Events

Newport Beach (Virtual) Film Festival

Through Oct. 11. Experience the best of the West Coast’s fastest-growing film festival directly from the comfort and safety of your home. This year’s lineup includes more than 40 feature films and 230 short films from 50 countries, filmmaker conversations, industry talks and more. To watch, choose from three different ticket options: $5 ticket to watch collegiate, youth and music videos, $10 single ticket to watch one program and $75 festival pass to watch up to 25 programs. See website for list of films. newportbeachfilmfest.com | Tickets

Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch

Now Open. Carve out some time to bring the kiddos to O.C.’s favorite family-owned farm’s annual pumpkin patch! This year, Tanaka Farms offers two different options to make sure pickers have a safe and fun time: The “Drive-Thru Pumpkin Farm Experience” (runs every Saturday and Sunday through October 31) and the “U-Pick Pumpkin with Wagon Ride” (runs Monday through Friday through October 30). Reservations required. See website for ticket prices. 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, 949.653.2100. tanakafarms.com

SoulOutside at Fashion Island

Now Available. Break a sweat at SoulCycle’s newest studio at the Outdoor Experience on the rooftop of the Nordstrom parking deck at Fashion Island. Experience everything you love about SoulCycle with the perks of cool breezes, great views and a full lineup of rides led by all of your favorite instructors. See website for schedule. Rooftop of Nordstrom Parking Deck‌, 901 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.7685. soul-cycle.com

Food + Drink

“Breast Bucket & Sides”

Through Oct. 31. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Georgia’s Restaurant is offering a special “Breast Bucket & Sides” menu option. This 6-piece bucket of boneless chicken breasts (all white meat) includes a choice of two sides—with selections such as the signature collard greens, garlic rice and french fries—for just $20 all month long to help increase awareness and support for breast cancer. Su-M 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Tu-Th 11 a.m.-9 p.m, F-Sa 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 209A, Anaheim, 714.906.1900. georgias-restaurant.com

MOCtoberfest Biergarten

Every Weekend. Watch as the bottle shop, tap room and scratch kitchen transforms its extended outdoor space each weekend into a German Biergarten throughout October! Sip on some of Bavaria’s favorite beers on tap including Hofbrau’s Marzen, Brewery X’s Festbeir Ja and Karl Strauss’ Oktoberfest. Complete the experience with traditional German eats such as handmade pretzels with beer cheese, house-ground sausage and spaetzle from executive chef Adam Schmalz. F-Su 1 p.m.-close. 21022 Beach Blvd., Suite 105, Huntington Beach, 714.587.9002. matter-of-craft.com

Fall Cocktail at Bistango

Now Available. Bistango is welcoming the new season with its fun fall-inspired cocktail, the Autumn Pear, created by the restaurant’s in-house mixologist Monica Frukacz. Inspired by chef Javier’s balsamic pear prosciutto pizza (which is seriously delicious), the cocktail features Wild Roots pear-infused vodka, Chartreuse Green, balsamic reduction, and a maraschino cherry and thinly sliced pears as garnish. M-F 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Sa 5-9 p.m. 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.752.5222. bistango.com

Midweek Lunch and New Specials at Descanso

Now Available. Come hungry to enjoy the return of Descanso’s midweek lunch service featuring all-new menu items—available inside, to-go and alfresco on the 1,500 square-foot patio. The modern taqueria’s menu includes salmon avocado toast (yum!) and the Mexibol (pictured) filled ingredients including refried pinto beans, Mexican fried rice, pico de gallo, avocado toreado salsa, salsa frita, tortilla chips and a choice of protein or vegetables. Midweek lunch: Tu-F 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 1555 Adams Ave., Suite 103, Costa Mesa, 714.486.3798. descansorestaurant.com

New Dishes at Revamped Las Brisas

Now Available. Elevate your dining experience at the newly revamped Laguna Beach landmark perched above the scenic coastline. Further innovating Las Brisas’ Mexican-inspired, sea-to-table culinary programing, executive general manger Michael Gaines introduces several new dishes and updates to the menu including Maine lobster for two (pictured); 28-ounce dry-aged prime ribeye for two; crispy chicken, Maitake mushroom and pork belly tacos; Mediterranean branzino; and butter poached lobster. Su-Th 8 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sa 8 a.m.-11 p.m. 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

Arts + Culture

A Living Room Recital with Ashley Faatoalia

Oct. 8. Musco Center for the Arts and L.A. Opera present a special virtual performance by tenor and Chapman University alumnus Ashley Faatoalia (pictured) with pianist Louise Thomas—the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Performing Arts at Chapman—as part of Chapman’s weeklong Chapman Family Homecoming. The Los Angeles Times calls Faatoalia “Outstanding” and Opera News credits him for having “a voice of winning purity and variety of expression.” 5 p.m. Free. muscocenter.org

She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms

Oct. 9-11. Dive into the world of fantasy role-playing games with Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre’s first ever virtual show of the dramatic comedy She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms. Created by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen as an adapted version specifically for online, this performance is laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and ’90s pop culture is a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Also available October 16 to 18. $20. lagunaplayhouse.com | Tickets

“Symphonie Fantastique”

Through Oct. 10. Calling all classical music buffs! Don’t miss your chance to watch Pacific Symphony’s free virtual concert before it’s gone. “Symphonie Fantastique” features the revolutionary work of composer Henry Berlioz, which was inspired by his love of a great Shakespearean actress and transformed the sound of the symphony orchestra in 1830. The Pacific Symphony’s senior vice-president of artistic planning Eileen Jeanette opens the program with an interview with principal bassoonist Rose Corrigan. Free. pacificsymphony.org

Photo credits: Matter of Craft courtesy The ACE Agency. Descanso photo by Lily Fassnacht. Ashley Faatoalia courtesy Ashley Faatoalia. All other images are courtesy of the venues.