Find the best Orange County things to do for the weekend of Jan. 26-29

Edited by Laura Okey

EVENTS
Newport Beach BBQ Competition
Jan. 28. Join nearly 60 professional barbecue teams from across the region as they come together to compete for $10,000 in cash prizes and the title of Grand Champion. Taste the competition dishes along with local beers and wine, and vote for your top choice in a variety of categories. Amateur and backyard barbecue pitmasters can enjoy free classes, samples and demos throughout the event. Learn about different smokers, wood selections, how to identify the best meats, trimming techniques, insights on sauces, rubs and more. Local brew masters will be on-site for a beer tastings. The event also offers a full cash bar with beer and wine available by the glass. Noon-6 p.m. See website for pricing options, available by the taste or unlimited, or combination. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach,  949.729.3863. newportbeachbbqcompetition.com

 

 

Monster Jam
Jan. 28. Get ready for mayhem and destruction with the biggest, baddest monster trucks in the business. Monster Jam, one of the country’s premier live motorsport events, features drag racing and freestyle contests in which trucks face death-defying jumps and other obstacles. This year’s lineup features appearances by Monster Jam powerhouses and multiple world finals champions. Join the Pit Party before the show where fans get the chance to score autographs and memorabilia from the drivers. Pit party 2:30-5:30 p.m., showtime 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Angel Stadium of Anaheim, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim. angel.stadiumanaheim.com

 

 

 

Outdoor Screening: Uncharted Lines
Jan. 26. Grab your camp chairs and enjoy a special outdoor screening of Paul Robinson’s unforgettable film Uncharted Lines at The OC Mix parking lot in Costa Mesa. This film chronicles Robinson’s journey around the world, stopping on each climbable continent in order to establish a new high-quality climbing area. It features world-renowned climbers Robinson, Jimmy Webb and Daniel Woods, among others. Additional activities include poster signings Robinson and Woods, a raffle, food and beer and a pre-screening bouldering competition. Admission includes one complimentary beer. 5 p.m. $10. SOCO and The OC Mix, 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. gearcoop.com

 

Museums Free-for-All
Jan. 29. Over 30 SoCal museums—presenting art, cultural heritage, natural history, and science—will open their doors and invite visitors to attend their museums free of charge. A short list of participating Orange County museums include Bowers Museum, Orange County Museum of Art and Laguna Art Museum. See website for full list. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana 714.567.3600; Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.897; 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach 949.759.1122. socalmuseums.org

 

 

Lunar New Year at Outlets at San Clemente
Jan. 28. Ring in the Lunar New Year with a 30-foot dragon dancing through the pathways of the Outlets at San Clemente. Additional activities include interactive lion dances for kids, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts activities, face painting, balloon animals and the Chubbee Monkee Food Truck. In addition to the celebration, Outlets at San Clemente will host a red envelope giveaway from Jan. 7-Feb. 2, with special offers and deals from retailers and a special $108 Outlets at San Clemente gift certificate. Red envelopes are gifts presented at social and family gatherings, during holidays such as Chinese New Year. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is believed to ward off evil spirits. Visit Customer Service to receive free red envelope gifts. Limit one per household, while supplies last. 1-3 p.m. Free. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. outletsatsanclemente.com

 

 

 

Lunar New Year at Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum
Jan. 28-29. Celebrate with live entertainment like traditional Chinese dragon dancing, Korean fan dancing, a selfie station, themed stilt walkers and a live classical Chinese musical performance. Festivities kick off at Irvine Spectrum Center on Saturday at Giant Wheel Court, followed by Fashion Island on Sunday at the Neiman Marcus—Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. At Fashion Island, there will also be an Asian calligraphy artist, along with a giveaways at Uno de 50 and specials on spicy tuna over crispy rice at Sushi Roku. Lucky money envelopes containing $2 will be given to the first 500 guests at both Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center. Live entertainment noon-3 p.m. Irvine Spectrum, Giant Wheel Court, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.748.8280, shopirvinespectrum.com; Fashion Island, Bloomingdale’s Courtyard, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000. shopfashionisland.com

 

 

Zianna Wellness Grand Opening Celebration
Jan. 28. Unwind, recharge and rejuvenate during a day of beauty and relaxation at new Zianna Wellness Spa. The upscale wellness center is focused on healing alternative modalities and decadent spa treatments. The grand opening celebration offers you complimentary treatments including acupuncture demonstrations, hand and foot massages and reflexology treatments, as well as raffle prizes, champagne and light bites to enjoy. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 5585 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, 714.921.3785. ziannawellness.com

 

 

 

Australia Day at Pacific City
Jan. 26. Celebrate Australia Day with Pie-Not at Pacific City’s food hall, Lot 579. Enjoy the amazing Pie-Not Savory pies alongside the savory sounds of folk-rock multi-instrumentalist artist Trevor Green, who takes center stage at Lot 579 from 1-3 p.m. Free. Pie-Not pies $5. 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. gopacificcity.com

 

 

 

 

Open House at Room & Board
Jan. 28-29. Check out the gorgeous new Room & Board at SOCO, as they introduce a new assortment of beautifully designed, artisan-crafted furniture and accessories. Enjoy light refreshments and sweet treats from SusieCakes and an opportunity to enter to win a $1000 Room & Board gift card. No RSVP necessary. Sa 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Room & Board SOCO, 3309 Hyland Ave., Suite A, Costa Mesa, 714.549.5995. roomandboard.com

 

 

 

 

