From the Lobsterfest Newport Beach to House of Blues Drag Brunch, check out the top Orange County weekend events for August 3-6.

Edited by Laura Okey

EVENTS

VANS U.S. Open of Surfing
Through Aug. 6. Bring your sunscreen and spend the week in Huntington Beach for the world’s largest pro surfing competition. In addition to seeing some of the world’s most respected surf, skate and BMX professionals, events include a beach-lifestyle festival, autograph signings and community movie nights. Main street and Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. vansusopenofsurfing.com

 

 

 

AIA Artwalk ’17
Aug. 3. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) of Orange County presents the 8th Annual Artwalk at SOCO. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a wine and beer bar and a silent auction featuring coveted architectural products and furniture, fine wines and gift cards to local shopping, dining and entertainment venues. AIA members, design community professionals, students and friends are invited to showcase their artistic talents and participate in a juried competition. 6-9 p.m. $15-$40. SOCO, 3303 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. brownpapertickets.com

 

 

Lobsterfest Newport Beach
Aug. 6. Roll up your sleeves for the 9th annual Lobsterfest at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Live Maine lobster is flown in fresh on the morning of the event and prepared on-site alongside a buffet that includes tri-tip, corn on the cob, salads and dessert. Purchase a VIP ticket to enjoy all-you-can-eat lobster, complimentary wine, live entertainment, valet parking and reserved seating. Special activities for kids will be provided by Camp James. West Coast Party Crashers will be the entertainers for the evening, so wear your dancing shoes! 3-8 p.m. $60 if purchased in advance, $80 at the door; Children 12 and under $20 in advance or $25 at the door. VIP tickets $150 (advance only). 101 North Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. lobsterfestatnewportbeach.com

 

Angels Pitcher Matt Shoemaker at OC Zoo
Aug. 5. Enjoy an afternoon of animals, photo ops and family friendly fun with the popular Angels baseball pitcher Matt Shoemaker. Watch a live animal presentation with Shoemaker—presented by OC Parks and Angels Baseball—followed by the opportunity to take a picture with him in the OC Zoo. All attendees sporting their best Angels Baseball gear will receive free admission to the OC Zoo and half off train tickets at Irvine Park Railroad. Live animal presentation 10-10:30 a.m. Photo ops 10:45-11:45 a.m. Presentation free. Parking $5. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847. ocparks.com

 

 

James Intveld Concert and Classic Car Show
Aug. 6. Enjoy a free concert and classic car show at Fairhaven Memorial Park. Bring the family and pack a picnic while listening to country music (with a rockabilly twist) from artist James Intveld. Arrive early to vote for your favorite car in the classic car show. 4-7 p.m. Free. Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 E. Fairhaven Ave., Santa Ana, 714.633.1442. dignitymemorial.com

 

 

 

 

Orange County Fair
Through Aug. 13. Indulge in a little bit of deep-fried everything at the Orange County Fair. Bring the whole family and enjoy action sports (rodeo, BMX, pig racing), tribute bands in the Hangar, carnival with rides, La Grande Wheel, livestock competitions, agricultural displays, petting zoo, wine tasting and of course—fried food galore. Concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre include artists such as The Band Perry, Rebelution and more. Don’t miss our complete guide to the OC Fair which encompasses everything you need to know. M-Tu closed, W-F noon-midnight, Sa.-Su. 11 a.m.-midnight. Adults $7-$12; children under 5 free; $10 (cash only) for parking. 88 fair drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. ocfair.com

 

 

 

 

Extreme Rodeo
Aug. 2, 4. Get ready to watch a wild ride at the Extreme Rodeo show in the Action Sports Arena. Located at the OC Fairgrounds, enjoy complimentary admission to the fair after the show. 8 p.m. TIckets start at $17.50. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. ticketmaster.com

 

 

 

 

House of Blues Drag Brunch
Aug. 5. House of Blues Anaheim presents its World Fabulous Drag Brunch, now taking place on the first Saturday of each month. The event stars Willam—actress, author, YouTube star and former RuPaul’s Drag Racer—in a hilarious new show featuring wild entertainment, mimosas and an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet of Southern-inspired favorites. Featured items include jambalaya, jalapeno-cheese cornbread, collard greens, a prime rib carving station, homemade pastries and more. 11 a.m. $46. 400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com

 

 

OC Parks Presents Annual 2017 Concert Series
Aug. 3. Catch this week’s performance of the summer concert series featuring local Orange County Celtic rock band The Fenians and guest Orion Walsh. Enjoy food trucks, a beer and wine garden and local live music in celebration of the summer season. Bring your own blankets and beach chairs for seating. 6-8 p.m. Free. Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, 714.973.6600. ocparks.com

