Orange County

Weekend roundup

May 5-8

Events

Ocean Institute Summer Camp Registration Opens

Now Available. Registration is open for all summer camps that and spots fill up fast. Summer is an excellent time for kids to explore and learn about the ocean with other like-minded campers. Each camp session is packed with age-appropriate lessons and activities to engage campers. Sessions include Sea Squirts, Neptune’s Mysteries, Buccaneer Adventures, and more. Starts June 13 to August 12. For more information, go here.

May Plant Sale

May 6-7. Check out over 100 varieties of California-native and ornamental plants grown here at the Arboretum. There will be special Mother’s Day items grown, as well as flower pots in three different sizes: Lil Mama, Big Mama, and Grand Mama. Plus a special book-signing event with Susanne Strauss, author of the children’s book “Little Jewel’s Remarkable Journey”. May 6, 2–5pm, Fullerton Arboretum members and Titan Cardholders only. May 7, 9 a.m – 3pm, Open to the public. 1900 Associated Rd. Fullerton. fullertonarboretum.org

Food + Drink

Descanso celebrates Cinco De Mayo

May 5. This lively modern taqueria celebrates with all-day happy hour specials and live music. The happy hour highlights a variety of popular dishes such as a savory choriqueso verde, build your own steak, and chicken or al pastor tacos. The curated selection of drink specials include signature margaritas and premium tequilas from the roaming Tequila Cart. Cinco de Mayo specials available for dine-in from 11:30am-9pm. 1555 Adams Ave #103, Costa Mesa. More Info

Treat Mom to a Margarita

May 8. Puesto knows what Mom wants on her special day – margaritas. In honor of Mother’s Day, Puesto is offering Margaritas for Mama with a complimentary Puesto Perfect Margarita for all moms dining at any of its four Orange County locations. The Puesto Perfect Margarita is a favorite – simple and balanced, featuring tequila reposado, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a hint of agave nectar. Find Puesto’s menu, Orange County locations and reservation link online at eatpuesto.com

Mother’s Day at Bistango

May 8. Normally closed on Sundays, the award-winning Bistango restaurant in Irvine is opening to celebrate Mother’s Day this year as a tribute to the importance of family and food. Choose from the chef-curated Prix-fie menu or a limited specialty à la carte menu will also be available. Seating is available both indoors and on the stunning open-air patio. There will also be live music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 19100 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine. 949.752.5222. Bistango.com

The Best for Mom at Butcher’s House

May 8. Widely recognized as one of Orange County’s best new restaurants, Butcher’s House is a celebration of simplified French fare. On Mother’s Day, guests can look forward to a selection of specialty brunch items including a 30-day, dry-aged Prime Tomahawk, Rack of Lamb, and Roasted Salmon. Butcher’s House offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating on its courtyard-facing patio. Reservations are made here. 3221 Hyland Ave. ste. D, Costa Mesa. 714.714.0662. butchershouse.com

Arts + Culture

Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Gautier Capuçon 

May 10. Musical fireworks abound as two French virtuosos collaborate to showcase exhilarating musicality. Praised for his “mellifluous tones” by The Times, acclaimed cellist Gautier Capuçon is lauded “among the greatest of cellists” (The Arts Desk). Capuçon joins forces with two-time Grammy-nominated pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. (widely regarded as “the most soulful of players”(Gramophone). This Distinctive Experiences performance is presented in partnership with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine. 949.854.4646 thebarclay.org

Alice in Wonderland

Coming Soon. The L.A. Troupe, theatre-in-education is a classical theatre company touring sites throughout Southern California with assembly-style productions, residencies, and workshops. Join them for a family-friendly performance of Alice in Wonderland – a treasured classic – in the Redmond Amphitheater. Tickets and additional information can be found here. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org

A Paint Class That’s Fun for the Whole Family

May 7. Looking for something fun to do for the whole family this Mother’s Day weekend? Head to Mess Hall Market for their first-ever Family Paint Class on Saturday from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Master artist, Alexis Rivera, will be leading parents and little ones in a beginner-friendly, step-by-step paint class where they’ll get the chance to create a wonderful masterpiece. Mess Hall’s food concepts will also be open for lunch. Tickets can be purchased here. 1705 Flight Way, Tustin. messhalltustin.com

Photo credits: Descanso courtesy of The ACE Agency. Bistango courtesy of Shout Public Relations. Puesto courtesy of Moxxe Public Relations. Butcher’s House courtesy of Outshine Public Relations. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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