Find the best Orange County things to do for the weekend of Jan. 5-8
Edited by Laura Okey
EVENTS
2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Jan. 7. The world’s premier off-road motorcycle championship series will kick off a 17-race battle to crown a champion. Arrive early for the Monster Energy Pit Party for an opportunity to get an autograph and see the riders, the teams and their bikes. Gates open at noon; pit party noon-6 p.m.; racing 7 p.m. A second racing event will take place Jan. 21. Tickets start at $20. Pit passes $10. Angel Stadium of Anaheim, 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 800.745.3000. supercrosslive.com
Family Sundays at Casa Romantica
Jan. 8. Take in the beauty of Casa Romantica’s ocean bluff home and gardens while enjoying a fun-filled day with the family. This inaugural event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, cake and refreshments. Additional activities include an interactive music exhibit with several upright pianos, an ocean conservation lecture, plein-air watercolor painting workshops, a historical trivia contest, live classical and contemporary music, dance performances and docent-led tours of the home and gardens. First Sunday of each month. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
Mike Epps
Jan. 6-8. Begin the new year in laughter as stand-up comedian, actor, film producer, writer and rapper Mike Epps hits the stage at Irvine Improv. He is best known for playing Day-Day Jones in hit comedy film Next Friday and its sequel, Friday After Next, and also appearing in The Hangover as Black Doug. 21 and over. Two item minimum purchase required. F 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m., Sa 7 p.m., 9 p.m., Su 7 p.m. $35-$50. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455. irvine.improv.com
Anaheim Ducks
Jan. 4, 6, 8. Catch all the action this weekend as the Anaheim Ducks take on three competitors at home. On Wednesday, see the Ducks face off against the Detroit Red Wings; on Friday, the Arizona Coyotes; and on Sunday, Minnesota Wild. On Sunday, all guests will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last. W 7:30 p.m., F 7 p.m., Su 5 p.m. See website for tickets and prices. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2400. hondacenter.com
Fiesta Association Hairiest Man Sign-Up
Jan. 7. Get ready for one of the wackiest competitions you’ve ever seen. Show up with a clean shaven face (or shave on site) to be photographed and to mark the beginning of your ten-week facial-hair growing period. After about ten weeks of your best attempt at growing a beard or moustache, head to the annual Fiesta Grande where you will be judged (March 22) and a winner will be announced. 2 p.m. $5 entry fee. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976. swallowsparade.com
Odysseo
Through Jan. 8. This spectacle of free-running horses that marries equestrian arts with live music and dance, acrobatics and high-tech theatrical effects, continues under a 10-story-tall white big top in Irvine. The dream-like production, created by one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil, involves 65 horses and 48 performers, including riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians. Other highlights include the 17,500 square-foot stage that features a state-of-the-art video screen three times the size of the world’s largest cinema screens, as well as a three-story mountain for dazzling perspectives and a real lake—the last of which magically appears for a splashing finale. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29.50. The White Big Top, 16576 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, 1.866.999.8111. cavalia.net
Queen Mary’s Chill
Through Jan. 8. Experience frozen magic as The Queen Mary is overtaken by a deep freeze for the fifth annual Chill. In addition to ice skating, ice tubing, sleigh rides and visits with Santa, jump in on a new interactive and immersive experience—Alice in Winterland. The re-imagination of the classic Lewis Carroll story features stunning, larger than life lanterns as you follow Alice and her adventure into the Hall of Doors, the White Rabbit’s kitchen, Mad Hatter’s work shop, the proverbial tea party and much more. See website for select dates and times. $39.99, Children ages 4-11 $29.99. Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0752. queenmary.com
FOOD + DRINK
Taco Tuesday at Gratitude
Gratitude, a Newport Beach restaurant offering 100 percent organic, plant-based fare and cocktails, has launched an exciting new Taco Tuesday menu. Guests can enjoy small bites and tacos from chef Dreux Ellis and conscientious craft cocktails from beverage director Jason Eisner at discounted prices. Bites include nachos, housemade chips and guacamole, and taco a la carte options such as mushroom carnitas and flash-fried buffalo cauliflower. Pair it with a skinny margarita, a house michelada, or perhaps a flight of tequila. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $4-$10, tequila flight $27. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Suite 112, Newport Beach, 949.386.8100. cafegratitude.com
Puesto Grand Opening
Jan. 6. Head to Irvine’s Los Olivos Marketplace this weekend for the grand opening of Puesto. Puesto offers a fresh, contemporary take on authentic Mexican cuisine. Inspired by the vibrant art, culture and energy of his native Mexico City, executive chef/partner Luisteen Gonzalez sources local ingredients to create Puesto’s signature tacos made with crispy melted cheese, house-made corn tortillas and from-scratch salsas. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 8577 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. eatpuesto.com
Chick-fil-A Breakfast Giveaway
Through Jan. 30. Stop in at any of the 19 Orange County Chick-fil-A locations for free breakfast on Monday mornings this January. Each Monday a different mystery breakfast entree from the wide range of breakfast options will be featured. Opening hours vary between locations, offer ends at 10 a.m. See website for all Orange County locations. Costa Mesa location 6:30-10 a.m. Free. 3601 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.540.0020. chick-fil-a.com
Umami Burger
Jan. 31. Inspired by digital celebrity and entrepreneur Cameron Dallas, Umami Burger brings the BBQ Burger by Cameron Dallas to the menu. Featuring a special patty, which is half Umami Burger’s signature beef blend and half wild mushrooms, the burger is then topped with sharp cheddar cheese, miso-maple bacon, tempura serrano peppers and savory barbecue sauce. The burger includes free truffle fries. $14. See website for all Orange County locations. 2981 Bristol St., Suite B-2, Costa Mesa, 714.957.8626. umamiburger.com
ARTS + CULTURE
The Roommate
Through Jan. 22. Sharon, a sensible, curious and very, very talkative woman, at age 54 takes in a roommate to make ends meet. Robyn, a new arrival from the Bronx, is hiding a lifetime of secrets. Watch as the story unfolds and Sharon finds the shocking truth. Tickets start at $48. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
RENT
Jan. 6-8. Catch the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterpiece as it returns to the stage for its 20th anniversary touring production. Follow the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without settling. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Adele-Inspired Chef’s Table Dinner at Mesa
Jan. 10. Join Mesa on Tuesdays through January for a musician-inspired four-course meal. This month, chef Niki Starr will draw her inspiration from popular singer Adele. Highlights of the meal include a first course thinly sliced hamachi and main course of grilled New York loin with pomme puree and roasted bone marrow. See website for full menu details. Reservations required. 5-9 p.m. $60. 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700. 100eats.com
Taps and Tastes at Skyloft
Jan. 11. Indulge on a decadent six-course menu featuring beer pairings from brewing company Modern Times. The menu includes albodingas soup (spicy beef broth with meatballs, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes and garlic sticky rice on the side), lobster baked romas (spicy lobster mix baked in roasted Roma tomatoes and topped with house-smoked pork belly, balsamic glaze, chili basil oil and micro cilantro) and Cali smoke sampler (includes almond wood smoked brisket and achiote marinated roasted chicken) among other items. 6 p.m. $55. 422 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.1550. skyloftoc.com
