Events
52nd Annual Festival of Whales
March 4-5. Families and friends are invited to attend the Festival of Whales “Magical Migration” Parade on Saturday, March 4 at 10 a.m. The parade will travel from the island, over the bridge into the village of Dana Point Harbor. The rest of the weekend will be filled with other fun activities and events for all, including whale excursions, and more – a complete schedule of events can be found here. Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. festivalofwhales.com
Orange County Restaurant Week Begins
Starting March 5. A restaurant adventure begins as OC Restaurant Week kicks off its 15th year. With more than 100 restaurants offering special menus to diners across Orange County, now is the perfect time to make a reservation, but more importantly, make new memories around the table. The event runs from March 5th through the 11th. A complete list of participating restaurants and their menu offerings can be found here. ocrestaurantweek.com
Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade
March 4. Since 1967, the Patriots Day Parade has taken place annually on the first Saturday in March. The theme for the 2023 parade is “Volunteer Heroes.” It should be noted that to accommodate the parade, certain sections of downtown Laguna Beach will be closed to vehicular traffic. This year, the parade will run Saturday, from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. For a list of closed areas, the parade’s route, and more, visit lagunabeachcity.net
Food + Drink
Opening Weekend at Sealegs
March 4-5. Sealegs at The Beach kicks off its 2023 Summer Season in style this weekend. Start with the Doggy Dog with a special dog-friendly brunch menu for the pups – as well the delicious human-worthy fare as well. Then kick things off on Sunday with Brunch with The Beatles, followed by the first Reggae Sunday live music series featuring E. Young + Sierra Marin & Roots Ascension. Brunch starts 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 17851 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach. sealegsatthebeach.com
Birria Beckons Residents
Now Open. Residents of Aliso Viejo are awakening to a new scent in the air, as Tacos De Birria Estilo Guadalajara has officially opened its doors in the city. True to form, authentic Mexican cuisine including quesa tacos de birria, veggies tacos, tacos de asada, tostada or ceviche de camaron, torta de birria, and more. Open daily, times vary. 22912 Pacific Park Dr, Suite B, Aliso Viejo. lagunahillsmexicanrestaurant.com
Momo No Sekku at Sushi Ii
March 3. Momo no Sekku, also known as Hinamatsuri, is a Japanese holiday that celebrates the health and happiness of young girls. At the Michelin Guide-listed Sushi Ii in Newport Beach, Chef Susumu Ii has created a celebratory Cherry Blossom Chirashi, priced at $100, incorporating traditional items and ingredients enjoyed on this holiday. Tuesday – Sunday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 100 West Coast Hwy. Ste. 202. Newport Beach, 949.287.6268. sushi-ii.com
Song’s Wine Dinner at The Mayor’s Table
March 2. The Mayor’s Table at Lido House Hotel is hosting its first wine dinner of 2023 with Song’s Winery. Listen & sip along with Executive Chef-Partner Riley Huddleston prepares a 6-course menu to pair with bottles from Song Winery’s collection of labels from Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Napa Valley. Priced at $125 per guest, reservations are available here. 3300 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, 949.662.6160. lidohousehotel.com
Arts + Culture
Mean Girls the Musical is so Fetch!
Starts on March 7-19. “Stop trying to make Fetch happen, Gretchen!” Join Cady Heron, Regina George and the rest of the Plastics when Mean Girls the Musical arrives at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, March 7 – 19. Entertainment Weekly raves, “it’s not a regular musical; it’s a cool musical.” Don’t miss Tina Fey’s fiercely funny musical. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
The Life and Art of William Wendt
March 5. In this illustrated lecture, Curator Jean Stern will discuss the Life and Art of William Wendt (1865 – 1946), one of California’s most important artists. A leading member of the Los Angeles art community and a founding member of the California Art Club in 1909. He then became a founding member of the Laguna Beach Art Association. More information can be found here. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. lagunaartmuseum.org
A Night at the Movies
March 4. The famous Givenchy black dress that Audrey Hepburn wore during the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s became one of the most iconic dresses in film history and sold at Christie’s auction house for $923,000. Learn more fashion-fun facts from this iconic movie and many more from film expert Theo Siegel in a presentation before the film screening. Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org
Photo credits: Whale Parade, Dana Point Festival of Whales. OC Restaurant Week courtesy of Moxxe PR. Laguna Beach courtesy of The Best Ceats. Laguna Art Museum courtesy of The ACE Agency. Sushi Ii, and Mayor’s Table courtesy of Outshine Public Relations. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
