Festival of Butterflies, Mamma Mia!, Marugame Udon and more…. Here are the top Orange County weekend events for August 1-4.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
EVENTS
Brad Williams at Brea Improv
Aug. 2-4. The late Robin Williams described comedian and actor Brad Williams as “Prozac with a head.” Bead Williams’ stand-up television experience includes Live at Gotham, The Tonight Show, Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground and Jimmy Kimmel Live. The native Californian makes a tour stop in Brea. Ages 21+. F 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., Sa 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Su 7 p.m. $22-$25. 180 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, 714.482.0700. improv.com
Festival of the Butterflies
Aug. 3. In honor of the 10th anniversary of of the Los Rios Park and Garden Angels, spend a day at this street fair featuring garden tours, plant sales, butterfly education, kids crafts, live music, food and a petting zoo in the Los Rios Historic District. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386. Info
Sad Summer Festival
Aug. 3. Sing along with bands from the 2000s at the last stop of the music fest’s 17-city tour. Headliners include State Champs, Mayday Parade and the Maine, with support from Mom Jeans, Stand Atlantic and Just Friends. Several fan experiences include on-site interactive activities as well as exclusive merch. Doors open 1 p.m., event 2 p.m. See website for ticket prices. City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700. sadsummerfest.com
Vans U.S. Open of Surfing
Through Aug. 4. The world’s largest pro surfing competition also includes events featuring the world’s most respected skate and BMX professionals, a beach-lifestyle festival, autograph signings and community movie nights. 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Huntington Beach Pier, Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. vansusopenofsurfing.com
FOOD + DRINK
Marugame Udon
Opens Aug. 3. Japan’s premier udon shop—there are 1,000 locations—makes its debut at South Coast Plaza in the Din Tai Fung wing (formerly the Sears wing). Make selections among broths, proteins and garnishes to top the hot or cold made-to-order Sanuki noodles; the Nikutama is the top-selling dish. Grand opening on Saturday starts at 11 a.m. with 30 percent off menu prices and prizes. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.619.5688. marugameudon.com
Wine Tasting at Frisby Winery
Aug. 3. Sip on craft wines sourced from Central Coast vineyards at Frisby Winery’s tasting room in Lake Forest. Sample multi-award-winning Paso Robles reds including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and red blends. 1-6 p.m. $20. 20331 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, 949.243.6691. localwineevents.com
Long Beach Vegan Festival
Aug. 3. Celebrate and enjoy delicious vegan fare, live music, fun activities and earth-friendly merchants at the Pike Outlets and Green. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission, $55 VIP passes. 95 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach. lbveganfest.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Symphony in the Cities
Aug. 3. Pack a picnic, spread your blanket, pull up a lawn chair and gather the family for an evening of pop tunes, pop classics and patriotic tunes by the Pacific Symphony led by music director Carl St.Clair. Interactive, hands-on activities for children include instrument making, a drum circle, an instrument petting zoo and an opportunity to meet the musicians. Kids can also learn to conduct with Maestro St.Clair and help lead the orchestra in Sousa’s Hands Across the Sea. Activities and local music acts begin at 5:30 p.m., concert begins 7 p.m. Free. Musco Center for the Arts, Aitken Arts Plaza, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, 714.755.5799. pacificsymphony.org
Mamma Mia!
Through Aug. 4. Get swept away by the infectious music, uplifting story and dazzling dance numbers that have made Mamma Mia! a worldwide phenomenon. The story takes place on an idyllic Greek island and follows a young bride-to-be as she tries to discern the identity of her father among three men from her mother’s past. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Persian Music Beach Festival
Aug. 4. Put on your swimwear and join the Persian-music beach fest presented by Koobesh Entertainment and Barcode the Lounge at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Drinks and food available for purchase. Ages 18+. 1-7 p.m. $60-$90. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, newportdunes.com
Photos: Brea Improv courtesy Personal Publicity. Butterfly, Boris Smokrovic/Unsplash. Sad Summer, Sad Summer Festival. Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Benjamin Ginsberg. Marugame courtesy South Coast Plaza. Wine tasting, Roberta Sorge/Unsplash. Vegan Festival courtesy Long Beach Vegan Food and Music Festival. Symphony courtesy Pacific Symphony. Mamma Mia! courtesy Broadway World. Newport Dunes courtesy Newport Dunes Waterfront Beach Resort.