FOOD + DRINK
Rance’s Chicago Pizza Grand Opening
Jan. 28. Grab a slice at Rance’s award-wining Chicago Pizza in Belmont Shore. In celebration of the grand opening, enjoy 50 percent off select pizzas. Rance’s offers three styles of pizza: stuffed, pan and tavern. The stuffed style consists of a layer of housemade dough filled with high-quality cheeses and your choice of ingredients, then covered with an ultra-thin blanket layer of dough to seal in all the flavors and then topped with tomato sauce. Rance’s Pan Pizza is its signature item and uses a slightly thicker, richer dough than the stuffed version. It’s then placed in a seasoned deep-dish pan and topped with choice of ingredients along with a generous amount of Wisconsin mozzarella, zesty tomato sauce and a sprinkle of pecorino. The thin crust Tavern-style pizza is layered with Rance’s signature sauce, topped with the your choice of ingredients and covered with fresh cheese. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 5258 E. 2nd St., Long Beach, 562.786.5566. rancespizza.com

 

 

 

Juice Served Here: Marina Cafe
Juice Served Here just debuted its first full service restaurant at Lido Marina Village. Beyond cold pressed juices, find locally inspired, organic breakfast and lunch entrees. Menu highlights include avocado toast with lemon, radish, olive oil and chili with the option to add an egg or simple greens, and smoothie bowls like The Balboa with kale, mango, turmeric, banana, orange juice and honey. Try the Hot Lei cold-pressed juice with alkaline water, pineapple, lemon, honey and cayenne. 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. 3418 Via Lido, Newport Beach, 949.612.8228. jshmarinacafe.com

 

 

 

California Wine Nights
Jan. 27. EATS Kitchen & Bar is showcasing wines from Santa Margarita’s Ancient Peaks Winery paired with a four-course dinner. Menu highlights include duck breast with red currants, liver mousse and kampot pepper demi glace with Ancient Peaks 2014 Merlot; and beef cheek with parsnips, shallots, king trumpet mushrooms and jus paired with two different tastes—Ancient Peaks 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and its 2012 Oyster Ridge limited edition red blend. Reservations required. See website for full menu. 6:30 p.m. $60. EATS Kitchen + Bar, Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. eatskitchen.com

 

 

 

Spanish-Inspired Cocktails at YNK
Beginning Jan. 31. Join YNK for its newly launched Spanish-inspired cocktails. Transport yourself to the streets of Madrid and Barcelona and the beaches of Alicante while nestled inside the intimate bar in the Irvine Marriott. From delicious sangrias to flaming masterpieces, this Spanish menu is as authentic as it is delicious. Menu highlights include the Spanish armada made with oloroso fortified wine, rye and plum schrub, the queimada made with orujo brady, lemon, cinnamon and coffee beans and sangria made with wine, spiced rum, lemon and ginger beer. 4 p.m. 18000 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.553.0100. ynk-irvine.com

 

 

 

Newport Beach Restaurant Week
Jan. 16-29. Prepare your inner-foodie for the longest running restaurant week in Orange County. The annual event features special prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner at more than 50 premier eateries in Newport Beach, such as The Ritz Prime Seafood, Five Crowns, Sessions West Coast Deli and Lighthouse Bayview Cafe, among others. Feed your curiosity and try new places or revisit your favorites. Find a culinary road map of participating locations online. No passes or coupons required, just visit your favorite participating restaurants during business hours. Lunch $10-$25/pp, Dinner $20-$50/pp. dinenb.com

 

 

 

Clam Bake at Fish Camp
Jan. 28. Head to Sunset Beach’s Fish Camp for its quarterly clam bake. Listen to live music from a Johnny Cash cover artist in addition to games and prizes and of course—clams! 4-8 p.m. 6600 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 562.592.2267. samsfishcamp.com

 

 

 

 

 

Belching Beaver Beer Dinner
Jan. 30. Mingle on the patio while enjoying a selection of Belching Beaver Brewing Company beers, paired with an incredible four-course menu curated by Del Frisco’s Grille executive chef Sarah Daniels. Menu highlights include housemade gnocchi with wild mushroom marsala cream sauce paired with Me So Honey Wheat Ale, Neuskes bacon-wrapped filet medallion with roasted broccoli and bacon demi paired with Dammed! Double IPA, and for dessert warm chocolate cake with coffee ice cream and whiskey caramel sauce paired with Beavers Milk Stout. Call for reservations. 6 p.m. $45 plus tax and gratuity. 772 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.341.0376. delfriscosgrille.com

 

 

 

Rombauer Vineyards Wine Dinner at Red O
Feb. 1. Indulge on a five-course wine pairing dinner at Red O. Menu highlights include scallop aguachile (Nantucket Bay scallop, carrot and ginger aguachile, icicle radish and carrot top oil) with Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, California 2015; roasted borrega (Australian lamb, pickled plums, charro beans and avocado-chile butter) with Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California 2014; for dessert arroz con leche (fresh honeycomb, roasted hazelnuts, winter fruit compote and micro lavendar) with Rombauer Joy Late Harvest Chardonnay – Carneros, California 2015 and much more. See facebook page for full menu. 6:30 p.m. $120. Red O, 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.718.0300. redorestaurant.com

 

 

 

ARTS + CULTURE
Casa Classic: Paul Wiancko, Cellist
Jan. 26. Experience a variety of traditional and modern classic music featuring cellist and composer Paul Wiancko. Wiancko has performed extensively throughout the US, Europe, Central and South America, Japan and South Africa. He has also collaborated with a diverse array of artists from Midori, Etta James, Joe Cocker and many more. 7 p.m. $20-$25. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org

 

 

 

Matilda The Musical
Jan. 17-29. The Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org