Orange County

Weekend roundup

May 26-29

Events

Little Seedlings Story Time

May 27. Looking for something fun for the little ones in your life? Explore nature through the wonderful world of books. Join the team at Sherman Library & Gardens every Friday as they share their favorite stories, picture books, and poems. Perfect for preschool children and their caregivers. Drop-in, meet in Central Garden. Free. 10-10:30 a.m. 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261. thesherman.org

California Craft Barbecue Invitational

Tickets Now Available. Heritage Barbecue is celebrating their two-year anniversary with a massive barbecue festival. 50 of the top pitmasters in the country will be on hand to feed guests throughout the event. Tickets are expected to sell out very quickly ahead of the August 13th event, so secure yours immediately here. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. heritagecraftbbq.com

Food + Drink

Calaca Mamas Cantina Opens

May 27. Calaca Mamas Cantina will celebrate its grand opening over Memorial Day weekend. The anticipated Mexican eatery has planned three days of festivities for guests including live music from Mariachi bands, free commemorative photos, caricature artists, free swag, and more. 15% of proceeds from the grand opening weekend to benefit CASA OC (The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County). Friday at 4 p.m. 1550 S. Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, 714.215.4226. calacamamas.com

A Crystal Cove Opens

Now Open. Known for stylish community eateries, A Restaurant and A Market in Newport Beach and CdM Restaurant in Corona del Mar, River Jetty Restaurant Group’s latest addition will be their first full-service concept to offer brunch, lunch and dinner. Tailored to the unique community in which it is located, A Crystal Cove’s atmosphere of relaxed coastal sophistication will welcome guests through out the day to experience elevated cuisine in a lively and inviting setting. 7864 East Coast Hwy, Newport Beach. arestaurantcc.com

Cajun Boil at Recess Room

May 28-29. Chef Thann Nguyen’s Cajun Boil carries signature classics such as jumbo shrimp and crawfish to chicken and sausage gumbo, cajun fries, hush puppies and more. Dine-in is also an available choice for this special, which has the added bonus of letting you enjoy variety of drinks from the bar program at the Recess Room. Pickup is available after 3 p.m. 5 lb minimum for to-go orders. RSVP is required. 18380 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, 714.377.0398. therecessroom.com

Boil and Bake Pop-up

May 28. While the team at Boil & Bake may not be ready for business at their new brick and mortar just yet, that isn’t stopping them from satiating the public’s cravings for their bagels. This Saturday they will be doing a pop-up event at Neat Coffee and are bringing many of their signature offerings with them including the “New Yorker” with soft scrambled eggs, Nueske “thiccck” cut bacon, sharp cheddar, and Sriracha aioli. 9-1 p.m. (Or until sold out.) The pop-up will be located at Neat Coffee, 1922 Pomona Ave, Costa Mesa.

Arts + Culture

A Chorus Line at Laguna Playhouse

May 26. A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre: the chorus dancers– those valiant, over dedicated, underpaid, highly trained performers who back up the main stars and often make them look even more talented than they are. It is also a celebration of the American Musical itself. More information including how to purchase tickets can be found here. 606 Laguna Canyon RoadLaguna Beach, 949.497.2787. Ext. 1. lagunaplayhouse.com

John Beasley’s MONK’estra

Coming Soon. Acclaimed jazz pianist, bandleader and producer John Beasley brings his smashing 15-piece MONK’estra big band to Irvine Barclay Theatre. The Grammy Award winner and nine-time nominated pianist and composer John Beasley has worked with Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard – playing in the bands of both trumpet legends while still in his 20s – as well as with Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, Al Jarreau, Christian McBride, and even James Brown. Tickets are on sale now. 4242 Campus Drive, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org

Photo credits: A Crystal Cove courtesy of Ace Public Relations. Calaca Mamas Cantina courtesy of Ajenda Public Relations. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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