Events
Kick-off Summer Fun at Newport Dunes Memorial Day Weekend
May 24-26. A full weekend of events is set to kick off at Newport Dunes, featuring an inflatable water park with 20 oversized inflatables, including a 17-foot slide, floating trampoline, jungle gym, monkey bars and bouncers. Keep the excitement going with Tunes at the Dunes, offering live music every night from 5-8 p.m. Starts this Friday, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach. newportdunes.com
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 24-27. This Memorial Day weekend, bring the entire family for a fun-filled celebration that honors Garden Grove’s rich agricultural heritage and the iconic strawberry—featuring live music, carnival rides, games, a Grand Parade, and more Admission to the festival is completely free, and a festival guide can be found here. Friday at 1 p.m. Saturday-Monday at 10 a.m. Village Green Park, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove. strawberryfestival.org
Memorial Day Half-Marathon
May 27. Honoring the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion, this favorite Memorial Day running event takes place in the beautiful Orange County cities of Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods and Laguna Niguel. Runners and walkers of all experience levels are invited to come out. For specific hours and start locations, visit lagunahillshalfmarathon.com
Everyone’s Scottish at Scottish Fest
May 25-26. Get ready to don your tartan and join the excitement at Scottish Fest this May, at the OC Fair and Event Center! Revel in the heart-pounding highland games, soul-stirring bagpipes, and lively Celtic music. Indulge in authentic Scottish fare and enjoy exclusive whisky tastings. Kids will love exploring the all-new Family Glen, and everyone can enjoy a weekend of unforgettable fun! Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Get your tickets now at scottishfest.com
Food + Drink
Burger Week Kicks Off
Begins May 26. One of the tastiest weeks of the year returns. Everywhere Beer Co. is rounding up all of their best burger buds for a week-long celebration of all things burgers. It’s their second annual burger week; grab a passport at the bar, order up some burgers, collect stamps, and unlock prizes. This event goes through June 2nd. Hours vary. 1501 W. Orangewood Ave, Orange. everywherebeer.com
Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival
May 24. Come enjoy a Grand Tasting of over 40 Balboa Bay Resort’s favorite wine and spirits vendors, complemented by live music, bountiful buffet stations, and breathtaking bay views. The festival runs will unfold in the Lighthouse Room, extending onto the boardwalk and Bayfront Lawn. Tickets start at $150 and are available here. Friday, from 1-5 p.m. 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. balboabayresort.com
Dana Point Trolly Hop
May 26. The Dana Point Trolley Hop returns with a totally tubular 80’s theme. Hop on the trolley at any of its stops during the hours of 12-5 pm and hop off at the stop nearest to the restaurant(s) you want to visit as many times as you like Purchase a trolley hop wristband to access exclusive drink & food specials at 20+ participating restaurants. Must be 21 years or older to purchase a wristband. For specific locations and stops visit danapointchamber.com
Memorial Day at The Wild Goose
May 24-27. “Land of the free, because of the brave.” These words ring true, and with gratitude from the team at The Wild Goose, as Veterans and active service personnel will receive a free entree with a beverage purchase, Friday through Monday, as they want to thank you for your service. Friday and Monday at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. 436 E 17th St, Costa Mesa. goosebar.com
Arts + Culture
Welcome to musical comedy heaven!
Coming Soon. Experience Funny Girl live at Segerstrom Center, May 28 – June 9. Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” this dazzling revival is a love letter to the big, old-fashioned Broadway musical! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.8784. scfta.org
National Theatre Live (NTL): Hamlet with Benedict Cumberbatch
May 23. Broadcast in HD from the Barbican Centre in London, Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch plays the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy. With lavish staging and costumes, this broadcast has been seen by over 900,000 people worldwide. Tickets range from $19 – $22. Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. thebarclay.org
Memorial Day at The Nixon Library
May 27. Pay tribute to America’s fallen warriors on Memorial Day at the Nixon Library on Monday, at a wreath-laying ceremony at 10:15 AM. Join US Army Specialist Juan Carlos Hernandez as he shares his story and delivers the keynote remarks. At 11 a.m. the Huntington Beach Concert Band will perform its spectacular repertoire of patriotic favorites. Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda. nixonfoundation.org
Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
