Events
OCSA Connects Community Arts Festival
Jan. 13. The OCSA Connects Community Arts Festival is a free arts festival hosted on the campus of Orange County School of the Arts serving children ages 5-11 and their families. Attendees will have a chance to engage in art play areas and experiences while enjoying live performances. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Callero Family Foundation Plaza, 1010 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. ocsarts.net
San Juan Capistrano Walking Tour
Jan. 13. Explore the rich history of San Juan Capistrano with the Walking Tour, presented by the Historical Society. Starting from the train depot, the 45-minute tour includes visits to two 1790s adobes and the Victorian Pryor House, along with stories about local figures like Buchard the pirate and Juan Flores the bandit. It also features the Society’s collection of historic buildings and other notable homes in the Los Rios District. Every Saturday at 1 p.m. 26701 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano. More Information
Old Town Orange Ghost Walk
Jan. 13. Bring comfortable shoes and your backbone for this spooky tour with Haunted Orange County—a collection of history and true ghost stories from one of Orange County’s most haunted places. Join them for a leisurely stroll through Old Town Orange while they talk of things that go bump in the night. Starts Saturday, hours vary. 307 E Chapman Ave, Orange. hauntedoc.com
Modern Makers Mart
Jan. 13-14. Support local vendors, artisans and more this weekend with the first weekend of the Modern Makers Mart. This free event welcomes families, pets, and more and features over 40 vendors, live music, kids crafts, photo ops and more. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Woodbury Town Center, Classic, Irvine. modernmakersmart.com
Food + Drink
Trattoria Trullo Opens
Now Open. Chef Marco Criscuolo brings the flavors of his hometown of Puglia and the rest of Italy to his new Trattoria, now open in Aliso Viejo’s town center. The intimate space offers guests a chance to experience the chef’s wealth of experience and culinary heritage first-hand. Reservations are encouraged. Wednesday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 26611 Aliso Creek Rd. Unit C, Aliso Viejo. trattoriatrullo.com
Mastica Comes to Semi-Tropic
Jan. 12. One of Orange County’s most sought-after pop-ups – Mastica – comes to Semi-Tropic Wines. With a menu including a yellowfin tuna tostada, shrimp aguachile, a chilled charred cabbage Caeser and more, guests will have a bevy of delicious options to enjoy, all while soaking in the sounds and wines offered by Semi-Tropic Wines. Friday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 816 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa. semitropicwines.com
Gibroni’s Final Month at Current Location
Through January. Beloved Detroit-style pizza pop-up Gibroni’s is entering its final month of service at its current location. The existing business that has housed the family-run operation since it launched is ceasing operations, so while Gibroni’s will continue to crank out their pizzas well into the future, January marks the final month of service at the current address. Wednesday-Monday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. 215 S El Camino Real, San Clemente. gibronispizza.com
Blind Pig RSM Finishes Remodel
Now Open. An Orange County icon gets a new look for the new year as renovations at the Rancho Santa Margarita location of The Blind Pig are complete. Guests can still enjoy the same great food and drinks that made the restaurant a dining destination, now with a brand new look, feel and patio dining option. 31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita. theblindpigoc.com
The Plot Opens in Costa Mesa
Now Open. The Camp in Costa Mesa is now home to the newest location of one of the best plant-based eateries in southern California as The Plot – created by Davin & Jessica Waite – has opened its doors. With sister locations in San Diego County, now Orange County residents can discover for themselves what has people raving about The Plot. Wednesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 2937 Bristol St. 100, Costa Mesa. theplotrestaurant.com
Arts + Culture
Grammy-winning Jazz at Segerstrom
Coming Soon. Cecile McLorin Salvant has been called “the greatest jazz singer of our time – and one of the greatest singers, period.” by Slate Magazine. The 3x Grammy-winning vocalist, who is nominated again this year, comes to the intimate 300-seat Samueli Theater for two shows only, Jan 20 @ 7 and 9 p.m. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Jean Stern Presents Genre: Painting Everyday Life
Jan. 14. Genre painting is defined as art representing everyday life, unlike religious subjects, formal portraits, and history paintings. In this lecture, art historian and LAM Curatorial Fellow Jean Stern will discuss and share approximately 100 slides of works of art showing the history of Genre from ancient times to works of today. Sunday at 10 a.m. 307 Cliff Crive, Laguna Beach. lagunaartmuseum.org
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
Jan. 11-13. Experience the emotive brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, renowned for its lyrical melodies and expressive solos culminating in a spectacular finale. Violinist Paul Huang performs on the historic 1742 “ex-Wieniawski” Guarneri del Gesù violin, generously on extended loan from the Stradivari Society of Chicago. Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
Photo credits: Girl with face OCSARTS. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
