Orange County

Weekend roundup

January 6-9

Events

Travel and Hotel Specials with Catalina Express

Now Available. Travel into 2022 with Catalina Express’ boat and hotel packages with up to 50% in savings from now through March 25. From budget to luxury, newly renovated and historic hotels, there is a deal to fit every pocketbook and taste. Following is a sampling of winter offerings; a full listing can be found here. Each package includes round-trip boat transportation on Catalina Express. Even betterseveral Avalon hotels offer discounts on activities and tours, complimentary continental breakfast and/or wine and cheese hour. Launching from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. For information and reservations, call 800.429.4601

DJ Battle at Native Son Bar

Jan. 7. It’s going down this Friday at Native Son Bar in Santa Ana as the US takes on the EU! DJ Heat from Amsterdam looks to defend his title from three years ago in a raucous rematch with DJ Lexakhan. The battle begins at 8 p.m. Native Son is the best rooftop bar in the area, with a curated craft beer selection, and vibrant cocktail offerings. Elevate your night on the town by enjoying a musical match-up unlike anything else around, at a venue that begs you to have a great time. 305 E 4th St, Santa Ana, 714.760.4422. nativesonbar.com

Food + Drink

Meet The Maker Wine Dinner

Jan. 18. Tickets are now available for an incredible experience to meet the maker of Storm Wines, Ernst Storm. Embark on an incredible evening in the Trust Kitchen of the soon-to-open Detention (formerly Playground) in Santa Ana. Experience the wines of Ernst surrounded by some of the most provocative and inventive food in the area. Tickets are expected to sell out extremely quickly, so be sure to get yours here for this once-in-a-lifetime event! $250. 220 E 4th St, Santa Ana, 714.560.4444. detentiondtsa.com

Knife Pleat Welcomes 2022

Jan. 7. Join Chef Tony Esnault of Knife Pleat in welcoming the new year in style with a vibrant, seasonal tasting menu. This exclusive menu is only available for one night – featuring 6 vegetable-focused courses. From the White Salad, to Risotto Milanese, through the citrus-forward soufleé, make your reservations now to experience one of Orange County’s very best dining experiences, and start your new year right! 3333 S. Bristol St, Costa Mesa, 714.266.3388. knifepleat.com

Harley Unveils an Inspired Industry Night

Now Available. When you hear the words “industry night” at a restaurant, it usually is reserved only for those in the hospitality industry, but not at Laguna Beach’s beloved Harley. Chef/Owner Greg Daniels wants to extend the opportunity for discounted enjoyment to all who serve others – retail workers, cashiers, first responders, teachers, barbers, and more are all welcome here! Every Wednesday night, enjoy simply show proof of employment, and receive 50% off of food and happy hour drinks all evening! 370 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach, 949.715.1530. harleylagunabeach.com

Cocktail of the Month at Olea

Now Available. Kick-off the year with the latest addition to the Cocktail Journal at Olea in Newport Beach by master mixologist Inga Tantisalidchai. Only available for the month of January, this limited edition, low-ABV spritzer features Haus ginger yuzu aperitif, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, tonic, and Prosecco. Garnished with dehydrated butterfly pea blossom, this is a light and lovely way to enter the new year. If you haven’t experienced the Cocktail Journal yet, this is the perfect excuse to give it a try! $16. 2001 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.287.6907. oleanewportbeach.com

Arts + Culture

January Events at the Muck in Fullerton

Various Dates. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center is thrilled to announce a litany of exciting events. Experience the Grammy®-nominated vocals of Thana Alexa (pictured) on January 27. Her latest album, ONA, earned 2 Grammy® nominations including Best Jazz Vocal Album. A Pre-season Showcase of FJUHSD student art opens on January 27. The sculpture garden and sunset garden are free and open to the public as well. For pricing, tickets, and information on various events and happenings for the month, please visit the Muck’s website. 1201 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton, 714.738.6595. TheMuck.org

Festival of Arts Off-Site Special Event Series Artists on Artists with Mike Tauber and Kate Cohen

Jan. 6. The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach new off-site special event series at the SOUTH Gallery called Artists on Artists. Will continue on January 6, 2022 with award-winning Laguna Beach artist Mike Tauber and established artist Kate Cohen. Enjoy a lively, intimate one-on-one discussion about their art and creative processes and get an insider’s look into what it is like to be a working artist. The event is free and open to the public. 1006 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949.949.1145. FestivalofArts.org

Photo credits: Knife Pleat courtesy of Emo Rose Kitawaki. Olea courtesy of Inga Tantisalidchai. Artists on Artists courtesy of Victori Solutions. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

Let's Stay In Touch

with weekly roundups

Sign up for FREE to receive our exclusive Weekend Roundup!

Get the best things to do in our favorite SoCal spots delivered to your inbox every week

Los Angeles

Orange County

San Diego