Events
OC Fair
Opens July 16. Summer’s most anticipated celebration returns this week for its full 23-day run through August 15. New rides debuting at this year’s fair includes Windsurf, Moonraker and New York New York in the main carnival midway; plus Winky the Whale and Liberty Wheel in the kids carnival. Expect more than 35 games, giving fairgoers many ways to win giant stuffed animals and other prizes. Limited daily capacity; Advance admission purchase required. See website for ticket prices. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. ocfair.com
Third Friday Concert Series: Einstein Steel Drums Trio
July 16. Don’t miss Bella Terra’s Third Friday Summer Concert Series with Einstein Steel Drums Trio performing this Friday. Attendees can bring beach chairs and blankets to sit on the grass, or find a seat in the newly finished Green area (in front of Century Theaters) to enjoy the concert. If you get hungry, we recommend heading to the new HB Hot by Four Sons for its weekend special of chicken bits and any beer for $11. 6-9 p.m. Free. 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.897.2533. bellaterra-hb.com
Wilderness Access Day in Bommer Canyon
July 17. Rediscover Orange County’s native wildlands with free Wilderness Access Day in Bommer Canyon. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. During this Wilderness Access Day, the entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network will be open for self-guided hiking and biking, including single-tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 1 Bommer Canyon Road, Irvine, 714.508.4757. letsgooutside.org
Poppi Seed Market Pop-Up
July 18. Looking to shop small and local? Head to SOCO + The OC Mix on Sunday for Poppi Seed Market’s al fresco pop-up event featuring more than 35 boutiques and makers. Guests will also have the chance to snap pictures in front of an Insta-worthy photo set-up, pick out beautiful custom dried floral bouquets from Popfull Flora, and enjoy live music from DJ KaMcCauZey. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free entrance and parking; registration required. 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.760.9150. Register
Food + Drink
Free Stuffed Churros and Limeades from The Lime Truck
July 17-18. California-based brand The Lime Truck, known for delivering healthy and delicious Cali-Mexican-inspired cuisine, is back at Irvine Spectrum Center to give out free stuffed churros and limeades. Guests can also pick up “Buy One, Get One Free” coupons that are valid on any regular menu item from the restaurant throughout the weekend. Noon-5 p.m. 705 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.232.0690. More Info
Little Sister
Open. Give your tastebuds a dining experience like no other at chef/owner Tin Vuong’s recently opened Little Sister at Irvine Spectrum Center. The menu showcases a rich collision of food and culture from Europe and Southeast Asia that is continually evolving. Indulge dishes such as chili salted baby octopus, grilled pork spring roll “nem nuong,” Vietnamese crepe, fried sea bass and more. See website to make reservations. Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 896 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.800.8798. dinelittlesister.com
Arts + Culture
50 Faces Exhibit at The Muck
Opens July 15. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center presents a showcase of contemporary mosaic artwork from the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in Italy—on view through October 7. Using a variety of media, these mosaic portraits capture the character and personality of icons of art, culture, and music—including Frida, Kahlo, Jean-Michel Basquiat (pictured), Walt Disney and Jimi Hendrix. Regular exhibit admission ($10 GA, $5 members.) requires advanced reservations with timed entry. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6595. themuck.org
Aditya Prakash Ensemble at Segerstrom Center
July 17. Grab your tickets to watch award-winning vocalist and L.A. native Aditya Prakash perform in the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Prakash is known for his powerful and emotive voice, is one of the foremost young virtuosos of Carnatic music, the traditional classical style of South India. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Disney Concert Hall and now he’s coming to Orange County. 7:30 p.m. $25+. Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Pianist Régulo Martínez-Antón at Casa Romantica
July 17. Listen to Spanish pianist Régulo Martínez-Antón perform in Casa Romantica’s historic Main Salon music venue. He has performed as soloist with several orchestras in the nation, and regularly presents diverse recital programs in both domestic and international venues. He has also collaborated with renowned musicians including Paul Coletti, Ronald Leonard, Guillaume Sutre, and members of JONDE, the LA Phil, and the L.A. Opera. 6-7 p.m. $30 GA, $25 Casa members. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
Photo credits: Wilderness Access Days courtesy Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Poppi Seed Market Pop-Up by Phoebe Eats. “J.M. BASQUIAT” artwork by Angelica Di Marco. Régulo Martínez-Antón courtesy Colburn School. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