 

 

 

Rock The Walk
Aug. 3. The summer music showcase, Rock The Walk, at Anaheim GardenWalk features local artists Thursdays this summer. This week will feature artist Katelyn Marie along with entertainment such as a bubble show, a Billy Beez costume character and a Grasslands Meat Market sampling. See website for full directory. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Anaheim GardenWalk, Kate & Ella Court, 400 W. Disney Way, Anaheim, 714.635.7400. anaheimgardenwalk.com

 

 

 

 

Sizzling Summer Sounds at The Triangle
Aug. 2. Celebrate The Triangle’s 25th anniversary with a Sizzling Summer Sounds concert series. This week, hear live classic country music. Each week will feature different entertainment in the upper level courtyard between Saddle Ranch Chop House and La Vida Cantina. The Triangle will also be doing a contest each week throughout the music series, with the winners receiving gift cards from restaurants and shops at the dining and entertainment center. 5-8 p.m. Free. The Triangle, Harbor Boulevard and 19th St., Costa Mesa. go2triangle.com

 

 

Beachfront Cinema: The Notebook, Jaws
Aug. 5. Take movie night to the next level at the beach. See featured flick The Notebook on one of the largest inflatable outdoor movie screens in California. Featuring theater-quality projection and sound, you will get the ultimate viewing experience on the sand. Arrive early for pre-movie festivities (live entertainment, games and contests) set before the gorgeous Huntington Beach sunset. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase from food booths and the beach bar. Pre-movie activities begin at 5 p.m. Showtime approximately 8 p.m. (dusk). $15/pp. VIP package $49 (includes jumbo 2-person bean bag). Huntington State Beach, lifeguard tower 14, Huntington Beach. beachfrontcinema.com

 

 

FOOD + DRINK

Churro Éclairs at Puesto
Aug. 4. Sink your teeth into a churro éclair for a special one-day offer at Puesto. Choose between three varieties: Sangria churro éclair with an orange pinot mousse, raspberry lime cream topping and a fresh berry garnish, pistachio avocado churro éclair with avocado lime cream filling, pistachio glaze and fruity pebble garnish or Mexican chocolate churro éclair with Mexican chocolate mousse, dark chocolate glaze and a chocolate pearl garnish. $4 each. Puesto Los Olivos, 8577 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. eatpuesto.com

 

 

 

Boss Hog Burger and Peach Cobbler Shake
Through Aug. 8. Head to Hopdoddy for some Texas-style barbecue. For a limited time, savor the Boss Hog Burger, generously slathered with sweet mustard barbecue sauce and piled high on a fresh ground Angus beef patty. The burger is then layered with three slices of crisp apple-smoked bacon and topped with Tillamook cheddar and jalapeño cole slaw. Pair it with the peach cobbler shake (available through Aug. 15), made with spiced vanilla ice cream and blended with homemade peach cobbler, whiskey marinated peaches and flaky pie crust. See website for all locations. Burger $12. Fashion Island, 311 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2337; 3030 El Camino Real, Tustin, 714.505.2337. hopdoddy.com

 

 

Eureka Introduces Brunch
Ongoing. Indulge in brunch classics with creative twist at Eureka. Eureka’s new brunch menu features items like avocado toast topped with a hardboiled egg, diced tomatoes, watermelon radish and chimichurri; chilaquiles with ranchero tortilla chips, two eggs, feta, sour cream, purple onions, avocado and pico de gallo; bread pudding French toast with blueberry compote and whiskey creme anglaise; steak and eggs and so much more. Don’t forget the cocktails because brunch without booze is just breakfast—try the Weekend Thyme with gin, aquavit, carrot, ginger, thyme and lemon. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 4143 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.596.8881; 7631 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.230.3955. eurekarestaurantgroup.com

 

ARTS + CULTURE

Fun Home
Aug. 1-6. See the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Fun Home as it takes its first national tour to Segerstrom Center. Meet Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. The production has been described as a refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

 

 

 

Deconstructing Liberty: A Destiny Manifested
Beginning Aug. 5. See the new exhibit at Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center exploring Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles. Deconstructing Liberty: A Destiny Manifested explores American liberty, as it resonates in different forms across the globe, through performance, installation, video and photography. See website for hours. $6-$10. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936. muzeo.org 

 

 

Fun Home photo by Joan Marcus. Matt Shoemaker photo courtesy of Angels Baseball.