Events
The 64th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair
March 23. The 64th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair will be held this weekend. The Swallows Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parade and a truly spectacular experience. Arrive early as most street closures are in effect by 10 a.m. with the parade beginning at Saturday, at 11 a.m. More information, including the parade route and parking, can be found at swallowsparade.com
Orange County Ukulele Festival
March 22-24. Located in Southern California, The OC Uke Fest ukulele gathering will feature Ukulele Workshops, an Ukulele Open Mic, a Youth Ukulele Showcase, Group Ukulele Jam, and a Ukulele Raffle and Silent Auction. The event will include live ukulele performances by professional ukulele educators and performers Neal Chin, Ukulenny, Dani Joy, Peter Stauffer, and more. Event schedule and more information can be found at ocukefest.com
Roger’s Spring Celebration
Starts March 22. Celebrate spring and deepen your connection with nature as this event showcases biophilic displays, artistic interpretations and nature-inspired activities. These gatherings are designed to spark creativity in garden and home design, inviting the beauty of the season into your living spaces. Preferred Customers can enjoy the added benefits of earning double reward points and the chance to win a $500 gift card in a weekly opportunity drawing with any gardening purchase made throughout this six-week event. Starts this Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar. rogersgardens.com
Food + Drink
Springtime at Broadway by Amar Santana
Now Available. One of Orange County’s premier destinations for fine food and drinks has unveiled a new menu for Spring featuring a bevy or new cocktails and dishes for guests to enjoy. Helmed by Bravo TV Top Chef alum Chef Amar Santana, an evening at this restaurant will surely delight any epicurean’s taste buds through and through. Hours vary. 328 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach. broadwaybyamarsantana.com
Ed and Junes
March 22. The hottest pop-up in Orange County is back! Boil and Bake, a beloved bagel shop based in Costa Mesa, is bringing back their popular pop-up with inspired small plates, fine wine and a great time. Guests can enjoy a fun, limited menu during this exclusive event. Friday, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 270 Bristol Street, Suite 114, Costa Mesa. boilbake.com
Smoke Queen BBQ is Here!
Now Open. Where East meats West – One of the most coveted barbecue purveyors in all of Southern California has set up shop in Garden Grove, as Smoke Queen BBQ has, at long last, opened to the public. Smoke Queen offers some of the very best barbecue around. Open Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 12941 9th St., Garden Grove. smokequeenbbq.com
A Cozy New Speakeasy
Now Open. Escape to a dream-like cabin filled with enchanting cocktails at the newest speakeasy to grace Orange County – Cozy Pine. Curated by some of the best bar minds in the game, this new drinks destination is an absolute must. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made here. Inside Bacchus Bar & Bistro. Open Monday -Thursday from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday – Saturday from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. 6735 Quail Hill Pkwy, Irvine.
Arts + Culture
Sondheim, Lloyd Webber & Friends
Coming Soon. We’re celebrating the birthdays of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim and you’re invited to the party! With an array of Broadway’s brightest stars (including Betty Buckley and Matthew Morrison) performing your favorite songs, A Broadway Birthday bash will be a gift for every showtune lover in Southern California! Thursday, March 28, only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556. scfta.org
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
March 21. For 60 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with soaring vocal harmonies, signature dance moves, and charming onstage banter. The ensemble first came to international prominence on Paul Simon’s 1987 Graceland album and has since won five Grammy Awards, the most for any World Music Group. Thursday at 8 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org
A Survey of Works by Tony DeLap
Now Showing. The Honarkar Foundation – a new non-profit arts organization in Laguna Beach – is proud to present a survey exhibition of works by the historic West Coast artist Tony DeLap, which will run through May 4th. The exhibit over fifty paintings, sculptures, and drawings, and offers an opportunity to witness the evolution of DeLap’s visionary oeuvre. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 298 Broadway, Laguna Beach. thehonarkarfoundation.org
Trio Barclay: Beethoven’s “Ghost” Trio
March 24. Ensemble-in-Residence Trio Barclay concludes their three-concert series with what is considered one of Beethoven’s most remarkable works, his Piano Trio No. 1 in D Major. The “Ghost” trio was first performed in 1808 in Vienna, with Beethoven himself playing the piano part. The Trio’s sweeping melodies unsettle us with dramatic, rich contrasts of mood – restless, transfixing, and exuberant. Sunday at 5 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org
Photo credits: Swallows Day Parade Courtesy of Zone57 and Swallows Parade.org. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
