Events
The Final Days of The OC Fair
Through Aug. 18. Don’t miss your last chance to experience the magic of the OC Fair! This is your final opportunity to soak up all the summer fun that only the OC Fair can offer. Enjoy thrilling rides, live entertainment, and indulge in the legendary food that makes this event a true summer staple. Come celebrate before it’s gone for another year. Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight until the 18th. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. ocfair.com
The Fit Expo
Aug. 17-18. This weekend, countless fitness competitions will occur, from NPC Bodybuilding to USPA Powerlifting, Jiu-Jitsu, Arm Wrestling and much more. There will be countless on-site demonstrations, seminars, and more. Saturday and Sunday, at 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim. thefitexpo.com
Festival Runway Fashion Show
Aug. 18. The Festival Runway Fashion Show is a not-to-be-missed event. This event features Festival exhibitors who step out of their artistic medium and into the world of fashion. The result will blow your mind with over-the-top creative couture with the twist of all being made out of recycled, reused and reclaimed materials. noon-2 p.m. Free with Festival admission. foapom.com
Food + Drink
Warehouse 72
Now Open. O.C.’s newest upscale modern American restaurant at the renovated Hyatt Regency Irvine offers a 6,200-square-foot indoor-outdoor dining space with a 30-foot LED art installation. Executive Chef Jaime Salazar’s seasonal menu emphasizes vitality, with brunch options like steak and eggs, ube pancakes, and grain bowls. Dinner features starters like black truffle arancini and charred Spanish octopus, with entrees such as miso-glazed seabass and Australian lamb chops. The bar offers rotating craft beers, signature cocktails, and an extensive wine list to complement the dishes. 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine. irvine.warehouse72.com
Verdant Launches Brunch
Now Available. Verdant is so excited to roll out their weekend exclusive brunch menu. From sweet and savory French toast, mild to wild chilaquiles, a mimosa flight, and more, there is something for everyone. All of their dishes are plant-forward, with the option to add a meaty protein for an additional cost. Orange County Museum of Art, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa. More Information
Heritage Barbecue 4th Anniversary
Aug. 17. One of Orange County’s very best is celebrating their 4th Anniversary, and they can’t wait to share this special milestone with you. Come down to Heritage Barbecue on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or until they sell out) for a day filled with modern craft barbecue, ice-cold beer, live music, chef specials, and fun games with exciting prizes. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. heritagecraftbbq.com
Brunch at Salt Creek Grill
Aug. 17. An Orange County legend is Back and better than ever – and now, with brunch. It’s official: brunch at Salt Creek Grille OC begins this weekend with live music. Enjoy a menu with crab eggs benedict, cinnamon french toast, and, of course, their most beloved Mesquite-grilled steak & eggs, as well as “Champ-cuterie.” Saturday, at 10 a.m. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. saltcreekgrilleoc.com
Arts + Culture
John Williams’ Magical Music of Harry Potter
Coming Aug. 23. Embark on a magical orchestral journey under the stars, when Pacific Symphony takes the audience on a class reunion remembering the memorable professors, characters, and magical creatures from the beloved Harry Potter film franchise. This one-night spectacle celebrates the legendary music of all eight films-a must-attend event for wizards and Muggles alike at Great Park Live. Next Friday at 8 p.m. 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine. Get Tickets Now at pacificsymphony.org
The Chicano Collection/La Colección Chicana Art Exhibit
Now Open. Chicano history and culture intersect at The Chicano Collection/La Colección Chicana art exhibit. Now open to the public at the Old Orange County Courthouse, the collection features images depicting urban life and the Chicano experience between 1969 and 2001. Admission is free. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana. More Information
The Wayward Artist Brings an Exciting New Musical
Aug. 16-18. Birdbrain, a new musical featuring puppetry, harmony and a feathery flock of fun for young audiences. Featuring a variety of singing bird puppets, including a cockatoo, duck, toucan, vulture and dodo bird, Birdbrain is a celebration of everything it means to be a bird and everything it takes to be a true friend. Showtimes vary. Grand Central Arts Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. thewaywardartist.org
Photo credits: Festival of the Arts credit Cheryl Walsh. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
