while cheering on Team USA. The restaurant has unveiled three Paris-inspired dishes available now through the end of Olympics coverage. Hours vary. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. 949.721.1222. baysiderestaurant.com

Introducing The Chef’s Table at Maizano

Now Available. Immerse yourself in an experiential dining experience at Maizano’s Chef’s Table. Executive Chef Alan Sanz’ Chef’s Table experience offers diners two menu choices plus wine pairings. The menus will change weekly to highlight the ingredients that are inspiring him the most, from ingredients sourced directly from Oaxaca to local farmers’ markets. 2300-C Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa. maizanococina.com

Arts + Culture

Festival of Arts Joins Forces with City of Hope Orange County and Yamaha

Through August 30th. Featuring the iconic blue “Hope” piano, in residency on the Festival of Arts entertainment stage, guests can enjoy performances by talented musicians and performers – filling the air with melodies of resilience and strength, this series honors cancer survivors, celebrating their courage through the universal language of music. Showtimes vary. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. More Information.

Summer at the Center

Aug. 3. Celebrating its 33rd year, Summer at the Center has been designed to empower high-risk high school students through active participation in a rigorous two-week program of musical theater classes conducted by professional artists. Two performances this weekend, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, 
Costa Mesa. More Information

Photo credits: Maizano and Nếp Cafe courtesy of Outshine PR. Bayside courtesy of Shout PR. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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